Work with a PTAC

This method works much the same way as a bid-matching service, but costs you nothing (you are already paying for it with your tax dollars). Stop in the Procurement Technical Assistance Center nearest you, sign up to be a client, and get your prospective buyers and bid leads through the PTAC. Their automated systems scan hundreds of government and commercial web sites, delivering emails with the latest opportunities.

As you go through the process, the PTAC will be available to answer your questions or will refer you to someone who can. It can also get copies of specifications and standards for you at minimum cost and do some market research. In addition, it offers training in government procurement practices through seminars and conferences and assistance in understanding e-commerce. To locate the PTAC nearest you, go to the Association of Procurement Technical Assistance Centers web site, which has easy-to-use listings with up-to-date contact information.

Work Smart Using a bid-matching service or a PTAC actually identifies customers and gets bid leads in one step. Some leads will not prove to be biddable for a variety of reasons, but the leads themselves will give you a lot of useful information on an item, including the buying office. It "jump starts" you in the process.

As you identify government buyers, keep in mind that there are two parts of the federal government to look at: the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Civilian Agencies. As we mentioned earlier, the DoD is the largest buyer, but you may not fit there. Don't worry if you don't; remember that "green is green."

A list of the major government buying offices, both military and civilian, is available at Win Government Contracts. Additional information may be found at business.usa.gov and USA.gov.