Government Contracting Consultants

Government contracting takes time, effort and a good deal of expertise, both to land and to manage. For this reason, many government contractors choose to bring in an outside consultant to help them out. However, not every government contract consultant has the same expertise. Different types of government contract experts specialize in different aspects of contracting with the government. No single government contract consultant can guarantee your success, but they can tackle problem areas and suggest solutions. Before you hire a government contract consultant, make sure you understand what they offer, what they charge and what their value is to your business.

Government Proposal Consultant

A government proposal consultant is paid either to draft proposals or bids, or to analyze existing ones. An experienced proposal consultant should be able to find trouble spots that could torpedo a deal. With existing proposals, a proposal consultant may simply act as copy editors or provide an in-depth critique.

Government Business Development Consultant

A government business development consultant looks at a company’s products, services, market, competencies and competition with an eye on future government contracting opportunities. A government business development consultant may suggest new products, financing opportunities or business strategies that will make a company more attractive to government buyers.

Red Team

This is a group of government contract consultant experts that review a proposal or bid before it’s submitted to a government agency. Contract consultant experts check to make sure the document meets each requirement spelled out in the government’s solicitation. A red team may consist of employees, consultants or a combination of both. A proposal consultant can make a red team even stronger. Learn more about how a read team contributes to proposal review.

Government Document Preparation Consultant

A government document preparation consultant is different from a government proposal consultant. This contract consultant helps companies deal with confusing forms, certifications and documentation. A document preparation contract consultant looks for errors or problems that may hamper potential bidders. Document preparation consultants may also prepare paperwork for submission to government agencies.

Project Management Consultant

A government contract consultant who wears this hat oversees the day-to-day work on the contract, making sure the company stays on track and delivers its goods or services on time and according to government specifications.

Government Contract Administration Consultant

This contract consultant involves keeping in touch with the government agency and making sure the company fulfills the terms of the contract. At times, attorneys fill this role, administering contract changes, and interpreting the government’s rules and requirements.

Dispute and Protest Consultant

When deals go bad, a legal storm can result. Attorneys help businesses make their case with contracting officers, agency boards and possibly the court system.

Government Contract Consultants: What to Look For

When searching for a government contract consultant, demand that any consultant be up-front and critical so you hear about problems this way rather than when a proposal is rejected or a deadline is missed.

Make sure you understand the government contract consultant’s competencies to find the right fit. Here are some questions to ask when assessing the abilities of a government contract consultant:

• What are your credentials and background? How well do you know my industry? How well do you understand contracting with the government? Have you ever worked in similar situations before?
• What is your area of expertise? What specific issues can you help us deal with? How have your solutions worked for previous clients?
• Can you show us specific ways our company can find more contracting opportunities, produce more successful bids or more easily manage our existing contracts?

Finally, a few words of warning:

• Don’t expect miracles: No contract consultant can change the policies of the Department of Defense or any other government agency. However, these people can make suggestions to improve difficult situations.
• Fee structure: Make sure you buy services that fit your specific issues.
• Useless information: Contract consultants who can’t help your company reach its goals aren’t worth the expense. Clarify what you expect at the outset. If one isn’t working out, simply cut the cord and move on.

More Information from Government Contracting Best Practices
Our RFP and Proposal Writing section has a wealth of tips on how to write a winning proposal. Just starting out with government contracting? Read How to Find Funding for your Contracting Business for advice on making the best funding decisions.

Jay Lawrence said,

August 7, 2009 @ 1:08 pm

My client is a law firm engaged in a general business compliance and litigation practice operating currently in seven states and London.

I am looking to hook up with a government consulting firm to obtain for them government business. Please let me know if you can assist them. Thanks. Jay.

editor said,

August 7, 2009 @ 3:12 pm

Jay – A lot of businesses use Onvia to find other government contractors for subcontracting and partnering on government business. I’ll pass your info along to an Onvia Contracting Expert, who can assess if we’ve got the kind of data you’re looking for.

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