Doing Business with DOI A Marketing Information Package
Marketing Your Capabilities:
The best and most productive marketing approach for a small business contractor is "Do It Yourself." Do not depend on the Government or others to locate contracting opportunities for you.
Prepare detailed capability statements/brochures for distribution to agencies (include NAICS codes). Be specific in describing the capabilities of your firm. Indicate prior experience, prior Government contracts, references, etc.; and, if you have multiple skills, market those of which a particular agency buys the most.
Register with the Central Contractor Registration @ www.ccr.gov (Because of the large volume of registrants, the process may take up to 30 days after submitting the application.)
Recommended Vendor Marketing Techniques:
- Become thoroughly familiar with the Federal agencies, their components, their missions, and how they are accomplished. Today websites can accomplish this.
- Learn as much as possible about the Federal acquisition system by reviewing information on the Acquisition Reform Network @ www.arnet.gov and the Small Business Administration’s website @ www.sba.gov.
- Market to Federal small business advocates or to purchasing/contracting personnel. Do not assume that all Federal agencies operate the same. Market only those agencies which purchase the goods and/or services provided by your firm.
- Follow up periodically, but be reasonable about it, don’t wear out your welcome.
- Become a participating merchant for Federal agencies Credit Card programs, which agencies utilizes for purchasing some of its smaller dollar value requirements.
- Check Federal agencies bid boards (onsite and Internet) for contracting opportunities.
- Don't hesitate to ASK QUESTIONS!
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