Alex Denne

Growth @ Genie AI | Introduction to Contracts @ UCL Faculty of Laws | Serial Founder

Securing Government Contracts (US)

23 Mar 2023

14 min

Note: Want to skip the guide and go straight to the free templates? No problem - scroll to the bottom.
Also note: This is not legal advice.

Introduction

Securing US government contracts is an important part of any successful business, providing a steady stream of income, access to resources and expertise, and a competitive edge. For small businesses and entrepreneurs in particular, this can be a crucial step in their journey towards growth – as it often offers them the only way to access capital and resources. With Genie AI’s community template library – the world’s largest open source legal template library – businesses can draft and customize high-quality legal documents without paying a lawyer. To guide you through the process of securing government contracts here in the US, read on for our step-by-step guidance and information on how to access our template library today.

Government contracts offer numerous benefits for businesses looking to grow. Not only do they provide a reliable source of income but also enable companies to tap into networks of potential customers that may otherwise have been unavailable to them; helping them showcase their experience and expertise with different agencies or departments, thus standing out from the competition. Furthermore, they give companies access to specialized resources they would otherwise struggle to acquire themselves; allowing them develop better products or services more efficiently while reducing costs.

It is therefore clear why so many companies consider government contracts when looking for ways to expand their operations – which is why it’s essential for those wanting success in this area understand why these contracts are so vital as well as how best approach obtaining one. Our team here at Genie AI want nothing more than help you secure your government contract - even if you don’t have an account with us - by providing free templates so that you can draft high quality legal documents yourself without having use expensive lawyers or consultants. Why not take advantage of our extensive knowledge today?

Definitions (feel free to skip)

Request for Proposal (RFP): A document that outlines the requirements for a project and is used to solicit bids from potential vendors.

Respondent: A party that has submitted a response to a Request for Proposal (RFP).

GSA Schedule: A contract between the US government and a commercial entity that lists products, services, and prices the government is willing to pay.

Small Business Administration (SBA): A federal agency that provides assistance to small businesses in the form of access to capital, training, and contracting opportunities.

Contracting Officer: A person responsible for administering a contract between the US government and a vendor.

Solicitation: A document that outlines the requirements for a project and is used to request bids from potential vendors.

Procurement: The process of obtaining goods and services from vendors.

Researching Federal and State Government Contracting Opportunities
Identifying Target Agencies
Researching Agency Websites
Searching Government-Wide Databases
Networking with Other Contractors
Understanding the Eligibility Requirements for Contracting
Verifying the Business Entity Requirements
Identifying and Resolving Conflicts of Interest
Understanding the Organizational Conflicts of Interest (OCI)
Understanding the Bidding and Proposal Process
Understanding the Solicitation Process
Understanding the Evaluation Process
Understanding the Award Process
Assembling the Necessary Resources to Submit a Bid
Gathering the Required Documentation
Writing the Technical Proposal
Writing the Cost Proposal
Writing the Management Plan
Writing a Winning Proposal
Writing a Clear and Concise Proposal
Tailoring the Proposal to the Request for Proposal (RFP)
Understanding and Addressing the Evaluation Criteria
Understanding the Proposal Content Requirements
Understanding the Terms and Conditions of the Contract
Understanding the Contract Type
Understanding Contract Provisions
Understanding Contract Clauses
The Performance and Payment Process
Understanding the Performance Requirements
Understanding the Payment Terms
Understanding the Cost Reimbursement Process
Monitoring Your Performance and Payment
Tracking Contract Performance
Tracking Contract Payments
Understanding Contract Closeout Requirements
Completing All Contract Requirements
Finalizing the Contract Documents
Resolving All Contract Disputes
Understanding the Legal Aspects of Government Contracting
Understanding Contract Law
Understanding Contract Administration Law
Understanding Contract Enforcement Law
Utilizing Resources to Stay Informed and Up-to-Date
Subscribing to Industry Newsletters
Attending Webinars and Conferences
Networking with Other Contractors

Get started

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FAQ:

Q: What is the difference between US government contracts and those in other countries?

Asked by Bea on 8th August 2022.
A: Government contracts in the United States are governed by federal statutes and regulations. This means that the contract terms and conditions, as well as the bidding process, are determined by federal law. These contracts may differ from those in other countries, which may have different laws or regulations governing their government contracts. It is important to research the particular laws of the country you are looking to obtain a contract from, to ensure you are familiar with any differences that may exist.

