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Keith Larson

40 videos covering the following topics: 

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40 videos covering the following topics: 

  • Procurement Basics            

     Registering in online catalog for off-the-shelf goods and services;  Multiple Award Schedules (MAS) for specialty items, Government Wide Acquisition contracts (GWACs),

  • Bidding

    Bid/No Bid Checklist, Identify Risk factors & mitigation techniques; 4 ways to bid; The Pricing Proposal, Technical Proposal; the 5 phases of a procurement.

  • Accounting, Financing & Bonding

    Acc'ting for Government Contractors, DCAA compliance, Financial Statements, Business Ratios, 12 ways to finance your Biz; Gov guarantee Bonding Program;

  • Marketing to the Feds

    Target Marketing; Network Marketing (Face-to-Face and LinkedIn); Elevator Pitch and Tag Lines; Who's Who; Branding;  Business card design, Capabilities Statement, Capabilities "White Paper".

Over 80 Downloadable Guides, including

  • GSA Readiness Assessment

  • Bid-No bid Checklist

  • Bonding Guidelines

  • FBO Vendor Guide

  • GSA Multiple Award desk reference

  • 1. 1. SAM Quick Start Guide for Contract Registrations 2. SAM User Guide 3.SAM Guide_for_Contract_Registrations 4. Quick Start Guide for Updating an Entity Registration 5. How to Become a Small Business Government Contractor of Choice 6. SBA Contracting Programs-Certs 7. SBA Certification Webinar_June 2021 8. SBAs_8a_Business_Development_Program_Eligibility 9. 8(a) Participation Agreement 10. SBA Contracting Programs-Certs 11. CFR 49 Definition of DBE 13. WOSB_NAICS-2016 14. WOSB Guide 15. WOSB Cert SoleProprietor 17. HUBZone checklist 18. HUBZone_Application_Guide 19. HUBZone_Cert_Form_3 20. SDVOSB-guide 21. VA 2021-afr-financial-results 22. Veterans First Act 23. How to Build and Nurture Customer Relationships Through Social Media 24. SBA IT System Development Methodology 25. Successful Government Marketing 26. Webpage Links 27. Beginners Guide to Branding 28. Executive Guide to Branding 29. a_guide_to_networking 30. complete-guide-to-networking 31. Networking Tips 32. how-to-use-linkedin-for-business 33. LinkedIn-Quick-Start-Guide 34. ultimate-linkedin-cheat-sheet-A4 35. Doing Business with the Air Force 36. Doing Business with the Coast Guard 37. Doing Business with The Navy Exchange Service Command 38. Business Opportunities with the Navy 39. How to do Business with the Army 40. Target Market Strategies 41. 8 Social Media Content Creation Tips 42. Social Media Marketing 43. Social Media Strategy for People Who Sell Stuff 44. GSA Contractor Reference Guide 46. GSA Multiple Award_desk_reference 47. GSA Pathways to Success DEC21_508 48. GSA Readiness Assessment DEC21 49. GSA Schedule Sales Query Instructions 50. GSA Small Business Resources 51. GSA Tutorial videos on Teaming 52. GSA Video Links 53. GSA Web Addresses 54. GSA-become an EMALL supplier 55. 10 tips and Bid Checklist 56. Bid-No bid Checklist 57. FAR 50 percent subcontracting rule update 58. Interested Vendors List in SAM 59. SBA proposals workbook 60. Teaming and JV Explained 61. Top 100 Federal Contractors FY19 62. FAR_Cost_Principles_Guide 63. FDIC Technical proposal Guide 64. NASA Earned Value Management Handbook 65. Tech prop Capabilities sample 66. Technical Proposal Outline 67. The action verbs 69. Joint venture &Teaming Part 1 70. Joint venture &Teaming Part 2 71. Joint Venture 101 72. Joint Venture Agreement sample 73. Joint Venture Legal def 74. Joint Venture Legal-and-Teaming. 75. Joint Venture Sample-Technical 76. Business Ratios Guide 77. DCAA Accounting_System slides 78. DCAA Manual 79. DCAA_Contract_Audit_Manual_January_2015 82. DoD_EMALL_instructions-508 83. USCODE-Prompt pmt act 84. CDC Loans 85. SBA Lending Chart 86. 7a-Loan-Fact-Sheet-Borrower-Version 87. SBA Guaranteed Loan Application Forms 88. Bonding Guide 89. Bonding Guidelines 90. Surety Bonds-The Consumer Guide

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Learn the best techniques for marketing to federal agencies
  • Get certified for a competitive advantage
  • Avoid the pricing error most bidders make
  • Consider 11 ways to finance your business

Syllabus

Students will have a top level understanding of the federal procurement process; how to register in SAM and be introduced to FedBizzOpps, certifications, and GSA
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Here's a little about my background

Overview and Searching For opportunities

If you aren't going after government contracts but need a Unique Entity ID, this video will show you how.

