u/Past_Routine6524

Hello, I'm very new to govcon and I am trying to figure out what I don't know but that I should know. I have been working with my local APEX accelerator office and another local group to help me figure out the way to our first contract (or sub). I would greatly appreciate some insights into things I should look into or consider that I have not yet.

Some context info: Small business, SDBE, HUBZone, NAISCS 541690 and 541990, no previous contracts, we have commercial experience in scientific consulting and technical due diligence reports.

Here is what I know/have done so far

1. CAGE code obtained
2. HUBZone and other certification applications have been submitted
3. Capability statement and slide deck templates have been made
4. Target agencies have been identified (do you usually select the parent agency or the subtier agency when identifying targets? Example: HHS vs FDA)
5. Identify prime contracts with set-aside requirements and make subcontracting/teaming accounts with those companies
6. Identify OSDBU for the agency/company and start building a connection
7. Set up a notification system to find RFP, SS, and pre-solicitations
8. Make accounts for OTA consortiums to find relevant alternative contracts as a nontraditional vendor

Things I have no idea about but know they exist

1. Accounting requirements and if it is beneficial to start trying to set something up to receive government funds before even applying for sub/contracting?
2. How pricing works, I know there are wrap rates, G&A, overhead, fringe, and profit are all part of the wrap rate but I have no idea what is acceptable to include or not include or how to think about things like bench time or estimating hours to complete a task in government contracts
3. What types of software are required for normal contracting. Compliant time keeping, document controlling, compliant accounting? (our previous commercial work has all been on a spreadsheets)
4. Methods for finding proposals at state and local levels? ( I am in CA so i know about their system but unsure about other states/county/city)
5. Insurance/bonding, do I need insurance when I apply and are the requirements generally different such that the requirements change between contracts?

Things I don't know about but probably should

1. I am hoping some of you more experienced folks could provide some insights here.

Hello, I'm very new to govcon and I am trying to figure out what I don't know but that I should know. I have been working with my local APEX accelerator office and another local group to help me figure out the way to our first contract (or sub). I would greatly appreciate some insights into things I should look into or consider that I have not yet.

Some context info: Small business, SDBE, HUBZone, NAISCS 541690 and 541990, no previous contracts, we have commercial experience in scientific consulting and technical due diligence reports.

Here is what I know/have done so far

1. CAGE code obtained
2. HUBZone and other certification applications have been submitted
3. Capability statement and slide deck templates have been made
4. Target agencies have been identified (do you usually select the parent agency or the subtier agency when identifying targets? Example: HHS vs FDA)
5. Identify prime contracts with set-aside requirements and make subcontracting/teaming accounts with those companies
6. Identify OSDBU for the agency/company and start building a connection
7. Set up a notification system to find RFP, SS, and pre-solicitations
8. Make accounts for OTA consortiums to find relevant alternative contracts as a nontraditional vendor

Things I have no idea about but know they exist

1. Accounting requirements and if it is beneficial to start trying to set something up to receive government funds before even applying for sub/contracting?
2. How pricing works, I know there are wrap rates, G&A, overhead, fringe, and profit are all part of the wrap rate but I have no idea what is acceptable to include or not include or how to think about things like bench time or estimating hours to complete a task in government contracts
3. What types of software are required for normal contracting. Compliant time keeping, document controlling, compliant accounting? (our previous commercial work has all been on a spreadsheets)
4. Methods for finding proposals at state and local levels? ( I am in CA so i know about their system but unsure about other states/county/city)
5. Insurance/bonding, do I need insurance when I apply and are the requirements generally different such that the requirements change between contracts?

Things I don't know about but probably should

1. I am hoping some of you more experienced folks could provide some insights here.