Market Research for Government Contracting

Market Research for Washington State and Local Government Contracting
Understanding how and where government agencies buy products and services is crucial for any business seeking government contracts.This can be challenging at the state and local level, because the information lives across dozens of disconnected systems, agency portals, pre-solicitation briefings, planning documents, and spending feeds.

1) Market Research tells you WHO buys what you sell

• Every agency buys differently.
• Some buy your category weekly. Some never buy it.
• The fastest way to waste 12 months is to chase agencies that don’t buy what you sell.

2) Market Research tells you WHEN they buy

• If you know when the contract likely ends — you can start building buyer awareness before the RFP hits the street.

3) Market Research tells you HOW they buy

• RFQs vs IFBs vs ITBs vs piggyback authority vs JOCs vs small works rosters vs cooperative contracts vs statewide master contracts…
• Different routes demand different strategy.

4) Market Research tells you WHO is winning now

• If you know the incumbents, you know who your competition is.

Join us for an informative session!

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Shameless Promotion: If you cannot make this training, consider attending Alliance NW, where Cara will present on Market Research. Alliance NW is the largest Business to Government networking event in Washington State. Build knowledge, expand your network. Special registration discounts for APEX clients and businesses with OMWBE certification. Message Cara at carab@economicalliancesc.org to request yours.

Agenda at a Glance

Wednesday, March 25th:

• 12:00 PM – 5:30 PM Booth set up – Exhibit Hall closed to attendees
• 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM Ready Room Opens – Featuring hands-on support for attendees, exhibitors, sponsors, and speakers: Explore the event app, schedule your meetings and strategize how to make the most of the following day with APEX Accelerator staff and resource partners.
• 5:30 – 7:00 PM Evening Reception – Cost included in your event ticket. RSVP in the event platform.

Thursday, March 26th: Alliance Northwest Conference*

• 6:00 AM – Exhibitor Set up
• 8:00 AM – Kick Off Welcome Breakfast with Keynote Speaker: Dr. Adrian Thompson, Chief Equity & Performance Officer, Washington State Department of Enterprise Services (DES)
• Exhibit Hall with 200+ sponsor and exhibitor booths
• Prescheduled Meetings
• 12 Breakout Sessions
• Lunch with Keynote Speakers: Mr. James R. Mismash, Office of the Secretary of War’s Director of Small Business Programs (OSBP) and Mr. Khalil Mack, Deputy Director of the Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) and Director of APEX Accelerators (invited)
• 4:00 PM – Conference Concludes, Exhibitor Breakdown begins