Anyone ever attend one of those free seminars on government contracts - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

BKFranks · 01-03-2009, 05:01 PM

I haven't done any work as a contractor for the government, only work as a carpenter on government jobs. So I was thinking about doing one of those free seminars. Anything to look out for? Is it actually worth while, or is it just a waste of time?

MALCO.New.York · 01-03-2009, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BKFranks

I haven't done any work as a contractor for the government, only work as a carpenter on government jobs. So I was thinking about doing one of those free seminars. Anything to look out for? Is it actually worth while, or is it just a waste of time?

If it is truly "Free", what is there to lose?

If it is truly "Free", it WILL be worth your time.

If there is a "Catch", like a subscription fee or a Manual fee, it is BS and a Serious waste of time.

Just remember TINSTAAFL!

Tinstaafl · 01-03-2009, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MALCO.New.York

Just remember TINSTAAFL!

Whut?

Oh. Yeah. What he said.

MALCO.New.York · 01-03-2009, 05:12 PM

Not YOU.

What you, by name, stand for!

duckdown · 01-04-2009, 07:51 AM

Many government jobs require security clearances which means that your team can't be filled with criminals nor can you indiscrimentally hire subs and must avoid illegals at all costs.

Pearce Services · 01-04-2009, 10:10 AM

I went to a state seminar a few years ago, it was very informative. They try to illustrate how easy it is to get involved in this type of work, and show you the tools available to get started.

A few months ago I met with a guy from the SBA, his job was to push the federal agencies to award as much work as possible to small busnesses. He said that many contracts and projects are available for the small business owner, including mentorship programs, financing, etc. see for your self at www.sba.gov

try this free online training course called "how to win federal contracts" http://web.sba.gov/sbtn/registration...fm?CourseId=25

duckdown · 01-05-2009, 07:38 AM

Keep in mind that many government jobs have payment terms that aren't so immediate. You have to be able to support cashflow to others without necessarily having cash on hand for yourself.

jamestrd · 01-05-2009, 08:01 AM

I attended the B2G seminar and my guess is this is who you were contacted from..fred Greenberg runs it i believe.

Good guys and after the seminar,they will try to get you to enroll in a course.

i took the course and also hired them for extra assistance.

I can honelty say for ym self, it was not worht it.I think all in all,i spent 7000..Cant remember.

My biggest problem i found was no availbale contracts in my immediate vicinity.
Always out west somewhere..and few and far between.

They encourage networking and contacting contract officer of agnecies and try to establish relationships,like doing any other business.

For me it didnt work, but i did learn alot.

As for hiring, security clearnace will only happen on Military bases.. the rest are just like any other client looking to get a job done.

federal agancies must pay within 28 days by law..state agencies are a different animal.

if you are aggressive and ambitious with a great diversity, it may work for you as you will never find scopes of work that are exactly what you do.. you will need to offer more in your services and be willing to take on things you may not be familiar with.

Like anything else, winning your first contract can be difficult.. The CO's often have guys they have workied with before and are bias to them. this si where networking with them becomes important.

By the time a RFP gets onto the websites for bid, you have a 5% chance of getting it. the idea is to be in their pocket beforehand.

You will also want to pursue some kind of pre qualiication certifcations, such as 8A, Disabled veteran, woman owned etc.
These pre qual's make you more attractive to a CO.

Hope this info helps.

Max Nomad · 01-05-2009, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duckdown

Keep in mind that many government jobs have payment terms that aren't so immediate. You have to be able to support cashflow to others without necessarily having cash on hand for yourself.

I can't speak on any kind of construction work for gov't contracts but with a web dev project I was part of for the Dept of Vet Affairs, over the course of that 18 month long contract even with the disbursements the payments were "Net 90 Days".

DavidC · 01-05-2009, 10:54 AM

Just remember TINSTAAFL!

Can I get a translation please? Type reeal slow so I understand.

Thanks

Good Luck
Dave

BreyerConstruct · 01-05-2009, 11:58 AM

I've often thought doing some larger-scale decks/boardwalks would be intriguing. I'm sure I have overlooked some of the risks, but the opportunity is enticing!

~Matt

MALCO.New.York · 01-05-2009, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidC

Just remember TINSTAAFL!

Can I get a translation please? Type reeal slow so I understand.

Thanks

Good Luck
Dave

There
Is
No
Such
Thing
As
A
Free
Lunch

DavidC · 01-05-2009, 03:14 PM

Thanks Malco. Nothin' as hidden as the obvious sometimes.

Good Luck
Dave

BSmart · 01-06-2009, 08:13 AM

There is quite a bit of Govt work here in Jacksonville, and it is true most of the work is wrapped up by certain people. I have a friend who has subbed out from one of them and they pay ridiculous prices for stuff.

Wonder why the gov't is in financial trouble

onenia · 01-06-2009, 03:20 PM

For gov work you don't need to go to the free seminars (which are a rip off and a waste of time). Just go to their website and get the bid packet with all the requirements.