Getting Jobs From US Agencies With Rebuilding Of America

PMI · 01-24-2009, 08:31 AM

Here is the scoop plus my question.

The scoop is Many contractors are unaware of the opportunities that are available through US Agencies such as the Housing and Urban Development (HUD), US General Services Administration (GSA) or the military facilities. All hire contractors for the maintenance, repair and refurbishing of properties owned and occupied. These agencies act in a similar manner as a general contractor deploying work to many subcontractors. Further, the government is set to grant billions on the rebuilding of America. Nearly everyone calling for more government spending is also calling for better accountability of where this money goes. Ideas include posting specific projects online, their status, how much they cost, and how many people they employ. These goals are impossible to achieve while the agencies deploying work are so complex to work with. Something has got to change to make it easier, especially when the majority of the work force is a small business.

My question is "who has worked for US agencies, what specific agency or agencies (by referencing the web pages) have you worked for, what specifically does it take to get on the list to bid for work, and how difficult is the process once you get started, and how well or fast or slow does is take to get paid?".

I as well as many others should be looking to position for something that will happening in this country like never before. I have been trying to navigate the different opportunities which seem huge, but it is also a rather complex maze to master. Maybe we can all unite on making our own uniform directory of where to go and what to do? It would be great if people could limit to their replies to direct details and not open commentary. Thanks all. Phil

RidgeWalker · 01-24-2009, 12:39 PM

Work for a Govenment agency if the following applies to you,

You like do to your work for as cheap as possible. Lowest bidder always wins.

You like to wait FOREVER to get paid.

However, if your a minority owned business you can get preferance in getting contracts awarded and be higher in price, but you'll still need to wait forever to get paid.

PMI · 01-25-2009, 08:06 AM

Details:
I found on another thread that we need to start by visiting http://www.ccr.gov/Contractors.aspx.
It looks like the place to go to get your company in the Federal Databases. I plan on doing this and will update everyone once I understand everything it takes and where to go from there. Add comments if you have already gone through this start up process or if there is something that the group is missing.
Phil

PMI · 01-26-2009, 11:39 AM

All,
I went through the process to sign up Central Contractor Registration (CCR). It wasn’t too bad up to this point. A lot of reading that really is not needed. There are some pieces of information that some contractors may not have, and the CCR gives you links to get this extra information.

The major items needed are:
DUNS # (D&B)
Banking info (Routing #, Acct #, Contact info for bank)
Recent tax return filed (Year)
Five security questions to help identify you in the future
You will have to look up your applicable SIC codes then input them (up to 20) that identify that type of business yopu are
You will have to look up other codes for your company type
Had to fill out what type of company S-Corp, LLC, C-Corp.

The system indicates that I will be contacted in 48 hours after the application is processed to proceed to the next step. I will update everyone after I have a chance to do so. Phil

Blast&Coat · 01-26-2009, 12:14 PM

Thanks keep us updated. I have a friend who only does government work and the stories I could tell you about the ridiulous amount of money he has made off of them would get half the government in kentucky fired. Think we are gonna start trying to get the in on some of it.

Sportioli · 01-27-2009, 04:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blast&Coat

Thanks keep us updated. I have a friend who only does government work and the stories I could tell you about the ridiulous amount of money he has made off of them would get half the government in kentucky fired. Think we are gonna start trying to get the in on some of it.

I'm going to keep an eye on this thread. Now that our government has decided to spend all this money, it only makes sense to go with the flow.

PMI · 02-12-2009, 07:23 AM

Found another nice summary resource

Hey everyone,
I am still going through the motions myself, but I came across another article that helps summarize the strategy to getting government contracts. http://www.smsmallbiz.com/marketing/How_to_Land_a_Government_Contract.html

PMI · 02-15-2009, 01:46 PM

Many US agencies post bidding opportunities that are spread over thousands of Web sites and finding the ones that match your business can be a challenge. Check out this site I found http://www.bidnotice.org/index.html. No idea how good it is, but this is what I found and am beginning to research. Will let you know soon what else I find. Phil

modterry · 02-16-2009, 08:26 AM

We plan to figure out how to qualify for government work. 3 years ago we were asked to bid on new housing for the forest service. 13 bidders showed up and bid - No one could qualify for their bond requirement. 2nd round - we were 1 of 3 to bid. Both times they liked our price, liked our bid and with things going good - we could only bond for $ 200,000. They finally went with a dealer who got their $ 5,000,000 modular manufacturer to put up the bond - which we could not do.

