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Maybe you would like to get a small business certification but aren't a member of a qualifying group (i.e., you aren't a monitory owned or woman owned business).   You still may be able to get certified.  Learn how in this podcast. Thanks for listening.  For the training you need to succeed and grow your business in government markets, sign up for Winning Government Contracts University by clicking here. For a low monthly subscription, you get training that others charge hundreds or even thousands of dollars for.  We offer services to help you fget certified and write proposals.  To check out our services, visit www.winninggovernmentcontracts.com.  We do coaching,  proposal writing, business planning, and applications for various small business certifications. If you are a "do it yourselfer" (like me!) visit  www.proposalandcertificationsamples.com.  Here you'll find samples, examples and templates to help you write winning proposals and prepare your certification applications.    

DBE is an awesome certification, with a lot of advantages over other certifications.    In this episode, find out -  What the DBE Certification is  The benefits of DBE  Certification  How to qualify for DBE And more! Thanks for listening.  For the training you need to succeed and grow your business in government markets, sign up for Winning Government Contracts University by clicking here. For a low monthly subscription, you get training that others charge hundreds or even thousands of dollars for.  We offer services to help you fget certified and write proposals.  To check out our services, visit www.winninggovernmentcontracts.com.  We do coaching,  proposal writing, business planning, and applications for various small business certifications. If you are a "do it yourselfer" (like me!) visit  www.proposalandcertificationsamples.com.  Here you'll find samples, examples and templates to help you write winning proposals and prepare your certification applications.    

8(a) Certification is arguably the best certification to get, and also the hardest.  In this episode, find out -  What the 8(a) program is  The benefits of the program How to qualify for the program How to apply for the program Why it's hard to get approved Thanks for listening.  For the training you need to succeed and grow your business in government markets, sign up for Winning Government Contracts University by clicking here. For a low monthly subscription, you get training that others charge hundreds or even thousands of dollars for.  We offer services to help you fget certified and write proposals.  To check out our services, visit www.winninggovernmentcontracts.com.  We do coaching,  proposal writing, business planning, and applications for various small business certifications. If you are a "do it yourselfer" (like me!) visit  www.proposalandcertificationsamples.com.  Here you'll find samples, examples and templates to help you write winning proposals and prepare your certification applications.    

I get this question quite a bit, and in this episode, I actually respond to related questions from a listener.  Can I change ownership, or can I start a new company with the right ownership, to qualify for certification?  The answer is yes, it is possible, BUT you need to do it right.  Or you'll have a really hard time getting your application approved. In this podcast, find out the main things to consider if you are interested in doing this. Thanks for listening.  for more insight and training to help you grow your business in the government market, sign up for Winning Government Contracts University by clicking here. For a low monthly subscription, you get training that others charge hundreds or even thousands of dollars for.  We offer services to help you fget certified and write proposals.  To check out our services, visit www.winninggovernmentcontracts.com.  We do coaching,  proposal writing, business planning, and applications for various small business certifications. If you are a "do it yourselfer" (like me!) visit  www.proposalandcertificationsamples.com.  Here you'll find samples, examples and templates to help you write winning proposals and prepare your certification applications.   

A lot of people are predicting a recession, PLUS gas prices are up, we could get drawn deeper into war - and that's just for starters!   What do we do as small business owners?  That's the topic of today's podcast.  Join me as I discuss:  Can your small business grow and survive in a crisis? What not to do What to do And more! Thanks for listening.  for more insight and training to help you grow your business in the government market, sign up for Winning Government Contracts University by clicking here. For a low monthly subscription, you get training that others charge hundreds of dollars for.  To check out our services, visit www.winninggovernmentcontracts.com.  We do coaching,  proposal writing, business planning, and applications for various small business certifications. If you are a "do it yourselfer" (like me) visit  www.proposalandcertificationsamples.com.  Here you'll find samples, examples and templates to help you write winning proposals and prepare your certification applications.  

Over 300 awards, $15 billion, and a 10 year performance period for Information Technology and related services. That's Polaris.  Approximately 100 awards will be made to small businesses, 80 awards to WOSB/EDWOSB, 80 to HUBZone and 80 to SDVOSB.  Service areas include -  Cloud Services  Cybersecurity  Data Management  Information and Communications Technologies  IT Operations and Maintenance (O&M)  Software Development  System Design  There are also several emerging technology service areas (very cool stuff), which include -  Advanced and Quantum Computing Artificial Intelligence Automation Technology Distributed Ledger Technology Blockchain Edge Computing Immersive Technology Thanks for listening.  for more insight and training to help you grow your business in the government market, sign up for Winning Government Contracts University by clicking here. For a low monthly subscription, you get training that others charge hundreds of dollars for.  To check out our services, visit www.winninggovernmentcontracts.com.  We do coaching,  proposal writing, business planning, and applications for various small business certifications. If you are a "do it yourselfer" (like me) visit  www.proposalandcertificationsamples.com.  Here you'll find samples, examples and templates to help you write winning proposals and prepare your certification applications. 

