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State and Local Government Opportunities
Introduction
Put together, the 50 state governments and hundreds of local governments spend over US$400 billion in goods and services each year. Despite some state procurement preferences, many contracts offer significant opportunities, a shorter buying cycle, and lower costs to win contracts.
US federal experience can be an advantage at the state level:
- Large prime contractors often invite their federal bid partners to join them on state bids.
- Some states use the same terms and conditions as the federal General Services Administration schedules; others have set up similar systems of their own.
Business Leads
State and many local governments post contracting opportunities online.
State Information Technology Markets
State governments spend over $40 B a year on info tech...visit state web site to learn more.
Keys to Success
- identify the state's central procurement office;
- obtain a copy of the state's vendor guide if available;
- get on the bidders' mailing list;
- market! Call, e-mail or better yet, visit your prospects to introduce your product or service and get to know the buyers.
- find out -- and follow! -- the rules, including:
- competition procedures
- local preferences, laws or regulations that give US firms an advantage...and how Canadian firms can compete. (See Quick Facts for State Procurement)
Regulations & Resources
Each state and local government also has its own procurement regulations that would serve the same function as the FAR and its supplements. For contacts and information on rules and procedures, try:
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