If you are an estimator or project manager for a contractor who wants to bid on one of the many big-dollar projects that are being funded by federal and state governments - always read the fine print or your bid could be thrown out!
In an effort to provide work to DBEs (Disadvantaged business enterprises) and other certified firms like small businesses owned by women, minorities, and disabled veterans, many government contracts come with clauses where a certain portion of your bid must be set aside / flagged for procuring goods or services from these firms.
But, as many a construction estimator or project manage know, firms often face a big hurdle when implementing a subcontractor clause in your bid - as often there are not enough certified DBEs in your area, or probably not a DBE that specializes in the kind of goods/services that you are looking to obtain.
So, how do you overcome this hurdle and win the project over your competitor?
You need to show “Good Faith Effort”.
Putting together Good Faith Effort documents for your bid proposal can be exhausting, the requirements though can vary especially among the many agencies across the country. But now you can enlist the help of a professional online platform that will help you save time and money while complying with the legalities associated with Good Faith Effort outreach.
Compliance News is the trusted platform that can help contractors connect with appropriate suppliers and subcontractors that meet with the government agency’s specified outreach efforts.
Compliance News can help you in the following manner:
- Place legal Trade and Focus bid notice ads and promote them on social media.
- Reach out to local, state, and federal referral organizations.
- Shortlist appropriate certified DBEs and other certification types.
- Send solicitation emails and faxes, and make follow-ups phone calls.
- Document the entire process.
You would be assisted every step of the way by experienced professionals with over two decades of experience navigating the complexities of bidding compliance.
Compliance News can help contractors across the country meet their Good Faith Effort outreach requirements. The biggest asset of Compliance News is its extensive and constantly updated country-wide database. They are constantly gathering hundreds of the latest federal, state, and local certified business directories and reviewing them in real-time.
The platform, which was founded by a disabled veteran, also assists government agencies, utilities, schools, and other public entities in posting public notices, bid/contract notices, IFBs, RFPs, RFIs, and RFQs geared toward underrepresented firms. It can even post your calendar events and press releases aimed at underrepresented firms.
It just takes a few simple clicks to find the right DBE, MBE (minority-owned business enterprise), WBE (women-owned business enterprise), Disabled Veteran, HUD Section 3, or other certified small business type for your contracting needs.
And best of all, for estimators or project managers wanting help with the Good Faith Effort their services start at a nominal cost of $30.
Most DOTs (Departments of Transportation) require prime contractors to complete their Good Faith Effort outreach five to seven working days prior to a bid closing - so there’s no time to lose. Log in today
