Economic Stimulus is Coming – Start Now to Position Your Company for Success
The race is on! President-elect Barack Obama pledged quick work on an economic stimulus plan that will increase federal government spending on our infrastructure. To ensure swift progress, he met with the nation’s governors to get their advice on designing a stimulus package to help their hard-hit states.
Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, a Democrat who chairs the National Governors Association, told reporters there are upward of $136 billion in infrastructure projects, chiefly for bridge and road construction and repairs, that can get started especially quickly. Water and sewer projects are other major needs. In a word of caution to lawmakers, Obama later added, “With our economy in distress, we cannot hesitate or delay.” He said that the first priority would be “shovel-ready” projects – those that could create jobs right away. It’s my view that unprecedented levels of contracting assistance will be needed nationwide to implement the new economic stimulus package. And of course, it is very likely that the sheer quantity of projects will be overwhelming to most businesses. Onvia has reviewed an initial list of over 11,000 “shovel-ready” infrastructure projects in segments such as water, transportation and educational building construction and repairs.
At this very moment, state and local governments are preparing to roll out their infrastructure projects in anticipation of the economic stimulus plan’s passage soon after Obama takes office on Jan. 20. It goes without saying (although I can’t refrain from saying it!!) that the only place you will get visibility into ALL the economic stimulus projects, and first, is at Onvia. However, remember that the minute these projects are announced, competition for the contracts is going to be fierce. The only way you will have a realistic chance of getting a project is to get your ducks in a row now.
How do I Get Ready to Compete for Infrastructure Projects?
Here’s what I suggest you do to get ready.
You’ve probably heard of “pre-qualified vendor lists”. Many businesses work diligently to get on these lists, because it can put a company one step closer to being awarded a government contract. In some cases, solicitations are issued solely to a pre-qualified vendor list, and you will never see an RFP unless you are on the list. Approved vendor lists are also the first place agencies turn to when looking for contractors to support projects under the purchasing threshold. To make your job easier, we’re tracking all economic stimulus spending at recovery.org.
To get set up on an approved vendor list, you will need to fill out the approved or preferred vendor form. When you are filling out your government vendor approval form, be sure to fill it out carefully and thoroughly. If you forget to fill out any of the requested information, it could stop you from being awarded a government contract. Even if you are already on a few approved vendor lists, it is a good idea to get on multiple lists.
There are several ways to get on approved vendor lists. You can call the agencies or go to their websites. In addition, you can sign up for a service that automatically notifies you when agencies put out calls for approved vendors. For example, over the past 12 months, 143 professional service roster solicitations and 813 small works roster (pre-qualified vendor lists) were issued by the public sector purchasing departments that Onvia covers.
Don’t be kept on the sidelines because you weren’t on the approved vendor list of an agency looking for contractors to support infrastructure projects. This simple, yet important step can position your company for success.
editor said,
February 2, 2009 @ 11:59 amIt’s great that you’re taking the initiative to build your business and stay ahead of the economy, Mike. I’ll have someone contact you offline to talk about how Onvia can help you build your recession strategy.
BJ CONSTRUCTION,INC. said,
March 4, 2009 @ 9:54 amWE ARE LOOKING FOR WORK IN THE AREA OF IDAHO. WE DO WORK, ROADS, EXCAVATION, HAULING, DOZING, AND ELECTRICAL WORK. RECLAMATION OF OLD MINING SITES IS IN THE MAKE WE ARE INTERESTED IN THIS TYPE OF WORK FOR OUR BUSINESS AND ANY WORK OR PROJECTS THAT FIT OUR BUSINESS. WE ARE A SMALL BUSINESS IN A RURAL AREA AND THE ECONOMY IN THE AREA IS AT A DEAD STOP AT THIS TIME. SO WE ARE IN THE NEED TO KEEP EMPLOYEES WORKING THIS YEAR AND BEYOND. YOUR HELP IS NEED BADLY.
THANK YOU
GREGORY “JOHN” ESSER
PRES/MANAGER
editor said,
March 4, 2009 @ 12:05 pmWith the funding from Obama’s economic stimulus starting to flow down to government agencies at the federal, state and local levels, there will definitely be increased opportunity in 2009, and you’re in the right line of business for it - road construction, resurfacing, and electrical retrofitting will all be targeted by stimulus funding. An Onvia Contracting Specialist will contact you to help you start receiving targeted business opportunities - in the meantime, I suggest reading Generate Marketing Leads and Sales Leads Sooner, Find Government Contracts before an RFP Announcement, and Secure Local Government Contracts for your Small Business. Best of luck!
Steven J. Austin said,
March 4, 2009 @ 1:01 pmOur company completes background investigations on job applicants for businesses and municipalities nationwide (since 1991). Do you think stimulus money will allow for this when it comes to building new workforces? Or if the Obama plan to let anyone work who simply shows up and asks for a job?
editor said,
March 4, 2009 @ 2:03 pmGreat question.
I think the level of background check required will vary from project to project. It’s important to remember that most of the stimulus money will be going to contracting. Many, but not all, government RFPs do require that a contractor’s employees have been adequately background-checked, but those employees work for the contractor, not the agency. The job creation aspect of the economic stimulus package is intended to create work for American businesses, allowing them to continue using their existing employees as well as expand to new employees.
As a background check company, I’d recommend that you seek out subcontracting opportunities with government contractors who are winning government contracts - they may be looking to expand workforce. Government agencies also usually need background check services, and don’t forget that they’ll be trying to do business as usual as well as work on stimulus projects. Rather than wait for an RFP to come out, start contacting government decision makers in your area now to build relationships and make them aware of your services. Read our Government Marketing section for more information.
Mary Lou Aubrey said,
March 24, 2009 @ 10:21 pmPlease tell me that the stimulus money is not just going to minority-owned business. I have a cousin that owns a Paint and Glass store and for the last 25 years has done a tremendous business. With the economy tanking, especially in the housing industry, you can tell what it has done to his business. I need to know where to tell him to go to be able to get work not only for his business, but also for his employees.
editor said,
March 25, 2009 @ 1:12 pmHi Mary Lou,
Stimulus funding should be going to businesses of all shapes and sizes. What projects are actually funded will vary from state to state and agency to agency, but construction will be a huge part of it. Your cousin should consider investigating partnering, teaming and subcontracting opportunities with construction companies who are pursuing stimulus contracts - paint and glass will most likely be bundled in to a larger contract. To start tracking all of the economic stimulus spending as it flows out to agencies, visit recovery.org.
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Mike Johnson said,
January 25, 2009 @ 10:26 amWe are a small General Engeneering co in this tough economic
season we are learning to take the tools we have & move foward agresivly thank you for your help.
Mike Johnson