If you’ve been to a small business networking event lately to learn about doing business with government, you’ve heard the term GSA (General Services Administration). This sector of government business isn’t much different when it comes to business requirements.
If you understand the terms and conditions, it isn’t any easier, it’s just makes better sense. One of those requirements is that your company needs at least a single year of doing business for hard products and a minimum of two years for services.
Past performance adds to the value of your company’s service and growth within this sector of doing business with government. It’s critical that your company’s business trail is documented and available for review by the government. The government wants to see a couple of years of good if not better performance with multiple contracts or projects.
References are another important factor for the government, they want to be able to verify through formal channels and review documented proof of project completion. They also want to talk to someone, who used your services and is happy with your company.
A couple of suggestions for references beside documenting them, is to identify a variety of contacts within a contract or project. Keep track of the interactions with management, personnel and troubleshooting for the client, especially when the outcomes are positive and customer satisfaction is met.
Bookkeeping, and financial records need to be managed, allotted, distributed and accounted for according to the contract’s Ts and Cs. There are no exceptions with this requirement.
Company revenues are another aspect, don’t be shy about these numbers to the government. Well managed finances send a positive message to the government of your company’s ability to meet the contract requirements, and deliver quality products or services on time.