Small business interested in federal contracting?

The federal government purchases products, goods and services totaling more than $425 billion a year. Our closest federal installation, the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane, is one of the top economic engines in the state and the primary economic engine in Southwest Indiana.

Its presence in this area is one of the main reasons why Greene County has not been sharing more of the national economic woes of the recession.

Last year, NSWC Crane spent over $1.2 billion but less than 23% ($300 million) was spent with Indiana companies. Crane would like to increase its in-state business so, each year it selects a host from the region for the "Buy Indiana Expo". The expo helps connect interested Indiana companies with key contacts from NSWC Crane. Workshops are conducted by NSWC Crane to educate businesses on how they can do business with the federal government.

This year the expo will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 5 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the French Lick Resort & Casino. If you'd like to do more than just attend, you can have a booth to showcase your business. Contact Cheryl Hamilton at the Linton-Stockton Chamber of Commerce (812) 847-4846 for more information.

However, if you're looking for some practical training on how to get started in government contracting, then the Government Contract Procurement Boot Camp may be just what you need.

There will be an information meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 31, from 6-8 p.m. at the Greene County Community Learning Center in White River Valley High School. The purpose of the info meeting is to help people understand what is involved and for them to assess their "readiness" to seek federal contracts. The actual boot camp will be Thursday, Sept. 9 from 6-9 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 25 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Both days are required. The cost is $300.

There are eight 50% scholarships available, thanks to the sponsorship of the Greene County HomeTown Competitiveness (HTC) team, with support from an Indiana Office of Community & Rural Affairs' grant. The boot camp is open to anyone from any county. However, scholarships are for Greene County residents and businesses only. Call GCEDC at (812) 847-4500 or the Greene County Foundation at (812) 659-3142 with any questions.

We're not talking about lecture-style presentations here but "hands-on" experience. Participants will have individual PC use in an Internet computer lab. They will receive oral, step-by-step, customized instruction throughout the federal contracts registration process and much more. By the time they've finished, they'll have a DUNS number, will have completed their online registration in various federal registers and have experience in using online resources to perform government contract market research. Everything they need to get going!

There's a flyer about the boot camp on our website at: www.gcedc.us/business/news. You may want to bookmark this web page, as this is the place we post information about upcoming business training and highlights on business events.

For those who prefer to "do-it-yourself," a great resource is the Small Business Administration's website at www.sba.gov/contractingopportunities. According to the SBA, "The government especially encourages small businesses to bid on contracts for some of these needs. In fact, federal agencies are required to establish contracting goals, with at least 23 percent of all government buying targeted to small firms. Selling to the federal government can provide significant revenues for your business."

It's not as difficult as you may think so, if you're in business, why not try to get your share of that $425 Billion?

Joan is the executive director at Greene County Economic Development Corporation and can be reached at 847-4500 or jbethell@gcedc.us .