CF Construction

In the past we've landed a few goverment jobs (this took place before I was employed with the company). I'm constantly seeing how many companies benefit from having a strong, on going relationship with their local goverment and they're constantly being offered at least the opportunity to bid on their projects in which eventually result into them getting the project. I've been in the construction industry for a little over a year and a half and if there's one thing that I've learned from day one is that this industry is all about who you know and who they know. At the moment we don't have any type of relationship with our local governments, but I know there's constant construction work being offered by them. How have you guys gone about approaching your local government (besides obviously finding out if there's any construction work to be done)? Also, what have you used to make you "standout" from others who might be bidding for the same project as well?


All suggestions are welcomed.



Thanks in advance.

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CF Construction and Remodeling, Inc.
"Your Vision Is Our Commitment"
General Contractor In Miami

THINKPAINTING

Dodge Reports, Bid Clerk, Blue Book, all have leads for goverment work
lots of rules and regs takes long time to get paid...........Should have lots of working funds to take on that type of work.

Good Luck.

Scott Meyer

Some planning rooms will help with the relationships with government. Planning rooms are usually local and the staff can be helpful for the government contacts in your area. Planning rooms have membership fees but they will quickly pay off from the knowledge they provide and the project plans you would have otherwise bought by yourself.

But I second what ThinkPainting had to say. Our clients are always being dragged through the dirt with government work. But it pays.....eventually.

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threaderman

Screw govt work unless your in tight with someone.I ran a company in tampa and we did some work for a local municipality,they never paid.We tried to lien the city and they said that it could not be done,so we ate it.Never again,and certainly never with my own company.

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Joe ---International Code Council Member

Your plumbing & gas specialist proudly serving Oklahoma City OK, Moore, Warr-acres, Norman, Midwest City, Edmond, Bethany, Forest Park

1mancrew

The little I have done here...you supply all materials, permits, etc. upfront and hopefully they get around to paying after 6 months.

plazaman

not doubting you, but, i find it very hard to believe the city wouldnt pay unless the work isnt completed to satisfaction on time. i never heard of this

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rbsremodeling

Theaderman tells no lie. The government will stiff or slow pay you in a heart beat. The only thing that does not make it a armed robbery is they don't have a ski mask or a gun

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woodmagman

The business relation for most here is doing the work for not the government, but the government employees....find that in, and you can bank on referred work...when was the last employee of the government laid off due to a recession, they increase their staff.

threaderman

To the best of my knowledge/memory, that was the first,and last job I ever did for a municipality.I've read it since though I can't remember where,that we have no recourse to collect from a municipality.It was a smaller job too,less than 500.00,and the work was performed properly.Maybe you'll have better luck.It was a fairly major repair on an outdoor water fountain in a city park.I think it is in my state lien laws,no liens allowed against state municipalities.I don't feel like reading that boring crap right now.

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Joe ---International Code Council Member

Your plumbing & gas specialist proudly serving Oklahoma City OK, Moore, Warr-acres, Norman, Midwest City, Edmond, Bethany, Forest Park

CF Construction

Based on some of your responses, you've all reminded me as why the GC told me he doesn't target local goverment projects. I've heard the stories he's told me with his past dealings and it does take a while for them to pay you. The same goes with large corporations. Some write checks out once a month, so if your timing is off and you complete the project, or a phase of the project a day or two after their "cut off date" guess what? You're waiting another month to get paid for what you just completed. Sucks, yes, but the benefits of having those corporations as references for future clients is priceless.

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CF Construction and Remodeling, Inc.
"Your Vision Is Our Commitment"
General Contractor In Miami