As Smallbizlady, I recently interviewed Gloria Larkin, President of http://www.targetgov.com/ on SmallBizradio, my monthly Blogtalkradio Show, on How to Do Business with the Federal Government. Her company Targetgov, a national company, provides government procurement, business development, and marketing services. She’s a federal procurement expert who authored “The Veterans Business Guide: How to Build a Successful Government Contracting Business.” She also created a series of Government Business Development Audio CDs and Toolkits focusing on business development for federal contractors. Here are some highlights from her interview. Follow her on Twitter at @targetgov
Listen to the complete Smallbizradio radio interview with Gloria Larkin
If you want to do business with the federal government make sure you understand the following:
You must be registered with CCR.gov to do business with the federal government.
Do not target more than two federal agencies for business.
When answering Federal Requests for Proposals (RFPs), it is essential to answer all the MUST and SHALL statements in the proposal.
Every agency publishes a forecast of future purchases and the government fiscal year ends September 30th.
Every federal agency has an Office of Small Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) which is assigned to help any small business owner navigate doing business with their agency.
OSDBU offices host vendor outreach sessions monthly, but it is competitive to get an appointment so jump on it quickly.
Make sure your website is government friendly. Also your website should look like you are already doing business with the government.
Learn what a capability statement is — and make sure you write a good one.
Do not use free email addresses when you communicate with the federal government. Having a branded URL is what you need to be professional.
Additional web resources for federal procurement opportunities:
SBA virtual training program which can be found at http://www.SBA.gov
For history on government purchases http://www.FPDS.gov
Great resource http://www.Giveme5.com
Gloria Larkin offers a free monthly conference call every — Government Contracting Teleconference Series http://bit.ly/cFCZ0g
If you found this interview helpful, join us on every 4th Wednesday at 1pm ET on Blogtalkradio follow @SmallBizlady on Twitter for schedule updates.
Melinda Emerson, known to many as “SmallBizLady,” is a Veteran Entrepreneur, Small Business Coach and Social Media Strategist who hosts #Smallbizchat weekly on Twitter for emerging entrepreneurs. Her first book Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months was released in March 2010.
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