Tag: federal marketplace

Alex Omeke: Cab Driver’s Son Won His First Contract!

Posted on by Eric Coffie

Learn more about Alex Omeke, the son of a cab driver who won his first government contract!

BACKGROUND

Alex Omeke grew up in a family that owned a cab company outside of Houston, Texas. 

Growing up, Omeke learned the importance of customer service because of this business where they answer phone calls from customers 24/7.

Even until graduating and with his previous and current jobs, customer service is still a top priority.

Currently, he is the Site Lead or the Task Order Project Manager at the NorthTide Group.

“We grew up where people did depend on us at any time because you know, you never know what somebody needs. So, bottom line is customer service was serious.”

GETTING HIS FIRST CONTRACT

While working on a job abroad as a Project Manager, a conversation with another employee prompted Omeke to make a path of his own. 

Although the first few years have not been easy, he was able to enhance more of his capabilities in terms of information technology and build more of his brand. 

Then, because of COVID-19, he thought of going to Unison Global to look for easy wins and found a contract looking for technicians in order to maintain a software. 

While looking at the contracts, he also contacted people who have 20 or 30 years of experience who will help him fulfill the contract. 

Afterwards, he got the quote and sent the proposal and it took only 21 days before he received the news that he won the contract. 

“It’s crazy, but I saw it, and I learned that I finally gave into the fact that you get what you want and just say, ‘You know what? It’s true,’ because we just don’t, sometimes we just don’t aim high enough. I’m a site manager, right? I want to be excited. Here I am.”

Currently, they are still performing the job and he is even working early in the morning just to make sure that everything’s in sync. 

“Now, I can’t stop. That’s the problem because it’s 2 a.m. in the morning, I wake up, just trying to… make sure everything’s in sync, so, I don’t care, I’m excited. I wake up with energy. I wake up with joy and just, I can go all day with this.”

ADVICE FOR SMALL BUSINESS

1. Have the basic foundation.

You need to have the basic foundation about government contracting if you want to dive into the govcon marketplace. 

Just have the basic foundation. You don’t have to learn everything because you will learn more about it when you actually start doing the work. 

So, hurry up in getting the basic information, learn the process, and start working. 

“Just like building any tree, that foundation has to be solid, but once you have that, just take it and run with it and you touch on it like you can’t have that fear.”

2. Make a difference.

The world needs new people with new ideas that could help our modern problems. So, start working with your idea right now and make a difference towards the life of these people. 

“When you work, when you take these contracts, you need to understand how real of a difference you’re making.”

3. Live your dream.

Instead of sitting around thinking, “Oh, I wish I had this,” or “What if I would have done that?” Why not do the job instead?

Remember, you only have one life, so live your dream right now and do the necessary things that will help you achieve what you want with your life. 

“Just hurry up. Learn and get in there because this thing’s not gonna wait for you. We get older.”

RESOURCES

If you want to learn more how Alex Omeke won his first government contract, then be sure to click the resources below.

You can also visit the GovCon Giant website or the new GovCon Edu where you learn everything about government contracting!

03: Cab Driver’s Son won his First Contract! – Alex Omeke

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjBRayTkcuU

 

MasterMind Monday: What could hold you back as an entrepreneur?

Posted on by Eric Coffie

What holds you back as an entrepreneur? Let’s find that out through this Mastermind Monday with our guest Emily Harman!

BE SELF-AWARE

As business owners, we all do a lot of things, but you should also take a break for some time. Don’t just push, push, and push. You should also realize the things that you need to do to strengthen your self-awareness. 

Consider that the best leaders are self-aware. They understand themselves and they assess the things that hold them back. And with that, they know what are the things needed for the growth of their business, as well as themselves. 

“I’ve spent the past almost two years… becoming a lot more self-aware, and understanding myself. And, you know, we’re always growing, we’re always expanding, we’re always evolving into a new version of ourselves.”

POSITIVE INTELLIGENCE AND YOU2

Positive Intelligence is a book and a coaching program that makes an assessment of what your top 10 saboteurs are. 

If you visit the website, it will tell you about your saboteurs and identify which you are stronger and weaker at. 

For instance, in Emily Harman’s case, she is an achiever, people pleaser, and restless. 

Knowing this is pretty important because by knowing your saboteurs, you can make changes on how you do things. Your hyper achiever self might push you to do more work, but what you really need is rest.

Besides, this can also be helpful in a team setting because by knowing what yours and others saboteurs are, you can make necessary changes on how you can deal with each other. 

