Federal Grants and Contracts
Federal Grants
WSW tracks federal competitive grants from their inception in legislation until the funding opportunity is announced, devoting considerable resources to ensure our clients are aware of every relevant grant opportunity available. We track grant announcements through all appropriate Executive Branch agencies, the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance, and online federal grant portals. Additionally, we monitor the Federal Register each day for pertinent agency committee meetings, information collection activities, and notices related to funding opportunities.
Other firms and many of our clients take these actions, too. What distinguishes WSW from the pack is our ability to create opportunities for our clients where none exist, or uncover hidden opportunities. We’re able to do this from our vast experience identifying and securing federal grants, and the network of connections we’ve developed with the program managers who administer these grants.
Have you been unsuccessful in obtaining grants on your own? WSW can analyze your efforts, and help you gain insights into the process to see why your requests may have failed. Having this extra insight can mean the difference between winning and losing proposals in the future.
Federal Contracts Overview
As the nation’s largest employer, the federal government offers extensive opportunities for contractors or vendors to gain work.
However, knowing about these opportunities – and landing the contract – requires an awareness and knowledge of the processes involved that most on the outside don’t possess.
Of course, it’s possible to win government contracts on your own. But, having an experienced team behind your efforts enhances your chances of succeeding. WSW will orient you with various agencies to discover the newest opportunities for your organization, navigate the complex application processes, and help you compete and win contracts that can help your organization grow.
WSW Federal Contracting Services
Choose from a suite of services that can complement your in-house government marketing and contracting staff or serve as a turn-key contracting department.
Landscape Assessment
Oftentimes, the first step is evaluating the government’s need for your product or service, and then targeting your efforts to the specific agency buying locations. It may be a General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule contract, the Defense Logistics Agency Internet Bulletin Board (DIBBS), or a one-on-one agency buying office promotion. The landscape assessment helps you evaluate potential opportunities before you commit to a full-scale effort to secure federal contracts. You’ll receive an in-depth review of potential contracts that meet your needs and priorities.
Peer and Aspiration Analysis
This analysis enables you to better understand where companies similar to yours receive federal contracts. After you supply us with a target list of organizations, we’ll conduct a thorough review, and analyze where they’re finding success.
Preparing a General Services Administration Schedule
WSW not only identifies opportunities, but can assist with the very difficult and time-consuming GSA Schedule application process. We will also work with you to set up your Central Contractor Registration (CCR), a requirement for selling to federal agencies, and your Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA) listing, another federal requirement. WSW is experienced in developing, managing and negotiating these contract vehicles for clients, and advising on subsequent contract administration processes and issues.
Putting Your Best Foot Forward
Federal government procurement officials are not impacted by commercial marketing collateral and are less likely to attend major industry conferences or read industry journals. We work with you to develop the capabilities statements, website tweaks, cut sheets, and matchmaking meetings to reach this unique market.
Assessing Participation in Socioeconomic Programs
Firms can gain a marketing advantage if their owners are service-disabled veterans, minorities, or women, if they are located in areas of high unemployment, or if they are classified as small businesses according to their industry size standards. We work with you to assess your eligibility for these programs, and to get you properly registered. We then follow through with marketing support and outreach to position you to bid on contracts and teaming opportunities.
Identifying and Tracking Opportunities
WSW continually identifies and follows federal contracting opportunities from their inception in legislation to the annual budget process to advertising in FedBizOpps or release to Governmentwide Acquisition Contract (GWAC) holders. We keep you up-to date on new developments and anticipated opportunities, and make strategic plans based on the changing priorities of the federal government and those pass-through opportunities that become available at the state level.
Creating Teams to Meet Specific Needs
Major projects require multiple resources. No one company can fulfill the entire set of requirements so teaming has become popular, even essential. We will find and introduce you to the small and large businesses that fill the gaps in your qualifications through effective teaming agreements.
Set-Aside Alert Newsletter
Daily emails provide alerts of new federal contract opportunities; bi-weekly newsletters cover legislative and regulatory changes, upcoming training and networking events, long-term procurement notices, expert advice, and contact information for newly-certified firms and firms winning contracts. Many clients receive contracts through opportunities they discovered in Set-Aside Alert.
Direct Outreach to Federal Agencies
WSW doesn’t just passively monitor the contracts process. Instead, we actively engage decision makers in each of the key federal departments and agencies. WSW arranges direct meetings and calls with officials who govern programs and budgets, and can provide technical guidance. This allows you to gain valuable, firsthand insights about agency priorities, and to understand how to effectively tailor your marketing and pursue specific opportunities. Additionally, WSW can help you call on assistance from congressional representatives when needed to open the door.
Drawdown of Funds
Once contracts are awarded, WSW can facilitate the drawdown of funds, and monitor important reporting and compliance requirements.
WSW and Set-Aside Alert Forums and Contracting Workshops
These monthly forums enable you to meet key agency representatives and network with other business executives interested in contracts with that agency. Our workshops and summits focus on issues like size standards and subcontracting, business development, government proposal writing and contract administration. These workshops provide you with a deeper understanding of the federal contracting process, and enable you to meet with key officials.
Contact WSW at (202) 589-0800 for an initial consultation, or to learn more about how our services can help your organization succeed in Washington.
