5 Basic Steps to
Getting Government Contracts

The following is a summary of How to Get Government Contracts, an article series on this website which details each of these key points.

1) Find the jobs. For notices of upcoming government contracts, check your local newspaper, trade publications, online sources (see a suggested list on this page), and government agency offices (websites, telephone contact).

2) Match your skills to what's being sought. Chances are your business has something that the government needs. Thoroughly read the bid specifications. Then, read them again. Make sure you can take on the job before you submit your bid.

3) Make sure you're eligible to bid. This typically involves at minimum a current business license. Read the bid documents to ensure that you meet all requirements.


FIND GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS IN YOUR AREA!
Try these searches:

  • "RFP yourspecialty yourarea" (don't use quote marks)
    For example, enter into the search box:
    RFP administrative Boston
    But type in YOUR specialty and YOUR city/region/state
  • "request for proposal yourspecialty yourarea"
  • "government contracts yourspecialty yourarea"
Google
 
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4) Meet the requirements. Varies by project. The following usually apply, especially if you employ workers:

  • Be the lowest responsive, responsible bidder
  • Provide performance and payment bonds if required (often for 100% of contract amount)
  • Submit bid bond - usually 10 percent of bid, which is paid at time of bidding
  • Pay the prevailing wage to employees (both construction and service contracts)
  • Provide insurance: 1) state minimum for workers compensation; 2) comprehensive general liability.
5) Perform on the contract:
  • Complete the project on time and within budget
  • Comply with licensing requirements
  • Comply with labor laws, on-time payrolls and prevailing wage regs
  • Adhere to employee safety and Workers Compensation laws
  • Comply with environmental protection laws
  • Perform the contract according to plans and specifications

Also see:

How to Get Government Contracts
The government can be an excellent source of revenue for your small business, but you have to know the system. Here's how to get started. (Begins five-part series.)




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