Question: Is it too late to bid on a solicitation?
I am looking at a potential opportunity to bid but I dont know if it is too late to try to bid on it. There are several amendments. What do you think?
Response:
Well colleague, one of the first things to do is contact the POC (Point of Contact) listed on the solicitation or on the latest amendments. I noticed there were 2 amendments and maybe one of them extended the response date so check it out. If they did extend the response date dont forget to determine if you can prepare an adequate quote or response based on the deadline.
Now here is where many small firms overlook a strong marketing opportunity. If it is too late to respond then take this opportunity to ask to be placed on the agencies bidders list, if they have one, for future opportunities. Ask to meet with or teleconference with the program office and/or their small business representative to market your company and products.
Now follow-up with the point of contact if you do not hear back from them. Also, ask whoever you talk to what method of contact they prefer (email, telephone, mail). This is a very simple, important, but overlooked question.
You can turn a missed opportunity into potential future business.