Meanwhile, another book that you should also read is called You2 by Price Pritchett.

In this book, the author talks about watching a fly that is trying harder and harder to fly through the window, when really a few flaps of the wing down, the door is open.

That example can relate to how you run your company. You might have not accepted a handful of business partnerships thinking that they will just take advantage of you, when in fact they just want to help you grow. 

So, if you want to reassess how you do your business, read the resources above as these really answer the question, “Are you really seeing the other way to do it or are you just acting on your limiting beliefs?” 

ADVICE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

1. Know your ‘why.’

Knowing yourself and your ‘why’ is important, especially in this lucrative but challenging marketplace of government contracting. 

Are you just here to get rich quick or are you building generational wealth? 

If you’re thinking of the former, then it’s going to be very hard for you to lead a company in the long haul. However, if you think of the latter, then you can adjust your mindset and strategy to really achieve your goals. 

“Knowing yourself, and knowing your strengths and weaknesses, and knowing what your mind is telling you, and being aware of whether or not you’re listening to your mind is all really important stuff.”

2. Be with people who point out the truth.

Be with people who won’t just say ‘yes’ to everything you do and ask. These people should be able to point out the truth and the things that you did wrong. 

This is pretty important because you’re building a business. You don’t need people who always say yes. Rather, you need people who will tell you things that could have been done better. 

This way, you know what not to do next and what you should focus on. 

RESOURCES

If you want to learn more about what is holding you back as an entrepreneur, then check our full Mastermind Monday video with Emily Harman.

You can also visit the GovCon Giant website or the new GovCon Edu where you learn everything about government contracting!

What could hold you back as an entrepreneur?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DcxuHQF6Gg

MasterMind Monday: How to Prepare for Your Call and Get Invited Back?

Posted on by Eric Coffie

Learn how to prepare for your call and get invited back in this blog highlight of our second Mastermind Monday video!

GETTING THE FEDERAL BUYER’S ATTENTION IS NOT EASY

Winning contracts in the federal marketplace is a long cycle and it can really be disheartening for the folks who never experience success because they expect something to happen in the first few months. 

As Carrie Fisher said, “Instant gratification takes too long,” and if that resonates with you, then the federal market is not your happy place.  

Why is this? Because getting your federal buyer’s attention is not easy.  The federal buyer needs to trust you.

“All the contract door openers in the world can’t do that, if you haven’t done the work to win and earn the real trust.”

With this in mind, you need to consider the fact that getting in a meeting with the federal buyer is just the first step, the real win is to get invited back. 

So, how can you stay committed and stay engaged in the effort of winning the federal business when nothing seems to happen for the longest time? Continue reading this blog. 

THE FEDERAL BUYER DOESN’T RETURN MY CALL

When someone doesn’t return your calls, our brains start to make up answers that they’re not interested in your product or they have already found other people, among other things. 

However, the only reason is if they didn’t call you back. Until you talk to them, you have no way of knowing what happened to your inquiries. 

“The only thing you can know when your federal buyer is not returning your calls is that they didn’t return your calls.”

Remember, in a really distracted universe, when everybody and everything is vying for your attention, it can take 15 to 30 instances to get from contact to contract.

THINGS TO DO TO GET THE FEDERAL BUYER’S ATTENTION

1. Think in very human terms. 

When somebody is trying to sell you something, but they don’t know about you and your company, what would you feel?

Remember, we are humans, and so are your federal buyers; so grasp the concept of thinking generously in very human terms about the person you’re trying to reach.

“If you’re too busy to learn about your federal buyer, they sure don’t have time to learn about you.”

2. Experiment.

It can take from 15 to 30 instances to get from contact to your first contract, so don’t just stop after a few call.

With this, you also need to consider experimenting how you communicate with them and what time of the day. 

Remember, as business owners, we are open to take calls every time, so let’s also consider that towards our federal buyer. 

3. Dress the part. 

Are your online profiles well-alined? Is the information about your business the same as it was written in the SAM database?

Consider that your average federal buyer checks you out 12 times online before they have the first contact with you, so if your online profiles are not aligned, that might be the reason they don’t respond to your calls. 

Remember, you want to be taken seriously as a federal contractor, so you should dress for the occasion and this includes your online wardrobe.

“When you’re showing off in the federal arena, your electronic wardrobe also matters.”

4. Pay attention to customer experience. 

Pay attention to the experience that you’re giving somebody when you are wooing them. 

What is going on for them? How could I be of service to them? What happens when we treat marketing and sales as acts of service? 

