Contracting with the Federal Government

The Basics

General Information:

• US Small Business Administration
• Department of Defense Contracting
• Department of Defense Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP)
• Air Force Small Business
• Air Force Contracting

Resources for Getting Started

• Illinois Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTAC)
• System for Award Management (SAM) – Register to do business with the U.S. Government 
• North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)
• GSA Federal Supply Schedules, What is a GSA Contract? The Definitive Guide

How to Find Opportunities

• U.S. Government Official Contract Bidding Site
• GSA eBuy
• Bid Match
• Scott AFB Points of Contact
• Doing Business with U.S Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM)
• Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA)
• Small Business Innovation & Research Programs
  • SBIR Handout

Preparing Successful Proposals

• Preparing Successful Proposals

GovCon Cohort Classes in Southwestern Illinois

Southwestern Illinois businesses are now being offered free classes teaching the essential tools needed to be registered and certified to work on government contracts. These classes of the cohort lay the foundation to set up everything needed to work with federal, state, and local government.  Everyone that attends an entire 8-week session will receive a certificate of completion.

“The Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois is honored to partner with the Illinois Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) program for the GovCon Cohort. This effort helps minority, women, veteran-owned businesses and others on their journey to become qualified state and federal contractors,” said Dr. Ronda Sauget, executive director and CEO of the Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois.

“Learning how to work with the government contracting processes can be a very extensive process if you do not have any assistance,” said Theresa Ebeler, center director of the Illinois-PTAC at WIU.  “This is why the Illinois-PTAC at WIU helps businesses identify, compete for, and win government contracts.”

During the cohort, businesses learn how to do business with the Federal and State Government, understanding and obtaining diverse certifications, marketing to the Government, building a Capability Statement, proposal types, writing tips, and more. Each session will be divided into three sections, which includes a workshop/instruction, guest speakers, and task/flex time.

“The GovCon Cohort provides much needed guidance and educational advantages to the participants in being well informed about the contracting activities, engaged in the state and federal contracting process, and empowered to win the contract work and successfully complete the project,” said Dr. Ronda Sauget, executive director and CEO of the Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois.

The Illinois PTAC at WIU is provided through a cooperative agreement with the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and Western Illinois University (WIU). This partnership allows PTAC to provide firms with programs and resources at no charge. There are eligibility requirements for participation.  Requirements include membership in the Illinois SBDC/PTAC Network (no cost), two or more years in business, verifiable business income, or 8 weekly sessions of online learning.

For more information, please review the PTAC website at www.iira.org, call 618-420-8313, or email gocvon20@gmail.com.

GovCon Capability Statements from Class of 2020

• Byrd Consultants
• Byrd Consultants
• George A. Collins & Sons, Inc.
• Hank’s Excavating & Landscaping, Inc.
• J.I. Enterprises
• Luna Consultants
• SRM Construction Material and Supply
• T.I.E. Consulting, LLC
• Talent Building Associates, LLC

DISCLAIMER: The appearance of any commercial content or links on this site does not constitute official endorcement on behalf of the U.S. Air Force or Department of Defense.