There are multiple places a small business can learn about doing business with the government. The Web site Onvia.com provides bidding opportunities from federal, state, and local government agencies throughout the United States. Small businesses can use the site to establish a geographic boundary on the sales territory they want to visit to look for potential buyers. The face-to-face interactions will get you more acquainted with the buyers and the government-bidding process.

Obtaining training in the procurement process can also help. The Procurement Technical Assistance Programs is sponsored and funded by the Department of Defense, and there are 93 Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTAC) throughout the country. These centers provide low-cost and no-cost classes on the federal procurement process. A basic PTAC course will include information on the bidding and contract process, GSA contracts, and more.

Another Web site, GovernmentExpress.com, features direct links to all 50 state procurement Web sites and outlines and regulations for procurement for each state. Keep your options open. Starting local may be best because it allows you to meet people at little to no cost, and more often than not these people can help in multiple ways, including introducing you to others in their office and letting you know about other nearby government activities.

Finally, experts say to be patient. Winning government business is an incremental process and will not happen on your first try.

Scripps News (05/28/08) Freeman, Bruce

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