As a starting business in the government procurement market, you should be aware that it is highly competitive. Demanding is another adjective that you could use to describe it because it is the government that you need to serve. It is the taxpayers’ money that you’ll handle after all.
The agencies of the federal government have projects left and right and are willing to pay good money for equally good products or services. Of course, as a small business like yourself, you should know that there are lots of other companies that covet this opportunity to supply for the government. It is a very distinct task that would allow a small business to be well regarded in its field if the project becomes successful. But even if you are already “ripe” for government procurement, you still have to make yourself known to the government. The various government agencies should know that your business exists. This is where a government contracts database enters the scene.
Why you need government contracts databases?
In government procurement, you should initiate a need among the government agencies. You have to prospect them very well but this task is daunting if you don’t have any idea what to do. A government contracts database is a system that allows you to access invitations to bid. This way, you will know what particular agencies are in need of your products or services. Another thing about the government contracts database is that contains thousands of potential clients that launch bid invitations on a regular basis. You could freely scan the agencies that require specific products and services that may just be the one you should send a bid to. A good government contracts database will certainly be able to help you get started with government procurement. With the help of the government contracts database, you could send a direct e-mail or FAX, call the agencies through a direct line, get the names of the purchasing contacts, acquire the complete name of the agency or administration, and even have their complete address.
Some Useful Examples
The following are some examples of the ideal government contracts database that you could check out:
- DoubleTrade—gives complete access to public and private sectors who release invitations to both international and European companies. (http://www.doubletrade.com/)
- Tender INFO—is a network that supplies New Zealand and Australia updated information on procurement invitations, information requests, and expressions of interest. (http://www.tenders.com.au/tenders.html)
- APEC Government Procurement—this database gives information on efforts for government procurement liberalization; public procurement policies, key contacts, opportunities to trade, procedures in procurement; hyperlinks to specific government procurement opportunities for APEC members
- US SBA, Procurement Marketing and Access Network (ProNet)—a gateway of information about procurement about and for small or growing businesses. It is a search engine designed as a marketing tool to be used by contracting officers. ProNet is also a link to various types or information and opportunities in procurement.
These are only some sites that have government contracts database on hand to help you. You could check them out and see what features that each has that could possibly help your company in the endeavor of public procurement.
To catch more information on government contracts databases, get your copy of this 200-page e-book sure to lead you towards government procurement success, “Government Procurement Exposed.”
You might also like:
