There are approximately 40 GSA Schedules that covers virtually everything from Information Technology to Professional Consultants, Furniture, Professional Engineering, Medical Supplies, Temporary Staffing,  just to name a few.  If you are a large or small business selling commercial, “off the shelf” Products and/or services, this window of opportunity is another option the federal government market offers in efforts to grow your business.

To become a GSA Schedule contractor, a vendor must first identify the GSA Schedule solicitation that covers the vendor’s product and/or supplies.  Don’t forget the steps that must be taken prior to getting on schedule.  If you recall in the previous article “Doing Business with the Government”, there are steps to take if a vendor wants to do business with the federal government.  Those steps are also required to obtain a GSA Schedule.  As a reminder, a vendor must obtain a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS), identify North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes, register in Central Contractor Registration (CCR), and register in the Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA) in order to obtain a GSA Schedule contract.

To learn more about GSA Schedules and how to obtain one, visit the website below:  http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/104465

The government spends billions of dollars each year on products and services from large and small businesses.  In many cases the government set aside a percentage of procurement opportunities for small business, including veteran-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, hub zone, small disadvantaged, and women-owned small business concerns.

The Federal spending for FY 2010 year-to-date is over $290 billion dollars.  How your business can get a piece of the pie?  If you are committed to doing business with the government and are willing to do some work your business could be in a position to start winning federal government contracts.

Register as a Federal Contractor

The first order of business is to get registered.  If you?re not registered as a vendor with any government entity you have missed the opportunity to win government contracts.  This is an easy yet sometimes overlooked step.  Keep in mind that your competitor is already taking measures to out bid you just by simply registering with the government.

How to Register as a Federal Contractor focuses on registering with the federal government, but don?t overlook other government agencies.  The business must register with each individual government entity as each will have its own set of rules.

For information on how to register as a vendor with the federal government, visit the website below:  http://www.business.gov/expand/government-contracting/register.html

“Partnering for Success: Create your Own Economic Stimulus”

The 24th Annual Government Small Business Conference successfully concluded with great feedback from all participants. The event took place on May 5 and 6 at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, Florida and attracted nearly 400 hundred attendees, sponsors, and exhibitors.

The Florida Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (FPTAC) host many conferences throughout the state of Florida to help businesses obtain contracts with federal, state/local government agencies and government prime contractors.

The Tampa PTAC event provided a unique opportunity for small businesses to meet with buyers from various government agencies and large corporations.  The conference opened on May 5^th with multiple informative workshops that provided critical information ensuring greater success in winning government contracts.

On May 6^th, attendees were able to develop and build strategic supplier relationships at the Business Opportunity Trade Fair and Matchmaking event.  Nearly 60 exhibitors participated in the fair.  Additionally, conference attendees had the opportunity to participate in a matchmaker event that partnered small businesses with government agencies and prime contractors.  There were approximately 22 government agencies and prime contractors providing one-on-one sessions and approximately 200 appointments scheduled during this successful matchmaker event.

In addition to support received from government agencies, the conference also received strong support from the government prime contractors as well as small businesses.  Our sponsors included: GOLD:  Jabil and Raytheon, SILVER: CAE and General Dynamics, BRONZE: Jacob and Harris, Refreshments:  Elite Office Logistics, Moffitt Cancer Center, TECO Energy, and In-Kind: Markmaster, Inc. and Wendt Productions, Inc.

The Annual Government Small Business Conference is organized every year by the Tampa Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC), which is part of the Small Business Development Center at the University of South Florida.

If you missed this year?s conference, make plans to attend next year?s major Government Small Business Conference.  See details below:

25^th Annual Government Small Business Conference tentatively scheduled for May 4-5, 2011, Tampa Convention Center, Tamp, FL

Check out the [intlink id="40" type="page"]Training Calendar[/intlink] for upcoming classes.

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n. Elevation of the blood pressure, or extreme emotional tenseness often attributed to your attempts to navigate the protocols of doing business with the government.

Rules, requirements and regulations — oh my! Stuck in the red tape surrounding the U.S. government? We can help set you free with these classes that guide you through the creation and maintenance of valuable government relationships.

Prescription for Success

• Women, Minority, & Service Disabled Veteran Certification
• Government Contracting Series
• Annual Government Small Business Conference