What if competition could be limited?  You'd have a greater chance of winning a contract!  Now, what if competition could be eliminated altogether? Well then you would have a 100% chance of winning.  This is possible and I've helped hundreds of comapnies get noncompetiive awards.In this podcast episode, learn about the following, and more - What sole source procurements are The benefits of sole source procurements to you Who qualifies for sole source awards What can be awarded sole source to you How to get the government to award sole source contracts to you In the podcast, I mention the need to educate customers about sole source awards, and sample brochures that are available for purchase on my website that you can use to show Government procurement personnel how to go about awarding sole source procurements to you.  Here's the links for those products. HUBZone: http://www.proposalandcertificationsamples.com/store/p80/HUBZone_Customer_Education_Brochure_-_Editable.html8(a): http://www.proposalandcertificationsamples.com/store/p82/8%28a%29_Customer_Education_Brochure_-_Editable.htmlNote: Brochures for WOSB, EDWOS}B and SDVOSB coming very soon!

This podcast may help you more than any other episode I have done so far.  Overall, this episode will do the most for you and your business.   It will move you ahead by drastically reducing the learning curve that you would normally go through.In this episode, I help you make the decision whether the Government market is right for you or not!.Assuming the answer is yes, I drastically shorten the learning curve by telling you what's important now, which includes the following 7 steps:  Get registered in SAM.gov and DSBS - I also talk about optimizing these registrations, and how to optimize your website for Government procurement. Most people never consider these things.  I tell you how to locate Government buying offices near you and locate your advocate in those offices. I tell you how to use SAM.gov to learn and gather info, and the types of info you can gather.   What to do if it seems like drudgery and you aren't enjoying it. Putting Small Business certifications to work for you.  When to get started. Emphasize the process and the results will come.   This one is a must listen.  ----------------------As you know,  Winning Government Contracts University is live!  I have gotten a lot of great feedback from subscribers.  To join the group, go to winninggovernmentcontracts.com, and click the WGCU link in the menu at the top.   The first 100 subscribers get a tremendous deal!  $12 a month for a monthly subscription and $120 for a yearly subscription (purchasing a year in advance saves you an additional $24 off the monthly rate).  Use coupon code WGCU for the monthly deal and WGCU2 for the yearly subscription. 

Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) payments begin as soon as next month, for many small businesses with monthly payments ranging from hundreds up to $2500/month.  At the same time, there are supply chain issues hindering many industries.   Staffing shortages seem to be everywhere.  Inflation is up. gas prices are up.   Building materials and raw materials, also up. I could go on.  I see a "perfect storm" coming.  It seems that many small businesses survived due to EIDL loans, but haven't recovered to the point that they will be able to make the loan payments.  That is the subject of this podcast. I also include some thoughts on what could be done.   Please share this episode with others, and let me here from you.  It's important. My email is rick@federalpcs.com.----------------------Also,  Winning Government Contracts University is live!  To join the group, go to winninggovernmentcontracts.com, and click the WGCU link in the menu at the top.   The first 100 subscribers get a tremendous deal!  $12 a month for a monthly subscription and $120 for a yearly subscription (purchasing a year in advance saves you an additional $24 off the monthly rate).  Use coupon code WGCU for the monthly deal and WGCU2 for the yearly subscription.  

The fast lane to growing your small business growth is to sell to the Government.  Nothing else comes close.  In this episode find out about –  The kind of growth other people like you are seeing,   Why the Government is the best option for small business growth,   The steps to getting into The Fast Lane (it’s not as hard as you think!!) Also,  Winning Government Contracts University is live!  To subscribe, go to winninggovernmentcontracts.com, and click the WGCU link in the menu at the top.   The first 100 subscribers get a tremendous deal!  $12 a month for a monthly subscription and $120 for a yearly subscription (purchasing a year in advance saves you an additional $24 off the monthly rate).  Use coupon code WGCU for the monthly deal and WGCU2 for the yearly subscription.  

