Big Fish Consulting — "minnows to marlins" (BFC) corporate capabilities listed below provide practical advisory support for clients in diverse stages of the federal contracts and acquisition management process, Assessments are provided to determine if clients are eligible for federal contracting, this phase alone has supported clients in eliminating incurred cost that is unnecessary, Clients have the flexibility to select advisory services applicable to their unique contract and acquisition needs.
Corporate capabilities include education & training; assessments; federal certifications & socioeconomic programs (8a; Small Business (SB); Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB); HUBZone; Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB); Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB); and Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB); supplier diversity programs; proposal management; contract negotiations; contract administration; contract compliance; contract closeout; small business subcontracting plans; federal acquisition regulation (FAR); government-furnished property (GFP) procedures and contract audit preparation.
We have channel partners with various service levels to support your business development plans; marketing strategies in lead generation; and government marketing strategies to identify contract opportunities in accordance with your specific products, services and industries.
Government ResourcesBig Fish Consulting provides unique advisory service models for clients who decide to facilitate their own federal marketing strategy, We have extensive experience and practical knowledge to guide you through a step-by-step process for any phase of the federal contracting and acquisition management maze, We can also provide you free government resources to save you valuable time and expense, Should you have questions or require additional information, feel free to contact us for assistance.
What can we help you with? Choose one our services areas below to see detailed information.
- Federal Assessments
- Federal Registration
- Federal Certifications
- Proposal Preparation & Management
- Business Plans
- Contract Administration & Closeout
- Federal Acquisition Regulations
- Supplier Diversity Program
- Government-Furnished Property Management
- Contract Audit Preparation
Potential clients are given an hour teleconference consultation to determine if clients are eligible for federal contracting; this phase alone has supported clients in eliminating incurred cost that is unnecessary. For a minimal fee, BFC provides a business summary that outlines where you are; what is required to become a federal contractor; identification of your product and services within the federal marketplace. The summary also provides professional recommendations to support your decision to become a federal contractor or not. This valuable tool provides clients with a "GPS Navigational System" to guide them on a clear path through a complex maze through the federal marketplace of government contracts.
Return to services list Federal RegistrationBefore a company can do business with the federal government, in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), every potential contractor must be registered. Clients that are new to the federal government marketplace receive registration support to achieve business recognition by the federal government. Many clients are too busy making a living to be burdened down with additional registration and administrative tasks. We can lighten your "to do" list and facilitate all federal registrations applicable to the federal acquisition process. Clients that are new to the federal government market place receive registration support to achieve business recognition by the federal government. Many clients are too busy making a living to be burdened down with additional registration and administrative tasks. We lighten you "to do" list and facilitate all federal registrations applicable to the federal acquisition process.
Clients that generate their own registration process utilize our advisory support as needed. We are always here to ensure support for your greatest success.
As your contract administrator and advisory team, we guide our clients across the bridge of opportunities where the federal government and the business community come together for mutual success.
Steps to registering a new business is another registration level of support we provide as an initial resource bridge for the small business community. We provide information and resources to enable every new business a productive start.
Advisory support is provided for both "informal certifications" 8a; Small Business (SB); Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB); Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB); Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB); and Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB). We also provide support with "formal certifications"; 8(a) and HUBZone socioeconomic programs. We provide applicable support or direct clients to many of the resources available to them in this area of federal certification.
We also provide training for large and small businesses to enhance their knowledge of the many benefits to them and the federal government when collaborative efforts are successfully achieved in pursuing federal contracts when partnering with small businesses. We believe that "small business" does not necessarily mean "small" quality.
Our database is full of certified, quality small businesses that are of the highest caliber; fully registered and established to partner on your next opportunity. Many large firms utilize our services in preparation of their Small Business Subcontracting Plans for federal opportunities they are bidding on. Give us a call and we will be happy to support your socioeconomic goals and contract compliance efforts on your next proposal subcontracting plan.
Other clients utilize our proposal preparation and management advisory support services to serve on their final bid review team before submitting their bid package to the federal government. Give us a call and we will be happy to support your next bid proposal efforts.
Return to services list Proposal Preparation & Management
BFC provides training and advisory support services to address all phases of the bidding process from the solicitation to bid submission. Clients receive a overview of the various administrative requirements for every contract type and the advantages and disadvantages of each contract method utilized by the federal government. We address common proposal weaknesses and typical proposal pitfalls; uniform contract format (UFC); support bid/proposal process - red, yellow & green teams; proposal review; pre-bid conferences; negotiations during the source selection phase and post-award conference support.