Read all the instructions carefully - add 6 - 12 months interest on your budget - have a back up source for funds to keep your payments made.

Terry

PMI · 02-16-2009, 02:05 PM

Has anyone used Demand Star?

Here is another one that asks “Do you want to sell to government?” and “View Bid Opportunities”. http://www.demandstar.com/
Please let us know if you have used this service and what was good and what was challenging. Please reply only if you had experience to keep the post meaningful to others, thanks, Phil

DavidC · 02-16-2009, 03:29 PM

Phil your really beating the bushes on this one. And it's great you don't mind sharing your research. I'm wondering if these websites you mention are asking for any fees?

We've worked for the USDA Rural Developement Agency and had to apply for and submit a vendor # along with our Dunn's # and I don't remember what else except it was a bit of paperwork. We've also haved worked for various local agencies that dispense HUD monies via different programs. USDA was the only one that required all the red tape. Probably because the others aren't actually gov't. agencies, they just disburse the funds.

But the point of my question is this. Since getting the vendor and Dunns #'s my email is inundated daily with offers to help me sell to the gov't. I looked into them only a little and felt they wanted to sell info that is available to the public. I just emptied my junk mail folder this morning so can't verify, but I'm pretty sure CCR is one of them.

Don't overlook the obvious step of checking the phone book for government offices in your area. Call the ones your interested in and ask what it takes to get on the list. You may be suprised. The USDA actually called me first. It was a referal from another agency.

USDA has proven to be a little different than the rest with more paperwork to verify you. But once your in it's easier. We just put in a bid last week to them for a rehab on a home they financed. I asked if it was stricly low bid and was told no. They base it on client preferences and the office's experience with the contractor. They consider us a prefered contractor and that helps, unless the HO doesn't like us that is.

The other agencies that just handle the HUD money aren't as cumbersome but they do primarily go to the lowest bid off written specs. They all will verify your a legit business, check your ins., sometimes insist on addtional insured, you have to pull permits, pass inspections and be lead paint certified.

Our company has shied away from the work because of the low bid deal, but at least they are written specs. You know everyone has to bid the same thing. Also you will meet some less than desirable clients depending on which program you are into. But with the current economy we have 1 bid into the USDA, 2 into a HUD sponsored owner occupied rehab program with 2 more to go in this week.

USDA won't give a dp but if we present an invoice for materials they will cut a check to the supplier for that amount and pay your balance within 2 weeks of finish. Some of the other outfits only pay when complete (usually within 30 days, 10 in practice). Others will pay in stages or make progress payments at predetermined points.

Hope that helps your quest. Give your local offices a call.

Good Luck
Dave

Mud Master · 02-17-2009, 07:05 AM

Government work is guaranteed money. My dad did GC work for them for 12 years, had 10 guys at the same gov't building every single day. Had checks in the mail every 30 days. Federal gov't is much better work compared to county & state government.

You can look on the bid list(s) and see whats up for bid, but every single person I have ever known that has been successful w/ government work had made a contact(s) within the government organization (GSA,NSA, DOD mostly). Procurement officers within certain organizations usually only rely on the continuous contractors they've delt with, which means you usually only have 2-3 competitors when dealing with that procurement officers contracts.

OR you could just try to get the NSA term contract and get every single project they have with no competition for up to 10 years!!

PMI · 02-17-2009, 09:19 AM

Hi David,

Yes, they all want fees in some shape or another, and it is kind of like the lead services many complain about. For example, DemandStar (by a company called OnVia) guides you to get 5 free leads when you are at this page http://www.onvia.com/fp/Default.aspx, you are then guided to a sign up page. There is another sign up page a little different https://www.onvia.com/demo/fp/demo.aspx?WT.mc_id=onviawebsiteOPC&path=OPC. My problem that I have with these sites is that they give you no indication as to what they cost to continue. I am not adverse to paying to try for things, but all these sites seem to want to bait you before simply saying what the price is.

