Selling to the Government

MT APEX Accelerator

The Butte Local Development Corporation partners with Montana APEX Accelerator. We provide a wide range of assistance to businesses through one-on-one counseling sessions, classes, seminars and matchmaking events.  Whether your business is in the beginning, intermediate or advanced stages of government contracting, you can contact us for assistance.

The Butte Local Development Corporation APEX Accelerator advisor is experienced in business and government acquisitions.  We regularly participate in ongoing training, enabling us to keep pace with the continually changing government marketplace.

Assistance Includes:

DETERMINING SUITABILITY FOR CONTRACTING
The government marketplace poses unique challenges that can overwhelm or ruin a company lacking experience and sufficient resources to successfully perform on a contract. Advisors can help you determine if your company is ready to sell to the government and how to best position your company to succeed.

SECURING NECESSARY REGISTRATIONS
Advisors provide help with various database registrations that are necessary to sell to the government, including the System for Award Management (SAM) and the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Dynamic Small Business Search.

OBTAINING WOMEN OWNED SMALL BUSINESS (WOSB), 8(A), HUBZONE AND OTHER CERTIFICATIONS
Certain small businesses are eligible for preferred status in some government solicitations. An advisor can help you determine if your company is eligible for any of these certifications and guide you through the steps necessary to secure them.

RESEARCHING PROCUREMENT HISTORIES
“Which agencies have purchased products/services like yours in the past? Which companies have been awarded these contracts? How much have they been paid?” Answers to questions like these are necessary to guide your marketing strategy and give you a competitive edge. Montana’s APEX Accelerator can help you ask the right questions and get the information you need to succeed!

NETWORKING
Montana’s APEX Accelerator often sponsors “matchmaking” events, providing excellent opportunities to connect with agency buying officers, prime contractors and other businesses that may offer teaming or subcontracting opportunities.

IDENTIFYING BID OPPORTUNITIES
APEX Accelerators can set up a bidmatch profile for your company. Bidmatch is a database search designed to notify you daily of government contract opportunities that match your company’s capabilities.

PREPARING PROPOSALS
An advisor can help you navigate difficult solicitation packages, secure necessary specifications and drawings, and evaluate price considerations. You will never need to pass up a great contract opportunity just because the solicitation is too complicated.

PERFORMING ON CONTRACTS
Even after you’ve been awarded a contract, your advisor may be able to help with certain contract performance issues, such as

• negotiating and communicating with the agency;
• developing a cost-accounting system;
• obtaining bonding and interim financing;
• developing environmental, quality control and accident prevention plans.

PREPARING FOR AUDIT
When it’s time for your contract audit, APEX Accelerator’s can advise you on what to expect and what documentation is required to be compliant.

Mandatory Registrations for Government Contracting

DUNS Number – What is the DUNS Number?
The Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number is a unique nine-digit identification provided by Dun & Bradstreet (D&B), a company specializing in business information, services and research. D&B assigns DUNS numbers for each physical location of a business. The US government requires their suppliers and contractors to have a DUNS number, and you must have one to register in SAM. To obtain a Free DUNS number, call your nearest Apex Accelerator for help or access the Dun & Bradstreet website.

SAM – What is SAM?
The System for Award Management (SAM) is a US government Web site that consolidated several federal procurement systems, including CCR, ORCA , and EPLS. Future phases of SAM will add the capabilities of other systems used in the federal procurement and awards processes. For more information on SAM, call Montana APEX Accelerator, or visit the SAM website.