Maximizing Government Sites as a Resource to grow your business in the Federal Market

Doing business with one of the largest purchasers of goods and services in the world - the U.S. Federal Government - can seem like a daunting business strategy for many small to medium business owners. Many often mistakenly believe that only the "big guns" can really compete for U.S. Federal Government business.

But whether you are selling a service, reselling a product, or marketing your own proprietary product to the federal government, the procurement process can be challenging for businesses to navigate.

Aside from treating U.S. Contracting as a long term business strategy, there are many other considerations that you will need to navigate through and check off on your way to securing your share of what can be a very profitable line of business. Here are some resources from the government and small business expert communities that can help you get started.

Understanding Federal Government Contracting: Before you delve into the world of defense contracting, it's worth getting an understanding of government contracting in general.

The Ins and Outs of Defense Contracting for Small Business: From registering to do business with the Federal Government to finding your target market to finding and securing contract opportunities, the DoD's Office of Small Business Programs (DoD OSBP) should be your one-stop source for everything you need to become a federal contractor or sub-contractor.

Government Rules and Regulations that Impact Defense Contracting: While navigating the defense contracting maze presents its own challenges and opportunities, depending on the nature of your business you may also encounter regulatory practices that apply to specialize industries.

For example, if you wish to pursue contracting opportunities that involve overseas deployments, such as Iraq or Afghanistan, you will need to familiarize yourself with the Defense Base Act, which provides workers' compensation protection to civilian employees working outside the U.S on U.S. military bases or under a contract with the U.S. government for public works or for national defense.

Security Clearances - Do I need One?: Whether you are a defense contractor or sub-contractor, you don't necessarily need a security clearance. However, having one can certainly open up more opportunities for your small business, including the option for working on a variety of contracts, in particular ones that involve cutting-edge technology programs and projects.