I did find a funny one. You can get a FREE TRIAL from just $19.95/month to $79.95/month. This one forces to have your credit card on file so that they can immediately start charging you. At a minimum, at least you know what the fee will be before trying, unlike the one above. https://www.governmentcontractors.org/join/promo/ondemand/

And thanks for the advice about checking with our local town agencies. I have begun to research this also. Phil

Mud Master · 02-17-2009, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PMI

Hi David,

Yes, they all want fees in some shape or another, and it is kind of like the lead services many complain about. For example, DemandStar (by a company called OnVia) guides you to get 5 free leads when you are at this page http://www.onvia.com/fp/Default.aspx, you are then guided to a sign up page. There is another sign up page a little different https://www.onvia.com/demo/fp/demo.aspx?WT.mc_id=onviawebsiteOPC&path=OPC. My problem that I have with these sites is that they give you no indication as to what they cost to continue. I am not adverse to paying to try for things, but all these sites seem to want to bait you before simply saying what the price is.

I did find a funny one. You can get a FREE TRIAL from just $19.95/month to $79.95/month. This one forces to have your credit card on file so that they can immediately start charging you. At a minimum, at least you know what the fee will be before trying, unlike the one above. https://www.governmentcontractors.org/join/promo/ondemand/

And thanks for the advice about checking with our local town agencies. I have begun to research this also. Phil

Why would you PAY for the gov't bid board, when the gov't has their own website showing all federal contracts available and/or up for bid at no cost??

That's like paying for the yellow pages when it's available to everyone.

PMI · 02-17-2009, 11:37 AM

Yes, there are sites that have different listings and there are sites that consolidate groups of listings. Many of the free sites have a laundry list of opportunities. Mud Master, what specific site(s) have you used for free that has worked for you? Whether it is for free, or paid for, I am looking to learn about the best quality options. Phil

Mud Master · 02-17-2009, 01:33 PM

FedBizOpps.Gov is the Federal Gov't offical website concerning procurement opportunities.

It's not "Giggity"...My name is "Mud Master"

BakersDozen · 02-17-2009, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mud Master

FedBizOpps.Gov is the Federal Gov't offical website concerning procurement opportunities.

It's not "Giggity"...My name is "Mud Master"

Hey thanks for the link to that website. This is the kind of info i am looking for

PMI · 02-18-2009, 09:14 AM

Hey Mud Master thanks for the info. (BTW I fixed the name mistake in my prior post) Have you landed any work from the site, or just aware of the opportunities. I am specifically looking to have someone validate the bidding process and what it took to actually get the contract. Thanks again Phil

Mud Master · 02-18-2009, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PMI

Hey Mud Master thanks for the info. (BTW I fixed the name mistake in my prior post) Have you landed any work from the site, or just aware of the opportunities. I am specifically looking to have someone validate the bidding process and what it took to actually get the contract. Thanks again Phil

I've never specifically bid on any projects off of there, but being CCR registered I've have gotten work through DGS & DOD for smaller projects as the GC or primary contractor. Most of that work though was office renovations or related work as that is what I specialize in. However, I have landed many jobs as a subcontractor through the gc's that bid and do pretty much all gov't work. It's been awhile as I do mostly large office buildings & multi-family now, but for many years I did work at SSA, Communications center, APG(Aberdeen Proving Grounds), etc..because I expressed interest in those jobs posted on the federal site, the GC's bidding those jobs sent ITB's to me because of it.

As I said in my previous post, most everyone I know(my father included) who's been dubbed "G-Money" (Nickname for people who do mostly all their work for the gov't), has made a contact with a procurement officer within the government. You can bid off of those sites against 3-15 bidders, and hope for the best. You can also market to individual agencies and land a couple jobs within that agency through one or two of their PO's. They tend to only use 2-3 people for all of that building, or buildings work, and it's a much more level playing field. They also try to spread the work around, and once your in, your pretty much set with work providing you don't screw up.

NSA is the only gov't agency that does not publicly solicit their procurements, however you can get on their bidders list and hope for the best. The ones that do get work with NSA do work at their parent buildings. The NSA headquarters is NOT up for bidding. They send out a term contract evey 4-5 years to proven, experienced GC's to bid on. The winning GC for that contract automatically gets every NSA job for 4-5 years, with an option to go another 4-5 years. You bring in no subs, the NSA supplies subs for everything you do not perform, and you have no competition for 4-10 years..and you are never without work.

I was working on a gov't job 15 or so years ago, and they had a GC firm they were trying to move out, and the PO b*tched us out for helping them lift a steel beam into place because they were just looking for a reason to stop using them, and not completing a job on time would be good reason. However, you can expect with the fed's to have steady work, and steady, guaranteed money in your mailbox. Every 30 days from job completion my father had a check in the mailbox, unless it was a large job than he had his progress payments every 30 days.

