Cross Timbers and its partners counsel businesses
one-on-one or through training seminars on how the government does business
and can provide information on government contracts, open and past bids so
that businesses can determine whether they can sell their goods and services
to the government.
Where possible, the government is using electronic commerce procedures to
advertise its requirements for goods and services. The use of electronic
commerce procedures includes advertising the bids, receiving the offers from
vendors, awarding the contracts and making payments.
Depending on the value of the purchases, bids and contracts are advertised
through several means (databases). Federal purchases over $100,000 are
advertised through the Commerce Business Daily, the CBD. Purchases under
$100,000 but over $2,500 are being advertised through the Federal Acquisition
Contracting Network (FACNET) or through Internet websites. Purchases under
$2,500 (Micropurchases) may be advertised the
FACNET or through Internet websites ...or not advertised at all. These
purchases can be made by buyers through the use of Government Purchase Cards.
Also, the government is using electronic malls to purchase goods and
services. See the Defense Logistics Agency E-Mall and the General Services
Administration Advantage Program under "Procurement Requirements"
of this website.
ON-LINE SEARCHES
Except for the Micropurchases, the federal
requirements are being advertised through electronic databases. Cross Timbers
can access these databases and other databases where state & local
government agencies advertise their requirements and provide the following
services to businesses by doing on-line searches;
1. Identify marketing opportunities for businesses based on
their goods and
services.
2. Develop an Internet search engine specifically tailored for
a company's goods
and services and do daily searches to find bid
opportunities for businesses.
FEE SCHEDULE
Trial Period
- Thirty (30) day free trial........................... $0
- Ninety (90) day additional trial.................. $60
Annual Fee
- Electronic Commerce Client....................... $120
(includes the deliver or download via EC/EDI, INTERNET or Fax
if within Metro number or 1-800 number)
On Site Consultation - Our site consultation from a CTPC
counselor ..... $35
OTHER SERVICES
1. Assist clients in
understanding government bids/solicitation and its applicable regulations and
either have the regulations at the Center or provide source where clients can
get the regulations. Internet references for regulations will be added.
2. Assist clients in the understanding and
preparation of applications, certifications and registrations required by
government agencies in order to do business with them. For example, the
Central Contractor's Registration (CCR), the SBA PRONET, the MBDA Phoenix
program, the DoD Small Disadvantaged Business
Certifications, the SBA HUBZones, etc. Internet
references will be added.
3. Assist clients with the preparation of bids and
proposals.
4. Assist clients understand Pre-Award Requirements
and Post-Award Functions such as Production, Quality Systems, Accounting
Systems and Contract Payments, Transportation, Packaging, Subcontracting, and
Property.
5. Provide copies of Federal & Military and DoD Adopted Specifications & Standards or sources
where clients can obtain them. Copies of Federal and Military Specifications
and Standards and DoD Adopted Commercial
Specifications, etc. - $6.00 for up to 60 pages, plus $0.10 per page above 60
pages. (Plus postage if more than the minimum). Federal Procurement History
per request (NSN, Part Number, etc.) - $3.00 minimum. Other Special Searches
(e.g., Texas Manufacturers, SBA
PASS, etc.) - $6.00 for
up to 60 pages, plus $0.10 per page above 60 pages. (Plus postage if more
than the minimum).
6. Inform small business clients about such programs
as the;
a. DoD
Mentor-Protégé Pilot Program. (Applicable to socially & disadvantaged
firms)
Regulation or Laws applicable to
this program will be added.
b. Defense Conversion, Reinvestment
and Transition Assistance Act of 1992.
Regulation or Laws applicable to
this program will be added.
c. The Metric Conversion Act.
Regulation or Laws applicable to
this program will be added.
d. DoD Small Disadvantaged Business Certification Program.
(Price differential advantage)
Regulation or Laws applicable to
this program will be added.
e. HUBZone Contracts/Program.
Internet reference: http://www.sba.gov/hubzone/index.htm
f. Assist clients in understanding
government electronic commerce/electronic data interchange (EC/EDI)
procedures and including information about Value Added Networks (VANs), Value Added Services (VAS') and that
they can also get assistance from Electronic Commerce Resource Centers (ECRCs). See the "Partnership" section of this
website.
7. Assist clients in finding opportunities with
government contractors especially the large business prime with Small, Small
Disadvantaged and Woman-owned Small Business Subcontracting Plans pursuant to
FAR Clause 52.219-9 or similar clauses.
For references to the large government prime contractors see the following
Internet sites:
http://www.acq.osd.mil/sadbu/publications/subdir/
and
http://www.sba.gov/gopher/Government-Contracting/Subcontracting-Directory/