by Your Government Contracting Team

1. Schedule a counseling session with the Procurement Specialist at the Orlando Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC). To request a counseling session, go to http://www.bus.ucf.edu/SBDC/PTAC.html. The counseling sessions are unlimited and free. During the counseling session you will receive information on resources, including:
   
   • How to register with CCR
   • Federal Government - Small Business Contacts in several states
   • State and local government contracts
   • Where to find procurement opportunities
   • Marketing tips
   Note: You will also need to complete an On-line Representations and Certification Application (ORCA) and North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code.
2. Take advantage of all possible business certifications: Woman-owned, minority, 8(a), HUBZone, disabled veteran, etc. These designations will drastically increase your chances regarding obtaining government contracts. For more information visit www.sba.gov and www.business.gov.
3. Identify your job lead sources: how will you find contract opportunities? How are you monitoring new opportunities?
   
   • Besides the lead sources you will receive from PTAC, depending upon the services and products you sell, you can consider these resources (which include American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Projects):
     
     
     1. The Governor’s Office of Economic Recovery – www.flarecovery.com
     2. Florida Department of Management Services – http://dms.myflorida.com
     3. Grants.gov
     4. Recovery.org
     5. FedBizOpps.gov
     6. Onvia.com
4. Before you start marketing your products and services to the Government, make sure you have your proper systems in place, such as accounting (there is a separate set of requirements for government contract cost accounting), GSA (if you chose to promote your services through GSA schedules), bid process and proposal, understand your contractual obligations, I.T., etc.
5. Join Trade Associations where you can network with and learn from Government Contractors. In addition, through the trade association, you will gain access to different training topics, seminars, conferences. Local trade associations include:
   
   • National Contract Management Association – Canaveral Chapter
   • Armed Forces Communications & Electronics Association (AFCEA) – Canaveral Chapter
   • National Space Club Florida Committee
   • Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) – East Florida Chapter
6. Take advantage of other local resources, such as:
   
   • Small Business Development Center (SBDC) – contact Victoria Peake – 321.433.5570
   • Government Contracting Advisory Team (GCAT) and register for their free newsletter – contact Aliona Groh at 321-426-3008.
   • Get on the mailing list of Brevard Small Business Assistance Council (BSBAC) - www.bsbac.org