It's a sh*tload of paperwork, everything in triplicate, most times things need to have multiple PO numbers on it, and go to three different places. Email is acceptable but everything must follow via USPS. If you don't have SPECIFIC wording and/or numbers on the paperwork, be it proposal, invoice, etc...it will be rejected and if it's a invoice you will than have to wait another 30 days to get paid from the time they recieve your new, redone invoice.

It can be tough at times to work, and as you do more gov't work you'll come to understand how to put that lost time in your bid. If you need to go hang cabinets in a office, the people don't leave, a red lightbulb in the ceiling goes off, and they shut off their computers, put away their paperwork, pick up a book or magazine and wait. Does not matter if your there for 8 minutes or 8 hours. If you have to do anything in a restricted area, you need to wait for an escort, and it's gotten so much worse since 9/11, especially with escorts & parking. All your employees need to have security clearence to work there, regardless of if it's a secure building or not.

It's all about who ya know, and who ya meet. Hope thats some help to you.

P.S. I was joking about the name..you can call me Giggity if you want. I've been called much worse.

DavidC · 02-19-2009, 03:02 PM

MudMaster,

Today's mailbox confirms that CCR is one of the ones I chose to ignore. You said you are registered so let me ask, what are your costs and benefits?

TIA

Good Luck
Dave

01-24-2009, 08:31 AM	#1
PMI View Profile PMI Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (150) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: Repair and remodeling contractor Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Wellington, FL Posts: 150	Getting Jobs From US Agencies With Rebuilding Of America Here is the scoop plus my question. The scoop is Many contractors are unaware of the opportunities that are available through US Agencies such as the Housing and Urban Development (HUD), US General Services Administration (GSA) or the military facilities. All hire contractors for the maintenance, repair and refurbishing of properties owned and occupied. These agencies act in a similar manner as a general contractor deploying work to many subcontractors. Further, the government is set to grant billions on the rebuilding of America. Nearly everyone calling for more government spending is also calling for better accountability of where this money goes. Ideas include posting specific projects online, their status, how much they cost, and how many people they employ. These goals are impossible to achieve while the agencies deploying work are so complex to work with. Something has got to change to make it easier, especially when the majority of the work force is a small business. My question is "who has worked for US agencies, what specific agency or agencies (by referencing the web pages) have you worked for, what specifically does it take to get on the list to bid for work, and how difficult is the process once you get started, and how well or fast or slow does is take to get paid?". I as well as many others should be looking to position for something that will happening in this country like never before. I have been trying to navigate the different opportunities which seem huge, but it is also a rather complex maze to master. Maybe we can all unite on making our own uniform directory of where to go and what to do? It would be great if people could limit to their replies to direct details and not open commentary. Thanks all. Phil __________________ Phil Tonks For all your Remodeling & Home Improvement needs in South Florida visit www.pmi1call.com

01-24-2009, 12:39 PM	#2
RidgeWalker View Profile RidgeWalker Certified Crazy! Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (404) Photos (1) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Certified Crazy! Trade: Insurance Restoration Roofing Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 404	Re: Getting Jobs From US Agencies With Rebuilding Of America Work for a Govenment agency if the following applies to you, You like do to your work for as cheap as possible. Lowest bidder always wins. You like to wait FOREVER to get paid. However, if your a minority owned business you can get preferance in getting contracts awarded and be higher in price, but you'll still need to wait forever to get paid. __________________ Restore My Home Construction Atlanta Roofing Repair My SN Profile

01-25-2009, 08:06 AM	#3
PMI View Profile PMI Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (150) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: Repair and remodeling contractor Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Wellington, FL Posts: 150	Re: Getting Jobs From US Agencies With Rebuilding Of America Details: I found on another thread that we need to start by visiting http://www.ccr.gov/Contractors.aspx. It looks like the place to go to get your company in the Federal Databases. I plan on doing this and will update everyone once I understand everything it takes and where to go from there. Add comments if you have already gone through this start up process or if there is something that the group is missing. Phil __________________ Phil Tonks For all your Remodeling & Home Improvement needs in South Florida visit www.pmi1call.com

