Sustainable success in government contracting can be elusive, but with the right support, resources, and determination, it is attainable. At FedBiz Access, we’ve developed a comprehensive Government Readiness Level (GRL) plan designed to help businesses optimize their approach and secure lucrative government contracts. In this article, we’ll explore how the GRL plan works and showcase a real success story that highlights its effectiveness.

Understanding the Government Readiness Level (GRL)

The Government Readiness Level (GRL) is a strategic framework created by FedBiz Access to assist businesses in becoming preferred contractors for government agencies. The GRL plan encompasses several key components, each aimed at enhancing a company’s visibility, credibility, and competitiveness in the federal marketplace.

Key Components of the GRL Plan

Get Registered & Optimized
- SAM Registration: Ensures that businesses are registered in the System for Award Management, a critical step for federal contracting.
- DSBS Registration: Update and optimize profiles in the Dynamic Small Business Search, making companies more discoverable by federal buyers.
Develop Resume
- Capability Statement: Crafts a “Best-in-Class” government resume responsive to the company’s capabilities, narrative, NAICS codes, contacts, past performance, and keywords.
- Government Landing Page: Creates a specialized online presence tailored for government contracting.
Target Market Research
- Marketing Action Plan: Develops a strategic plan for targeting federal, state, and local opportunities.
- RADAR Report: Provides real-time advanced data analysis to find who buys what the company sells.
- Market Intel Subscription: Offers a subscription to a comprehensive database of federal contracting opportunities.
Preferred Government Contractor
- Certifications: Assists in obtaining necessary certifications such as VOSB/SDVOSB, HUBZone, 8(a), WOSB/EDWOSB, MBE, and DBE.
- GSA Schedules: Helps with new GSA schedules, renewals, modifications, and contract management.
Win Federal Awards
- Engagement Coaching: Provides coaching and resources to enhance engagement and improve chances of winning contracts.

Client Success Story: Action Pest Control

To illustrate the power of the GRL plan, let’s delve into the success story of Action Pest Control, a company that transformed its federal contracting approach with the help of FedBiz Access.

The Initial Engagement

In early June, Will, a FedBiz Specialist from FedBiz Access, initiated a relationship with Action Pest Control. The company was sold a $599 Directory/SAM/DSBS package, which included trial access to the Market Intel database.

Optimizing Registration and Profile

The next day, Cheryl worked on completing their SAM registration and updating their DSBS profile. Concurrently, we set them up their Market Intel account based on Will’s detailed notes regarding relevant keywords and other important criteria.

Training and Coaching

By mid-June, Frank completed Action Pest Control’s initial Market Intel training. Over the next few weeks, Frank provided additional coaching through several calls, guiding the client on how to effectively use the Market Intel system to identify and bid on suitable award opportunities.

The Result

By the end of June, less than 40 days after engaging with FedBiz Access, Action Pest Control won a $159,473 contract through the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) – an impressive return on their initial $599 investment. Before working with FedBiz Access, the client lacked a DSBS profile and had never bid on a federal contract. This turnaround highlights the effectiveness of the GRL plan and the value of comprehensive support in federal contracting.

Why the GRL Plan Works

The success of Action Pest Control is not an isolated incident. The GRL plan works because it addresses all critical aspects of federal contracting, from registration and profile optimization to targeted market research and strategic planning. Here are a few reasons why the GRL plan is so effective:

Comprehensive Registration and Optimization

By ensuring that businesses are properly registered and their profiles are optimized in critical databases like SAM and DSBS, FedBiz Access makes companies more visible and attractive to federal buyers.

Tailored Marketing and Research

The GRL plan includes targeted market research and strategic marketing action plans, ensuring that businesses focus their efforts on the most promising opportunities. The RADAR report and Market Intel subscription provide valuable insights into federal buying patterns and opportunities.

Professional Certifications

Obtaining necessary certifications can be a complex process. The GRL plan simplifies this by providing expert assistance in securing certifications such as VOSB/SDVOSB, HUBZone, 8(a), WOSB/EDWOSB, MBE and DBE, making businesses eligible for a broader range of contracts.

Expert Coaching and Resources

Engagement coaching and access to free resources for government contractors ensure that businesses are well-prepared to engage with federal buyers and submit competitive bids.

The Broader Impact of the GRL Plan

The success of the GRL plan extends beyond individual businesses. By helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) secure federal contracts, FedBiz Access contributes to the growth and diversification of the government contracting landscape. This not only benefits the businesses themselves but also supports the broader economy by promoting innovation and competition.

Real-World Applications

To further understand the real-world applications of the GRL plan, consider the following scenarios:

Scenario 1: A Veteran-Owned Small Business

A veteran-owned small business (VOSB) is looking to expand its operations by entering the federal marketplace. Using the GRL plan, the company:

Completes its SAM and DSBS registrations.
Develops a compelling capability statement and government landing page.
Receives targeted market research and a RADAR report identifying relevant federal opportunities.
Obtains VOSB certification, enhancing its eligibility for set-aside contracts.
Engages in coaching sessions to refine its bidding strategy.

As a result, the company secures multiple contracts, significantly increasing its revenue and market presence.

Scenario 2: A Woman-Owned Small Business

A woman-owned small business (WOSB) specializing in IT services wants to leverage its expertise in the federal sector. By following the GRL plan, the business:

Registers and optimizes its profile in SAM and DSBS.
Crafts a detailed capability statement highlighting its IT services and past performance.
Utilizes the Market Intel subscription to identify upcoming IT-related contract opportunities.
Obtains WOSB certification, positioning itself for set-aside contracts.
Participates in engagement coaching to improve its proposal quality.

The company wins several IT contracts, establishing itself as a reliable federal contractor.

The Future of Government Contracting

The landscape of government contracting is continuously evolving, with new opportunities and challenges emerging regularly. The GRL plan is designed to adapt to these changes, providing businesses with the tools and support they need to stay competitive.

Technological Advancements

As technology advances, the federal government increasingly seeks contractors with cutting-edge solutions. The GRL plan’s focus on market research and capability development ensures that businesses can meet these demands and capitalize on technological opportunities.

Policy Changes

Changes in government policies and procurement practices can impact contracting opportunities. The GRL plan helps businesses stay informed about these changes and adjust their strategies accordingly, ensuring they remain compliant and competitive.

Work the GRL Plan

The Government Readiness Level (GRL) plan by FedBiz Access is a proven framework for achieving success in the federal marketplace. The success story of Action Pest Control demonstrates how businesses can transform their federal contracting approach and achieve significant returns on their investment.

By providing comprehensive registration and optimization, tailored marketing and research, professional certifications, and expert coaching, the GRL plan equips businesses with the tools they need to thrive in the government contracting arena.

FedBiz Access has been the leading government business development firm for over 23 years, helping businesses secure over $34 billion in awards. If you want to learn more about your Government Readiness Level and how we can help you succeed in the government marketplace, schedule a complimentary consultation with a FedBiz Specialist today.

View Government Readiness Level (GRL) Plan (PDF)