Search for competitors, potential teammates and primes

To emphasize the important points

What the 8(a) program is/Is not - Benefits - Eligibility Requirements

8(a) Application process - Mentor-Protégé Program - Program for High Tech 8(a)s

Learn about the 8(a) Application process - Mentor-Protégé Program - Program for High Tech 8(a)s

What We’ll Cover: ØBackground Ø“Veterans First” Law ØService-Disabled Vet Owned Biz (SDVOSB) Program

ØContract Set Asides and Sole Source Procurements ØEligibility ØApplication Process ØResources

We'll discuss §HUBZone Program Description §Its benefits §Requirements to qualify §6 steps to register as a HUBZone §Maintaining HUBZone Certification §HUBZone Joint Ventures §Marketing Tips

The 2021 Infrastructure and jobs act has greatly increased the demand for DBEs.

We'll explore •Government Marketing Fundamentals •Target Marketing •Bidding Prime vs Bidding to Primes

•Targeting Agencies and/or Primes • Market Research Tips •Organizations & Websites to connect primes with subs

Here are some important points

Lecture Outline: Ø The Elevator Pitch Ø Business Cards Ø Capabilities Statement and “White Paper”

To hit the main points

More detail on how GSA operates: The benefits of having a GSA Schedule

Short tutorial for gov buyers on advantages of using GSA MAS and GWAC purchasing vehicles

Address some important points

Here’s what I’ll cover: § Bid/no bid checklist § Tips on Setting Target Price § Risk factors and mitigation techniques

Here's what you will learn: - Evaluation Team process - Judging factors - Plan-Do-Check-Act - Red Team Review

In Part 5b We’ll cover: Ø Cost Principles Ø Work Breakdown Structure Ø Preparing the Pricing Proposal

Joint Venture Outline: - Options For Bidding -Differences in Subbing, Teaming and JV-ing -Things to consider before JV-ing -50% Rule -How to search for a JV partner

Part 2 covers Contractor comments to an evaluation

Test you knowledge on bidding

We'll cover - Accounting Basics - General Ledger Accounts - Financial Statements - Financial Ratios -DCAA Checklist

Here’s the tutorial outline: - History of Bonding - Types of Bonds - SBA Bond Guaranty Program - Tips to Increase Bonding Capacity - Local Agency Assistance Programs

Understand basic accounting principles and compliance with DCAA when required

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides a comprehensive overview of federal procurement, covering registration, certifications, marketing, and proposal preparation, which are essential for businesses seeking government contracts
Includes numerous downloadable guides and resources, such as readiness assessments, vendor guides, and quick start guides, which can save time and effort for small businesses
Explores accounting principles, DCAA compliance, financial statements, and business ratios, which are crucial for government contractors to manage their finances effectively
Covers marketing strategies tailored for federal agencies, including networking, capabilities statements, and elevator pitches, which can help businesses stand out in the competitive landscape
Discusses GSA Multiple Award Schedules (MAS) and Government Wide Acquisition Contracts (GWACs), which are important avenues for selling goods and services to the federal government
Examines 11 ways to finance a business and government guarantee bonding programs, which may be useful for businesses seeking capital to support their operations