01-26-2009, 11:39 AM	#4
PMI View Profile PMI Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (150) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: Repair and remodeling contractor Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Wellington, FL Posts: 150	Re: Getting Jobs From US Agencies With Rebuilding Of America All, I went through the process to sign up Central Contractor Registration (CCR). It wasn’t too bad up to this point. A lot of reading that really is not needed. There are some pieces of information that some contractors may not have, and the CCR gives you links to get this extra information. The major items needed are: DUNS # (D&B) Banking info (Routing #, Acct #, Contact info for bank) Recent tax return filed (Year) Five security questions to help identify you in the future You will have to look up your applicable SIC codes then input them (up to 20) that identify that type of business yopu are You will have to look up other codes for your company type Had to fill out what type of company S-Corp, LLC, C-Corp. The system indicates that I will be contacted in 48 hours after the application is processed to proceed to the next step. I will update everyone after I have a chance to do so. Phil __________________ Phil Tonks For all your Remodeling & Home Improvement needs in South Florida visit www.pmi1call.com

01-26-2009, 12:14 PM	#5
Blast&Coat View Profile Blast&Coat new path Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (81) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity new path Trade: SandBlast & Powdercoat onsite Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: kentucky Posts: 81	Re: Getting Jobs From US Agencies With Rebuilding Of America Thanks keep us updated. I have a friend who only does government work and the stories I could tell you about the ridiulous amount of money he has made off of them would get half the government in kentucky fired. Think we are gonna start trying to get the in on some of it.

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02-12-2009, 07:23 AM	#7
PMI View Profile PMI Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (150) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: Repair and remodeling contractor Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Wellington, FL Posts: 150	Re: Getting Jobs From US Agencies With Rebuilding Of America Found another nice summary resource Hey everyone, I am still going through the motions myself, but I came across another article that helps summarize the strategy to getting government contracts. http://www.smsmallbiz.com/marketing/How_to_Land_a_Government_Contract.html __________________ Phil Tonks For all your Remodeling & Home Improvement needs in South Florida visit www.pmi1call.com

02-15-2009, 01:46 PM	#8
PMI View Profile PMI Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (150) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: Repair and remodeling contractor Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Wellington, FL Posts: 150	Re: Getting Jobs From US Agencies With Rebuilding Of America Many US agencies post bidding opportunities that are spread over thousands of Web sites and finding the ones that match your business can be a challenge. Check out this site I found http://www.bidnotice.org/index.html. No idea how good it is, but this is what I found and am beginning to research. Will let you know soon what else I find. Phil __________________ Phil Tonks For all your Remodeling & Home Improvement needs in South Florida visit www.pmi1call.com

02-16-2009, 08:26 AM	#9
modterry View Profile modterry Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (174) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: Custom Modular builder Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 174	Re: Getting Jobs From US Agencies With Rebuilding Of America We plan to figure out how to qualify for government work. 3 years ago we were asked to bid on new housing for the forest service. 13 bidders showed up and bid - No one could qualify for their bond requirement. 2nd round - we were 1 of 3 to bid. Both times they liked our price, liked our bid and with things going good - we could only bond for $ 200,000. They finally went with a dealer who got their $ 5,000,000 modular manufacturer to put up the bond - which we could not do. Read all the instructions carefully - add 6 - 12 months interest on your budget - have a back up source for funds to keep your payments made. Terry

02-16-2009, 02:05 PM	#10
PMI View Profile PMI Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (150) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: Repair and remodeling contractor Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Wellington, FL Posts: 150	Re: Getting Jobs From US Agencies With Rebuilding Of America Has anyone used Demand Star? Here is another one that asks “Do you want to sell to government?” and “View Bid Opportunities”. http://www.demandstar.com/ Please let us know if you have used this service and what was good and what was challenging. Please reply only if you had experience to keep the post meaningful to others, thanks, Phil __________________ Phil Tonks For all your Remodeling & Home Improvement needs in South Florida visit www.pmi1call.com

