Contracting Essentials: A Blueprint for Small Business Success (Houston)

This will be an IN-PERSON working session at 7047 Harrisburg Blvd Houston, TX- the Camara de Empresarios Latinos de Houston (CELH) building. Please bring your charged laptops or tablet device.

Here’s what we will cover:

Are You Procurement Ready?
We will discuss what procurement is and what it means to be truly prepared for procurement opportunities. This includes an overview of common procurement terminology, basic contract concepts, an introduction to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and the foundational steps to become “procurement ready.”

Research: Who Buys Your Product or Service?
Learn how to identify which agencies, departments, or organizations are actually purchasing what you offer. Understanding demand is the first step in positioning your business for real contract opportunities.

Registration on State, Federal, and Local Sites
Get clarity on which platforms you should be registered with to ensure you’re notified about informal and formal opportunities across government levels. We’ll walk through the purpose of these systems and how they increase your visibility.

The Players: Prime vs. Subcontracting
Understand the difference between working as a prime contractor versus a subcontractor. Learn how to evaluate which route is best for your current capacity and long-term goals.

Compliance: What Does It Really Look Like?
We’ll demystify compliance requirements so you know what rules and expectations you’ll need to follow once you enter the government contracting space.

Documents Needed in a Proposal
We’ll go over the most common documents and components expected in procurement proposals so you can begin preparing them ahead of time.

Marketing for Your Business
Learn practical strategies for positioning your business in the government contracting marketplace, including how to present your capabilities and how to stand out to buyers.

Identification of NIGP Codes & Highway Districts
Learn how to identify and utilize National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP) codes and Highway District classifications relevant to your business. This helps ensure your business is searchable and aligned with the agencies that buy what you sell.

Navigating CMBL Registration & Its Importance
Gain an understanding of the Centralized Masters Bidders List (CMBL), the basic registration process, and why it matters for accessing contracting opportunities in Texas. You’ll learn how being listed supports your business visibility and competitiveness.

Key Learning Objectives:

• Gain a foundational understanding of procurement and its significance.
• Identify the steps involved in becoming procurement ready.
• Recognize common procurement terminology and concepts.
• Understand contract fundamentals and the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).
• Learn key elements of proposal development, compliance, and marketing for government contracts.
• Enhance your knowledge of state-level registration tools such as NIGP codes, Highway Districts, and CMBL.

Spots are limited and are on a first-come, first-serve basis.

THIS EVENT IS IN PERSON LOCATED AT 7047 HARRISBURG BLVD HOUSTON, TEXAS.