It is every entrepreneur's dream to be involved one way or the other with government jobs. As a small business owner, you would unarguably get a rocket boost on your company's profile after you hit one or two government contracts. More than often small business owners are scared away from pursuing government contracts, they are intimidated by the big boys in the field. But what they don't know is that most government bodies reserve a percentage of their jobs/needs for SMEs (Small and Medium scale Enterprises).

Be realistic, don't go hunting for government contracts when you've barely successfully pulled off five jobs with good commendations. Take your time to build your portfolio, because government agencies rely on past performance, they call for quality service. Once you beat their demands, chances of continuity are high. You
might want to start up as a sub-contractor in which case, your business is in partnership with a bigger or more experienced firm in your sphere. If you have the guts to stand alone, then give it the shot it takes.
If you want to get a government contract; not a bid for an already existing job, it is best to bring the need to their faces. The surest way to get a foothold in a government agency's pay roll is to identify a product or service (could be a new innovation) that they need but dont know they need it.
In that case prepare a well drafted business proposal, approach the agency by mail, followed up with calls. Better still, a physical appearance will not be out of place.
Little tip: if possible, go straight to the officer in charge.

To enter for a Government bid, follow the steps below:

· Get registered with the Nigerian Corporate Affairs commission (CAC)
This is the platform on which any other procedure is hinged. It is necessary as a firm that you are registered with the CAC before you can hit any big contracts. No government agency will give its work to some ambitious non identified company. Also, get your paperwork ready on taxes, bills, etc.

· look out for bids and request for quotations
The government is required by law to inform all potential contractors on what they are looking for, but the quetion is; are you listening? There are a good number of outlets for this information; scouting networks are all over the internet, search engines will come in handy. nevertheless, look out for networks of renowned reputation. Get the bid package, its particular pricing arrangement and stud carefully to get correct information.

· submit your proposal and price bid
prepare a presentable but brief proposal showing your company's profile, including a listing of jobs and contracts that you have pulled off (usually takes the last pages). Be sure to outline your competitive advantage (what gives your service an edge over others in your sphere). Also, spell out your outlined budget
and quotation. In any bid, price is a major determining factor. You proposal should have between 4-6 pages max of the main body. Nobody attends to bulky proposals, i assure you.

A bid is your proposed cost, while a proposal is your plan in broad sense.