“Give somebody the quality of experience when you’re wooing them that they’re gonna start to believe that you’re going to continue to give them when they say yes.”

5. Solve small problems.

As small businesses, you might not have the huge capabilities that are needed in million-dollar contracts.

In this case, why not solve small government problems? There are state and local contract opportunities. If you are part of a set-aside, you can also do a joint venture or a partnership. 

The reason why these are recommended is the fact that this can help you in improving your past performance while also letting the federal buyer learn more about you. 

“Somebody who has already done business with you is more likely to do business with you again than somebody who has never heard of you.

HERE’S OUR CHECKLISTS TO HELP YOU!

Every profession has their own checklist in every process that they follow. This is also the same in meeting your federal buyer.

With this in mind, here is the checklist in every stages of the process and the things to do:

Pre-meeting

    • Why: What are your goals? Why are you meeting with them? 
    • Who: Who’s gonna be there? Who’s gonna be the hosts, guests, speakers, and notetakers?
  • Where: Where or what platform? What location? What facility? 
  • How: How will you get there? What are the security, the clearance, rehearsals needed?
  • What: What are you gonna do? What is your agenda? What are the kinds of handouts you are allowed to have? What kind of equipment and media to use? 
  • Emergency: What are your backup plans? What will you do if the technology fails? What will you do if somebody doesn’t arrive? What would you do if you couldn’t get into the building? What would you do if the security clearance papers couldn’t get there? 

Meeting day

    • Final Checks: Check your technology and look for the point of contact upon arrival.
    • Where: Use the necessary transportation and arrive ahead of time. 
    • Who: Sign-in sheets are really important. Know who’s in the room.
    • What: Set up something that you can deliver in 10 minutes and consider the 60% of your time for Q&A, discussions, and engagement.
  • How:  Relax. Your federal buyer is just human. Be grateful and show empathy.

Follow-up

  • Who: Have an internal and agency debriefing. 
  • What: Send what you said you would. 
  • When: Send it when and how you said you would.
  • How: Send follow-up in a thorough manner and with gratitude. 

RESOURCES

No one is entitled to a federal contract, but you can earn the federal buyer’s trust. So, continue building their trust and wait for the response that will yield more contracts!

“I remember another story about calling them. Calling, calling, and calling. And finally when they needed me, they called me more than I called them.”

If you want to learn more about how to prepare for your call and get invited back, then check our full Mastermind Monday video with Judy Bradt. 

You can also visit the GovCon Giant website or the new GovCon Edu where you learn everything about government contracting!

How to prepare for your call and get invited back with Judy Bradt

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4-3y9RcOaM

Mastermind Monday: What is a Micro-Purchase and How to Use These?

Posted on by Eric Coffie

Here’s what you need to know about micro-purchase and how to use these to let a federal buyer purchase up to $10,000 from you!

MICRO PURCHASE

A warranted federal contracting officer or someone with buying authority may purchase goods or services through a credit card worth up to the value of $10,000.

These things are called micro-purchases. It can be anything— from cutting grasses to a lunch and learn session.

This even happens with virtually no competition, no small business set aside, and the Buy American Act does not apply.

“The people want to make it easy— to give you a little bit of a try to do a project that they don’t have to run a big fancy competition for.”

So, why is this relevant? 

Well, as a small business or a business that is just new in the federal marketplace, the chance is so low for you to win a huge contract because you have no past performance yet. 

The good thing with these micro-purchases is these are the ones that most big contractors don’t look at.

Apart from that, the federal buyer is also encouraged to award these contracts to local suppliers.

Let’s say you provide interior painting services. If you’re close to a federal installation or an agency that buys your specific service, then you can talk to this federal buyer and be directly given the job. 

Most importantly, consider that business begets more business. A specific buyer won’t give you large contracts, if they don’t know that you can execute it well. 

So, what should you do? Take advantage of the micro-purchases and show the end user that there’s a low to no risk working with you. 

NUMBER ONE SECRET TO WIN MICRO PURCHASES

The number one thing you need to win a micro purchase is your phone.

Here’s what you need to do… leave a voicemail. 

It doesn’t have to be a two-minute voicemail. It can be a 30 second, with a maximum of one minute. 

With that in mind, make sure that you treat your voicemails like gold. Remember, you have 30 seconds of someone’s undivided attention. 

Most importantly, give it with the amount of loving care. Here’s an example voicemail for you:

“I’m so glad that we’re connected. So sorry I missed you. Here’s what it is that I’m calling about. It’s Colin calling with assessment services that you can use and the best value anywhere. Check your email, I’ve got details. Missed you today. I’m going to call you back Thursday at two. Talk to you soon.”

