Gregory Ricks 
If you’ve ever submitted government contracts bid, you’ve likely wondered how to make the most of your proposals. Many factors play a role, including cost-specificity, SAM profile, surge requirements, Flexible option, and SAM vs. competitive. Read on to find out whether you’re eligible for a government contract. You might be surprised to learn that you can use these same factors to improve the success of your bid.
Cost-specificity
The cost-specificity of government contracts has several advantages. The government is less likely to accept a low-cost bid that is not specific enough to be competitive. Depending on the contract, a cost-specific government contract may be used to purchase goods or services for a single-time use or a recurring need. Cost-specific contracts are typically issued in task orders and delivery orders.
In addition to direct costs, contractors must also account for indirect costs. Direct costs are the costs directly incurred during the performance of a specific contract, whereas indirect costs benefit multiple contracts and the company as a whole. Overhead costs are expenses not directly related to the performance of the contract. They include indirect labor, supplies, rent, utilities, and training. Government contractors should track indirect costs to avoid misunderstandings and inaccuracies.
SAM Profile
To qualify for government contract bids, you must have a valid SAM profile. SAM is the government’s central registration repository. Prospective contractors must register with SAM and provide background information. They must update their information once a year, and any changes in the data need to be updated. The information that is provided must be current and accurate. After creating the SAM profile, prospective contractors must add and update information in all relevant sections.
SAM registration involves submitting all pertinent information clearly and accurately. The SAM workspace will allow you to monitor the progress of your registration, but keep in mind that it will take ten business days to be active. Once registered, you must update your profile annually, or it will become invalid. Moreover, SAM registration is not free, so it is essential to take the time to ensure accuracy. This will help the contracting officials find the right business.
Surge Requirements
Many DoD long-term contracts specify surge requirements, which are excess quantities that must be available for rapid delivery. These are most commonly used during wartime or unforeseen surges in demand. Surge items are listed separately on a government contract bid, allowing vendors to reflect a premium price for the extra equipment, workforce, and shipping costs that may be required to meet surge demands. These requirements can make or break a government contract bid.
The government must ensure that the contractor meets the QAP. This includes providing historical data on workloads in significant performance categories. This data is used to estimate future work requirements. It is crucial for both the offeror and the incumbent to be familiar with the work to ensure that the price quoted is realistic. If the incumbent contractor is unwilling to provide this information, they may be excluded from the bid. In addition, the government must ensure that the contractor can meet the PWS requirements.
Flexible Option
If you have ever worked on a government contract, you know the benefits of having a flexible option. These contracts usually set a price ceiling for labor, materials, and other services. In some cases, there is no price ceiling, and you can be paid based on the cost of materials or per-hour labor. But there is a catch. These contracts are often short-term, and the government could terminate them if you don’t meet expectations.
To have successful government contract bids, careful planning and thorough thinking with effective strategies are a must. Seeking for professional help from government contracting companies to efficiently sell your services is also highly suggested.
If you want to learn more on how to make the most of your government contracts bid,you can visit EEE Publishing, LLC’s website.
