Step 9: Find Contract Opportunities

Government Procurement Online

It’s important to become familiar with government procurement policies and websites for those agencies and jurisdictions you would like to do business with. That may be dictated by geography, business capability, procurement activity, or per- sonal preference. Here are a number of websites to get you started.

FedBizOpps (FBO)

FBO is the single government point-of-entry website for all federal solicitations
over $25,000, allowing commercial business suppliers to search, monitor and retrieve federal opportunities. You can register for free to set up a detailed search profile that matches your business capabilities. http://www.fbo.gov

State of Alaska Purchasing

The state is interested in doing business with a variety of customers. Procurements above $50,000 are generally posted to the state’s Online Public Notice system. Procurements below $50,000 ($100,000 for construction) generally require the solicitation of only 3 quotes or informal proposals—therefore, you should market your goods or services directly to the various state agencies. Download the bidder’s packet at http://doa.alaska.gov/dgs/purchasing/vendorappDL.html

The Plans Room

The Plans Room serves as Alaska’s number one informational resource for the construction industry, providing plans and specs online as well as a wide variety of services online. http://www.theplansroom.com/.

Small Business Dynamic Search (DSBS)

Contracting officers use the DSBS as a source for vendors that are certified in
SBA’s 8(a) Business Development program, HUBZone Empowerment Contracting Program and Small Disadvantaged Business programs. You can, however, also use it to determine potential competitors or partners.

Many federal agencies maintain their own website listings of procurement opportunities in addition to posting them on FedBizOpps. Contact the small business liaison for the agency you wish to do business with. See http://dsbs.sba.gov/dsbs/search/dsp_dsbs.cfm