Week 1 - Are You Ready? - September 9 - 6pm - 8pm
Having a good understanding of your starting point is the best way create a plan to get into the procurement game. This seminar walks you through the nine questions a business owner should answer yes to before getting started on the path to being a government contractor or corporate supplier. You'll also learn about the three C's of contracting - Competency, Competitiveness and Capacity.
Week 2 - Getting Ready - September 16 - 6pm - 8pm
Now that you know where you stand in your readiness, attend this seminar to learn who, where, and how to put the missing pieces in place. You'll learn about how to register in Duns & Bradstreet and the federal government's Supplier Award Management System (SAM). You'll also learn how to not only create a "Capability Statement" for your company but also how to use it to promote your company in the procurement arena.
Week 3 - Leveraging Your Uniqueness - September 23 - 6pm - 8pm
You've put the pieces in place, now what? How does your company measure up to others operating in the same product or service category? Attend this seminar to learn strategies you can use to gain a leg up on your competition. From staying focused on your core business to acquiring certifications to joint venturing with a Prime, you'll learn how to leverage your strengths, while overcoming your weaknesses.
Week 4 - Can You Deliver on Contracts? - September 30 - 6pm - 8pm
All procurement comes down to the phrase - Make a Promise, Keep a Promise. Attend this seminar to learn how to assess your company's ability to fulfill the contracts it might win. There are many factors to consider. Whether it's access to inventory, sufficient capital to finance orders, or the ability to be bonded amongst others, having the capacity to follow through on your promises is critical.
Week 5 - Ready - Set - Wait! - October 7 - 6pm - 8pm
You're ready, you have your Duns, SAMS, NAICS codes, etc. Now it's time to jump in and learn how to research contracting opportunities. Attend this seminar to learn about the different search sites, how to interpret what you find and how to begin bidding on contracts, responding to Request for Proposals and building relationships with purchasing agents. Once you bid, now it's time to wait.