In This Week’s Newsletter:
- Competitive Intelligence & Pricing: To Subcontract or Not to Subcontract?
- Opportunity Spotlight of the Week: National Education Campaign and Outreach Contract (NEC)
- Culture Corner: Network with Intention
- AI Corner: Embracing AI
- Four To Follow: Get the lowdown on four interesting pursuits!
To Subcontract or Not to Subcontract?
Contact Tom: thomas.hudgins@hinzconsulting.com
Prime bidders may face the question of subcontractor inclusion since it is often a requirement. Sometimes, RFPs may even dictate the type of subcontractors to be used. Including subcontractors can be a real benefit by potentially keeping keep costs down, bringing additional expertise to the proposed team, and may give an up-and-coming company their first contract.
Navigating subcontractor costs need not be feared – the process isn’t as complicated as it seems. The prime can consider two paths:
- Other Direct Cost (ODC): Here, subcontractor expenses get a General & Administrative (G&A) markup and then a fee. This applies when subcontractors use the prime contractor’s facilities, time system, or requires management.
- Direct Material (DM): Opt for this route when subcontractors operate form their own offices and require little management. DM costs get a smaller markup (sometimes called MH for materials handling). Less oversight, more efficiency.
In summary, including a subcontractor in a proposal isn’t just compliance; it’s a strategic advantage. They can help save money, enhance proposals, and meet proposal requirements.
National Education Campaign and Outreach Contract (NEC)
Contact Len: len.miller@hinzconsulting.com
Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is looking to recompete the incumbent contracts held by Porter Novelli, Edelman, Omnicom Group, and CMGRP as these contracts are scheduled to expire end of August 2025. The ceiling value on this IDIQ is currently $3B and the new contract is expected to be similar in ceiling value. The Contracting Office anticipates releasing the RFP in late summer of 2024.
Network with Intention
As we eagerly anticipate the Annual Bid & Proposal Conference (BPC) with APMP in New Orleans, it’s Important to reflect on the art of intentional networking. But what does it mean to network with intention? It means asking questions, creating strategic goals, and using best practices to communicate effectively in any situation. Here are some strategies to get the most our of your networking experience:
Ask Thoughtful Questions: Take a proactive approach and prepare some interesting questions to ask when you meet someone new. Consider asking about the other person’s professional journey, their goals, or their favorite industry trends. Thoughtful questions pave the way for meaningful conversations.
Craft Your Networking Goals: Before stepping into the conference venue, define clear objectives. Are you seeking potential collaborators, mentors, or new clients? Having well-defined goals ensures that your networking efforts align with your overall ambitions.
Make a Plan: Like any successful venture, networking requires planning. Identify key sessions, workshops, or social events you want to attend. Allocate time for specific interactions. A well-structured plan maximizes your chances of connecting with the right people.
Remember, networking isn’t just about collecting business cards or scanning badges—it’s about building authentic relationships that can propel your career forward. Be sure to stop by our booth at BPC NOLA in the Main Exhibitor Hall! You can also find Hinzers involved all over the conference:
Embracing AI
Contact Josh: josh.thiel@hinzconsulting.com
In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, businesses face a critical choice: embrace artificial intelligence (AI) or risk obsolescence. As the digital landscape evolves, companies that fail to integrate AI into their operations will find themselves lagging behind competitors. Let’s explore why AI is essential for business survival.
- Enhanced Efficiency and Productivity:
- AI automates repetitive tasks, allowing employees to focus on higher-value work.
- Streamlined processes lead to faster decision-making and improved productivity.
- Customer Expectations:
- Consumers now anticipate seamless, AI-enhanced experiences.
- Companies that don’t meet these expectations risk losing customers to more tech-savvy competitors.
- Cost Reduction:
- AI lowers operational costs by optimizing resource allocation.
- From supply chain management to customer service, AI-driven solutions save money.
- Data-Driven Insights:
- AI analyzes vast datasets, extracting actionable insights.
- Businesses can make informed decisions based on predictive analytics.
- Competitive Advantage:
- Companies leveraging AI gain a competitive edge.
- Whether through personalized marketing or efficient logistics, AI drives innovation.
- Risk Mitigation:
- AI detects anomalies and potential threats.
- Cybersecurity, fraud prevention, and compliance benefit from AI-powered solutions.
In summary, AI isn’t merely a buzzword; it’s a survival imperative. Business leaders must recognize that AI isn’t about replacing humans but empowering them. By embracing AI, companies position themselves for long-term success in an ever-evolving landscape. The future belongs to those who harness the power of AI to drive innovation, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
Four to Follow:
- Defense Information School (DINFOS) Professional Training Services:The Defense Media Activity (DMA) is potentially looking at recompeting the incumbent contracts held by Grey Ghost, Sustainment & Restoration Services, and Masy Group. The current BPA Contract value limit is set at $50M It is expected that this BPA will remain a SBSA IDIQ and an RFP could be released in July 2026 according to the DMA 2024 Acquisition Forecast released in March. The Incumbent contracts are expected to expire between May 2025 to September 2027.
- Northwest Division Powerhouse Life Safety Upgrades Phase 1:The Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District is looking to procure the Phase 1 Construction Services to renovate/upgrade the life-safety systems at large hydroelectric powerhouses that are located at large, remote civil works projects in the Walla Walla District. A Sources Sought Notice (SSN) was released on May 17 and responses are due NLT June 17 at 2 pm PT. The RFP is estimated for release in August 2024 with an expected 4 contract awards being made under this $99M IDIQ in November 2024.
- USSOCOM Intelligence Support Services Joint III (ISSJ-III):A modified notice was released on May 22 to provide Q&A against draft RFP material. The Final RFP for this estimated $200M SDVOSB IDIQ is expected to be released in mid-July 2024 with proposals being due mid-August 2024.
- USSOCOM Global System Support Engineering (GSSE): This planned $250M SBSA contract is an apparent consolidation 4 existing contracts. This is currently in draft RFP stage and Q&A was released by the Contracting Office on May 21. It is currently expected that the final RFP could be released first week of June 2024 and the Q&A states that proposal could be due as early as July 9, 2024…however that is contingent on when the final RFP is actually released.
About Hinz Consulting
Hinz Consulting provides services across the full business development cycle:
- Proposal Consulting
- AI Services
- Strategic Pricing
- Training
- Capture
- Competitive Intelligence
- BD Transformation Consulting
- Process/Methodology Consulting
- Tools and Templates
- Production Services
- Small Business
