Government Contracting
Federal, state and local government bidding considerations regarding certifications (SAM/GSA), compliance issues, and public-sector agency regulations.
How to File a GAO Bid Protest (and When It's Worth It)
A GAO bid protest is a formal challenge to a federal solicitation or contract award, filed with the Government Accountability Office. This guide covers the five filing steps, the 10-day deadline, what it really costs and how to know when a protest is worth pursuing.
How the FAR Overhaul Benefits Small Businesses
Over 40 years ago, the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) was implemented. The FAR sets uniform procedures for federal agencies to acquire goods and services. However, in recent months, an executive order has spurred the government to review FAR policies. The FAR overhaul benefits small businesses through the deregulation and simplification of the federal government’s procurement…
Choosing and Responding to Government Bids
Have you ever wondered how companies get government contracts? They can’t just fall out of the air and into your lap. There has to be a process. Finding the right government bids is essential if you want the rewards that come with securing a government contract. After all, they can be extremely lucrative and show…
How to Identify Great Government Proposal Consultants
If you are like most business owners, securing highly valued government contracts is high on your corporate wish list, and for a good reason. Government projects have distinct advantages over private industry, such as market resistance, financial stability, reliability, and potential for future collaborations. Having a dedicated specialist assist your business at every step in…
Can Your Government RFP Still Look Good?
Navigating a complicated Request for Proposals (RFP) process can be a taxing process. Combining RFPs with the tedium of old-fashioned government bureaucracy can bore even the most dedicated paper-pushers to tears. Luckily, our RFP experts at The Bid Lab have seen our fair share of government RFP procurement paperwork. The good news? There are plenty…
SAM Registration: The Path to Visibility and Opportunities
Did you know any business, be it small or large, can do business with the federal government? However, in order to work with the government, you must first register your business in the System for Award Management (SAM). So, ready to register with SAM.gov to expand your opportunities through government RFPs? In that case, keep…
Federal Bidding: How Small Businesses Win Federal RFPs
Small businesses win federal bids by preparing before they compete: past performance built locally, a clean SAM.gov registration, certifications that unlock set-asides and often a subcontracting apprenticeship first. Here's the playbook that beats the big incumbents.
Get Noticed by Getting Certified!
Business certifications - 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, SBA VetCert and dozens of state programs - make small businesses visible to government buyers and eligible for set-aside contracts. Here's how each works, what changed with veteran certification and how to apply.
How Small Businesses Benefit From Federal Procurement Reforms
Competing for public sector contracts is no easy game. While it’s typically simple enough to start locally, the fact is that the higher the agency level, the harder the barriers to entry become. And, frankly, participating in federal procurement has historically been based on being a difficult endeavor. This is especially true for small to…
The Ultimate Guide to SAM.gov Registration
SAM.gov registration is free, mandatory for federal contracting, and less painful when you know the steps: login.gov account, entity validation, your UEI, and the four registration sections. Here's the full walkthrough, current for the post-DUNS era.
How to File a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request
Overview When our clients require information to improve their bids, The Bid Lab is able to provide the extensive research support they need. When this information is publicly available but not immediately accessible, The Bid Lab helps our clients navigate the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request process. It’s worth noting that FOIAs should be…
How to Become a Government Contractor
To become a government contractor, register free on SAM.gov for your Unique Entity ID, join the state and local portals where you want to work, and start bidding where competition is thinnest. This guide walks the whole path, from registration to your first win.
How to Ensure RFP Compliance
RFP compliance means meeting every stated requirement so your proposal survives the first screen and gets scored on merit. Here's how to make it systematic: the compliance matrix, the Q&A period, addenda tracking and the two reviews every response needs.
State Government Contract Issuers, Vendors, and COVID-19
As the world continues to overcome COVID-19, state governments are adapting their contracting practices in subtle but important ways. Fortunately, state-issued Requests for Proposals (RFP) and other bidding opportunities are continuing. These government contracts represent a valuable opportunity, especially given the high level of uncertainty in private-sector procurement. To maintain your business’s growth potential in…
GSA Schedule Bids and Building Your Business
Selling products and services to the federal government can be a confusing, time-consuming process. Fortunately, the government has established a program to streamline government acquisitions of private-sector assets. Below is an overview of the GSA, GSA Schedules and whether your company should pursue it. What Is the GSA? The General Services Administration, or GSA, is…