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Reviews summary

Overview of federal contracting

According to students, this course offers a solid overview of the federal government contracting process. Many found the instructor's expertise and clear explanations helpful, particularly praising modules on certifications and bidding strategies. The inclusion of downloadable resources is frequently highlighted as a major value add. However, some learners noted that certain information, specifically regarding government websites like SAM.gov, can be outdated due to frequent changes, potentially requiring supplemental research. A few also mentioned minor audio/video quality issues in older sections. Overall, it's seen as a good starting point, better suited perhaps for beginners seeking a foundational understanding.
More theory than practical application.
"Good for theory, maybe less so for current practice or step-by-step guides."
"Expected more practical 'how-to' steps, felt like a high-level overview."
"Provides a good conceptual framework but less on the day-to-day tasks."
Provides a solid foundational overview.
"Excellent overview of the process. A very thorough introduction."
"Good starting point, covers the basics well for someone new."
"Highly recommend for anyone starting out in government contracting."
Valuable guides and downloads included.
"Lots of great downloads. The section on certifications was particularly helpful."
"The included guides and templates filled in gaps and are practical."
"Over 80 downloadable guides... a treasure trove of information."
Clear explanations from a pro.
"The instructor clearly knows this field inside and out. Made complex topics easy to grasp."
"Expert guidance through the labyrinthine world of federal contracts."
"His explanations were straightforward and easy to follow, even for complex topics."
Audio/video quality needs improvement.
"Could improve the audio quality in some older videos; it's sometimes hard to hear clearly."
"A few videos have low resolution or distracting background noise."
"The production quality isn't the highest, but the content is good."
Some content needs refreshing (e.g. SAM).
"Some information seems slightly out of date regarding the SAM website and procedures."
"Outdated. SAM system changed, and the course hasn't been fully updated."
"Wasted my time because some key practical steps shown were no longer current."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Learn Federal Government Contracting From An Expert with these activities:
Review Government Contracting Basics
Reinforce foundational knowledge of government contracting principles to better understand the course material.
Show steps
  • Review key definitions and concepts related to federal procurement.
  • Summarize the main steps in the federal contracting process.
  • Identify key agencies and regulations involved in government contracting.
Read "Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)"
Gain a deeper understanding of the legal and regulatory framework governing federal government contracting.
View Melania on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).
  • Focus on key sections related to bidding, pricing, and contract administration.
  • Take notes on important clauses and requirements.
Develop a Sample Capabilities Statement
Practice creating a compelling capabilities statement to effectively market your business to federal agencies.
Show steps
  • Identify your company's core competencies and strengths.
  • Research relevant NAICS codes and past performance data.
  • Draft a concise and persuasive capabilities statement.
  • Solicit feedback from peers or mentors on your draft.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Bid/No-Bid Checklist
Develop a practical tool to evaluate potential government contract opportunities and make informed bidding decisions.
Show steps
  • Identify key criteria for evaluating government contract opportunities.
  • Develop a checklist with clear and concise questions for each criterion.
  • Assign weights or scores to each criterion based on its importance.
  • Test your checklist on past opportunities to refine its effectiveness.
Write a Blog Post on a Government Contracting Topic
Solidify your understanding of a specific government contracting topic by explaining it in a blog post.
Show steps
  • Choose a relevant and interesting topic related to government contracting.
  • Research the topic thoroughly and gather supporting information.
  • Write a clear and engaging blog post explaining the topic.
  • Edit and proofread your post before publishing.
Attend a Government Contracting Networking Event
Connect with industry professionals and learn about current trends and opportunities in government contracting.
Show steps
  • Research and identify relevant networking events in your area.
  • Prepare an elevator pitch to introduce yourself and your company.
  • Attend the event and actively engage with other attendees.
  • Follow up with contacts you made after the event.
Read "The Government Contracts Reference Book"
Expand your knowledge of government contract law and regulations with a comprehensive reference book.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of "The Government Contracts Reference Book."
  • Review chapters related to areas of interest or specific challenges you face.
  • Use the book as a reference tool when encountering complex legal or regulatory issues.

