Workshop Informs Businesses in How to Get Contracts With Travis

Workshop Informs Businesses in How to Get Contracts With Travis
By Ines Bebea

VACAVILLE- Local businesses interested in contracting opportunities with Travis Air Force Base got a tutorial on how to work with the federal government during a Tuesday breakfast meeting at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Vacaville.

At their annual Travis Regional Armed Forces Committee/Contracting Workshop, representatives from Travis discussed the necessary steps to work with the largest employer in Solano County. The event was sponsored by the Vacaville Chamber of Commerce and Travis Credit Union.

"We are always interested in working with the local business community," said John Clarke, director of business operations. "Each of the different organizations in Travis has different needs, so there are many opportunities for various products and services."

Clarke added that in 2006, small businesses received 75 percent of the contracts awarded totaling $71 million. Contracts can run the gamut from janitorial services to supplying airplane parts, but Clarke recommended that to be kept abreast of news and projects and expedite payment, business owners should register with the Central Contractor Registration.

"There are a number of ways to become a Travis contractor," said Clarke. "One is as small contractor where the different units in Travis directly purchase goods; the second is to directly bid on contracts; and the third would be to be a subcontractor with a larger contract holder."

The bidding process varies depending on the size of the contract, with those more than $25,000 being advertised nationally on the www.fedbizopps.gov. The Air Force as well as many government agencies also set aside government contracts for people who have been underrepresented in bidding opportunities such as women, minority and veteran business owners and other 8a certified businesses. The 8a certification is provided by the Small Business Administration and given to businesses which are 51 percent minority owned.

Reach Ines Bebea at 427-6934 or ibebea@dailyrepublic.net.

Contracting information for Travis

Central Contractor Registration

www.ccr.gov

Open bid solicitations

www.fedbizopps.gov

www.selltoairforce.org

www.asbdc-us.org

www.dla.mil/db/procuremen.htm

www.firstgov.gov

www.gsa.gov

For more information

Contractor's office

424-7711