Government Ready™: Certified Federal Government Supplier
Groundbreaking Education and Certification Program Elevates Small Business Contracting Opportunities
The National School of Government Contracting™ has established a groundbreaking education and certification program that raises the standards and preparedness of small businesses seeking access to government contracts.
"We are thrilled to lead this groundbreaking effort to advance opportunities for small business through the founding of the National School of Government Contracting and oversight of the Government Ready™: Certified Federal Government Supplier certification program," says Margot Dorfman, CEO of the U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce. "It is important that small businesses have a recognizable standard for preparedness to seek and secure government contracts. This important certification will assist acquisition professionals as they gage the preparedness of small businesses. And, it will assist capable small businesses to set themselves apart," continues Dorfman.
What is "Government Ready™" Certification?
A groundbreaking education and certification program provided by two of the leading national trade associations for small businesses under the leadership of the National Association of Small Business Contractors and the U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce. The "Government Ready™" education and certification program provides a clear path for small businesses seeking to prepare and position their businesses for federal contracting opportunities.
The "Government Ready™" program addresses preparedness and success drivers from entry to advanced levels providing quality opportunities for businesses of all experience levels.
By securing "Government Ready™" certifications and displaying the logo, a small business owner communicates clearly to federal contracting professionals that their business is serious and knowledgeable of the details and intricacies of government contracting.
What is the value of "government ready" for your business?
"Government Ready™" provides two clear values for your business:
First, you receive top-tier education from real inside experts in government contracting who know what it takes to be successful in the government marketplace.
Second, through leveraging the quality of the "Government Ready™" certification in your communications, you distinguish your business to government contracting professionals . Placing the "Government Ready™" certification in your company materials and your government capabilities statement shows government professionals your commitment and knowledge of the federal marketplace.
Levels of Education and Certification:
"Government Ready™" education and certification has three levels as detailed below:
Level I: [Three day training.] This level provides a thorough base level of understanding for doing business with the government. Topics will mainly focus on pre-award procedures and will include the following:
- Outline of the Federal Acquisition Regulations
- Contract Methods & Requirements to Advertise - Micro-Purchases, Simplified Acquisition Procedures, Sealed Bidding, Negotiation, Request for Quotations, Invitations for Bid, Request for Proposals, Commercial Items/Services, FEDBIZOPPS & various types of synopses
- Competition Requirements - Full & Open Competition, Full & Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources, Other than Full & Open Competition, Small Business Programs, latest policies related to obtaining competition
- Mandatory Sources - Priorities for use of government supply sources, Federal Prison Industries, etc.
- Contract Types & Risk - Level I provides a brief overview; more detail is provided in Level II
- Specifications - Design Specifications, Performance Work Statements
- General Contract Requirements - Determinations of responsibility, labor laws, bonding, Cost Accounting Standards
- Marketing to the Government - The basics of building awareness and respect for your business
- Subcontracting & Pursuing Subcontracting Opportunities
- Business Ethics & Conflicts of Interest
Level II: [Three day training.] This level is intended for those who have received Level I certification and have a basic knowledge of federal contracting rules and procedures. Topics will mainly focus on post-award procedures and will include the following:
- Contract Modifications
- Government Property
- Quality Assurance
- Claims & Disputes
- Termination Procedures
- Contract Types & Risk
- Technical Proposal Writing
- Cost Proposal Writing
Annual Certification Maintenance: A minimum of 10 hours of approved credits are required each year to stay current and maintain certification. These courses include: Teaming/Joint Ventures, Hot Issues & Buying Trends, Government Contracting Regulatory Highlights, Roundtable Discussion, etc.
Quality of Leadership
Two of the nation's leading trade associations came together to found the National School of Government Contracting. We are proud to announce Elaine Young as the National Director of the school and the Government Ready™ education/certification program.
The National Association of Small Business Contractors (NASBC) and the U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce (USWCC) came together to provide a much needed program to prepare and position small businesses for federal contracting success.
Through providing a very high quality education and certification program, NASBC and the USWCC have made it possible for small business owners to have a trusted partner in education/preparation and a respected certification that will assist well-prepared small business owners to position their businesses as "Government Ready™" - - prepared and ready for federal contracting.