Businesses and Government Contracts

What are resources for businesses interested in obtaining or maintaining government contracts?

Have you ever thought about doing business with local, city, county, state, or federal government? Think of all of the services and goods required - from websites, cleaning supplies, training, furniture, transportation, national defense projects to even simple things like pencils and paperclips… Government contacts are a great way to grow, expand, or diversify your existing business to generate more revenue! However, there are basic requirements and some strategic business planning that will need to take place, much like any other business venture, in order to make sure your business is positioned to obtain, maintain, and execute successful contracts. We can help you get started!

Through the Department of Commerce, Minnesota's Procurement and Technical Assistance Program (PTAC) offers all Minnesota business the opportunity to identify new and existing market opportunities. PTAC will also advise, assist, and prepare businesses and minority businesses with required applications, certifications, and registrations necessary in order to coordinate the next steps. In addition to business meetings with new and existing clients, workshops, events, networking, awards, and other opportunities are made available Statewide. Minority owned businesses are encouraged to apply.

Once government contract(s) are obtained, there may be additional requirements to maintain general compliance agreements with the overseeing agency involved. For an example, Federal Contractors should periodically review the Department of Labor (DOL) regulations and become familiar with the Office of Federal Contract Compliance (OFCCP), which plays an important role in enforcing the law to ensure affirmative action and equal employment opportunity requirements of those who do business with the Federal government. Businesses may be required to hire and track recruitment efforts of specific targeted groups, such as Veterans and other targeted groups, as specified by the law.

So what are some simple, no-cost solutions to help employers with existing contracts connect with Veterans? Businesses are encouraged to register on Minnesota's Official State Labor Exchange website, https://www.minnesotaworks.net/ to post and track jobs. For information on tax credits, (up to $4,800.00 per qualifying Veteran hire); for general recruitment assistance; and for help connecting to Veteran's networking groups, local events, and awards for employers who hire Veterans; please contact Minnesota Business Services for no-fee resources to help your business with OFCCP compliance.

Finally, the Defense Alliance aims to enhance the already-successful network of people and firms created by the Minnesota Defense Industry Roundtable (and the associated on-line Newsletter) begun in 2003. The ultimate goal is to network and expand the defense industry job base and further promote this region's important contributions to the Nation’s defense. Membership is free. Click on the above link for more information.

Need more information about obtaining government contracts? Watch the hour-long BusinessConnection webinar recorded December 8, 2010 Government Contracts: How To Obtain and Keep Them.