General Services Administration Schedules Solicitation - Assignment Example

General Services Administration (GSA) Schedules Solicitation

Introduction

In order to get GSA approved, getting it on the list, or even acquiring a schedule, the process is lengthy and complicated. Therefore, it requires careful consideration of every process in order to avoid missing very critical processes. All responses that are responding to Schedule solicitations should be submitted electronically through eOffer/eMod. The reason for the government to use this system is that it is secure and interactive, an aspect that simplifies the whole solicitation process for contractors and other aspiring contractors. The system uses the latest security measures which protect electronic signatures, an aspect that ensures data integrity. This is through utilizing the modern digital authentication technology.

Electronic Process

In order for a person to complete the solicitation electronically, he should read the documents thoroughly in order to understand all requirements. Failure to submit all required documents might result to the return of the offer, an increase in the processing time, or even losing the contract. The second step involves providing the requested information in the appropriated and requested format. This is to prevent any misunderstandings that might affect the process. When responding, one should submit a completed Standard Form 1499 together with the person’s electronic signatures (DiGiacomo, & Kleckner, 2014). In the section, it is important to note that only the authorized person who will enter into contracts should sign this form. The next step involves the submission of a dated copy of the commercial price lists. The list should have the Special Item Number next to all items that have been listed. Commercial Sales Practice Format (CSP-1) should be included in order to provide the relevant details regarding the pricing history (White, 2015).

Advantages of Electronic Submission Process over Classic Paper Solicitations

One of the main advantages of the electronic submission process is that it offers an easy-to-use and progressive screen design that enables the contractors and potential contractors to submit their schedule proposal. This is unlike the classic paper solicitation which requires a lot of manual work in order to get work done. Initially, contractors had to travel for long distances in order to ensure that their proposals reach the relevant government department on time. However, with the development of eOffer/eMod, contractors are able to submit their proposals with ease, an aspect that has increased the level of transparency when it comes to government contracting (White, 2015). The reason is that the page has simple designs that make it possible for any potential contractor to submit the proposal without having to go through the hurdles. Furthermore, the system is strong enough to support the traffic. This eliminates long lines and a lot of paper work that was associated with the previous method. This is because the system is able to guide the users through each step of the solicitation and modification process thereby enabling them to submit their proposals on time with no hitches.

The digital certificates play a critical role in ensuring that the integrity of proprietary data is maintained. While using the classical paper solicitation, signatures could be forged or officials handling the contracting issues could collide to ensure that some data are missing in order to give a certain contractor an advantage to win the contract (White, 2015). However, with the new system, these issues have been addressed comprehensively, an aspect that has increased the level of transparency by providing all contractors with a common ground.

The electronic submission process has reduced the delivery costs and the previous delays significantly. Initially, the costs of application were very high. Contractors had to hire agents to complete the process on their behalf. In addition, delays were common due to logistical issues and lack of clarification regarding the important steps of the process (DiGiacomo, & Kleckner, 2014). However, with the current systems, the submission is very fast and the necessary information regarding the process is readily available for the contractors.

The web-based process facilitates collaboration during the preparation of the proposal. Therefore, when a contractor is stuck, he can easily enquire about the process, an aspect that is critical in preventing delays and return of offers. Furthermore, through this system, they have an opportunity to enquire on the specific documents required for a certain contract (DiGiacomo, & Kleckner, 2014). On the other hand, they can seek more information regarding the electronic signature and ways to ensure that they protect their application process.

Company Analysis

My company has a chance of having its bid accepted. Government focuses on the potential of a business to provide it with products and services that meet the outlined specifications. In addition, the administration is focused towards promoting small businesses with the aim of creating job opportunities for the young people. Furthermore, these are companies that are playing a significant role in sustaining the economy through payment of taxes. Moreover, the fact that I am disabled makes me even in a better position to win the contract. The reason is that government has a clause of ensuring that there is equity in distribution of contracts. However, I will base my contract not on my physical state but on the ability of the business to produce the required products. Following all the necessary steps and meeting the set parameters will put my business in a poll position to win the contract. The reason is that despite the size of the business, it has the ability to provide with high-quality products.

Arguing during the contract awarding process

My argument will be that my small business is able to focus on the fine details that are required in order to meet the required standards. Furthermore, the pricing negotiation will be based on the break-even price. This is to ensure that the business does not operate at a loss. However, I will try and squeeze the figures with 1% in order to make my deal look better than the rest of the competitors. I will handle this deficit by increasing the level of efficiency, an aspect that will lower the cost of production.

My arguments will be based on the volume of goods to be supplied and the amount of money that I will secure based on the contract. I will argue that large companies such as Boeing have various contracts across the world. As a result, it cannot be able to give the correct attention to this contract. Therefore, I am better positioned to ensure that I meet all the set parameters especially due to my long-term experience in the sector coupled with passion on building airplanes.

Value of loyal customers vs. GSA

Loyal customers have played a critical role in sustaining the operations of the business over the years. Even with the increasing levels of competition which has led to introduction of cheap substitutes, they have stood with the company, an aspect that has been significant in enabling the business to retain its position in the market. GSA is significant in boosting the financial position of the business. Getting finances in the market to expand the operations of the business has been one of the major challenges that have been facing the business. However, the contract is short-term and the government might shift its focus to other companies after the end of the contract. Therefore, my customers will be important in continuity of the business. As a result, the business will have to balance between the two. Therefore, it will not focus on the contract and forget the loyal customers who will be important after the expiry date of the contract.

Advantages of being a small company over being a lager firm

A small firm is able to manage the contract more effectively because it is not contracted in different sectors. Therefore, it is more likely to specialize on the supplying high-quality products. A small business is able to address the fine details in the contract because it has time to review each section. On the other hand, large businesses have the technology and experienced human resource to manage the contract more effectively. In addition, it has the resources to ensure that the contract details are met within a very short deadline (Curry, 2010). However, a small business has an advantage on the area of specialization. This makes it to produce quality products that are customized according to the details provided in the contract.

Marketing methods used to market to the federal government

Small Business Administration Procuring marketing

This is an ideal advertising platform that are mainly visited by contracting officers who rely on information on vendors that are certified in SBA’(a) (DiGiacomo, & Kleckner, 2014).

Mailing Lists

This is a strategy that involves getting the names and tittles of the targeted customers and sending them mails regarding the products and services being offered by the business (DiGiacomo, & Kleckner, 2014).

Associated Boards

This involves advertising on various federal executive boards with the message targeting the Federal Government audience (DiGiacomo, & Kleckner, 2014). This is critical in contacting people who will be interested in my products.

Conferences

This involves exhibiting the products in the conferences and high-end meetings with the aim of targeting the government audiences (DiGiacomo, & Kleckner, 2014).

Publications

This involves advertising the company’s abilities to the Federal movement through the print media or in government magazines (DiGiacomo, & Kleckner, 2014). This would familiarize the government officials with the products being produced by the company.

In order to market the products, I would use publications, conferences, and mailing lists. This is to ensure that I reach all the target market and I popularize the brand. In addition, the three methods are cost effective, compared to the rest (DiGiacomo, & Kleckner, 2014). Furthermore, they can reach a large number of government audiences, an aspect that will improve the value of the brand.