The environment for companies aiming to win small business government contracts is unique. Government entities such as the SBA (Small Business Administration) offer a number of small business set-aside contract opportunities through programs like these:
Business Development
HUBZone
Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Programs
Minority-Owned Small Business (MOSB) Programs
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (SDVOSB) Programs
All Small Mentor-Protégé Program
Small businesses or disadvantaged businesses can compete on a more level playing field by first determining which socioeconomic categories, if any, fit their business. Registering with the SBA and reviewing which categories their business aligns with can help to spotlight opportunities they are most likely to win.
TEAMING AND SUBCONTRACTING OPPORTUNITIES
Small businesses often break into new markets or gain contracting experience through subcontracting and serving on the team of a prime contractor. It is a way of getting experience that often allows you to avoid some of the complicated compliance requirements and challenges competing against more established vendors for prime contracts, yet gaining some experience and past performance while opening up more contracting opportunities.
Larger businesses also can benefit by teaming up with the right small business, allowing them to seek a broader range of government contracts. Developing relationships is a valuable tool that can make it easier to build out a public sector sales pipeline.
Comments