Then, once you make that voicemail, you make a note on your calendar and call them back. Pay attention to what time zone they’re in and call them when you say you will. 

Consider that you might have to reach them through voicemail many times before they answer your call, but just be patient and persistent. 

“You’re going to think about three or four different things that represent the best value that your company provides, what sets you apart, why are you memorable, why do they really want to talk to you.” 

THINGS TO CONSIDER IN TERMS OF MICRO PURCHASES

1. These are not posted.

Micro-purchases are not posted online or in any database; these only happen through conversations with the federal buyer. 

So, if you’re looking to do business at the micro-purchase level, you need to form a personal relationship with the players and layers of a specific agency. 

In most cases, you can first build a relationship with the small business specialist.

This person might not be able to lead you to the person with the micro-purchase power, but they can advocate and help fine tune your navigation in building relationships with the end user. 

2. These are location-specific.

Micro-purchases are location specific because you’re delivering a product or a service to a specific location.

3. These don’t need fancy agreements. 

Micro-purchases don’t need a contract agreement because the exchange about a specific purchase mostly happens through email or by conversation. 

Still, if you want to use an agreement for some purposes, you can download an agreement for micro-purchases online. 

ADVICE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

1. Find someone with a specific need.

Behind every contract agreement is a real federal human who has everything on the line when they choose you. 

So, if you want to sell a specific service, start close to home and find someone with a specific need. 

Consider that if you have never sold to anyone in the federal government before, they’re going to want to see that you’ve sold the product or the service to another organization or customer that has a size and scale of requirement really similar to theirs.

2. Take time to know your federal buyer.

2.1 million federal employees are already on LinkedIn, so why not start with that to learn more about them and build relationships with them? 

Consider that this is a great time to do this because once the fourth quarter of the fiscal year starts, your federal buyer may already be looking for companies to do some micro-purchase with. 

Also, a lot of information about federal contracts and your players and layers are publicly open, so take advantage of those.

3. You have to do the work. 

It’s critical that you invest your time and effort in learning government contracts and building relationships.

It’s not enough that you watch a 10-minute video and say you figured everything out because you still need to do the work. You have to watch the content and you have to apply it. 

“You can’t do half of the activity and expect to get the whole result.”

RESOURCES

If you want to learn more about what micro-purchase is and how to use this to your advantage, then check our full Mastermind Monday video with Judy Bradt. 

You can also visit the GovCon Giant website or the new GovCon Edu where you learn everything about government contracting!

What is a micro purchase and how to use them?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhvAU8HfgRw

Top 10 Industry NAICS codes in 2019

Posted on by Eric Coffie

If you’re a small business owner and you’re wondering why you don’t see federal opportunities for your company, maybe we can help.

Opportunities, oftentimes, don’t come to you, it’s you who finds them. When searching for opportunities, you need to use specific criteria to filter your search, this is where the NAICS codes come in.

Do you know yours? Many businesses use NAICS codes to find upstream suppliers and downstream markets. Government agencies even post-contract bids and offer tax incentives within a given NAICS code.

Before you go out there and start finding business opportunities, get to know first the federal market and the industries that have been successful in winning contracts. If they can do it, you can too!

With this in mind, here’s the Top 10 Industry NAICS codes that prospered in 2019.

1. 336411 

This industry code is on top of the list with a cumulative government spending of almost $50 billion in 2019. This comprises establishments involving aircraft manufacturing. 

They are those who manufacture or assemble complete aircraft. They also develop aircraft prototypes and do aircraft conversions, such as major modifications to systems and complete aircraft overhaul and rebuilding.

2. 541330

Coming in at second place, establishments in this industry provide engineering services. They apply physical laws and principles of engineering in the design, development, and utilization of their machines and systems. 

Businesses under this code may offer the provision of advice, preparation of feasibility studies, and preparation of preliminary and final plans and designs. 

3. 561210 

Services offered by this industry are often overlooked but are necessary for us to function. They are the establishments that offer facilities support services. These businesses provide operating staff to carry out a combination of support activities; but are not involved with or responsible for the core business or activities of the client. 

The mentioned combination of services include janitorial, maintenance, trash disposal, guard and security, mail routing, reception, laundry, and related services to support operations within facilities. 

4. 541512 

This code is for businesses offering computer system design services engaged in planning and designing computer systems that integrate computer hardware, software, and communication technologies. In 2019, this industry is worth about $24 billion in the federal market. 

