Here are 20 common FAQs about working with the government, addressing concerns that often arise for businesses entering or expanding in the government contracting space:
Government contracts are typically awarded based on a competitive bidding process. The selection is based on the evaluation of proposals against criteria such as technical approach, past performance, and cost.
If you believe a contract was awarded improperly, you can file a protest with the Government Accountability Office (GAO) or the agency’s contracting officer. The protest must be based on valid grounds and filed within a specified timeframe.
You can find government contracts through websites like SAM.gov, Beta.SAM.gov, FedBizOpps (FBO), GSA eBuy, and State and local government procurement sites.
To be eligible, you must register with the System for Award Management (SAM), obtain a D-U-N-S number, and have an Employer Identification Number (EIN). Additionally, you should understand the specific requirements for the contract you’re targeting.
Contract modifications must be formally requested and documented. They can be initiated by either the contractor or the government agency and require approval from both parties.
Ensure compliance with subcontracting requirements outlined in the contract. This includes properly managing subcontractors, ensuring they adhere to the same standards and regulations, and reporting subcontracting activities as required.
Managing compliance involves adhering to contract terms, maintaining accurate records, following applicable regulations, and ensuring that all deliverables meet the specified standards.
A winning proposal should clearly address the requirements outlined in the RFP, demonstrate your capability and past performance, and provide a competitive cost estimate. It’s crucial to follow the RFP guidelines and ensure your proposal is compliant.
Payment times can vary but are often within 30 to 60 days from the receipt of a properly submitted invoice. Ensuring accurate and timely submission of invoices can help expedite payments.
Compliance requirements often include adhering to safety regulations, maintaining quality standards, and meeting specific project requirements outlined in the contract. Ensuring that your team is trained and knowledgeable about these standards is crucial.
Common reasons include failure to comply with RFP requirements, insufficient detail or clarity, unrealistic pricing, and lack of relevant experience or qualifications.
Payment terms vary by contract. Generally, payments are made after work is completed and invoiced. Some contracts may have milestone payments based on specific deliverables or project phases.
An RFP is a solicitation issued by a government agency inviting contractors to submit proposals for a specific project or service. It details the project’s requirements and evaluation criteria.
SBA certifications, such as 8(a), HUBZone, and SDVOSB, provide advantages in the bidding process for specific types of contracts. Certification can help small and disadvantaged businesses gain access to set-aside opportunities.
A fixed-price contract has a set price that does not change regardless of the contractor’s costs. A cost-reimbursement contract allows for payment of allowable costs up to a set limit and may include additional fees for profit.
The FAR is a set of regulations governing federal government procurement. It outlines the rules and procedures for acquiring goods and services, ensuring fairness and consistency in the contracting process.
SAM is the official government database where businesses must register to be eligible for federal contracts. It provides a central location for government agencies to find contractors and verify their eligibility.
Resources include the Small Business Administration (SBA), SCORE, Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs), and government contracting webinars and training programs. These resources provide valuable guidance and support for navigating government contracting.
Communicate issues promptly with the contracting officer. Address problems through formal channels and document all communications and actions taken. It may also be necessary to develop a corrective action plan.
The government offers various contract types, including fixed-price, cost-reimbursement, time-and-materials, and indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contracts. Each type has its own terms and conditions suited to different project needs.
