Hi Bosstown,   There are quite a few large businesses in your immediate area and many of them have small business offices whose mission is to drive business to businesses like yours. The easiest way to find these offices would be to search a business directory for your area and put together a short list of some of the larger companies. Then Google using 'lockheed martin small business' replacing the company each time of course. I used this to put together a list of 30 such offices recently. If I knew who was in your area I'd post those for you.   These companies may need you for commercial needs or for a government contract where you'd be a subcontractor to them. May as well cast a bigger net and go for both, right?   Incidentally, I believe you'll have more success with companies in your immediate area, which is why I recommend you start there.   Best of success to you!

Thank you guys for all the additional information, we will be exploring all the leads that you all are giving us.

Hi Bosstown: In order to qualify and apply for government contracts; whether it is federal, state or local; there are basic requirements that all business must follow. Here are some links to check out that could help you on your path to finding a contract. Federal Contracts Beside the link Government Contracting Guide provided above, Business.gov has a few more pages that can help guide you. A page on Contractor Registration gives you steps on how to register as a federal contactor. And then there's a page on how to find federal contracting opportunities after you made all the necessary registrations. Also, the Small Business Administration's Guide for Contracting Opportunities was created to help small businesses successfully compete for contracts. State and Local Contracts The state of Massachusetts also have basic requirements that all vendors should complete before bidding on contracts. Their page about selling to the government details that information more. One tip they do provide is registering your business in Enhanced Com-PASS, which is the states procurement system where you can find bid opportunities, state and local. In addition to all of this, I also found Cambridge's Purchasing Department site, where you can find information on how to do business with Cambridge, Massachusetts and register as a vendor for the city. In addition to all the resources, try locating a Procurement Technical Assistance Center or getting in touch with the Small Business Developement Center near you for assistance. I hope this information was helpful and will at least give you a start. Is there anyone out there who has had experience with government contracting and could chime in with helpful tips? Message Edited by ZanetaB on 03-05-2009 04:49 PM

Thank you very much, we are already on the vendors list for the city of Cambridge.

Tony & Louise:   I too have a small upstart business, started out doing bid work and payroll for another company and worked it into subcontracting job. Owner was happy enough with my work that they have taken under their wing and given me another subcontract with 12 employees. But to your question, searching for work is an everyday job and I have seen several in your specialty on fedbizops, I would suggest that you always peruse that site. I have seen some synopsis recently from GPO (Government Printing Office) posted there. Good luck.