Have you ever wondered how governments manage to complete so many crucial tasks? Government contracts are necessary for everything from building roads to outfitting the armed forces. These are unique contracts between companies to deliver goods and services. Not only do these contracts produce more cash for these enterprises, but they also create work opportunities for the general public. 

Women-owned companies (WOBs) also have many options to grow, expand, and significantly impact their industry through government contracting. However, managing the complexity of government procurement can be challenging. In this article, we intend to explain the process of participating in government contracts by clarifying registration procedures, types of contracts, and resources accessible solely to women-owned companies. 

 

Learn about: 

  • Registration procedures
  • Types of contracts and;
  • Resources available specifically for WOBs.

 

Registration Procedures

The registration process for government contracts varies depending on jurisdiction and the procurement agency’s unique needs. However, here’s an outline of the registration process:

Before you can even think about winning contracts, you need to register your business with the government. Here’s what you need to do: 

1] Make Sure You’re Registered as a Business: This might seem obvious, but you can’t win contracts if the government doesn’t know you exist! Register your business with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

2] Show You Pay Your Taxes: Get a Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). This proves you’re up-to-date on your taxes.

3] Prove You Take Care of Your Employees: Get a Pensions Clearance Certificate (PCC) from the National Pension Commission (PenCom). This shows you’re paying into your employees’ pension plans.

4] Help Train the Workforce: Get a certificate from the Industrial Training Fund (ITF). This shows you’re contributing to programs that develop skills in Nigeria.

5] Register with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP): This is the main government office that handles all public procurement (buying things). You’ll need to fill out forms and show them documents about your company,your finances, and what you can do (your skills and experience).

 

Types of Government Contracts 

There are different ways the government awards contracts. Understanding these will help you find the right opportunities for your business:

1] Open Bidding: This is the most common type. Anyone who’s registered with the BPP can submit a bid (an offer) to win the contract. The government chooses the winner based on who offers the best price and seems most capable of doing the job.

2] Selective Bidding: Sometimes, the government only asks a few companies to bid. This might be because the project is complex and requires special skills, or because the government has already worked with these companies before.

3] Single Source Procurement: In rare cases, the government might only choose one company without asking anyone else to bid. This usually only happens if there’s a good reason, like if only one company makes what the government needs, or if there’s an emergency.

4] Force Account: Sometimes, the government might decide to do the project itself, using its own workers or hiring someone on a daily basis to pay for materials and labor as needed.

5] Framework Agreements: The government might make deals with a group of qualified companies beforehand.This way, they can quickly buy things they need often without having to go through a whole bidding process every time.

 

Resources for Women-Owned Businesses

The Nigerian government wants to see more women running businesses! Here are some resources specifically for WOBs who want to win government contracts:

  • National Gender Policy: This policy says that at least 35% of government contracts should go to WOBs.
  • Federal Ministry of Women Affairs: This ministry helps WOBs learn the ropes of government contracting and provides training programs.
  • National Enterprise Development Council (NEDC): The NEDC helps WOBs get access to loans, find mentors,and learn about government contracting.
  • Bank of Industry (BOI): The BOI offers special loans to WOBs who want to win government contracts.

 

Winning Contracts: Beyond Registration and Resources

Just registering and knowing about resources isn’t enough. Here are some additional tips to increase your chances of winning a government contract:

  • Find the Right Opportunities: Look online at government websites for projects that match what your business does.
  • Write Winning Proposals: When you see a project you like, write a proposal (an offer explaining why you’re the best company for the job) that’s clear, detailed, and shows the government you can do a great job at a good price.
  • Make Connections: Talk to people who work for the government and other businesses that win government contracts. This can help you learn about upcoming projects and build relationships.
  • Play by the Rules: Always follow all the rules when bidding on and working on government contracts. This means being honest, ethical, and meeting all deadlines.