Public Sector Contracts: Big Business or Big Burden for Talent Agencies?

ThinkstockPhotos-477484225Chasing RFPs, submitting proposals and securing lucrative contracts with the federal and state governments equate to big business for talent agencies.  For any organization that wins public sector awards — whether for construction, IT or consulting, for example — most will end up also using at least one outside staffing or consulting agency to help provide talent with the necessary skills and experience to successfully execute complex projects and get important work done.

Why?
Very few companies have a deep enough “bench” — or currently employ all of the talent necessary — to perform every task on the complex public sector projects that may or may not materialize in the future.  Companies just cannot afford to gamble on a potential win and employ enough valuable talent for any extended length of time unless they are bringing in revenue to offset their salaries. This “Catch 22” scenario plays out repeatedly and often results in a fast and furious need to ramp up when a contract is awarded.

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How?
By partnering with and utilizing qualified staffing and consulting agencies as sub-contractors to fill the gaps, a strategic business arrangement helps to reduce the ever-increasing cost of full-time employees and allows a prime contractor to be nimble and ramp up quickly.  In fact, it can even mitigate the financial risk of wasting payroll on underutilized talent with the right mix of skills for any period of time at all.

Tip?
Most companies or prime contractors interested in contracting with the federal government or State of California must partner with a certified Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) or Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (SDVOSB) to meet a minimum requirement, such as a three percent participation goal required by the State of California. The real win, however, is when a prime contractor can find and partner with a reputable, competent and qualified talent services company — like HicksPro — that can work as a subcontractor, fulfill the diversity spend requirement AND deliver the highly trained talent needed. Indeed, companies that fit the bill are far and few between but can be an invaluable tool for successfully securing, maximizing and delivering on public sector contracts.

Without question, seeking out public sector contracts is a time and resource consuming process that often results in a “hurry up and wait” situation — and the wait can be quite lengthy. However, with some forethought and careful planning, you can be ready to “hit the ground running” all the way to the bank.

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Darren Hicks

Darren Hicks
Darren Hicks is president of Hicks Professional Group. He is also a veteran who served honorably for nine years as a Combat Decorated Navy SEAL before being injured on deployment in the Middle East and receiving disabled veteran status from the VA.

Darren Hicks

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