Frequently Asked Questions

On Target Group provides all the necessary steps to successfully assist you in obtaining a GSA Schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Does the Government Purchase Goods and Services?

There are six methods used by the government to purchase goods and services. The first is open market where if it is over certain freshholds they have to publically announce their intentions and allow full and open competition. These purchases are posted on FBO.gov. The second is through the GSA Schedule which responders must have a GSA Multi Award Schedule that includes the product or services being requested. The third method is for select socio-economic classification such as, Service Disabled Veteran Owned, Woman Owned Small Business, 8a, etc. The fourth method is though the use of a GWAC (Government Wide Agency Contract) which is similar to a GSA Schedule in a list of vendors have submitted paperwork and prequalified to be on the list. The fifth method is micro purchase and quote system which is through the use of a government credit card and is for small purchase only or in the event of larger small purchases up to $25,000 can be accomplished by obtaining three quotes. The final method is sole source and is only used for proprietary software, intellectual property, or when there is a national interest need that provides compelling justification for choosing a particular vendor.

What does one need to do to do business with the government?

A business has to have a valid Federal Tax id and a valid Duns Number. If you want to do business with certain government agencies such as the Department of Defense you need to have your business registered on SAM (See our resources page for SAM registration).

What is a GSA Schedule?

A GSA Schedule is a Multi Award Schedule that allows the government purchasers to buy goods and services from preapproved vendors that have been selected as reliable resources by the GSA and whose prices have proven to be fair and reasonable. (For further information view our GSA page).

How is Government Marketing different from marketing to businesses?

The government marketplace has all the same dynamics of the commercial marketplace with additional barriers added in. Some of those barriers include more complex ordering procedures, harder to reach the end user due to a separation of the requesting individual from the ordering authority, the use of evaluation committees in order to select vendors, etc.

Where should I market my goods and services?

The US Government is the largest purchaser of goods and services in the world. Every government agency is a totally separate marketplace, where to market within a particular agency and who to market to depending on the government agency. Indeed which agencies to market your products and services to is dependent on the demands of the agency. The first thing you need to do is develop a government marketing plan.

How do I get started?

If you are unsure how to proceed call us for a free initial consultation.