Small businesses may wonder why they should look to the United States Government to help launch their small business. The fact remains that the United States is by far the world’s largest buyer of products and services. Both civilian and military installations spend approximately $200 billion dollars annually in purchases. Whether you have basic services or a complex product to sell; this in an important avenue that all small businesses should consider investigating.
The US law dictates that federal agencies are required to establish certain contracting goals. The good news is that in our country, 23 percent of all contracts must be awarded to small businesses. Specific contract goals are established for women-owned businesses (5%), businesses located in HUBZones (3%), small disadvantaged businesses (5%) and service disabled veteran-owned businesses (3%). Contracting goals are set so that small businesses receive their fair share of the markets need. Many times these goals are not met. The federal government is required to reach out and consider small businesses in order to achieve their 23 percent overall goal. Small businesses who would like to be considered should market their products and services so that they can be considered for this underused market.
Marketing to the federal government is very similar to selling your products in the private sector. There may be different rules and regulations to follow, but your current marketing techniques and strategies are basically the same. Any company who is interested in selling their goods should get to know what the federal government is interested in purchasing. They would want to know about any past awards, quantities, costs and awarders. Your current financial status, staffing capabilities and your track record are all important considerations that will be reviewed before any contracts will be awarded.