5. 336611 

At the top five, we have the ship building and repairing industry. They are the people who operate a shipyard, which are fixed facilities with drydocks and fabrication equipment for building ships.

Activities of shipyards include the construction of ships, their repair, conversion, and alteration, the production of prefabricated ship and barge sections, and specialized services, such as ship scaling.

6. 236220 

Under this code are people responsible for the construction of commercial and institutional buildings and related structures, such as stadiums, grain elevators, and indoor swimming facilities. 

General contractors, commercial and institutional building for-sale builders, commercial and institutional building design-build firms, and commercial and institutional building project construction management firms are included in this industry.

7. 541715 

This is for establishments that involve research and experimental development (except nanotechnology and biotechnology research and experimental development) in physical, engineering, and life sciences.

Businesses under this code conduct research and experimental developments in the field of science and mathematics, all essential for economic growth, which is probably why the government invested around $20 billion in this industry.  

8. 541712 

Similar to NAICS code 541715, this code is also for establishments in the research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences engineering and life sciences (except Biotechnology) industry. This code covers a wide spectrum of fields, from biology to chemistry to veterinary.

Note: The NAICS Code 541712, however, is no longer valid. The NAICS Code that should be used instead is 541715. Unless the requirement is dealing with nanotechnology, in that case, code 541713 should be used. 

9. 336414 

This code is for the guided missile and space industry, which manufactures complete guided missiles and space vehicles and/or develops and makes prototypes of guided missiles or space vehicles. 

Although it is second to the last, the government spending on this industry is worth about $19 billion, which is still a huge amount.  

10. 541519 

Last but not the least, with a cumulative government spending of almost $17 billion, we have the industry that provides other computer related services. 

The services offered are all computer related services except those that were provided for by NAICS code 541512 (computer systems designs services).  

RESOURCES

The ranking from this article was taken from usaspending.gov, wherein Industry NAICS codes in 2019 were ranked from highest to lowest, according to the cumulative amount obligated by the government to each respective industry.

To learn more about all things NAICS, you can check out the website here.

Booz Allen Hamilton Inc. awarded $279.8M contract for engineering support services and supplies for the conception, design, development and delivery of integrated systems, networks and supporting infrastructure

Posted on by Eric Coffie

Booz Allen Hamilton Inc., McLean, Virginia (N6523621D4800); CSSI Inc., Washington, D.C. (N6523621D4801); DIGITALiBiz Inc., Rockville, Maryland (N6523621D4802); Serco Inc., Herndon, Virginia (N6523621D4803); and Scientific Research Corp., Atlanta, Georgia (N6523621D4804), are awarded a cumulative $279,803,380 multiple-award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with provisions for cost-plus-fixed-fee and firm-fixed-price task/delivery orders. The contracts are for engineering support services and supplies for the conception, design, development, and delivery of integrated systems, networks, and supporting infrastructure on a non-emergent basis along with the corresponding engineering, technical, and management support services and equipment for air traffic control, meteorology and oceanography, and aviation command, control, communications, computers, combat systems, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance electronic systems. These contracts include a single five-year ordering period with an estimated cumulative value of $279,803,380. These contracts also include a two-year option ordering period. The option period, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of these contracts to an estimated $400,000,000. Fiscal 2021 working capital (Navy) funds in the amount of $25,000 ($5,000 per awardee) will be obligated at the time of the award. Funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Work will be performed in Charleston, South Carolina (77%); and San Diego, California (23%). Work is expected to be completed by May 2028. If options are exercised, work could continue until May 2030. The contracts were competitively procured by full and open competition via the Naval Information Warfare Systems Command – Electronic Commerce Central website and the beta.sam.gov website, with five offers, received. Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic, Charleston, South Carolina, is the contracting activity.

Booz Allen Hamilton Inc. provides technology and management consulting services. The Company offers consulting, analytics, digital, engineering, and cyber solutions. Booz Allen Hamilton serves customers worldwide. (www.bloomberg.com)

Top 10 Industry NAICS Codes for Contracts in 2020

Posted on by Eric Coffie

The government spends millions, every year, on products and services, from office supplies and airplanes to machinery and even fitness equipment. 

Each business opportunity is assigned to at least one North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code which allows these contracts to be tracked for research and reportable data in the future.

Being well versed with the NAICS Codes for Contracts in    2021 can help you in building a good working relationship with the government as it gives your business more visibility. Would you want to be seen? 

It’s always good to know how you measure against your competitors. Given the numerous industries, you can narrow down the list by knowing which industries have been prospering in the federal marketplace.  

