Analysis of government website information access and public service purpose

Government Web Site Analysis

Doing Business With the Government

Because of the size of federal government, there are often opportunities for businesses to work fiscally with the government. When businesses research the possibility of doing business with the government, the verbiage shows that while there are a number of steps necessary in order to qualify for government contracts, there are also tremendous opportunities.

When dealing with the ethical issues surrounding government contracts, it seems as there are several ways one could look at the issue. Many of the rules and regulations seem to be designed to protect the government from fraud and unethical behavior (standards, pricing, etc.), but also limit the potential for many smaller businesses to have the resources necessary to apply for governmental contracts. For example, there are a number of instances in which certain companies have been awarded contracts based on the recommendation and/or interference from member of congress or other governmental personnel. When one asks is the procurement system set up for the benefit of the individual company (to help grow business) or the government, both can be answered affirmatively and negatively. The government can benefit from price wars between businesses, but the business tends to benefit more because the government does not always use the low price leader -- there are other pieces to the proposal and documentation that are more important to the contract. Similarly, there are times that the government is forced to spend budgetary money at the end of the year, "use it or lose it," as opposed to banking it for the following year. In the desire to treat everyone on an equal basis, sometimes the cost/benefit equation is muddled (Capio, 2006).

Most recently, as opportunities in the private sector -- due to the economic downturn, because somewhat stagnant, government contracts have become even more competitive. Competitive advantage, according to the laws of capitalism, typically benefit the organization searching for services -- in this case the government. However, that competitiveness must also be balanced with a sense of moral and ethical behavior. Because of Enron and other scandals in the early part of the 21st century, even the base appearance of unethical may be ruinous. Thus, there is a balance that must occur between the competitive advantage paradigm and ethics (Payne, 2009).

Electronic Marketing Resources

There is a rather large potential of government contract and supply potential for LGOS. There is a huge push for governmental agencies to become more eco-friendly, and the idea of sustainable business is a hot topic. According to experts, one does not need to be located near a governmental office to supply them with services, although there may be some logistical advantages (Stanberry, 2009, 127). There are, however, several electronic sources that would aid in our marketing efforts to secure contracts and/or preferred vendor status with several agencies, both government and ancillary related:

Focus on Facilities Support -- www.fedbizopps.gov

Focus on Small businesses or businesses that have secured SBA loans -- www.sba.gov/localresources/index.html

Overall government contract opportunities -- www.gpoaccess.gov

Analysis of Marketing Resources

Many of the resources available for government and associated contracts would be useful, others less so, depending upon their focus and the type of information available. All give us varying pictures of the ethical side of doing business with the government. For instance:

Site

Useful

Primary Focus

Comments

Fedbizopps.gov

Y

Allows for searching of 18,000+ federal opportunities; focuses on vendors/citizens and buyers/engineers as well.

Great marketing opportunity with searchable electronic database; also includes recovery and reinvestment opportunities.

www.sba.gov

Y

Small businesses who have utilized the SBA loan service for initial or growth funding for their organization.

Many of these businesses should be on the cutting edge of not only wishing to save money, but to use sustainable products.

Gpoaccess.gov

Y

Information from all three branches of government; guides to several agencies, at least gives initial marketing and sales information.

Huge listing of agencies, people, and potential core opportunities. Would need to be utilized as a master list with a focused marketing plan.

Fpds.gov

Marginal

Market changes and procurement data, spending trends.

Useful in analysis and the way government agencies buy.

Tech-net.sba.gov

Marginal

High-Tech small businesses

May be a niche to pursue depending on time and resources

Spoacces.gov/fr/index

Marginal

Federal register provides congressional and federal enactments

May be useful for watching environmental legislation

Conclusions

It is sometimes daunting to attempt to do business with the government. There are a few steps, however, that can make it easier: 1) Become familiar with the governmental source pages; 2) Ensure that firm complies with certification programs; 3) Obtain DUNS number and register; 4) Identify products or services being sold; 5) Identify current procurement opportunities; 6) Become Familiar with governmental contracting procedures; 7) Investigate Federal Supply Schedules, 8) Use as many resources as possible; 9) Explore subcontracting; 10) Investigate other Federal Programs; 11) Accept credit cards; 12) Market as much as possible (SBA, 2012).