Despite its popularity among growing businesses as a source of additional revenue, federal contracting is a tricky business to get into. Thousands register everyday hoping to strike it rich with a juicy contract only to fail. While there are many factors that contribute to this, one of the least understood and hardest to overcome is a lack of past performance.
Simply put, past performance is your company's contracting record - which agencies you've worked with, what contracts you've completed as the prime or subcontractor, whether the work was completed satisfactorily and what problems were encountered during the job. It's like a resume for your company, complete with references and past work experience. And just like an applicant whose resume is missing these key points of information, your chances of winning a contract with no past performance are going to be depressingly low.
Besides an understandable preference to work with experienced contractors, purchasing officers also look for a history of past performance because these vendors are expected to be more knowledgeable of the unique regulations and procedures involved in federal contracting. With voters' tax dollars and budgetary limitations involved, purchasing officers are also more focused on awarding projects to vendors they feel they can trust. Without past performance references to check, there is no way to know how well a vendor will perform on a contract.
This leaves many new vendors in a frustrating catch-22: How do you earn past performance if no one will award a contract to you because you have no past performance? Thankfully, there are a few ways to get around this obstacle. First, there is subcontracting and teaming, in which you would work a smaller part of a larger contract under the prime vendor. Some vendors are also able to build up past performance through city and state contracts. The best way to start working with federal contracts however is through the Simplified Acquisition Program. These lower value contracts do not go through the formal bidding process nor are they widely advertised. With lower competition, it is easier for a new vendor to win one of these projects even with no past performance.
Small businesses can get started with the Simplified Acquisition Program by calling US Federal Contractor Registration's Contractor Helpline. Their experienced case managers can help new vendors navigate all the requirements of the program. They have helped generate millions of dollars of revenue for many struggling vendors, including Mac Made Easy, Creative Tent International, Excel Concrete, Suburban Surgical Co., Inc, and Nancys I.T. Guy. This package includes everything necessary to start working with the federal government as soon as possible. The Simplified Acquisition Program provides System for Award Management registration, a seven page website in the standard Federal Government format, branded domain name and hosting, search engine optimization, customized official government profile, monthly email bid notification and contract support.
US Federal Contractor Registration provides registration services and access to the Simplified Acquisition Program. The Simplified Acquisition Program was designed around the government contract rulings as set forth in the Federal Acquisition Regulations. Simplified Acquisition contracts are government contracts that range in size between $2,500 and $150,000.
Simply put, past performance is your company's contracting record - which agencies you've worked with, what contracts you've completed as the prime or subcontractor, whether the work was completed satisfactorily and what problems were encountered during the job. It's like a resume for your company, complete with references and past work experience. And just like an applicant whose resume is missing these key points of information, your chances of winning a contract with no past performance are going to be depressingly low.
Besides an understandable preference to work with experienced contractors, purchasing officers also look for a history of past performance because these vendors are expected to be more knowledgeable of the unique regulations and procedures involved in federal contracting. With voters' tax dollars and budgetary limitations involved, purchasing officers are also more focused on awarding projects to vendors they feel they can trust. Without past performance references to check, there is no way to know how well a vendor will perform on a contract.
This leaves many new vendors in a frustrating catch-22: How do you earn past performance if no one will award a contract to you because you have no past performance? Thankfully, there are a few ways to get around this obstacle. First, there is subcontracting and teaming, in which you would work a smaller part of a larger contract under the prime vendor. Some vendors are also able to build up past performance through city and state contracts. The best way to start working with federal contracts however is through the Simplified Acquisition Program. These lower value contracts do not go through the formal bidding process nor are they widely advertised. With lower competition, it is easier for a new vendor to win one of these projects even with no past performance.
Small businesses can get started with the Simplified Acquisition Program by calling US Federal Contractor Registration's Contractor Helpline. Their experienced case managers can help new vendors navigate all the requirements of the program. They have helped generate millions of dollars of revenue for many struggling vendors, including Mac Made Easy, Creative Tent International, Excel Concrete, Suburban Surgical Co., Inc, and Nancys I.T. Guy. This package includes everything necessary to start working with the federal government as soon as possible. The Simplified Acquisition Program provides System for Award Management registration, a seven page website in the standard Federal Government format, branded domain name and hosting, search engine optimization, customized official government profile, monthly email bid notification and contract support.
US Federal Contractor Registration provides registration services and access to the Simplified Acquisition Program. The Simplified Acquisition Program was designed around the government contract rulings as set forth in the Federal Acquisition Regulations. Simplified Acquisition contracts are government contracts that range in size between $2,500 and $150,000.
About the Author:
US Federal Contractor Registration provides SAM registration assistance, contractor support and premier marketing services to small businesses nationwide. Contact the Contractor Helpline today for more information about how the Simplified Acquisition Program can help your business succeed in the federal marketplace!. Also published at US Federal Contractor Registration: How Past Performance Can Make Or Break A Contractor.
