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Government contracting jobs aren’t exclusively available to big companies, government or otherwise. Small businesses are also open to bid for government contracts. In fact, there are actually several services or agencies that actually are open exclusively to small businesses, to support them. After all, federal government contracts can potentially bring big business to companies, no matter what their size, since there is the possibility of having consistent work requested from them.

There are three different government contracts that can be made:

• Fixed-price contracts. These are government contracting jobs that are event-driven, such that invoices are given upon delivery rather than on set periods. With this type of arrangement, the contractor assumes most of the risk, since he or she will only receive the payment per delivery.
• Cost reimbursement contracts. Unlike fixed-price contracts, the invoices for cost reimbursement contracts are given on a periodic basis.
• Time and materials contracts. Instead of purchasing a specific outcome or product, what the government is effectively buying in T&M contracts is direct labor, thus, they are paying for the hours spent on the service. Invoice can be given on a periodic basis as well.

For companies that are interested in getting government contracting jobs, the first thing that you will need to do is get the paperwork done, including registering to do business with the federal government. Among the things you will need to do in this step is to sign up to be a DUNS member, and then enroll with the Central Contractor Registration (CCR).

The next step that you will need to do to get federal government contracting jobs is to actually look for opportunities. One of the best ways to do this is to sign up at Federal Business Opportunities (also known as Fed Biz Ops or FedBizOpps), which lists down all contract opportunities that are open for bidding, with each entry containing all of the corresponding details. Just note that all of the available proposals here are above $25,000, so if this is beyond your budget, it’s better to look for another avenue instead. You will then need to make an offer and then wait to see if your bid is amenable to the agency involved. Another opportunity to get government contracting jobs is through the General Service Administration (GSA), which is in charge of the procurement for the US civil government, and handles all of the pre-negotiated contracts with vendors.

Getting to know people agencies that do the purchasing and contracting for the government will only help you. Like in sales, networking is the first step to clinch sales, so try to get to know these individuals to help you out in getting government contracting jobs. Some of the ways that you can do this is by attending business fairs and such.

Not only can small companies get a lot of business from government contracting jobs, their business opportunity can also improve when potential clients find out that they are an official government contractor. Furthermore, good service can actually ensure that they get continuing business from the federal government, giving the possibility of a contract that will continue indefinitely, which means great income for the business.

Tips on how to become a vendor to the US GovernmentContracting and subcontracting as a vendor or service provider to the US Government is a great opportunity for both small and large suppliers. The products and services concerned range from things as small as paperclips to large scale energy and military contracts. This diversity of US Government contract acquisitions and the strict administrative requirements to get a contract may keep many eligible suppliers from actively contacting government procurement offices and start the process.

Our tip is to use Internet as much as you can to do basic research before you start calling general information numbers. While Government procurement is huge, it is also a competitive market and there are several things you can do to increase your chances of reaching through the red tape and become a vendor to the US Government.

You will save a lot of time when researching available and upcoming contracts if you always narrow your searches to that in which your company has the most experience. You need to have a good idea of what it is your company actually can provide to the state, which is not the same thing as what you may want to provide.

Get to know the US procurement agencies such as Fed Biz Ops and the various sites of the US General Services Administration GSA. GSA has several services that facilitate contracting for both vendors and buyers. GSA eBuy for instance, is a portal/search engine which gov. buyers use to find suppliers, prepare and publish Request for Proposals, etc. As a seller you can browse current postings and getting access through the Vendor Support Service is a straightforward step you can take to come closer to GSA Technology Contracts and GSA Multiple Award Schedules.

There is a vendor startup kit for the GSA Advantage which is a online catalog and ordering system of the Federal Government. You need to complete this process to become a vendor to the US Government and gain access to the GSA eBuy site where Agencies request quotes.

Recommended reading: Selling to the Government

The General Services Administration is an agency under the US government that was created to manage the basic necessities of different federal agencies. It is the duty of the GSA to provide commodities, offices, transportation, and other needs of federal employees. Private businesses, both small-scale and big-scale, can become suppliers for the US government under the GSA Schedule program.

Under the GSA Schedules program, the government gets supplies and services directly from the suppliers under a GSA contract. This can be a very profitable venture for vendors provided that they pass all GSA requirements for selling to the government. Since it is the duty of the General Services Administration to provide services, supplies, telecommunications, and equipment to various government agencies, they will need a wide-range of suppliers to take care of these needs. The GSA is also responsible for managing the construction of federal buildings and as well as providing office spaces for such agencies. This is why private contractors are offered a wide-range of GSA jobs.

Anyone who wants to sell to the General Services Administration must first look for opportunities that are in line with interests and the needs of the government. Businesses that focus on telecommunications, information technology, construction services and other such specializations that cater to the needs of the government can apply for a contract under the GSA. It is worth noting, however, that any private enterprise interested in supplying goods and services to the General Services Administration has to bid on GSA contract, as there are many interested parties involved. Once you have submitted your offer, it will be processed by the agency.

Interested parties may look for available opportunities from the Fed Biz Ops or Federal Business Opportunities website to find out if there is anything in store for them. You will benefit a lot from registering, as you will learn about new opportunities and will be constantly updated on any changes made by the General Services Administration about getting suppliers.

Since the General Services Administration encourages competition, it offers programs even to small businesses. If current suppliers cannot keep up with new necessities, the General Services Administration will look for more flexible suppliers. If you are interested in supplying for the government but there is no available GSA business opportunity for your business, you can opt to participate in a subcontract with a GSA schedules contract holder. A lot of contract holders also look for suppliers of other necessities that they cannot take care of. This is a great opportunity for smaller businesses who cannot necessarily compete with their bigger competitors. Small businesses who wish to participate in subcontracting opportunities can find available opportunities on the GSA subcontracting directory

If you wish to apply for a contract with the General Services Administration, you will have to find out how to respond to solicitation so that you know what to do once your offer has been processed. Keep in mind that you will have to undergo negotiations first and with the amount of competition you have, you have to learn how to negotiate properly. Doing business with the GSA is a great opportunity for your business to profit while providing for the needs of the government.

Recommended reading: How to Apply for and Win Federal and GSA Schedule Contracts (Winning Government Contracts)