With this in mind, here’s the top 10 industries that have won contracts in 2020.

1. 336411 

Number one on our list is the aircraft manufacturing industry. They are responsible for manufacturing, modification and restoration of engines of different aircraft, space vehicles, guided missiles, and propulsion units. 

Although the manufacturers of this industry depend heavily on the international market for their sales, they have a combined annual revenue of about $68 billion in 2020 for federal contracts. 

2. 541330

Establishments that offer engineering services, design, develop and utilize machines and systems through applying physical laws and principles of engineering. 

The U.S. engineering services industry includes about 65,000 establishments. They had a combined annual revenue of $39 billion from contract awards with the federal government alone.

3. 336611 

The ship building and repairing establishments are engaged in operating a shipyard. They construct, repair, convert and alter, and produce prefabricated ship and barge sections. The cumulative amount obligated by the U.S. government in this industry is about $31 billion.

4. 561210 

Facilities support services provide operating staff to perform a combination of support services within the client’s facilities. The support services being referred to are wide-ranging, from janitorial to guard and security, and then laundry.

Often forgotten and little recognized, they have always worked behind the scenes to keep facilities going and running at an optimal level. Contracts awards in 2020 under this code are worth around $30 billion. 

5. 541512 

Establishments that offer computer system design services are those who plan and design computer systems. Services that they offer include software support, computer systems design, and data processing facilities management. The combined annual revenue for government contract awards in this industry is $26 billion. 

6. 236220 

People in this industry are primarily responsible for the construction of commercial and institutional buildings and related structures, such as stadiums, grain elevators, and indoor swimming facilities. 

The United States is one of the largest construction markets worldwide. Their spending on private and public construction continued to grow in 2020. More specifically, federal contract awards in businesses under this code in that year reached $24 billion.

7. 541715 

This code is for the world of Research and Development. This pertains to businesses who conduct research and experimental development (except nanotechnology and biotechnology) in the fields of physical, engineering, and life sciences.

The federal government also invested about $24 billion in this industry. Although their research outputs have no guarantee for extension to product commercialization or final application, they are considered essential, as they increase the ‘knowledge base’ available to companies. 

8. 336414 

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing applies to establishments that manufacture complete guided missiles and space vehicles. They develop and make prototypes of guided missiles or space vehicles.

The demand for guided missiles is dependent on the government spending on defense. The government spending for contracts under this code last year was worth $22 billion.

9. 541519 

Other computer related services, from the name itself, provide other computer related services that are not offered by establishments under 541512 (Computer Systems Designs Services). 

More specifically, the services include computer disaster recovery and software installation services. This industry won $20 billion worth of federal contracts in 2020.

10. 541712 

Last but not the least, as it is worth $19 billion in the federal marketplace, we have the industry that is all about research and development in the physical, engineering and life sciences engineering, and life sciences (except Biotechnology). 

Businesses under this code conduct research and experimental developments in the  field of science and mathematics. 

Note: The NAICS Code 541712, however, is no longer valid. The NAICS Code that should be used instead is 541715. Unless the requirement is dealing with nanotechnology, in that case, the code 541713 should be used. 

RESOURCES

The list of the top 10 Industry NAICS Codes for Contracts from this article was taken from usaspending.gov, wherein federal awards in 2020 were listed from highest to lowest, according to their NAICS code and their respective cumulative amount obligated by the federal government.

To also learn more about all things NAICS, you can check out the website here. 

Top 10 NAICS Code for Set-Aside Spending this 2021

Posted on by Eric Coffie

There will always be an unfair advantage in government contracting for big companies when they are in competition with smaller ones.

Big businesses, most likely, already have all the necessary requirements needed to win a contract such as complete equipment, full staff, and even cheaper services.

Winning big contracts, however, isn’t always beyond small businesses. The size of a business shouldn’t be seen as a disadvantage. In fact, use it to navigate your place in the industry!

If you are a small business that is struggling to compete with larger companies, make use of the government set-asides. This allows you to compete at an even playing field. These contracts are specifically meant for businesses that operate in disadvantaged locations or businesses owned by minorities or women.

There are always opportunities waiting for you, you just have to know where to look. To help you get started, it’s always good to know the industries that the federal government is investing in. 

Here’s a list of the top 10 NAICS codes that have conquered set-aside spending this 2021.

1. 541512 

The Computer Design Services are those establishments primarily engaged in planning and designing computer systems that integrate computer hardware, software, and communication technologies.

