The Small Business Administration (SBA) has proposed changes that will make it even tougher for women to get Federal contracts. If adopted, the new rules will have an adverse affect on all women doing business with the Federal Government.
For more information read, “SBA Proposes Stricter Standards for Women Business Owners.”
Tips for Applying for Federal Government Contracts
- Take advantage of the SBA website: The SBA offers information and resources to help you understand, and apply for, federal contracts and grants. The same rules apply to all business owners, but in some cases, if you are a certified women-owned business, it may help.
- Register With the Central Contractor Registry (CCR): If you are awarded a Federal contract, this registration is required in order to make direct payment. Your profile should be current, and accurately reflect information about your business, services and products.
- Get Small Business Certification” Certification is a review process to ensure that a small business is actually owned, controlled, and operated by the applicant(s).
- Be Selective: Only apply for contracts that your services can supply. Do not misrepresent the nature of your business in order to try and get a Federal contract; it won’t work.
- Read the Entire Document and Follow Directions: If the agency requests 12 pitch Arial and 1” margins ONLY use that format. Do not make any creative changes to what was requested – your proposal may be rejected.
- Answer All Questions: Failing to answer questions will waste valuable time should the contracting officer need to ask for more information; it may even cause your proposal to be outright rejected.
- Only Submit What You Are Asked to: Contracting agents may receive hundreds of bids and proposals. They are looking for specific information that was requested in a bid call. Adding lengthy additional information that does not answer, or support required documentation, will hurt your chances of a getting a thorough review.
- Write the Best Proposal Possible: Proposals may take 80 or more hours to write; don’t rush through them! Be clear, and have someone proofread your proposal – professional appearance counts so be sure your document is error-free.
- Don’t Be A Pest: Government workers are not allowed to give you advice for writing your proposal. They can only answer technical question so don’t waste their time calling them for proposal tips. If you do need to call with questions, keep the conversation short and professional, and record the date, time, and name of the representative you speak to.
- Be Realistic: Don’t expect to be awarded every contract you apply for, but increase your chances of winning by submitting the best possible proposal, with a reasonable pricing structure.
If the new SBA rulings take effect, women will only receive special consideration in 4 out of the nearly 2,000 industry categories.
