Although it might seem overwhelming, there really are only four steps to get you started on your way to confidently responding to an RFP from the US Government.
Oh, and by the way, they are all free.
Ready? Here we go.
First, you need to determine what your NAICS codes are (and, yes, you can have more than one).
The NAICS is the North American Industry Classification System. It helps categorize businesses for the government. It will help the government recognize what it is that you do.
Go to the US Census Bureau NACIS Code Search and put in the keywords that apply to your business in the 2017 NAICS search.
It’s actually kind of fun – and makes you think outside the box as to what your capabilities are (always a good thing).
Next, register on SAM.gov.
This might take a while – there are lots of sections – but, again, it is worth it.
You will need to have your banking information and your NAICS codes.
Also, there will be some FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation) Clauses in there.
The FAR Clause Cheat Sheet by RFPrepared can help you determine what those FAR Clauses mean and what they mean to you.
Check out the FAR Clause Cheat Sheet at rfprepared.com.
It’s on sale right now for $149. It helps to have that peace of mind.
Then, register and start cruising around on FBO.gov.
It’s best to create a search that narrows your focus and will send you updated lists of opportunities.
This isn’t difficult to do – but it will take some focus.
It’s well worth it.
The last thing is to make sure that with any RFP you find interesting/applicable to your business – read the whole thing through.
It will be hard – there will be parts that you don’t understand, and there will be more of those pesky FAR Clauses.
RFPrepared has some simple tools to help you.
Check out the free SF (Standard Forms) First Look at rfprepared.com. This free tool will help you familiarize yourself with what these forms look like and what to watch out for when completing them.
And, this is where the FAR Clause Cheat Sheet really comes in handy. There will be Clauses in the RFP that are included in the text, and ones that are only mentioned by reference. You will be held responsible for what is in those Clauses either way, so you will be much more confident if you know the specifics.
Of course, our staff at RFPrepared would be happy to help you get started – whether you need help designating a Point Person to handle RFP response, or you need to get your Point Person up to speed as to how this whole process works.
Just drop us a line at rfprepared.com and let us know how we can help.
Four steps, that’s all, to get you started.
Ready? Go!
RFPrepared 