Think of the people who are behind your company’s tech system. They are the masterminds. They train and support the users of the system, as well.

2. 541519 

For every system design, there will always be the need for software installation and computer disaster recovery to make sure that it works and will continue to work in the future.

This industry is labeled as “other computer related services,” and it’s exactly that. These are establishments that provide computer related services, except those that are provided for by the computer design services.

3. 236220 

This industry is quite self explanatory, as it is described to be commercial and institutional building construction. 

This refers to the construction of commercial and institutional buildings and related structures, such as stadiums, grain elevators, and indoor swimming facilities. Building general contractors, builders, and project construction management firms are part of this industry.

4. 541715 

Under this code are those who conduct research and experimental development  in the physical, engineering, and life sciences (except nanotechnology and biotechnology).

This industry is diverse as it covers agriculture, electronics, environmental, biology, botany, computers, chemistry, food, fisheries, forests, geology, health, mathematics, medicine, oceanography, pharmacy, physics, veterinary and other allied subjects.

5. 561210 

Facility support services provide operating staff that perform a combination of support services within a client’s facilities. They, however, are not involved with or responsible for the core business processes or activities of the client.

The combination of support services, mentioned, are janitorial, maintenance, trash disposal, guard and security, mail routing, reception, and laundry.

6. 541330 

This code covers most, if not all, businesses that provide engineering services. This pertains to establishments that make use of the principles of engineering in their design and development processes.

These establishments may involve any of the following activities: provision of advice, preparation of feasibility studies, preparation of preliminary and final plans and designs, provision of technical services during the construction or installation phase, inspection and evaluation of engineering projects, and related services.

7. 541611 

Administrative management and general management consulting services provide and operate advice and assistance to businesses and other organizations.

This is the industry for general management consultants, since they provide a full range of management consulting services to their clients. These services include, administrative, human resource, marketing, process, physical distribution, and logistics.

8. 541712 

In this industry, the establishments are primarily engaged in Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering and Life Sciences Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology). This code, however, has been replaced by 541715.

Note: The NAICS Code that should be used instead (effective January 1, 2017) is 541715 unless the requirement is dealing with nanotechnology. In that case, the NAICS Code 541713 should be used. 

9. 541511

This code is similarly related to 541512-Computer Design services. The difference, however, is that this industry provides custom computer programming services.  

It focuses more on writing, modifying, testing, and supporting software to meet the needs of a particular customer, hence the term custom was used.

10. 561440

Collection agencies are establishments primarily engaged in collecting payments for claims and remitting payments collected to their clients.

They are used by lenders or creditors to recover funds that are past due or from accounts that are in default. Often, a creditor will hire a collection agency after it has made multiple failed attempts to collect its receivables.

RESOURCES

The list of NAICS codes from this article was taken from usaspending.gov, wherein federal awards for set-aside spending in 2021 was categorically ranked from highest to lowest, according to each industry’s collective spending amount.

If you have grown an interest in set-aside contracts and are curious about finding set-aside awards, check out this video entitled, “Finding set-aside awards on USAspending.gov,” to find opportunities waiting for you.

To also learn more about all things NAICS, you can check out the website here.

Top 10 NAICS Code for 8a Spending this 2021

Posted on by Eric Coffie

There is no denying that being an 8a certificate holder is already a step ahead in the government contracting industry, as it allows your business to have first-priority claim to various contracts without even having to bid for them, but is that enough?

8a firms that develop good marketing strategies in the federal marketplace are doing significantly better than those who don’t. 

If you are interested in finding out which industries have been winning this 2021, here’s the top 10 NAICS Code for 8a that have grown and thrived. 

1. 541512 

It is no surprise that the computer systems design services are first place on this list, especially with the accelerating rise of the digital economy, people are shifting to the world of tech and are looking for people to help them with that.

This industry specifically refers to establishments that partake in planning and designing computer systems that integrate computer hardware, software, and communication technologies.

2. 561210 

Establishments in the facilities support services industry provide operating staff to perform a combination of support services within the client’s facilities. 

The people in this industry are the reason why things are miraculously always in order and clean. No wonder this comes second! Having properly managed facilities is vital for a facility to function effectively and efficiently.

3. 541611 

Administrative management and general management consulting services provide operating advice and assistance to businesses and other organizations on administrative management issues.

In simpler terms, businesses involving this industry manage people, information, and other resources with the goal of achieving organizational goals.

They are essential in making businesses run smoothly, thus they have been in demand in the market because it is a known fact that companies will struggle without them.

