Making Money on Government Contracts!

  
As you enter (or entered) the market to contract with public agencies, you may find yourself wondering about profit potential. We want to help you think through some strategies for pricing your services and for thinking about how  and why you want to work with the government. It's imperative to remember that in most cases public sector agencies, utilizing public monies, are looking for the lowest cost from the most responsive bidder. That doesn't usually equate to the biggest profit margin for you. So another thing to keep asking yourself is, why are you seeking government contracts? For profit? For market awareness? For...? 

Have a great week!

J. Averi Frost, Director
Columbus Minority Business Assistance Center 

COMBA Business Directory     
When you're looking for goods and services, check out the   COMBA Business Directory first!  If you have yet to submit information for your free listing, click here.
Question of the Week
We've focused this month on government contracting. As we close out the month, we'd like your opinion on government contracting. Click here to tell us what you think! 
Our Partner s and Sponsors 
Upcoming Workshops
Huntington Bank is partnering with COMBA /MBAC to sponsor several  upcoming workshops. Click here for a complete list of COMBA / MBAC trainings and workshops.
CCS Vendor Opportunities 
Columbus City Schools issues solicitations on a regular basis for goods & services related to food, construction, technology, curriculum, & transportation. Interested vendors should visit the CCS website
Upcoming Events  
FMLA: A Priority for Small Business 
This free event for entrepreneurs and small business owners will include a panel of local business leaders discussing policy proposals under consideration at the national level and the impact on small businesses. September 12, 5: 30 p.m. Register

ODOT DBE Orientation Bootcamp  
Learn how to get the best value out of your DBE certification. The session will include an overview of the resources of available through ODOT and ways to build your business. September 19, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Register.
Strategies for Price Setting 
Understanding how to respond to government RFPs and the impact of pricing on contract types are crucial to the success of any company doing business with the Federal Government. Click here to access the webinar.

COMBA Networking Event
Nearly 100 are registered for this week's networking event, will we see you at the  COMBA / Central Ohio African American Chamber of Commerce Networking event? Wednesday, August 31. Register now.

Events to share? Email the details to us!
From Our Library
Increased Profit Margins
 Many vendors think they have to accept low profit margins on government contracts. Not so! Read more.
Be Competitive and Profitable
There are some simple formulas that might help you determine your basic costs and your profit margin. Read more
Contact Us:  info@comba.com   614-252-8005    www.comba.com
About the Central Ohio Minority Business Association (COMBA)
The Central Ohio Minority Business Association (COMBA), a private, not for profit agency, has been providing business and economic development and educational services to the Ohio minority and disadvantaged business community since 1978.Through its programs and services, COMBA provides entrepreneurial development assistance and business consulting to start-up and emerging business owners. COMBA's services are offered at "no cost" to the client and all services are provided on a non-discriminatory basisRead more.