Lecture on No-Bid Contracts and GSA Schedule

Introduction

• Discussion on no-bid contracts and GSA schedule.
• Misconceptions about contracts being offered without bidding.

Key Terminology

• GSA Schedule: A contract that allows companies to offer goods and services to the government.
• CAGE Code: Unique identifier for businesses pursuing contracts with the government.

Misunderstanding of No-Bid Contracts

• Companies may promise no-bid contracts.
• Reality: Agencies do not hand out contracts without an application process.
• Example: A gentleman misunderstood a million-dollar contract, expecting full payout but it was on an as-needed basis.

GSA Schedule Details

• Many people advise getting on the GSA schedule.
• Importance: Understand what you're bidding for.
• Personal experience: It took the speaker three companies and five years to get on a GSA schedule.

Benefits of GSA Schedule

• Shrinks competition by allowing only vetted companies to bid.
• Displays specific opportunities based on NAICS codes.
• Only approved vendors can view and bid on these opportunities.

Bidding Process

• Bidding is Necessary: Even with a GSA schedule, bidding is required.
• Process involves providing proposals, price quotes, and sometimes presentations.
• Example of past contract experience with credit card payments.

Strategies and Recommendations

• Consider hiring a professional to assist with GSA schedule application.
• Changing political climates can affect the availability of certain contracts.

Conclusion

• Key Takeaway: No contracts are simply given out; bidding is always required.
• GSA schedule helps reduce competition but requires effort to join and utilize effectively.
• Promotion of proposal resources and coaching services offered by the speaker.

Final Thoughts

• Be proactive in seeking opportunities.
• Utilize available resources to improve bidding success.

Resources:

• Proposal That Wins
• Winners Way Book