New CCH Resource Puts Small Businesses On Path To Government Contracting Success

(RIVERWOODS, ILL., November 29, 2000) – There’s never been a better time for small companies to do business with the federal government, according to CCH INCORPORATED (CCH), a leading provider of small business and government contracts law information and services. Last year alone, an estimated 8,000 small companies received their first federal contract, with small businesses overall earning $40 billion contracted by the government in fiscal year 1999. Now, to help all small companies benefit from new business opportunities, CCH’s Business Owner’s Toolkit has published Win Government Contracts for Your Small Business – the definitive resource for those looking to sell to the largest customer in the world, the U.S. government. ($24.95. To order, or for more information, call 800-248-3248, visit www.toolkit.cch.com or http://onlinestore.cch.com).

With valuable guidance from Win Government Contracts for Your Small Business, companies with little or no experience in selling to the federal government can share in the opportunities this huge market has to offer.

"Recent changes in federal government contracting and procurement laws make it much easier for small businesses to participate in this $240 billion industry," said Linda Lev, CCH Associate Publisher. "And, with step-by-step instruction from Win Government Contracts for Your Small Business, companies can confidently walk through each phase of the process - from identifying the right opportunity to submitting a bid."

Guide Offers Roadmap to Success

Win Government Contracts for Your Small Business offers practical how-to direction, in-depth explanations and forms, tips and checklists that put small companies on the path to success. Written by government contracting experts John DiGiacomo and James L. Kleckner, the book provides readers with a wealth of experience and invaluable first-hand know-how.

Taking a step-by-step approach to the contracting process, the easy-to-read guidebook begins by helping small business owners determine where there are contracting opportunities, as well as subcontracting alternatives.

A handy self-assessment section lets businesses decide if they have what it takes to work with the federal government, while an overview of federal government procedures, laws and regulations puts into plain English the legal requirements for doing business with Uncle Sam.

The next section provides critical information, in 10 clear steps, about how to move successfully from concept through writing a proposal and submitting a bid. Clear guidance and expert insights guide readers through:

How to Think Like the Government
How to Identify Your Customers
Getting Registered
Finding Bid Leads
Getting the Bid Package
Reviewing the Bid
Getting Technical Data
Pricing it Out
Writing Your Proposal
Submitting Your Bid

The guidebook also covers the post-bid process, examining bid evaluation and award; quality assurance standards; contract terminations; and getting paid.

Critical Resources at Your Fingertips

Win Government Contracts for Your Small Business also identifies all of the resources and information you’ll need to succeed as you work through the contracting process. Included are sources of government assistance, including specialized government web sites, personnel and publications; outside counseling services; and special small business programs, including small business set-aside programs, small business R&D funding programs, SBA programs and other assistance measures.

About the Authors

Win Government Contracts for Your Small Business is co-authored by the expert team of John DiGiacomo and James L. Kleckner. Together, they have over 60 years experience and have helped over 6,000 businesses secure government contracts totaling over $2 billion.

Mr. DiGiacomo is now the director of the Procurement Technical Assistance Center at Rock Valley College, Rockford, IL, assisting companies in working with the federal government. Mr. Kleckner is a private consultant specializing in federal government procurement and small business, and also works with the Illinois PTAC program.

Both authors have extensive experience with the federal procurement process and are Certified Contracting Assistance Specialists with the Association of Government Marketing Assistance Specialists.

Pricing and Availability

To order or for more information about Win Government Contracts for Your Small Business, call 800-248-3248, visit CCH Business Owner’s Toolkit at www.toolkit.cch.com or visit the CCH Online Store at http://onlinestore.cch.com. Price is $24.95, plus applicable tax, shipping and handling.

About CCH INCORPORATED

CCH INCORPORATED, founded in 1913, has served four generations of business professionals and their clients. The company produces approximately 700 print and electronic products for securities, tax, legal, banking, human resources, health care and small business markets. CCH is a wholly owned subsidiary of Wolters Kluwer North America. The CCH web site can be accessed at www.cch.com. The Business and Finance group web site can be accessed at http://business.cch.com.

-- ### --

nb-00-149

Editors’ Note: For members of the press, a complimentary review copy of Win Government Contracts for Your Small Business is available by contacting Leslie Bonacum at 847-267-7153 or bonacuml@cch.com.