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How to begin

by jmhouse, Window Shopper

  • Created: December 3, 2012, 12:26 am
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8 comments
My company is brand new, and our goal is to obtain telecommunications contracts with the government. Myself and the members of my company have decades of experience and military service and we have all worked as government contractors. My question is how do we begin to generate revenue until we are eligible to register for our 8(a) and other designators?
Tags: Discuss Popular Topics, Government Contracting
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bjasa | Window Shopper | 5/15/2013 - 8:06 am

Hi, I have been activated in SAM, have gotten official acknowledgment, etc...
When I go into the GLS to access the documents to apply for 8a/8m, it keeps
stating that we are not activated in SAM? I contacted the FSR and their reply
was this is a bug that they are aware of and is intermittant. The only
workaraound is to keep trying everyday? Sometimes it works and sometimes it
doesn't? Everday for the last month it intermittantly still doesn't work?
Help!
Professional Web Site: The Laptop Specialist

JGabriel | Community Moderator | 5/22/2013 - 1:49 pm

Show Replied Text…
Hi, I have been activated in SAM, have gotten official acknowledgment, etc... When I go into the GLS to access the documents to apply for 8a/8m, it keeps stating that we are not activated in SAM? I contacted the FSR and their reply was this is a bug that they are aware of and is intermittant. The only workaraound is to keep trying everyday? Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't? Everday for the last month it intermittantly still doesn't work? Help!
I would suggest reaching out to FSR again and asking when the bug will be fixed.

K3grp | Window Shopper | 3/18/2013 - 1:45 pm

I would highly recommend teaming. Whether you’re an 8(a) or not, going
after contracts as a new company with no past performance is very
inefficient. There is a large pool of reputable and experienced contractors
who would value a partnership with you with the product offering you have.
Leverage those kinds of relationships to help bring you into the govt.
Otherwise, you might as well be prepared to spend a lot of money and wait
several years to get anything of value.
Professional Web Site: K3 Strategic Development Group

targetmgt | Window Shopper | 2/17/2013 - 11:50 am

One thing you better have is an adequate accounting chart of accounts that
allocates indirect costs in an equitable manner. This is a requirement for
even fixed priced contracts which can easily turn into a defacto cost plus
contract if you have a change order or contract modification. DCAA the feds
contract auditors will most likely do a prelinary accounting structure and
billing capability audit even for an 8A veteran owned comapany. The
governemtnt contracts that I am familiar with related to the telecommunitions
industry are generally NOT simple fixed priced contracts.

gurlfriday247 | Window Shopper | 1/20/2013 - 12:44 am

SBA's resource partners listed here are valuable resources. Business
Opportunity Specialists (BOS) located in SBA District Offices and at SBA HQ
can also help you with a basic understanding of the many regulations you will
need to know to do business with the government. Subcontracting with a prime
contractor who has experience in working with the government is also a good
way to enter the federal marketplace. Matchmaking events are hosted by SBA
and its resource partners to provide small businesses a foot in the door,
including government contracting.

green-engines | Window Shopper | 1/19/2013 - 5:09 pm

Contact your local PTAC office Procurement Technical Assistance Center, they
have the resources to help with government contracting including who to
contact to introduce your firm.
http://www.aptac-us.org/new/

BizResearcher | Window Shopper | 12/19/2012 - 11:27 am

You may be able to obtain state and local contracts to help you get started.
Most states have a purchasing division with which you would need to register.
Once registered, you may be able to receive bid notices by email. Local
contracting opportunities are often listed in the legal section of
newspapers.

JGabriel | Community Moderator | 12/4/2012 - 2:53 pm

Hi there, try getting in touch with a local Small Business Development Center or SCORE, two of SBA's resource partners. They're located across the country and provide free business counseling and answers. Visit our local assistance guide to find your local SBA resource partners by entering your zip code. One approach that may be useful is talking to a mentor who could offer you specific guidance. Good luck!