Federal government contracting: how to get in with the in crowd

I'm in with the in crowd
I go where the in crowd goes
I'm in with the in crowd
And I know what the in crowd knows

Anytime of the year
Don't you hear
Dressin' fine, makin' time

We breeze up an down the street
We get respect
From the people we meet
They make way day or night
They know the in crowd is out of sight

We make every minute count, yeah!
Our share is always the biggest amount
Other guys imitate us
But the original's still the greatest

Got our own way a walkin'
We got our own way of talkin', yeah!

Anytime of the year, don't you hear
Spendin' cash, talkin' trash

Girl, I'll show you a real good time
Come on with me and leave your troubles behind
I don't care where you've been
You ain't been no where
'Till you've been in

With the in crowd, yeah!
(Billy Page, sung by Dobie Gray --)
Lyrics from elyrics.net

The following article concerns US federal procurement and the same type of bureaucratic thinking that brought us Catch 22.

How to Overcome Past Performance Issues When You Lack Government Contracting Experience

Past performance in the federal government can be tricky. Like any business, the government requires contractors to have past-performance (or prior government experience). But for business owners new to government contracting, how are they supposed to earn past performance?

According to a report by the Government Accounting Office (GAO), most agencies continue to award contracts to businesses with past performances, making prior experience the second most important selection criteria after price. So how do novice business owners overcome this obstacle?

The author goes on to suggest six different strategies for racking up "past performance" credits. Frankly, it is a conundrum brought on by whack-a-mole mentality, risk avoidance run amuck, the "old boy" network by default if not design. Someone ought to be informed "past performance is no guarantee of success", and look for a way that is more equitable, rational and that expands the pool of vendors.

Anyway, here are his six ideas, and you should read his post to get more detail:

1. Consider relevant commercial experience to boost your proposal

2. Look for micro-purchases or credit card purchases to gain past performance in a timely fashion

3. Obtain subcontracts and acquire experience

4. Team up with a more experienced company to get your foot in the door

5. Look for awarded contracts on www.fbo.com within your specific field and location

6. Research the Small Business Administration website to find out if your business is eligible for any Small Business Certifications, such as the 8(a) and Hub-Zone programs