Four Contract Types You Should Now
The governmet likes to know what they will be paying for a good or service before they buy. This is why firm-fixed price contracts are favored. The responsibility for project completion lies on the contractor without regard to any risk they may/may not take in order to do so. When project circumstances are not so […]
Capability Statement Extraordinaire
A Capability Statement is essentially a list of services or capabilities your company performs, as well as a resume containing all details you might want a prospect to know. This document is usually required to work as a government contractor. The infographic above will provide the main facets that should be included in your capability […]
Proposal Checklist
The purpose of a great proposal checklist or proposal guide is to help you keep track of relevant proposal details – saving you from re-reading the same information over again. This checklist can – and should – be considered a living document while you are learning about your new clients. I have a few checklists […]
Recruitment Cycle & Seasons of Hiring
Every system that works has a recognizable rhythm. In government contracting that rhythm is annual – the season in this industry starts in October when the fiscal year begins (important only for accounting and taxes). Some officials like spending during the year without much of the remaining budget in final weeks. Many other officials allow […]
Fiscal Year End (FYE)
Fiscal year ends every September. It exists for accounting necessities and tax compliance. According to GovTribe, government spending increased several times during each September in the last decade or so. Departments are given a budget each year and if there is excess, it goes back to the US Treasury. Less money allocated to the department […]
Contract Financing – Get Money Before Invoicing
Many business savvy individuals reach for the credit card when it is time to pay up front on a large amount. Loans from banks or credit unions are also common. But if you want to a higher chance to successfully get financing, you must first consider that you may not have enough collateral through a […]
RFP this, RFP that. Why?
The government uses the RFP format to keep the process of contracting work and spending funds transparent to the public. Networking at events and in-person interactions are still preferred methods for easy success in this industry – but this mandatory format of procuring contractors allows more of fair playing field for newer and greener candidates […]
RFP 101: Request for Proposal
Government thankfully uses a standard with their Requests for Proposal (RFPs). The format they use to keep consistency is called “UCF” or the Uniform Contract Format. Uniform it is – some people complain but it’s almost dangerously easy to meet all requirements with just a little practice and training. There are four main parts to […]
Free Capability Statement Template
The government is required to post all jobs over $25K to FedBizOps.gov for transparency sake. Hundreds if not thousands of new A capability statement is just your company’s resume – must be concise and accurate to be considered. The document is a page or two most of the time, as an overview of services/products you […]
What is a Contracting Officer?
The official RFP manager that decides whether you win or lose from a pile of dozens of proposals, aptly described by some as ‘the final boss’ in the bid process is a ‘Contracting Officer.’ Network with them frequently and positively for your best chances at staying updated. Contracting Officers (CO) have the ability to make […]