Contact: Dianne.Gross@FloridaSBDC.org | (850) 473-7809
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FSBDCN Headquarters: The Florida SBDC Network is pleased to celebrate National Small Business Federal Contracting Week by highlighting clients from across the state who have been awarded government contracts.
Since 1986, Florida SBDC clients who have received government contracting services have won over $7 billion in contract awards-helping to create and save hundreds of thousands of jobs. These businesses, like Tampa-based SD2 Solutions, play an important role in Florida's economy.
SD2 Solutions
Sam Desai, CEO and President of Supply Depot 2 Solutions (SD2 Solutions) learned first-hand that expanding a company's target market to include the government can be a very wise and profitable move. The company, which provides office supplies, janitorial supplies, and automotive fleet maintenance and detailing supplies nationwide, began in 2009 at a time when the industry was taking a major hit from the recession.
Seeking to scale his company, Desai turned to the Florida SBDC at University of South Florida to see what kind of opportunities were available. With the help of Government Contracting Specialist Charlene Bostic, the company secured a GSA Multiple Award Schedule Contract. SD2 Solutions is also an authorized dealer under the Industry CoOp (Independent Stationers) for the Federal Strategic Sourcing Initiative.
In 2012, Desai said his gross was approximately $50,000. In two years Desai has increased this number tenfold to $500,000.
"Seventy-five percent of our business is done with the government," he said. "Having the partnership with the Florida SBDC, especially with the guidance from Charlene, has definitely been a great asset for our business and our growth."
Gateway to Government Contracting
Each year, the United States Federal Government spends billions on contracts for various goods and services. In fiscal year 2014, the Federal Government spent just over $445 billion, $13.6 billion of which was spent in Florida. Federal law requires that 23% of all federal prime contract dollars be awarded to small businesses.
Through the Florida SBDC Network's service offering, Government Contracting Specialists assist businesses evaluate, plan, register, prepare, pursue, and achieve government contracts. In addition, clients also have the opportunity to utilize BidMatch, a matchmaking database that connects clients to a wide range of federal, state, local and international government bid opportunities.
Promoting Contracting Opportunities
In an effort to promote government contracting among small businesses nationwide, the National Association of Small Business Contractors and the U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce annually hosts National Small Business Federal Contracting Week. This year's event, which provides an opportunity for small businesses to interface with federal agencies and prime contractors through educational series and one-on-one meetings, will be held March 26 in Washington, D.C.
For more information about the Florida SBDC Network's BidMatch or other Government Contracting Services, visit www.FloridaSBDC.org.