Our federal experience is extended to our clients to avoid common proposal preparation mistakes, provide the recommended informational correction and supply proven resolutions to ensure their proposals are both "responsive & responsible" to the federal requirements.
Many times, clients need an objective review of their proposal to validate the responsible and responsiveness to the federal procurement before final submission to the federal government. We bring years of federal contracting experience to the team. BFC mitigates risk for the client to ensure common proposal mistakes are reviewed and eliminated. This service increases the client's opportunity to reach the source selection phase of the federal bid process. All services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each client.
Return to services list Business PlanWe provide "business plan" advisory support services to businesses seeking to develop a company road map for their business. Many customers want to know what information is required for a business plan? How do we arrange the information in a way that makes sense to my staff, banks, lenders and investors? These questions and more can be resolved with the standard business outline provided below.
- Executive Summary: (BFC works with many clients on this phase that is generally a one or two page section).
- Company Description: (A synopsis of your company's legal establishment, history, start-up strategy, etc.).
- Product or Service: (Include your product(s) and/or services you plan to sell. Include your federal NAIC code(s) and customer benefits for doing business with your company.)
- Market Analysis: (Include your market analysis, targeted customer needs, where your targeted customer are, and how you plan to sell to your targeted customer base, etc.)
- Strategy and Implementation: (Make sure you provide specifics, including management responsibilities with dates and budgets and (track your business results).
- Website Plan Summary: (Included in this section - website, development costs, operations, sales and marketing strategy cost).
- Management Team: (Include a description of your company organization and the key personnel and management team).
- Financial Analysis: (At a minimum, include your projected Profit & Loss (P&L) and Cash Flow Statements).
The arrangement above is provided as an example, business plan formats vary in layout and style.
Every bank, lending institution or investor will expect to see sections in your business plan that address your company, the market, the product or service, the key personnel (management team), business strategy, implementation, and financial data.
Return to services list Contract Administration & Closeout
After you have completed the initial phase of proposal submission and have been officially awarded a contract, the contract administration support is invaluable. It is imperative to ensure contract compliance during the performance of a federal contract to mitigate risk in the contract closeout phase once the requirements of the contract is completed. Without proper contract administration support, many contractors face costly situations during contract closeout.
Contract closeout is the action that occurs when a contractor completes a contract and all requirement and payments are resolved. The primary purpose of the contract closeout phase of federal contracting is to ensure that the contractor has complied with all the contractual requirements and the federal government has received and fulfilled its obligations. BFC works with clients to ensure their Contract Closeout Plan is complete and compliant.
Contractors must also comply with applicable labor laws, ensure all required reports are submitted, determine if there are any unpaid contract modifications or invoices, have all contractual records for possible audits or federal review and carry out other federal contract administrative task associated with contract closeout.
The academic and practical experience of our team provides contract administration support techniques in areas of application from the government's and the contractor's viewpoint. We adhere to the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) in all administrative procedures used to implement contract management practices to comply with awarded contract requirements. Our goal is to strengthen the partnership of knowledge and skills essential to effective business relations between our clients and the federal government.
We provide a comprehensive approach to the interrelationship between contract administration and project management. Our contract management and administration support brings to your team an in-depth knowledge of federal contract law. Whether you have just been awarded a federal contract or you are approaching the final option year on a current contract, feel free to give us a call. We are here to help you prepare for your next audit or contract closeout phase.
Return to services list Federal Acquisition Regulations
As a FAR specialist, we support clients through the regulatory laws and statues to support contract compliance upon contract award.
We provide solid FAR support for negotiation, analysis and implementation of the terms and conditions of government prime contracts and subcontracts. We emphasize proper planning to prevent poor performance rather than facing possible federal ramifications from the government for non-performance on a contract (i.e. termination for default).
BFC is knowledgeable in the purpose, interpretation, applicability, legal and administrative ramifications of federal laws, regulations and executive orders pertinent to prime contracts and subcontracts. With extensive experience within the Department of Defense and the Department of Justice, we are fully aware of how the major decisions of the Boards of Contract Appeals, the Comptroller General, and the Courts function within the federal marketplace.
We provide training and advisory support to clients regarding the rights and responsibilities of the government and the prime and subcontractors and the specific problems that may arise.
