|
|
SHANI J. COLEMAN
Director, Office of Community & Economic Development
SBOP Administrator
|
|
|
Greetings!
With recent temperatures, it's hard to believe we are nearing the end of summer. Yet, the final quarter of the calendar year will be here before you know it and many small businesses are planning strategies to finish the year strong. If you plan to participate in competitive bidding processes in the coming months you no doubt want your proposals to make a positive impact on potential customers.
In this issue of the small Biz Update, you will find some important factors to keep in mind when pursuing competitive bids, plus a chance to win $100 by responding to the County's broadband survey of local businesses, and we'll share some upcoming events that can help you enhance your business.
Our office will be closed on Monday, September 6th, in observance of Labor Day. We are thankful for the millions of Americans who continue to work with excellence every day despite challenges related to the pandemic. Truly something to celebrate!
To your success,
Shani J. Coleman
Director, Office of Community & Economic Development
SBOP Administrator
|
|
Your Business Could Win $100 in a County Survey |
|
Tell Us About Your Broadband Internet Experience |
|
Clark County is currently working on a broadband internet strategic plan. As part of the process, we are surveying businesses throughout the County to better understand their experiences with broadband internet, and we would love to hear from you. Two respondents will be randomly selected to receive $100.00.
If you have a few minutes, we would really appreciate it if you could complete the survey here so that your feedback can be incorporated into the planning process. Thank you!
|
|
Make Every Proposal Count |
|
5 Pointers for Responding to an RFP |
|
When you enter a competitive bidding process you may be competing with hundreds of vendors equally qualified to deliver the products or services you sell. Large organizations that are seeking to buy often issue a request for proposal (RFP). An RFP allows buyers to evaluate a wide variety of suppliers and determine which business should be hired for the work at hand. When your business invests valuable time, resources, and expertise in responding to RFPs you want to make sure every proposal counts.
Whether responding to an RFP for the County, another government entity, or a large corporation, it is important to stand out from competitors. Here are five pointers that can help to differentiate your company from others and communicate why your company is the vendor of choice.
Close Attention to Detail
Countless proposals never get considered because the proposer made some simple mistake. Failure to meet even one small requirement outlined in an RFP can result in your proposal being marked "non-responsive", which means it is disqualified from any consideration.
Follow the RFP instructions to the letter. You will be asked to give a detailed description of your company's basic information and capabilities, along with details about your proposed solution, project team and management, delivery methods, quality control, budget, and more. Be sure to complete all requested forms, provide all signature(s) required, include all requested documents, and submit your proposal in the formats using the method specified.
Ask Questions
Even the best RFP has the potential to leave bidders with questions about important details that can affect the quality of a proposal. For example, if you're a construction firm you might want more information about specific measurements of a planned structure, or the types of materials to be used. Don't guess. Get clarity by asking all of your questions during the County's allotted question and answer period, which will be clearly outlined in the RFP. Take advantage of all opportunities to attend pre-bid conferences, mandatory and non-mandatory. Communicate with the project owner's contact person listed on the RFP, and pay careful attention when your prospective customer answers other bidders' questions. Those answers may provide important information you have not considered--information you can use to create a stronger proposal.
Provide Accurate Pricing
Overpricing a job can put your bid out of the running as purchasers seek to buy the best quality at the fairest prices. Underpricing can cause you to lose money after a contract award, as it can leave you short of the financial resources needed to complete the work promised. Make sure all pricing is based on a close analysis of what it will take to deliver at a competitive rate, while also ensuring a reasonable profit. Pay careful attention to expenses such as materials, labor, overtime, subcontractors, risk management, and product delivery costs that should all be included in your project budget and pricing.
Know Your Risks
Whether the risks of a project are high or low, it is important to calculate the potential challenges of a job. Determine whether or not you are equipped to handle the risks, and at what cost. Planning to address possible problems before they arise will help to ensure you're prepared to meet challenges when things don't go as planned.