Q: What kind of businesses are eligible to bid for US government contracts?

Asked by Erick on 15th April 2022.
A: Generally speaking, any business or organization may be eligible to bid for US government contracts, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. This includes non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and private companies. Businesses must also be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM) and be compliant with applicable federal laws. Additionally, businesses must be able to provide proof of their ability to fulfill the requirements of the contract they are bidding for.

Q: What is the difference between sealed and open bidding?

Asked by Jack on 1st May 2022.
A: Sealed bidding is a competitive process used by the US government to award contracts that involves submitting sealed bids in response to a solicitation. The bids are evaluated on their merits according to criteria established in the solicitation document and then awarded to the most advantageous bidder. Open bidding is a non-competitive process used by the US government to award contracts that involves publicly advertising for bids and allowing any interested parties to submit a bid for consideration. The bids are then evaluated on their merits according to criteria established in the solicitation document and awarded to the most advantageous bidder.

Q: What kind of documents should I submit when applying for a US government contract?

Asked by Maria on 5th June 2022.
A: When applying for a US government contract, you will likely need to submit several documents as part of your application package. This includes your bid proposal, which should include detailed information about your company’s experience and qualifications; business references; financial information; a list of key personnel; and any other relevant documents that demonstrate your ability to fulfill the requirements of the contract you are bidding on.

Q: What do I need to know about US federal procurement regulations?

Asked by Aaron on 31st July 2022.
A: It is important to familiarize yourself with US federal procurement regulations when applying for a US government contract. The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) is the primary source of guidance governing all aspects of federal procurement, including solicitation procedures, evaluation criteria, selection methods, contractual obligations, and dispute resolution procedures. Additionally, there may be specific agency regulations or policies that you must abide by when applying for a particular contract so it is also important to research these as well.

Q: How can I ensure my business meets all compliance requirements when applying for a US government contract?

Asked by Sophia on 24th December 2022.
A: When applying for a US government contract it is important to ensure your business meets all compliance requirements in order to maximize your chances of success. It is important to research applicable laws and regulations related to your industry or sector as well as any specific agency requirements related to the contract you are bidding on. Additionally, it is also important to ensure your business is properly registered with SAM (System for Award Management) and that you have all necessary financial documents prepared and ready for submission with your bid proposal.

Q: What should I consider when pricing my bid proposal?

Asked by Mason on 18th October 2022.
A: When pricing your bid proposal for a US government contract it is important to consider all relevant factors such as market conditions related to similar products or services; cost of materials required; labor costs; overhead costs; profit margin; length of time necessary to complete the project; contractor fees; taxes; etc… Additionally, it is important to consider any specific pricing requirements outlined in the solicitation document or agency regulations related to the contract you are bidding on when setting your price point.

Q: What steps should I take if I am awarded a US government contract?

Asked by Isabella on 4th March 2022.
A: If you are awarded a US government contract there are several steps you should take in order to ensure successful completion of the project and compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. These steps include negotiating and signing a written agreement with the contracting officer outlining all project requirements; adhering strictly to all payment terms set forth in the agreement; ensuring all necessary permits or licenses required have been obtained prior to beginning work; providing regular progress reports throughout completion of the project; and submitting final invoices upon completion of work according to terms outlined in agreement with contracting officer.

Q: Are there any tax considerations associated with US government contracts?

Asked by John on 22nd November 2022.
A: Yes, there are several tax considerations associated with US government contracts that must be taken into account when submitting your bid proposal or negotiating an agreement with contracting officer following an award decision. These considerations include determining how much of your income will be subject to taxation under both state and federal tax codes; whether you will need special licenses or permits in order to conduct business in certain areas; whether there are special reporting requirements associated with conducting business through a government contract; etc… It is important research these considerations prior submitting your bid proposal or negotiating an agreement following an award decision in order ensure full compliance with applicable tax codes when working under a US government contract.

Example dispute

Suing a Government Contractor

Identify the relevant legal documents, regulations, and civil law that apply to the case.
Collect information and evidence that proves the contractor in question violated their contractual agreement.
Determine if the violation is severe enough to warrant legal action.
Determine if the government contractor was negligent in fulfilling their contractual obligations.
Calculate any damages that may have been caused by the contractor’s breach of contract.
File a lawsuit in the appropriate court.
Negotiate a settlement with the contractor.
Appeal the decision if the contractor does not agree to the plaintiff’s demands.