How to Become a Registered Government Flooring Contractor

The US government is the largest purchaser of goods and services globally. This includes hundreds of billions in federal contracts every year.

With this in mind, there is plenty of opportunity for lucrative government flooring contracts. But, many companies want in on the action. It’s important to understand the process for becoming a registered government contractor, and what's required of you before you can place a bid.

There are several key differences that differentiate the process of becoming a registered government flooring contractor, as compared to traditional contracting. It’s important for potential contractors to understand this, as preparation is key in this line of work.

With this information in mind, you can win out contracts with confidence and ease. 

For everything you need to know when looking to obtain government flooring contracts, keep reading.

How to Become a Government Flooring Contractor

The bid process for federal contracts is grueling. It requires a wealth of information, and the application review goes beyond just the cost of the project.

Contracts get awarded based on many factors. These include:

• The responsibility and responsiveness of your business
• How technically acceptable your proposal is
• Past performance references
• Pricing and proposal terms

Typically, the government takes anywhere between 30 and 120 days to review contract submissions. But before you place a bid, you must have all of your ducks in a row.

Get Registered With SAM

Luckily, all government contracting opportunities get posted in one place: SAM. This site is a hub for contracts in all disciplines, as government agencies must use this system for all contracts greater than $25,000.

To narrow it down simply search “flooring.” This will return all available flooring contractor opportunities within the government. You can also search these results by date so that only the most recent contracts are presented. 

In order to bid on any of these flooring contractor opportunities, you will first need to get registered with SAM. This is a free process, and it replaces the outdated Central Contractor Registration (CCR) system of the past that you might have heard of. 

Apply for a CAGE Code

Any company that enters into a contract with the federal government must obtain a CAGE code to be properly registered. CAGE stands for a Commercial and Government Entity.

The CAGE code is a five-character alphanumeric identifier assigned to businesses that contract with the government. The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) assigns this number for free.

The CAGE code connects basic information from the company’s profile to government agencies. From there, they can quickly screen through potential companies to determine their suitability before even reading a bid proposal.

In order to get a CAGE code, you will need specific documentation. This includes your Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Tax ID Number (TIN), which can be found on the IRS website.

It also includes your Data Universal Numbering System Number (DUNS). This is obtained from the Dun & Bradstreet website.

A CAGE code is an absolute necessity for any organization that is looking to win a flooring contract job. CAGE codes expire every five years, but can easily be renewed through your SAM profile.

Locate Your NAICS Code

Additionally, you will need a North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code. This can be done by matching your products and services to the US Census Bureau’s list.

This number classifies your company based on the particular services you offer. You may have more than one code if your company sells multiple products or services.

Understanding the Bidding Process for Government Flooring Contracts

Once you have all of the required information squared away and have registered with SAM, you’re ready to begin the bidding process. It’s important to understand how the federal bidding process works beforehand.

For a first-time registered government flooring contractor, this procedure may be intimidating. You will likely be going up against hundreds—or potentially even thousands—of other contractors for the same job.

That said, it doesn’t mean you can’t find success. In fact, some contracts are specifically set aside for small and minority businesses. 

The most important thing is to gather true and honest information. If your contract wins out, you can count on being asked to back up any claims in the application.

While you want to remain competitive, you are also held to the information provided in the bid. This includes estimates for labor and materials.

If your information is found to be misleading or inaccurate, it will cost you the job. If it’s really far off—it might even land you in legal trouble. 

Other Helpful Tips for Government Flooring Contracts

In addition to these required steps, there are other important factors in how to become a government flooring contractor. This can make the difference between average and high-quality flooring contractors.

Build Relationships With Key Figures

Just like with any job, it’s all about who you know. This is much of the same in the registered federal contracting space.

Be sure to identify and network with key players, building authentic relationships with them. This way, they might be able to keep you in the loop on emerging opportunities.

Even if you don’t win out the contract, try to stay in touch with them. There are oftentimes subcontracting opportunities within a larger contract. 

With the building of any structure, there will always be a need for concrete contractors, as well as other types of flooring depending on the building.

With your name fresh on their mind, this contractor may be more likely to request your subcontractor services.

Plus, these key figures can share insider tips and information that you might be hard-pressed to find elsewhere.

Stay as Organized as Possible

A lot of information is required when bidding on government contracts. Before you make any claims, be sure to have the proof to back it up. Keep track of all of the required documentation in a clean and organized way.

This way, when asked to show evidence of your claims—it’s right there waiting for you.

Maintain Compliance

When doing work for the government, your team will be held up to the highest standards. You should work hard to keep your job-site clean and be sure all employees remain committed to a productive environment.

They may also have to follow stricter security measures than what they might be used to. 

Keep this in mind when hiring or assigning employees to jobs. You want to ensure that only your most trusted employees are working on government contracts.

This way, you can build a positive reputation within the federal contractor space.

Locating the Best Flooring Tools and Equipment

While all of the above tips are important to win out government flooring contracts, it doesn’t end there. Especially in this industry, flooring equipment can make-or-break your contract.

Be sure to shop around for affordable yet effective tools and equipment. Onfloor Technologies is your online source for all things flooring equipment. 

Contact us today for more information on how Onfloor Technologies can provide the equipment you need to land a government contract.