Bid and win your first contract

A government bid isn't a sales pitch — it's a test of whether you can follow directions exactly. The businesses that win aren't always the cheapest; they're the ones that answer every requirement, price it right, and prove they can deliver. Get those three things right and you're ahead of most of the field.

Do this

1. Read the solicitation twice and do exactly what it asks — miss one required form or format and you're disqualified, no matter how good you are.
2. Price it to win AND to profit: cover your real costs plus margin; lowest bid isn't the goal, deliverable-and-fair is.
3. Prove you can deliver — past work, references, certifications, capacity. Address every evaluation point they list.
4. Submit early, follow up professionally, and if you lose, ask for a debrief — it's free coaching for the next one.

Before you submit a bid

• You've read the solicitation twice and answered every requirement
• Every required form, format, and deadline is followed exactly (or you're out)
• Price covers your real costs + margin — not a lowball you'll regret
• You've shown past performance / references / capacity for each evaluation point
• Submitted early, not at the buzzer
• If you lose: request a debrief to learn why — then bid the next one