Bidvantage understands that winning federal contract awards can be a daunting and challenging task. To get a better understanding of the reasons behind unsuccessful proposals, we reached out to various federal Subcontract Specialists. These individuals have years of experience in reviewing and evaluating proposals for federal contracts. We asked them specific questions regarding common mistakes and areas that businesses need to improve. Bidvantage recently conducted a training course on this topic and we wanted to provide you with a brief summary of the TOP 5 REASONS you’re not winning federal contract awards.
- Price:
One of the main reasons why small businesses are not winning government contract awards is that their pricing is not competitive enough. As a small business, it is important to carefully consider your pricing strategy and ensure that it aligns with the market and industry standards. One way you can do this is by looking at GSA schedules other companies have online before submitting your pricing to compare labor categories.
- Didn’t follow solicitation instructions:
Another common reason for small businesses not being awarded government contracts is not following the solicitation instructions carefully. It is crucial to thoroughly read and understand the requirements outlined in the solicitation before submitting your proposal. Failure to do so can result in disqualification, no matter how strong your proposal may be we’ve seen companies lose awards because they went over the page limit requirement. Simple, but can cost a business an award.
- The technical proposal was lacking key information:
In order to win a government contract, your technical proposal needs to address all the requirements outlined in the solicitation. Make sure to provide detailed and accurate information about your company’s capabilities, past performance, and relevant experience. Failure to do so can result in your proposal being deemed incomplete or lacking key information, leading to disqualification. Create a simple checklist of the criteria called out in the solicitation and follow it Bidvantage has a checklist you can utilize for FREE.
- Didn’t have the necessary certifications and/or past performance:
Many government contracts require specific certifications or past performance in order to be eligible for an award. If your business does not have these qualifications, it can put you at a disadvantage when competing against other businesses that do. It is important to continuously work towards obtaining relevant certifications and building a strong past performance record in order to increase your chances of winning government contracts. Are you registered with SAM.gov?
- Didn’t have a strong team or subcontractor support:
In addition to your company’s capabilities and qualifications, the government also looks at the strength of your team and any subcontractors you may be working with. Having a strong team with relevant experience and expertise can greatly enhance your proposal and increase your chances of winning. Make sure to thoroughly vet and select the right team members and subcontractors for each proposal you submit. For example, you’re a big business, but it calls for a small business set aside so get a teaming partner to complete at least 50% of the work to be eligible.
With Bidvantages FREE assistance, you can confidently submit a strong and competitive proposal that will set you apart from the competition and increase your chances of winning the government award. Our FREE training programs cover a wide range of topics including the bidding process, contract management, and compliance. We also provide tips on how to stand out from your competitors and win more contracts. Our team of experts has years of experience in the federal contracting industry and will share their knowledge with you, giving you an edge over other bidders!
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Wishing you WINS!
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