by Joyce Wagner
Government contracts can be a lucrative business with the right know how. A recent seminar at Daytona State College focused on the benefits of selling to government agencies.
Selling goods or services to government agencies may seem overwhelming, but there are agencies that specialize with helping to navigate through all the paperwork and many offer this assistance for free. As Ned Harper ─ with the Florida Small Business Development Center ─ pointed out, “If you pay taxes. . . you’ve already paid for our services.”
Derek Hudson, Procurement Specialist with Florida Procurement Technical Assistance Center, emphasized that “the goal of procuring a government contract is having the right item, at the best price, at the right time, on time.” These ingredients are the key to success. It’s also necessary to have a good business plan and a marketing plan. Anyone with a service or product to offer can profit from contracting with the government. In 2012, the federal government spent over $250 million in Florida alone.
Additionally, many socio-economic groups have programs designed specifically for them. These include veteran-owned businesses, woman-owned businesses, minority-owned businesses, small disadvantaged businesses and others. PTAC can help find programs geared to meet their needs and goals.
All government agencies need to buy products and services just like any other business. Whether you intend to work locally, or have your goals set on a larger, global scale, PTAC can assist you in getting your business on its way to a government contract. Simply go to their website at www.fptac.org to get started.