Career center

Learners who complete Learn Federal Government Contracting From An Expert will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Contract Specialist
A Contract Specialist is in charge of managing contracts, ensuring compliance, and negotiating terms with vendors. This course helps those interested in becoming a Contract Specialist by providing a solid foundation in federal government contracting. The procurement basics, bidding processes, and compliance requirements covered in the 40+ videos and downloadable guides are directly relevant to the responsibilities of a Contract Specialist. The course's syllabus provides a complete overview of the federal procurement process, certifications, and GSA, all of which are critical for success in this role.
Government Contract Administrator
Government Contract Administrators manage the administrative aspects of government contracts, ensuring compliance with federal regulations. This course is an excellent resource for professionals aspiring to become Government Contract Administrators by covering essential topics such as procurement processes, compliance requirements, and financial management. The course's overview of accounting principles for government contractors, DCAA compliance, and bonding requirements are particularly useful. The syllabus helps one learn how to prepare a winning bid or proposal.
Proposal Manager
Proposal Managers lead the preparation and submission of proposals for government contracts, ensuring they are compliant and competitive. This course is a great fit for aspiring Proposal Managers by providing a detailed understanding of the federal procurement process and proposal writing. The course's coverage of bidding strategies, pricing proposals, and technical proposals are highly relevant. If you want to see if GSA is right for your business, this course can help
Procurement Manager
Procurement Managers oversee the acquisition of goods and services, often specializing in government contracts. This course helps one seeking a role as Procurement Manager by providing comprehensive knowledge of federal government contracting. The course's focus on procurement basics, bidding strategies, and marketing to federal agencies are essential for success in this role. The course’s marketing techniques, target marketing, and networking will allow a Procurement Manager to interface successfully with the clients and grow the book of business. The downloadable guides and resources also provide valuable references for navigating the complexities of federal procurement.
Business Development Manager
Business Development Managers identify and pursue new business opportunities, often within the federal government contracting space. This course helps those seeking to become a Business Development Manager by providing valuable insights into marketing to federal agencies, networking strategies, and proposal preparation. The course's focus on target marketing, capability statements, and elevator pitches are crucial for success in this role. Furthermore, the course goes over how to finance your business. The certifications overview is also helpful.
Subcontracts Manager
Subcontracts Managers oversee the management of subcontracts within government contracting projects, ensuring compliance and efficient execution. This course helps individuals hoping to become a Subcontracts Manager by providing insights into the federal procurement process, bidding strategies, and joint ventures. The course's coverage of teaming agreements, the 50 percent subcontracting rule, and contractor performance evaluations are highly relevant. The course's training to search for partners and teammates can be useful.
Contract Negotiator
Contract Negotiators are vital in establishing the terms, conditions, and pricing of contracts, ensuring favorable outcomes for their organizations. This course helps aspiring Contract Negotiators by equipping them with a comprehensive understanding of federal procurement, bidding processes, and financial considerations. The course's detailed sections on preparing winning proposals, identifying risk factors, and mastering cost/price proposals are directly applicable to the negotiation process. Studying the material in this course will aid a contract negotiator.
Compliance Officer
Compliance Officers ensure that organizations adhere to relevant laws, regulations, and policies, particularly in government contracting. This course may be useful for those seeking a Compliance Officer role by providing a thorough understanding of federal procurement regulations and compliance requirements. The course's coverage of DCAA compliance, bonding requirements, and ethical considerations are particularly relevant. The course also covers the SBA mentor protege programs, and HUBZone, and veteran certifications.
Government Relations Specialist
Government Relations Specialists build and maintain relationships with government agencies, advocating for their organization's interests. This course may be useful for a career as a Government Relations Specialist, particularly if their organization is involved in federal contracting. The course's insights into federal marketing, networking strategies, and understanding the federal procurement process are valuable for building effective relationships with government stakeholders. The course also discusses multiple award schedules, GWACs, reverse auctions & blanket purchase agreements.
Program Manager
Program Managers oversee the execution of government contracts, ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required standards. This course may be valuable for current or aspiring Program Managers working on government contracts. The course's coverage of proposal preparation and the pre/post award phase will be of great use, and help provide a holistic vision of the entire federal procurement process. Additionally, the course dives into the evaluation process to assess programs.
Grants Manager
Grants Managers oversee the application for and administration of grants, ensuring compliance with grant requirements and effective use of funds. This course may be useful for Grants Managers by providing insights into federal regulations, compliance, and financial management. The course's coverage of accounting principles, financial statements, and DCAA compliance are particularly relevant. The course also mentions CDC loans, and the SBA lending chart.
Contract Attorney
Contract Attorneys specialize in the legal aspects of contract law, including drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts. While a law degree is a prerequisite, this course may be helpful for Contract Attorneys who want to specialize in federal government contracts. The course's overview of the federal procurement process, compliance requirements, and legal considerations can enhance their understanding of this specialized area. The course will show what the 8(a) program is and is not.
Management Consultant
Management Consultants provide expert advice to organizations on how to improve their performance and efficiency. This course may be useful for Management Consultants who want to help businesses improve their federal government contracting practices. The course's coverage of procurement processes, bidding strategies, and compliance requirements can inform their recommendations. The course goes over the 8(a) application process, and ways to search for JV partners.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts provide guidance to businesses and individuals making investment decisions. This course may be useful for Financial Analysts who want to work at companies who deal with the federal government. The course's coverage of financing your business, and the SBA loan programs webinar can be valuable tools for their analysis. The course covers business ratios, and the DCAA manual.
Market Research Analyst
Market Research Analysts study market conditions to examine potential sales of a product or service. This course may prove useful to Market Research Analysts who operate at a company that contracts for the government. The course's coverage of government market research, and targeting marketing tips can be directly relevant to the responsibilities of a Market Research Analyst. The course covers how to search for competitors and potential teammates.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Learn Federal Government Contracting From An Expert.
Serves as a comprehensive guide to the intricacies of government contracts. It covers a wide range of topics, including contract formation, performance, and dispute resolution. It is particularly useful as a reference tool for understanding complex legal and regulatory issues. This book adds more depth to the existing course.

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