Passionate – Dedicated – Diverse

GO! Program

The Government Opportunities Program (GO! Program) is a technical assistance program that serves small and diverse businesses who are new to government contracting. The Program teaches business owners how to navigate the procurement processes and contracting requirements of most public agencies. GO! Program graduates receive one-on-one business assistance to reinforce the curriculum and support them through an active procurement process. The program has two educational tracks. GO! Program participants can choose to take all classes or individually select classes based on their business needs.

TRACK A – For ALL SMALL BUSINESSES
Participants will attend 1 class each week with 2 topics per class. This track is for all businesses new to government contracting. Classes will focus on providing business owners with how to find the work, how to win the work, how to manage the work. This track is intended for all businesses wanting to learn how to begin working with State and regional government agencies.

TRACK B – For CONTRACTORS
Track B is a follow-up to track A and is specifically designed for the construction industry. Classes will focus on providing an introduction of the construction contracting process and how to prepare for construction contracting work either as a prime contractor or subcontractor to a government agency.

BUSINESS ADVISING
All participants who successfully finish the GO! Program curriculum will receive one-on-one business advising from government contracting experts. Advising will focus on how to adapt the education they received in the classroom and use those skills specifically for their business. Advisors will act as mentors to support the business owner through the process.

GO Program Curriculum

Track A for all Small Businesses
Class Class Description
Public Contracting This class provides an overview of the government procurement process. Attendees will understand how agencies procure different types of purchases and how best to match your business with the different procurement methods. Learn to navigate the Public contracting landscape to ensure your business success.
Selling your business in writing Understand how to sell your business in either a Request for Proposal, qualification statement, or statement or work. We will provide an overview of the different methods and what agencies are looking for in order to win the work.
Small Business Certification This class will provide a step-by-step guide to the small business certification process. You will understand what certifications are best for your business, how to apply, what forms are needed and how being small business certified will leverage your business to win government work.
Marketing Understand the basics of marketing your business and how to specifically market to government agencies.
Insurance Understand the different types of insurance required by government agencies. Learn why they are required and what is expected of the contractor once you win the work.
Contract Administration Understand contract administration best practices. Learn the fundamentals of contract language and how terms and conditions effect your businesses rights and obligations
Cost Estimating Understand how to price the work to make you profitable and competitive. Learn what an audited overhead rate is, and when it’s ok to as for more money.
Accounting Cost Estimating in QuickBooks and Add-On Options (Time Tracking, Excel Estimating)
Human Resources Understand the minimum HR legal requirements for small businesses and how to increase employee retention.
Partnering/Teaming Want to take on more work, but not more staff? Learn how teaming with other small businesses could increase your capacity to take on additional work without additional risk.
Introduction to Procurement officials Meet the chief procurement officers in the region. They will share with you specifically they type of purchases made by their agency, their internal procurement processes, and how to find the work.
Public Agency Showcase Small business owners will present their business to targeted government agency representatives.
Track B for Contractors
Class Class Description
Workforce Programs This class will cover the difference between union and non-union work and how many agencies have workforce programs requiring the inclusion of minority and women apprentices on the job.
Prevailing Wage Understand what prevailing wage, Davis Bacon and certified payroll means and how to prevent any BOLI violations.
Low Bid Process Understand what happens on low bid day. We will cover the process from the agency and the contractor’s point of view. How to prepare to have everything in order so your bid is complete.
Bonding and Insurance This class will cover what bonding is and the different bonding requirements each agency may have. Understand how key business decisions can impact capacity. We will also cover workers compensation and learn how to manage workers compensation insurance claims and prevention of insurable losses.
Project Scheduling Understand they key project scheduling techniques and why keeping to schedule is important when working with government agencies and failure to do so can impact your ability to get more work.
Construction Job Costing and Accounting Construction accounting fundamentals and how to track jobs from estimate to actuals.
Construction Contracting Requirements Understand contract administration best practices. Learn the fundamentals of contract language and how terms and conditions effect your businesses rights and obligations
Managing Change Orders Understand what a change order is and how to manage the process, so it does not negatively impact your business.
Safety Programs Learn the fundamentals of what a safety program is and how to develop a safety program for your business. Learn how safety programs can save your business money and help you win work.
Avoiding CUF Violations Understand what Commercially Useful Function means and how to avoid any small business certification violations through misuse of the program.

What can you expect

Valuable Training

Participants will walk away with renewed energy and effective tools for the success of their business while sharing and growing in the process.

Informative Group Discussions

Gain insights and new perspectives collaborating with other local leaders

Key Takeaways

Actions you can reasonably incorporate into your day-to-day work