Best Practices for Small Business Owners to Secure Government Contracts

Over the past few years, spending cuts along with budget uncertainties forced government agencies to yield on contracts. In January, Congress approved a $1.1 trillion spending bill. With a new budget in place, agencies are starting to spend money again and are looking towards small businesses to help fulfill their contracting goals.

Government contracting can be a lucrative growth opportunity for small business owners as the government buys everything from products to services. However, the process isn’t always easy for first time contractors and business owners often have questions about how to get their foot in the door. A good first step is for small business owners to visit www.USASpending.gov to find out what the federal government is purchasing and which agency is purchasing your product or service.

There are many free resources for small business owners looking to grow their business through government contracting. For example, the American Express OPEN for Government Contracts program offers events and content for small business owners to learn more about procurement opportunities. The program also provides small business owners with direct access to government agencies through one-on-one meetings and targeted agency events.

This year, the government plans to spend approximately $83 billion with small businesses contractors so the time is ripe to get started. Here are a few insider tips and competitive strategies to help small business owners get a leg up on the competition.

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About the Author

Lourdes Martin-Rosa is the American Express OPEN Advisor on Government Contracting and has 20 years of experience in the federal procurement arena. She helps small businesses get contract ready and achieve contract success. For more information, visit the American Express OPEN for Government Contracts website.