Wednesday, December 24, 2014

US Federal Contractor Registration: How Past Performance Can Make Or Break A Contractor

By Celeste Osborne


Federal contracting can be a great source of income for small businesses, however it can be difficult for newcomers to break into the federal market. There may be a multitude of reasons behind this but one of the most notorious causes of failure is a lack of past performance.

Past performance is like a resume for your business, including a record of your past work experience and references, but focused solely on your contracting experience and credentials. This record is used by purchasing officers when determining the best vendor to award a contract to and should be a vital part of your company's marketing strategy in the federal market. Without past performance, it will be very difficult for your company to win a bid for a contract.

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.

Although it can be frustrating, there are ways for new vendors to break into the federal market. The best way is through the Simplified Acquisition Program. Contracts that fall below the simplified acquisition threshold have a much less complicated award process than larger projects. In some cases, purchasing officers will call one or two vendors on the phone and make a purchase on the spot - which can open the door for a new vendor who has never worked a contract before.

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.




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