Woman-Owned Business (WBE) Procurement Opportunities

Government contracts can be a great source of business revenue for both new and established businesses. But to get those contracts, you have to understand the process and how to navigate it successfully. Consider these statements if you are thinking about selling to any large corporation or the government.

• Do homework about the company or government entity that you'd like to do business with so you know what products and services they are buying.
• Secondly, try to build a relationship. To do that you need to be persistent. People want to do business with people that have a relationship with.
• You need to have some kind of technology savviness. Usually buyers of services will offer e-tools we use in procurement. You will need to an overview of technology as it relates to the world of procurement.
• And finally, ask yourself whether or not you have the resources to supply the company with the services or supplies needed in order to meet the company's contractuall arrangments.

Procurement Opportunities

• VendorNet (provided by the Wisconsin Department of Administration) provides easy access to a wide variety of information of interest to vendors who wish to provide goods and services to the state as well as state agencies and municipalities. View recently awarded contracts.
• The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program (provided by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation) attempts to increase participation of firms owned by disadvantaged individuals in all federal aid and state transportation facility contracts.
• The Milwaukee Small Business Administration office provides development assistance to help women-owned businesses gain access to the mainstream American economy. Visit their website to learn about federal contracting opportunities and access the Guide for Federal Contracting for Women.
• US Environmental Protection Agency Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization supports the protection of the environment and human health by fostering procurement opportunities with WBE'S. Contact the Wisconsin Regional Contact.
• The Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) provides the help that is necessary for businesses to succeed in winning federal contracts.  Contact WPI to learn more about the assistance they offer.  
  
• The Business Procurement Assistance Center (BPAC) provides technical and marketing assistance to Wisconsin businesses interested in selling their products and services to the government.
  

Local Government / Educational Systems Contracting - More Wisconsin bidding opportunities for Engineering, Architecture, Goods, Services and Construction Contracts

Note:  Some local government within the Wisconsin Association of Public Purchasers utilize subscriptions services such as DemandStar - Onvia 

Update on Federal Contract Assistance Program for Woman-Owned Business
This proposed rule submitted by the Small Business Administration on March 5, 2001, is aimed at leveling the playing field for women-owned small business to compete for and win federal contracts, while achieving the existing statutory goal that five percent of federal contracting dollars go to women-owned small businesses.

• SBA Factsheet on Proposed Rule
• Comment on Proposed Rule - Deadline May 30th
• Entire Proposed Rule
• List of NAICS - Substantially Unrepresented by WOB's

Corporate Procurement