Posted on 06/30/2009 1:10:21 PM PDT by Corinthian Warrior
I want to start a defense contracting company. I have expertise in education and training, in addition, I am a former US Marine and a former magazine editor. I want to help the armed forces produce high quality curriculums for both officers and enlisted.
I have a few questions about going about this.
A) Do I need security clearance just to place a bid to do contract work with the military?
B) Some companies check out your finances to get a picture of your competence as a potential business manager. I know that they check your finances for the security clearance, correct? Will the security clearance be confidential or will they give this information to the officers in the contracting department? I presently make very little money. I had an income of $19,350 for 2008; my total debts are about $38,000 – college loans, car, and credit cards. This should be seen as something positive, as my lack of money is motivation to prove myself worthy of a better lifestyle through working hard for the military. Will they be “snarky” about this?
C) Since the military will be my first client, can I list my business address as being the same as my home address? But there is a complication. I have recently moved in with my brother so that I can live rent free for a few months to pay down some of my debts. Will they be “snarky” about that too?
The first thing you need to do is have the military consider you for a contract.
Maybe Jack Murtha can help you out.
The biggest thing is past performance and experience working on government contracts in your selected field. One does not just “go into” government contracting. You’ll need to network and see how government contracting works. My advice would be to search the want ads and find a job with a current contractor in your field of interest. Otherwise, you’ll get eaten alive and quit out of frustration within 6 months.
It’s good that you’re a veteran (better if you were a female minority vet).
Get in touch with your state/local small business association and they should be able to provide you with a lot of info. You’ll have to get setup with CCR (http://www.ccr.gov/) for starters. Your congresscritters office should also be able to help you get setup and pointed in the right direction too.
Good luck!!
Why not get a job with a contractor first, let them pay for the clearance, and learn what you need to do from them?
Lots of questions - Some answers.
First Incorporate your business.
You do not need a security clearance unless you are bidding on classified contracts. You still might be able to bid on classified contracts but you’d have to be creative.(Hire company or people with clearances)
Get a website.
If you are a minority or disabled or vet you have some advantages. If you wife is the owner even better.
Two good places to look for work are the FED BUS OPS or even better go to your local military base and talk to the small business rep.
Ask if there are any upcoming IFBs or RFPs that you might qualify for.
You are going to need to understand the FAR or hire someone that does.
Good Luck!
First you have to buy yourself a congress critter or two or three. The more you own, the better your chances of getting more and larger contracts.
Marry Diane Feinstein.
exellent advice
Once you get set up, team with larger companies as a small business sub - this gets your foot in the door and they door all the hard work.
door = do
Prepare yourself for immense frustration. Its very very very difficult to get a contract unless you have recent and well placed contacts. Retiring generals don’t have a problem.
Other fed agencies can be easier but still tough.
Lack of money is not seen as a motivation, its seen as a weakness and a major risk factor.
Don’t go service disabled veteran owned even if you qualify. Put the company in wifes name and work on 8a status.
ROFLMAO. I love Free Republic.
First thing is a year of networking and getting to know people
Hire a minority woman and make her president. There are small business set asides solely for these companies. SBA will give you start up loans. Think about talking to larger companies doing the actual work that need to partner with a small business.
This is essentially a service contract, if you are the lowest qualified (bonded) bidder you will get the job. Also you should expect to fund one hundred percent of the costs for at least 6 to 9 months before you can expect your first payment.
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