The government made some awesome, amazing, big changes regarding Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) goals and they are about to change other goals as well.  These changes could literally help you make it big in the Government market this year.  Find out what the changes are and how they benefit you in this bonus episode.Thanks for listening – please like, subscribe, and tell others about the Winning Government Contracts podcast.  Also, if you are getting anything out of these podcast – shoot me an email and let me know. Nothing fancy, just say, "Hey Rick, enjoying the podcasts.  Keep it up.”  (I like encouragement and feedback.  What can I say?)  My email is rick@federalpcs.com.  Rick Porterfield has over 38 years of experience in Government contracting and has helped thousands of firms make billions of dollars in business.   To go deeper, click here to visit our website at winninggovernmentcontracts.com.For help writing business plans, proposals, and getting certifications (including 8(a) DBE, HUBZone Woman Owned, Veteran Owned, etc.) click here for proposalandcertificationsamples.com

This is an important question because these programs provide such huge advantages to small businesses.  These programs actually limit competition and provide a level playing field for you to compete from.  In this episode you'll find out -  What set aside programs are. How they give small businesses an advantage in the Government market The special advantages they give to businesses owned by minorities, women, service disabled veterans, and others. How to determine if you qualify for one or more set aside programs And why (no joke) because of changes in dollars being set aside, there has absolutely never been a better time to make the Government your customer. And more! Thanks for listening – please like, subscribe, and tell others about the Winning Government Contracts podcast.  Also, if you are getting anything out of these podcast – shoot me an email and let me know. Nothing fancy, just say, "Hey Rick, enjoying the podcasts.  Keep it up.”  (I like encouragement and feedback.  What can I say?)  My email is rick@federalpcs.com.  Rick Porterfield has over 38 years of experience in Government contracting and has helped thousands of firms make billions of dollars in business.   To go deeper, click here to visit our website at winninggovernmentcontracts.com.For help writing business plans, proposals, and getting certifications (including 8(a) DBE, HUBZone Woman Owned, Veteran Owned, etc.) click here for proposalandcertificationsamples.com

What is your business' most valuable asset?  What is your most valuable asset? There is a difference and you may be surprised at what these assets are.  Find out in this Bonus Episode.  I often have thoughts and things to say that aren't specific to Government contracting, but that would be beneficial to your business.  This is one of those things.  I want to start sharing these in these short Bonus Episodes. Let me know what you think.  My email is rick@federalpcs.com - shoot me an email and let me know what you want to see.  You can say, "Rick, stick to the Government stuff" or maybe "Rick, hit us with all of it whether it's Government specific or not." I like hearing from you.  Thanks for helping put this podcast in the top 10% in the world!

Join me where the rubber meets the road!  Sooner or later, to win contracts, you need to find  solicitations and write  proposals - that's where the rubber meets the road.  This episode will provide a foundation and motivation to move you into proposal writing.  Here's what I'll cover. The absolute best place to perform market research, gather data and intel, and learn to write proposals.   Questions to ask yourself when considering whether to respond to a solicitation Tips for proposal writing Each type of solicitation What to do after you have submitted Also, at the end I make a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT that I don't think you will want to miss. Thanks for listening – please like, subscribe, and tell others about the Winning Government Contracts podcast.  Also, if you are getting anything out of these podcast – shoot me an email and let me know. Nothing fancy, just say, "Hey Rick, enjoying the podcasts.  Keep it up.”  (I like encouragement and feedback.  What can I say?)  My email is rick@federalpcs.com.  Rick Porterfield has over 38 years of experience in Government contracting and has helped thousands of firms make billions of dollars in business.   To go deeper, click here to visit our website at winninggovernmentcontracts.com.For help writing business plans, proposals, and getting certifications (including 8(a) DBE, HUBZone Woman Owned, Veteran Owned, etc.) click here for proposalandcertificationsamples.com

Demystifying Business Plans  Business plans are important, but many entrepreneurs are intimidated by them.  But business plans aren’t that hard – they are just unfamiliar and we are uncomfortable with unfamiliar things.  This podcast simplifies the concept of business plans, strips them of their mystique, and makes them something that you can grab hold of and use.  In this podcast you’ll learn.  What a vision statement really is and how to write one for your business. What a mission statement really is and how to write one for your business. How a vision and mission statement can help you focus and write your business plan How to “chunk it down”!   How to break the process of achieving your vision into manageable pieces you can take action on right away. We will look at some examples of great vision and mission statements,  We will actually walk through a simple business plan illustration that will clarify the process  and finally, we will actually create a business plan.  Wow that’s a lot, but we got it all done in just 25 minutes.    Thanks for listening – please like, subscribe, and tell others about the Winning Government Contracts podcast.  Also, if you are getting anything out of these podcast – shoot me an email and let me know. Nothing fancy, just say, "Hey Rick, enjoying the podcasts.  Keep it up.”  (I like encouragement and feedback.  What can I say?)  My email is rick@federalpcs.com.  Rick Porterfield has over 38 years of experience in Government contracting and has helped thousands of firms make billions of dolars in business.   To go deeper, click here to visit our website at winninggovernmentcontracts.com.For help writing business plans, proposals, and getting certifications (including 8(a) DBE, HUBZone Woman Owned, Veteran Owned, etc.) click here for proposalandcertificationsamples.com

