lindleyashline's blog

There are several types of government contracts, and the differences between them are not trivial. Each requires a unique approach to bidding, and a unique approach to performing the work. Understanding the distinct challenges and opportunities of each is vital if your business is to succeed as a ...

When the federal government decides to buy a product or service, it doesn't always know how many widgets -- or hours of an expert's time -- it will need. Most types of contracts the government uses require it to list exact quantities, so it occasionally needs the flexibility of an indefinite ...

When the government decides to purchase goods or services from the private sector, it follows a lengthy and complex process called the procurement process. Also called the acquisition or source selection process, it's bound by the Federal Acquisition Regulation and agency-specific rules. ...

Each federal government agency has a purpose and mission that is determined by the Constitution and subsequent government mandates. The agency develops its operational strategy in the way it believes will best help it accomplish that mission, considering available facilities, personnel, budgets and ...

Before you do any business with the government at all, you need to understand how the government buys things. The federal government is unlike any commercial entity in the world in the way it buys products and services, and underlying these purchases is a web of rules and regulations. The most ...

When you work for the government -- as a contractor or a government employee -- you're expected to act ethically. In fact, you shouldn't even appear to act unethically. That sounds easy enough, but what is "ethical" behavior? What if your definition is slightly different from your employer's or a ...

Planning is one of the most important things you can do for your government contracting business, and you should be starting right now. Companies develop plans to outline the steps they need to take to get from where they are today to where they want to be. The planning process helps grow your ...

From the White House down to single-employee companies, the message at this month's Give Me 5’s WOSB Procurement Opportunity Forum with the State Department’s OSDBU was clear: It's time for women-owned small businesses (WOSBs) to play a significant role in government contracting. Supporting ...

A time-and-materials contract can seem like the holy grail to contractors. The government, after all, avoids them whenever possible because they shift risk from the contractor to the contracting agency. There are good reasons, however, for contractors to approach them cautiously as ...

You’ve weighed the advantages and drawbacks of government contracting, and you’re ready to take the plunge. But are you really ready? Before you register as a potential contractor or start creating marketing materials, take a hard look at your current business processes and structure. You’ll ...