Federal Contracting Made Easy, Second Edition

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Summary: The best general book on government contracting available
Review: I've read many books on government contracting. I keep returning to this one because of its clarity and usefulness (I work in the business). Chapters are well-organized and the writing is succinct. The graphics are particularly useful, including government forms, rate calculations, sample cost formulas, and more. The bid formula example for a small disadvantaged business (p.63) and the progress payment schedule (p.253) are just 2 of many excellent and easy-to-understand graphics. I think this is the best primer on the market. I find it's also a great reference book.

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Summary: Do you think government contracts are hard to get?
Review: Scott Stanberry shows you just how easy it is to contract for the government. Some contractors take one look at the government spec's and throw up their hands. Government spec's aren't as hard as they look. This book will take you step by step through the process of bidding government contracts. Once you get use to the paper work, which this book shows you some of, you have it made. Read this book and go out and make your fortune in government contracting.

Larry Hobson- government contractor for over 30 years

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Summary: Clear roadmap out of the quagmire
Review: This book is not only an essential guide for small and medium businesses seeking federal contracts, but also serves as an excellent resource for companies that bid for commercial contracts.

The five parts to this book form a clear roadmap to doing Federal Government business. Part I gives the big picture and rules of the game. These rules cover the sources of contract terms and conditions that you are going to see in any federal contract, including applicable laws with which you need to comply and the role of agencies such as the Defense Contract Auditing Agency. If you've never engaged in a federal contract these rules will determine whether you should even be in the game.

Part II describes special programs and opportunities available to certain businesses, subcontracting (especially useful if your business model is to team with prime contractors), and Federal Supply/GSA opportunities for companies selling finished products. Part III describes marketing strategies for federal business. This area is vastly different from marketing to commercial entities, but is similar in many respects for going after business at the state and county government level. This information is also useful when you're marketing to large companies that do government contracting, such as aerospace. Their procurement policies and processes will probably mirror those of the Federal Government.

Although Part IV is about government procurement and acquisition procedures, most large companies have similar procedures, so this part of the book is useful for both government and commercial contracting. Part V is my favorite because it explains in great detail each contract type (fixed price, cost reimbursement and other types and variations). This information is applicable to both government and commercial business and the in-depth treatment that the author gives is the best I've seen. If you're considering or are engaged in government contracting this book is one that should be close at hand, both as a reference and as training material for your project managers, marketing staff and anyone who is a part of a proposal team. I also highly recommend augmenting this book with Robert S. Frey's Successful Proposal Strategies for Small Businesses - the combination of both books will give you and your company a significant advantage in winning and keeping federal contracts.

Rating:
Summary: BUY THIS BOOK!
Review: Wow! This book is an excellent source of ideas and information for landing profitable contracts with the federal government. I recommend Federal Contracting Made Easy to all my clients and it is required reading for our marketing department.

Rating:
Summary: BUY THIS BOOK!
Review: Wow! This book is an excellent source of ideas and information for landing profitable contracts with the federal government. I recommend Federal Contracting Made Easy to all my clients and it is required reading for our marketing department.