Do’s and Don'ts of Working with the Government

Building a relationship with government contracting officers

Kevin Myles GSA Acquisition Services- 817-978-9942 or kevin.myles@gsa.gov

First things first

• Are you registered with Central Contractor Registry (CCR) – ccr.gov

• Are you certified as a small business with the U.S. Small Business Administration

• Are you on one of the Federal Acquisition Services contract “schedules”

• Do you regularly review Fed Bizz Opps (the government’s electronic portal) for business opportunity. (FBO. Gov)

Working with the Contracting Officer

• Don’t waste your time and the government’s on solicitations that your firm is not qualified to perform.

• Do be honest with the CO about your firm’s experience and capability.

• Do contact the CO with questions about the requirement.

• Do communicate with the CO as to items needing clarification.

• Don’t price yourself out of the competition

Do’s and Don’ts Cont-

• Do read the solicitation carefully• Do obtain clarification about any part of

the solicitation you do not understand.• Don’t submit an offer that differs from what

was requested. (non-responsive)• Don’t submit incomplete documentation

that lacks signatures, bonds, certifications, required information or other required material or information.

Do’s and Don’t – Cont-

• Don’t overextend yourself financially, or otherwise (responsibility determination).

• Don’t leave problems encountered on the job unattended to-address these immediately.

• Don’t attempt to sell or transfer your government contract without agency consent and agreement (assignment of claims, novation, change of name.)

Do’s and Don’ts

• Do communicate with the government contracting officer and COTR on a regular and frequent basis.

• Do be helpful and provide solutions to problems that come up.

• Do become familiar with agency regulations and the FAR.

• Do have a quality assurance or control plan and do follow it.

• Do inspect the work you perform frequently and make sure it is compliant with the contract specifications.

• Do discuss problems that come up on the job as work progresses with the government. (these things are not like wine or cheese they don’t get better with age.)

Do’s and Don’ts

• Do offer value and quality service or goods in the line of business you are qualified in.

• Don’t seek or propose on more work than you can manage.

• Do visit with the SBA and qualify as a small business if you are in one of the categories that qualifies.

• If you are a veteran owned business please let the SBA and the Government know of this.

• Do Provide quality and timely delivered work at cost effective prices.

Do’s and Don’ts

• Don’t propose workers or tradesmen that cannot pass the security background checks.

• Do offer sustainable or “green” products or materials. (USGBC –LEED)

• Do offer energy efficient products and equipment.