how to get government or school contracts

[JRDtechnet]

I know a few people here have gotten government or school contracts, I'm interested in applying but I can never find any information. For those who got contracts how did you find out about them or where did you go to inquire.

[rusty.nells]

Usually you must be an "approved" vendor, though it probably varies by agency. Try contacting the purchasing department of an agency you'd like to work with, or check their web sites for information.

[JRDtechnet]

I'll be able to handle it no problem. I just want to work on the local level. I want something that's I know I'm going to have a lot of work.

[rusty.nells]

Originally Posted by JRDtechnet

I want something that's I know I'm going to have a lot of work.

Don't count on it, it's very competitive and even the small projects are often political.

You might also try getting to know the "approved" vendors and try subcontracting. Some will bid on and be awarded projects but hire others to do the actual work while they "manage" the project.

[Shaggyra]

ACG and Rusty.Nells make great points. If you get in too deep the whole business suffers. Even if all your technical skills are fantastic the business, credit and political issues will take a lot more time and $$$ than you would expect. It is very easy to get in over your head.

In my case I work only with smaller government agencies and smaller schools. It takes up about half my time and most of my headache. But..... it also provides most of my income.

Regardless the politics can be overwhelming. There will always be questions, fair or not, about your competence and pricing. (Usually from the family of a competitor.)

If your up to it, jump in and make it work. It is worth it.

[Nerm]

There are times when dealing with schools especially the "Politics" side of the work becomes almost unbearable, however it can be very profitable/plentiful work as well.

Another issue with dealing with government/school contracts is low profit on sales. As someone else mentioned it is HIGHLY competitive bidding and you will normally find yourself competing with a direct Dell/HP/etc bid and it will make your profit margins way down on sales. Again there is an upside the contracts are typically high quantity which will normally make up for the low profit margin.

[nj_computer_repair]

Originally Posted by JRDtechnet

I know a few people here have gotten government or school contracts, I'm interested in applying but I can never find any information. For those who got contracts how did you find out about them or where did you go to inquire.

Hey JRDtechnet,

Did you get solicited by the Graphic Arts Academy lab in NJ this morning also?

[JRDtechnet]

Originally Posted by nj_computer_repair

Hey JRDtechnet,

Did you get solicited by the Graphic Arts Academy lab in NJ this morning also?

No, e-mail or phone?

[nj_computer_repair]

They sent me an email. It's just a coincidence that I get this email from a school and here you are talking about government contracts. Anyway, it was way too far for me, I am pretty sure it will be too far for you too but if you want, send me an email and I will reply back with the school's contact info.

[cmonova]

I looked at putting in a proposal for a school in my area and I know this is what is being paid now:

Repairs/General Services $ 55.00
On-site Technician $ 45.00
Consulting/Networking Services $108.00

I don't like the numbers especially with knowing what you have to deal with pertaining to the politics, demands etc. Ya might get a decent amount of hours to bill but in the big picture no thks