4. 236220 

You’ll have no trouble understanding the commercial and institutional building construction industry since it is very self-explanatory. These are the people involved in constructing commercial and institutional buildings.

These buildings are of different kinds, such as stadiums, grain elevators, and indoor swimming facilities. 

More specifically, this industry is geared more towards the on-site assembly of modular or prefabricated commercial and institutional buildings.

8a firms are very successful in their award of federal construction contracts which is why 40%+ of all 8a firms are in the construction field. 

5. 541519 

The other computer related services industry and the industry ranking first on this list might be similarly compared, since both have the “computer” label on them, however they do have a significant difference.

Other computer related services are those who provide computer disaster recovery or software installation services.

They do not offer services such as custom programming, systems integration design, and facilities management services, as these services are offered by the computer systems design services industry.

6. 541330

Engineering services is actually a very broad one since they pertain to a variety of engineering companies. From construction to electrical to chemical, the list goes on. 

Generally, establishments in this industry involve the provision of advice, preparation of feasibility studies, preparation of preliminary and final plans and designs, provision of technical services during the construction or installation phase, inspection and evaluation of engineering projects, and related services.

So basically, any business that applies physical laws and principles of engineering in their design and development of products or services are a part of this industry.

7. 561612 

Security guards and patrol services are also one of the more self-explanatory ones. They are the establishments that provide guard and patrol services, such as bodyguard, guard dog, and parking security services.

Do not confuse this with the NAICS code 56162, although they have the same goal, 56162 is more aimed towards the selling of security systems and remote monitoring of electronic security alarm systems.

8. 541712 

This comprises establishments primarily engaged in Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering and Life Sciences Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology).

People in this industry are scientists. They conduct research and experimental developments in the  field of science and mathematics. From biology to chemistry to veterinary, the spectrum that this industry covers is wide.

Note: The NAICS Code 541712, however, is no longer valid. The NAICS Code that should be used instead is 541715. Unless the requirement is dealing with nanotechnology, in that case, the code 541713 should be used. 

9. 541990 

All other professional, scientific, and technical services are one of the industries that are harder to classify as the examples are quite wide. Services such as business brokers, construction estimation, and handwriting experts are included in this industry.

Generally, these establishments offer professional, scientific, or technical services, with the exclusion of legal services, architectural, engineering, computer systems design, management, scientific, technical consulting services, etc.

10. 541513 

Computer facilities management services are those establishments primarily engaged in providing on-site management and operation of clients’ computer systems and/or data processing facilities. 

Seeing that companies are shifting to the digital era, as means to manage their businesses, this industry is on high-demand.

This industry, however, is closely related to another NAICS code, 518210, which is the data processing, hosting, and related services. The difference is that 518210 provides hosting or data processing services while 541513 is more on on-site management.

RESOURCES

If you are stuck with an 8a certification and want to learn how to navigate the program, check out this video entitled, “The 8a BD (Business Development) Program fully explained,” to know your way around the industry. 

To also learn more about all things NAICS, you can check out the website here. Information found in this article is taken from the official open data source of federal spending, found here.

SOURCES SOUGHT: General Services Administration (GSA) seeks to lease the following office space in Raleigh NC (7NC2166)

Posted on by Eric Coffie

The U.S. Government currently occupies office and related space in a building under lease in Raleigh NC (7NC2166), that will be expiring. The Government is considering alternative space if economically advantageous. The agency will consider, the availability of alternative space that potentially can satisfy the requirements, as well as costs likely to be incurred through relocating, such as physical move costs, replication of tenant improvements and telecommunication infrastructure, and non-productive agency downtime.

The Government will consider space located in an existing building or new construction. A minimum of 7,200 of American National Standards Institute/Building Owners and Managers Association (ANSI/BOMA) Office Area (ABOA) square feet (SF) consisting of approximately (6,400 ABOA SF of contiguous office space and 800 ABOA SF of nearby securable storage space) to a maximum of 7,560 ABOA SF of contiguous office space and 840 ABOA SF nearby securable storage space within the Area of Consideration set forth below.

  • Original Set Aside:
  • Product Service Code: X1AA – LEASE/RENTAL OF OFFICE BUILDINGS
  • NAICS Code: 531120 – Lessors of Nonresidential Buildings (except Miniwarehouses)
  • Place of Performance: Raleigh, NC USA
  • Updated Response Date: Jun 04, 2021 05:00 pm EDT
  • Full details via beta.sam.gov

    govcon logo Check out our RESOURCES page for a sample letter that we use in response to government market research.