Below are the Administrative - Tactical - Strategic Checklists you should master and put to action in order to make sure you are preparing your business properly for federal contracting success.

Administrative

1. Determine a perceived need for a product or service you can offer to the federal government at a reasonable price with a minimum comparable quality to what is already in the marketplace.

2. Find either your Federal Supply Classification Code (FSC) or Product Service Code (PSC); Ex: D302 ADP Systems Development Services.

3. Identify your North American Industry Classification Code (NAICS Code), an example:  541512 - Computer Systems Design Services. Finding your code can be determined at census.gov/naics

4. Determine if your firm is a small business based on size standards an example:  541512 $21MM average annual receipts for the preceding 3 years.

5. Register your business with sam.gov

6. Determine if your firm is eligible for an SBA 8(a) Certification – Minority Business, WOSB – Woman Owned, HUBZone – Historically Underutilized Business Zone, or a VA Verification - Veteran Owned or SDVOSB – Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business.

7. Develop a capabilities statement.

8. Have a specific government marketing page on your website.

9. Register your business with large federal prime contractors.

Tactical

1. Target the right customer, generally focusing on two to four agencies is best.

2. Monitor sam.gov and other federal bulletin boards for ongoing opportunities.

3. Obtain a GSA Schedule Contract if it is pertinent to your business.

4. Get needed assistance from the Small Business Administration, Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTAC), and/or Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE).

5. In-Person:  Work on your quick pitch for talking on the phone to federal buyers.

6. E-Mail Marketing Campaigns can reach broader audiences and keep you relevant.

7. Keep abreast of all IDIQ Contracts and GWACs that become available in your industry.

8. Manage your past performance by making sure you are exceeding expectations throughout the contract.

Strategic

1. Always be working to anticipate your potential federal buyer’s needs

2. Learn your competitor’s strengths and weaknesses to further develop your federal niche.

Should you need a guide to make sure you are preparing your business for federal contracting success, I always suggest contacting an industry expert such as ez8a or Fedvital. Both do not charge for an initial consultation.