Solid Writing Counts
Be sure to build in plenty of time for research, writing, and editing, because rushing through a proposal can result in costly mistakes. When you are finished the proposal should convey clearly that you have a full understanding of the County's needs and how you are uniquely qualified to deliver on the requested scope of work. In addition to grammar, structure, and spelling, be sure to double-check your math and make sure numbers match on all proposal materials. It is often helpful to have a proofreader (a team member, colleague, or someone else with strong editing skills) review the document so you can make corrections and improvements before submitting, as even the best writers can miss mistakes when proofreading their own writing.
|
|
SBA Supplemental Grant Applications |
|
Help for Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Awardees |
|
The SBA has announced it will be inviting performing arts and related businesses that have been awarded a Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) to apply for supplemental SVOG funds. Supplemental awards up to 50% of the original SVOG amount may be provided to those who received an initial grant and illustrated a 70% loss when comparing 2021’s first-quarter revenues to the same in 2019. The supplement is designed to help small businesses recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
If sufficient funding is not available for all eligible entities to receive a supplemental award, priority will be given to applicants who have illustrated the greatest revenue loss in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the first quarter in 2019.
|
|
SBA Modifies 8(a) Location Requirements |
|
Moratorium on Bona Fide Place of Business |
|
Due to the ongoing challenges of COVID-19, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has placed a moratorium on the bona fide location requirement for participants in SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program. The SBA believes this modification will make it easier for historically disadvantaged and underserved businesses to be eligible to be awarded 8(a) construction contracts.
For purposes of 8(a) construction procurements, a bona fide place of business means a location where a participant regularly maintains an office that employs at least one full-time individual within the appropriate geographical boundary.
During the period that began August 25, 2021, through September 30, 2022, participants will not be required to establish a bona fide place of business in a specific geographic area in order to be awarded any construction contract through the 8(a) Program.
|
|
State Seeks Your Input on COVID Relief Spending |
|
Share Your Views of How Federal Funds Should Be Used |
|
The State of Nevada has launched a 75-day "Nevada Recovers Listening Tour" to get feedback from the public on how to spend and invest $6.7 billion in federal COVID-19 relief funds Nevada will receive under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (H.R. 1319). For more information regarding Nevada Recovers, provide input through a public survey, and to submit your ideas directly to the Governor's Office visit NevadaRecovers.com.
|
|
|
Business-Building Virtual Events |
|
 |
We welcome news and event announcements from resource organizations that offer free consulting, training, and technical support for small businesses. While we cannot guarantee publication of any story or announcement we look forward to reading all suggestions!
Please submit your news or event details 30 days in advance.
|
|
|
|
SBDC
THE POST-AWARD ORIENTATION CONFERENCE FOR GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS
September 7, 2021 - 9:00am-10:00am
Once you are successful in landing a government contract, what’s next? Some agreements, especially service and construction type contracts, almost always require a Post-Award Orientation Conference between the government and the contractor to discuss important performance elements of the contract. This webinar will address the major discussion points that will be brought up at this very important conference as well as what you must begin doing weeks before the conference. In collaboration with the Indian Dispute Resolution Services (IDRS) Acorn Project, join us to learn about what to do after you land a government contract. This webinar series is open for any business owner, regardless of Native status.
|
|
SBA NEVADA
A WEEKLY CHAT WITH NEVADA SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
September 8, 2021 - 10:00am
Join Tina Stace EDS, SBA Nevada District Office, for an online small business chat. Along with an overview of all thing’s SBA, this is an open forum for you to ask your questions and learn about federal economic resources available to help your company recover from the effects of COVID-19. Things are changing so fast, so take advantage of this free informal dialog.
|
|
SCORE
HOW TO EVALUATE THE FEASIBILITY OF NEW BUSINESS IDEAS
September 11, 2021 - 9:00am
A well-written concept statement can certainly help you create enthusiasm for your business idea but more importantly, it will help you as the business owner to evaluate the opportunity for profitable success.
|
|
U.S. SBA
NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS WEEK VIRTUAL SUMMIT
September 13-15, 2021 - 8:00am - 3:00pm
Attend this free, online event hosted by the U.S. Small Business Administration and learn new business strategies, meet other business owners, and chat with industry experts! This 3-day, action-packed event will include educational webinars, updates on resources for small businesses, and a networking chat room for business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.
|
|
Save the Date
CLARK COUNTY
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETS
October 13, 2021 - 9:00am - 10:00am
Join us for the next meeting of the Clark County Business Development Advisory Council (BDAC). BDAC works to assist the County with its commitment to increase the number of minority, women, and small businesses doing business with Clark County. BDAC also supports the County's Small Business Opportunity Program (SBOP). Look for meeting details and attendance links in the October 1st edition of the SBOP Small Biz Update newsletter.
|
|
Questions About Doing Business with Clark County
Please email Purchasing and Contracts at
Questions About SBOP
|
|
Keep Your Business Profile Up To Date |
If your business contact information has changed since you first signed up for a Clark County small business training program or newsletter, please provide your new information using the "Update Profile" link at the end of this email. Never miss out on new updates that can help you grow your business!
|
|
|
|
Stay in the Loop!
Get monthly
Small Business Updates from SBOP
|
Sign up to receive information and resources that can help you grow your small business! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
