Government Contracting Insights

• Small Business Insight

  Creating a Compelling CCR Profile

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  July 2010. For companies hoping to land a piece of the government procurement pie, the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) is step one in that process. The CCR is used by government agencies to help match companies with government contracts, and every company that pursuing a government contract must register with the CCR. “The CCR is an important part of the procurement process,” says Judy Bradt, CEO of government contracting strategic advisor Summit Insight. Read >
• Small Business Insight

  More Government Work for Women-Owned Businesses?

  April 2010. Women-owned small businesses represent one of the fastest-growing segments of the U.S. economy, but are less than 4 percent of the companies that receive government contracts.1 In an effort to boost that figure, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has proposed a new set of rules and guidelines whose net effect is intended to expand federal contracting opportunities for women-owned businesses. Read >
• Small Business Insight

  Sum Up Your Business

  November 2009. “What does your company do?” As a business owner, you’ve probably been asked that question hundreds or even thousands of times. But don’t take it lightly: It’s critical, when seeking a government contract—or any contract, for that matter—to be able to define your company clearly and accurately. In fact, it’s worthwhile to spend some of your valuable time developing a powerful, concise description of your firm. Read >
• Small Business Insight

  Working on Weaknesses

  November 2009. How to identify—and eliminate—your business’ weak spots Every business is better at some things than others. One company might excel at customer service but have less-than-adequate accounting systems. Another firm might track every penny accurately but have trouble retaining clients. One key to success with government contracting—that is, increasing revenues and profits while fulfilling the requirements of the bid such that you can get repeat business—lies in systematically identifying the weaknesses specific to your operation, prioritizing them, and making improvements. Then you can evaluate your efforts and engage in ongoing fine-tuning. Read >
• Small Business Insight

  Define Your Roles

  November 2009. You probably started your business because you love and excel at the central aspect of it—whether that’s cooking, building houses, crunching numbers, or just talking to people. But like all small businesspeople, you also wear lots of other hats: You may have to manage employees, handle the books, and try to drum up new business, among other things. Read >
• Small Business Insight

  The Bid Deal

  Secrets to Bidding for Contracts It’s every business owner’s dream to have a steady stream of unsolicited business come through the front door. But expanding your client base often means bidding for work. Whether bidding to supply another business or to land a government contract, you need to make sure you bid smart. Here’s how to make bids that help your business grow: Read >
• Small Business Insight

  How To Make Meetings Work For You

  Entering meetings with a clear sense of why you’re perfect for the job will help you win contracts. Read >
• Small Business Insight

  Software for Finding (and Keeping) Clients

  Customer Management Software does more than just keep track of clients’ phone numbers. Read >
• Small Business Insight

  Know your Competition

  How to size up the other players in your market—and why it matters. Read >
• Small Business Insight

  Looks Matter

  Your business cards, brochures, and other materials are the face of your business. Make sure they look the part. Read >