If you are an IT or technology firm (or even if you aren't) you'll be interested in this episode. The long awaited POLARIS RFP is slated to be issued in early January2022.  This is a huge program and provides tremendous opportunities for all types of small businesses.  The Government plans to make over 300 awards and this is a $10 - $15 billion dollar program.  That’s huge!  In this podcast, find out –   Info about the RFP The service areas included I the RFP How you can participate (even potentially if you aren’t an IT firm) Services and proposal templates available to help you win an award.   I do offer proposal writing services and I also offer proposal samples and templates to help you win an award.  I talk more about that in the podcast as well.    For info on our proposal writing services – email me at info@federalpcs.com to set an appointment to speak.  To see what proposal templates we offer, visit https://www.proposalandcertificationsamples.com/polaris-downloads.htmlWhat you should do now (before the final RFP is issued):  Ensure your registration in beta.SAM.gov is current and complete.  It should include NAICS 541512.  Write the parts of the proposal that you know will be included like the professional employee compensation plan, uncompensated overtime plan, supply chain risk management and cyber security plan, etc.  Again, samples and templates for many of these are available on my website.   Over the last 20 years I have helped nearly 1,000 firms win over $4 billion in work.  I can help you too!

You need to get these right at the start.  if you are starting a business, positioning your business, or restructuring your business in hopes of getting a lucrative small business certification, this episode is a must.  In this episode I talk about ownership and control. any certification you go after is going to consider these two criteria, and it is very important to get this right at the start (or as soon as possible).  In this episode you will find out -  What certifying agencies look for to verify ownership What they look for to determine who controls the business The pitfalls that could cause the reviewer to find problems with your ownership and control. Rick Porterfield has over 38 years of experience in Government contracting and has helped thousands of firms win billions in government work.  Send your questions to info@federalpcs.com.To go deeper, click here to visit our website at winninggovernmentcontracts.com.For help writing proposals and getting certifications (including 8(a) DBE, HUBZone Woman Owned, Veteran Owned, etc.) click here for proposalandcertificationsamples.com

The Historically Underutilized Small Business (or HUBZone) certification is available to every small business.  You may qualify right now and not even know it, or, it may be easier to qualify than you think.  Nearly $20 billion a year is earmarked for HUBZone firms, and almost always the Government fall short of meeting this goal by $3 - $4 billion.  that means there is A LOT of room for you in the HUBZone market.  In this podcast you will learn,  The benefits of the HUBZone program The qualifications for the HUBZone program What to do if you don't qualify for the program, so that you do qualify for it.  How to apply for the HUBZone certification Rick Porterfield has over 38 years of experience in Government contracting and has helped thousands of firms win billions in government work.   To go deeper, click here to visit our website at winninggovernmentcontracts.com.For help writing proposals and getting certifications (including 8(a) DBE, HUBZone Woman Owned, Veteran Owned, etc.) click here for proposalandcertificationsamples.com

Sometimes when a solicitation comes out on SAM.gov, the government may have another firm in mind that they want to make the award to - in other words, it might be wired!.  As a small business person, you are way too busy to chase work that you can't win.  BUT - there are ways to tell if this is the case. In this podcast, you will learn the 3 ways to tell if a solicitation is wired.   Don't worry - there is plenty of work available that isn't wired to another firm and you can still make money and succeed in the Government market.  you just need to be armed with this important information.To go deeper, click here to visit our website at winninggovernmentcontracts.com.For help writing proposal and certification applications click here for proposalandcertificationsamples.com

Maybe you've heard of them - GWACs, GSA MAS, MATOCs, OASIS, STARS III, ALLIANT, Seaport-E.  What are they?  What does it mean to you as a potential Government contractor?  This episode is an introduction  to Government multiple award contracts.  Find out what they are, why you should be interested (hint: it's a great place to start winning government contracts), and how to get started.  Email me at info@federalpcs.comMy websites are: www.proposalandcertificationsamples.com , andwww.winninggovernmentcontracts.com