CURRICULUM FOR THE GOVERNMENT BUSINESS INCUBATOR

INTRODUCTION

 

Session 1: Overview of Government Business Incubator

• What is the Government Business Incubator?

• Introduction to Government Contracting

• Do You Speak Governese?

• 5 P's Success Formula: P+P+P+P = P

• What You Will Receive (CFCP Certification)

 

PREPARATION PHASE

 

Session 2: Assessment – Assessing Your Current Situation

• Getting Started in the Government Market

• Business Infrastructure

• Business Development

• Other Business Considerations

• Personal Development

 

Session 3: Strategy – Creating a Strategic Plan

• Establishing a short-term government contracting plan

• Establishing a long-term government contracting plan

• Getting Your Finances in Order / Raising Capital

• Other strategy considerations

 

Session 4: Education – Learning a New Language

• Government Contracting 101

• Taking more online courses

• Understanding the Regulations

 

Session 5: Contract Vehicles – Government Buying Methods

• Micro Purchase/SAP/Credit Cards

• GSA Schedules/GWAC/BPA

• Sole Source/Certifications/Set-Asides

• IDIQ/MATOC/SATOC

• 8(a) STARS/SEAPORT-E/ITES

• Reverse Auctions

• Solicitations/RFP/RFI/RFQ/Sources Sought/Pre-Sols/IFB

 

Session 6: Registration – Getting Registered with Government Agencies

• Federal Registration – Sam.gov / DSBS.SBA.gov / FBO.gov

• State Registration

• Local Registration

• Commercial Registration

 

Session 7: Certifications – Obtaining Certifications for Small Businesses

• Federal Certifications – 8(a), SDVOSB, HUBZone, ED/WOSB, etc

• State Certifications – DBE 

• Local Certifications

• Commercial Certifications

 

PROMOTION PHASE

 

Session 8: Image – Creating your Brand to Speak to Government Buyers

• Creating a Professional Image

• Marketing Tools for Government Contractors

• Capability Statements

• Capability Brief (Power Point Presentation)

• Capability Video

• Capability Page/Website

• Business Card

 

Session 9: Marketing – Engaging Government Buyers

• Marketing Basics

• Email Strategies

• Networking Events & Opportunities

 

Session 10: Relationship – Getting to Know Government Buyers

• Building Relationships in a New Culture

• Small Business Officers

• Contracting Officers "KO"

• Subcontracting with Primes & Large Contractors

• Teaming/JV

• Mentor Protégé Programs

• Other marketing strategies

• Building your internal Government Contracting Dept

• Consider using Consultants/Coaches to help with Marketing

 

Session 11: Review Week

• Review Sessions 1-10

• Review work completed

• Quiz

 

 

PROPOSAL PHASE

 

Session 12: Opportunity – Finding Contracting Opportunities

• Types of Opportunities (understand the different types of opportunities)

• Federal Procurement Process (Purchasing Cycle, FAR 7.105, Fiscal Year)

• How to find Contract Opportunities

• Past Project/Current Opportunities/Future Projects (Forecasts)

• How to find Grant Opportunities

 

Session 13: Proposal Writing – Part I

• Understanding the Proposal Regulations

• Review Contracting Vehicles

• Solicitations/RFP/RFI/RFQ/Sources Sought/Pre-Sols/IFB

• Preliminary Preparation for Bid/Proposal

• Getting Teaming/MP/Subcontractors in Place

• Sample Teaming Agreements 

• NDA & Other Documents

• Proposal development insights

• Preparing your Past Performance

 

Session 14: Proposal Writing – Part II

• Developing the Technical Proposal

• Guidance: Section L & M and SOW

• Developing the Price/Cost Proposal

• Contract Cost Principles & Procedures FAR Part 31

• Preparing the Response

• Proposal Resources

• Requirement Matrix

• Proposal Templates

• Filing Protests

• Asking for Debriefs – Guaranteed Appointment with Government Buyers

 

PERFORMANCE PHASE

 

Session 15: Performance - Delivering Your Product/Service

• Performance Agenda

• Facility Clearance

• Mobilizing on Your Project

• Getting Your Mobilization Fund in Place

• Transitioning from Current 

 

Session 16: Compliance – Complying with Legal Obligations

• Make sure that you stay in Compliance

• Read the FAR - especially Part 3

• Seek Legal Counsel specializing in the government space

• DCAA Compliance - Seek the help of a CPA specializing in the government space

• View the Government agencies website for supplements to the FAR

• Create an Ethics Program for your Company

• Employees should know who to contact if there is an ethical question

 

Session 17: Close Outs – Closing out the Project

• Payroll Strategies

• Invoicing Government Buyers

• WAWF – Wide Area Work Flow and other Portals

• HR Compliance

• Quality Assurance Programs – ISO’s/CMMI/ITEL/etc.

 

 

CONCLUSION

 

Session 18: Review Sessions 1-17

• Review work completed

• Review 5 P’s / ASERIM ROPP-CC (12 Steps)

• Prep for CFCP Certification

• Q&A Time

 

Session 19: Test Week

• Take CFCP Certification Test

• Congratulations – Award Completion Certification

• Next Steps