02-16-2009, 03:29 PM	#11
DavidC View Profile DavidC DavidC Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (1,915) Photos (95) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity DavidC Trade: Remodeler Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: NNY Posts: 1,915	Re: Getting Jobs From US Agencies With Rebuilding Of America Phil your really beating the bushes on this one. And it's great you don't mind sharing your research. I'm wondering if these websites you mention are asking for any fees? We've worked for the USDA Rural Developement Agency and had to apply for and submit a vendor # along with our Dunn's # and I don't remember what else except it was a bit of paperwork. We've also haved worked for various local agencies that dispense HUD monies via different programs. USDA was the only one that required all the red tape. Probably because the others aren't actually gov't. agencies, they just disburse the funds. But the point of my question is this. Since getting the vendor and Dunns #'s my email is inundated daily with offers to help me sell to the gov't. I looked into them only a little and felt they wanted to sell info that is available to the public. I just emptied my junk mail folder this morning so can't verify, but I'm pretty sure CCR is one of them. Don't overlook the obvious step of checking the phone book for government offices in your area. Call the ones your interested in and ask what it takes to get on the list. You may be suprised. The USDA actually called me first. It was a referal from another agency. USDA has proven to be a little different than the rest with more paperwork to verify you. But once your in it's easier. We just put in a bid last week to them for a rehab on a home they financed. I asked if it was stricly low bid and was told no. They base it on client preferences and the office's experience with the contractor. They consider us a prefered contractor and that helps, unless the HO doesn't like us that is. The other agencies that just handle the HUD money aren't as cumbersome but they do primarily go to the lowest bid off written specs. They all will verify your a legit business, check your ins., sometimes insist on addtional insured, you have to pull permits, pass inspections and be lead paint certified. Our company has shied away from the work because of the low bid deal, but at least they are written specs. You know everyone has to bid the same thing. Also you will meet some less than desirable clients depending on which program you are into. But with the current economy we have 1 bid into the USDA, 2 into a HUD sponsored owner occupied rehab program with 2 more to go in this week. USDA won't give a dp but if we present an invoice for materials they will cut a check to the supplier for that amount and pay your balance within 2 weeks of finish. Some of the other outfits only pay when complete (usually within 30 days, 10 in practice). Others will pay in stages or make progress payments at predetermined points. Hope that helps your quest. Give your local offices a call. Good Luck Dave __________________ www.CookContractingLLC.com

02-17-2009, 09:19 AM	#13
PMI View Profile PMI Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (150) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: Repair and remodeling contractor Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Wellington, FL Posts: 150	Re: Getting Jobs From US Agencies With Rebuilding Of America Hi David, Yes, they all want fees in some shape or another, and it is kind of like the lead services many complain about. For example, DemandStar (by a company called OnVia) guides you to get 5 free leads when you are at this page http://www.onvia.com/fp/Default.aspx, you are then guided to a sign up page. There is another sign up page a little different https://www.onvia.com/demo/fp/demo.aspx?WT.mc_id=onviawebsiteOPC&path=OPC. My problem that I have with these sites is that they give you no indication as to what they cost to continue. I am not adverse to paying to try for things, but all these sites seem to want to bait you before simply saying what the price is. I did find a funny one. You can get a FREE TRIAL from just $19.95/month to $79.95/month. This one forces to have your credit card on file so that they can immediately start charging you. At a minimum, at least you know what the fee will be before trying, unlike the one above. https://www.governmentcontractors.org/join/promo/ondemand/ And thanks for the advice about checking with our local town agencies. I have begun to research this also. Phil __________________ Phil Tonks For all your Remodeling & Home Improvement needs in South Florida visit www.pmi1call.com

02-17-2009, 11:37 AM	#15
PMI View Profile PMI Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (150) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: Repair and remodeling contractor Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Wellington, FL Posts: 150	Re: Getting Jobs From US Agencies With Rebuilding Of America Yes, there are sites that have different listings and there are sites that consolidate groups of listings. Many of the free sites have a laundry list of opportunities. Mud Master, what specific site(s) have you used for free that has worked for you? Whether it is for free, or paid for, I am looking to learn about the best quality options. Phil __________________ Phil Tonks For all your Remodeling & Home Improvement needs in South Florida visit www.pmi1call.com Last edited by PMI; 02-17-2009 at 05:29 PM. Reason: Name was wrong

02-18-2009, 09:14 AM	#18
PMI View Profile PMI Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (150) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: Repair and remodeling contractor Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Wellington, FL Posts: 150	Re: Getting Jobs From US Agencies With Rebuilding Of America Hey Mud Master thanks for the info. (BTW I fixed the name mistake in my prior post) Have you landed any work from the site, or just aware of the opportunities. I am specifically looking to have someone validate the bidding process and what it took to actually get the contract. Thanks again Phil __________________ Phil Tonks For all your Remodeling & Home Improvement needs in South Florida visit www.pmi1call.com

02-19-2009, 03:02 PM	#20
DavidC View Profile DavidC DavidC Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (1,915) Photos (95) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity DavidC Trade: Remodeler Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: NNY Posts: 1,915	Re: Getting Jobs From US Agencies With Rebuilding Of America MudMaster, Today's mailbox confirms that CCR is one of the ones I chose to ignore. You said you are registered so let me ask, what are your costs and benefits? TIA Good Luck Dave __________________ www.CookContractingLLC.com

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