The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) is the business manual for anyone operating in the federal marketplace. We provide advisory support that delivers "cradle-to-grave" federal contract administration and acquisition management advisory support services. Below is a synopsis of services requested the most by clients in following areas:
- Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR)
- Business Conduct & Ethics Policies
- Contract Formation
- Proposal Preparation & Management
- Contract Modifications & Amendments
- Contract Audit Preparation
- Contract Closeout & Audit Preparation
- Contract Terminations (T4C or T4D)
- Contract Compliance
- Socio-economic Programs (Supplier Diversity Programs)
Adding our federal contract administration and acquisition management advisory support to you team increases:
- Legislation pertinent to government contracting
- Basic contract principles
- How government contracts are formed
- The differences among various types of contracts
- How technical data is treated in government contracts
These areas improve your ability to improve the management of contract changes; address socio-economic subcontract plan needs, address any federal audits or terminations while ensuring compliance in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR)
Return to services list Supplier Diversity ProgramProvide subcontracting plan support to federal contractors seeking to meet socioeconomic contract goals. Conduct assessments on current programs and work with clients to develop and implement new supplier diversity programs.
For the past three decades, Big Fish Consulting's leadership has been committed to supporting large Prime Contractors with their Supplier Diversity program enhancements. We work large contractors to develop small business suppliers to facilitate federal contract compliance and small business success in the federal marketplace.
Our Supplier Diversity Program advisory support serves as a viable resource for large and small business across the United States. We provide a comprehensive company assessment, coaching, guidance and training to best position and qualify them for further federal business and overall growth. As a result, of our efforts enhance the capability and capacity of these relationships to generate a "win-win" for all parties involved.
Our goal is to assist large Prime Contractors with maximizing procurement opportunities with small businesses of all socioeconomic categories in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR). Thus creating long-term revenue growth and competitive advantage for our clients.
Return to services list Government-Furnished Property (GFP) ManagementProvide GFP and government-furnished equipment (GFE) assessments, audits and documentation support in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) 45 for GFP facilities, materials, special tooling and special test equipment property.
For most government contracts, the contractor furnishes all property or equipment required to perform the awarded contract. Sometimes the government allows contractors to utilize government property (GFP) or equipment (GFE) when a significant savings, standardization, or expedited production on the contract can be achieved. Some common types of government-furnished property include:
- Facilities,
- Material,
- Special tooling, and
- Special test equipment
In preparation for the GFP audit at the end of the contract performance, it is important for contractors to segregate the GFP and equipment (GFE) from their own company property. Also, there are requirements to maintain adequate GFP control records, maintenance, and inventory records. We help clients prepare and manage GFP/GFE before, during and after the difference phases of their contract.
Many companies enter federal GFP/GFE audits unprepared, thus resulting in costs owed to the federal government due to lack of proper GFP/GFE management. Give us a call to discuss how we can assist you before an audit notification is received from the federal government.
Return to services list Contract Audit PreparationProvide advisory support for federal audits related to the Small Business Administration (SBA) socioeconomic programs (SF-294/295 reporting) and subcontracting plans.
Also, other types of federal audits as listed below:
| Code | Type of Audit |
|---|---|
| A | Reserved |
| B | Accounting and Management Systems Audits which include audits, follow-up audits, and flash reports on a contractor's control. Environment and Overall Accounting System; General IT System; Budget and Planning System; Purchasing System (including Contractor Purchasing System Review (CPSR)); Material System (including Material Management and Accounting System (MMAS); Compensation System; Labor System; Indirect and ODC System; Billing System; and Estimating System. |
| C | Claims and Equitable Adjustments. Audits. Only include DCAA audits with reported questioned costs of $100,000 or more. |
| D | Defective Pricing Audits |
| E | CAS Noncompliance and CAS Cost Impact Audits |
| F | Operations Audits and Operations Follow-Up Audits. Only include DCAA audits with reported potential cost avoidance of $100,000 or more. |
| G | Incurred Cost Audits (except for audits of audit-determined indirect rates where DCAA and contractor agree on all questioned costs and there is no penalty identified). Only include DCAA audits with reported questioned costs of $100,000 or more. |
| H | DCAA Insurance and Pension Audits |
| I | Final Pricing Submissions. Only include DCAA audits with reported questioned costs of $100,000 or more. |
| J | Termination Audits. Only include DCAA audits with reported questioned costs of $100,000 or more. |
| K | Earned Value Management System Audits |
We provide advisory support for our clients to respond to the federal government for consideration on contract audit findings and recommendations including the assessment of penalties. Also, we help our clients establish target dates and action plans for resolving each reportable audit.
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