Getting Government Contract-Ready

Compliance and Operations
Written By Stephanie Clark-Ochoa

7 Practical Steps to Compete & Win in California

Help 4 LA Subs blog launches July 8th. Check back for new posts, tools, and step-by-step guidance for subcontractors and small businesses preparing for government contracts.

Getting Government Contract-Ready: 7 Practical Steps to Compete & Win in California

Government contracting can unlock steady work and long-term growth—but most small businesses aren’t nearly as ready as they believe. If you’re a business owner in the Greater Los Angeles area hoping to tap into local or state opportunities, here’s how to build a solid foundation, avoid costly missteps, and compete with confidence.

What Does “Government Contract-Ready” Actually Mean?

Being ready for government contracting isn’t just about having a business license or delivering great work. It means your business is:

  • Legally established and in good standing

  • Registered in local and state vendor systems

  • Properly insured and compliant with public agency requirements

  • Professionally represented with the right documents and messaging

 In short, you’re positioned to be taken seriously by primes, procurement officers, and agency buyers.

Take your business up these 7 steps and get contract-ready.

Step 1: Nail Down Your Legal & Business Structure

Start by confirming that your business entity is correctly formed and documented:

  • Register as an LLC, Corporation, or Sole Proprietor

  • Get your EIN from the IRS (and save the letter!)

  • Maintain a valid business license for your city or county

  • Request a Certificate of Good Standing from the CA Secretary of State  

  • Keep copies of key documents like Articles of Incorporation and Operating Agreement

  • Download your latest Statement of Information from the CA Secretary of State

  • Obtain a D-U-N-S number from Dun & Bradstreet (helps establish business credit)

💡Pro Tip: Keep these documents organized and readily accessible—it’s often the first paperwork buyers request when verifying your business.

Step 2: Register with Local and State Vendor Systems

You must be visible in the systems where agencies and primes search for vendors:

🔗 Optional federal step: Register on SAM.gov and get a UEI if you plan to explore federal contracts later.

Step 3: Protect Your Business with Insurance and Compliance

Many agencies require specific insurance or compliance documentation:

  • General Liability Insurance

  • Workers’ Comp (if applicable)

  • Commercial Auto or Professional Liability insurance (depending on your trade)

  • Public Works contractors: CA DIR Registration

  • Bonding capacity, if required in your field

Step 4: Build Your Capability Statement and Marketing Toolkit

Before reaching out to primes or responding to solicitations, make sure you have:

  • A 1-page Capability Statement (focused on state and local work)

  • A summary of completed projects—even private sector jobs

  • A business email address using your domain (e.g. info@yourcompany.com)

  • A voicemail greeting that is clear, professional, and active

  • Consistent business name and contact info across all registrations

  • A LinkedIn profile (or website) listing your core services and certifications

  • Key documents stored digitally and ready to send quickly

💡Pro Tip: Your Capability Statement is your “government resume.” Keep it short, impactful, and updated with recent projects and certifications.

Step 5: Pursue State and Local Certifications (If Eligible)

Certifications can give you a competitive edge and open doors to set-aside opportunities:

🟣 Don’t overlook local programs.
Many large cities like Long Beach, Irvine, and Pasadena have their own certification programs. These can earn you preference points, access to exclusive contracts, or priority consideration for outreach and networking events.

💡Pro Tip: Each certification often requires tax returns, business structure documents, and proof of control or ownership. Start gathering these documents early to avoid delays.

 💡CPUC Certification Opens Utility Doors 

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) offers certification through its Supplier Clearinghouse for businesses interested in working with Southern California utility companies.

 This certification helps utilities like Southern California Edison, AT&T, and San Gabriel Valley Water Company meet their supplier diversity goals—which in turn increases opportunities for certified businesses to win contracts and form new partnerships.

Step 6: Present Your Business Professionally

Every touchpoint should signal that you’re ready for public work:

  • Use a professional email domain (e.g. info@yourcompany.com )

  • Keep your voicemail greeting clear, concise, and professional

  • Maintain an updated Capability Statement saved as a PDF

  • Ensure your social profiles and vendor registrations display consistent information

Step 7: Get The Checklist

🎯 Ready to see if your business is truly prepared for government work?
Sign up to get the free Subcontractor Readiness Checklist and discover actionable steps for building a solid government contracting foundation.

Looking for a broader business assessment? The Business Readiness Checklist is also available on our Resources Page.

Final Thoughts

Getting government contract-ready isn’t just paperwork—it’s about setting your business up for real growth. Next time, we’ll talk about why the start of the new fiscal year is the perfect time to find new contracting opportunities. Don’t miss it!

Let’s get your house in order—because readiness is your best strategy!

Stephanie

About Stephanie:
Stephanie Clark-Ochoa is a Government Procurement Strategist and founder of Clark-Ochoa Business Services. Through Help 4 LA Subs, she provides practical tools and insights to help micro and small businesses in the Greater Los Angeles area become government-ready and thrive in public contracting.

Real Support. Practical Advice.
Get Your House in Order. Get Government-Ready Results.

👉 Curious if government contracting is right for your business? Visit our Resources Page for tools to help you decide.

➤ The Subcontractor Readiness Checklist helps small businesses in the Greater LA area get started. Sign up below to get your free copy.

For broader planning, check out the Resources Page for our Business Readiness Checklist.

🟣 Free resources are available and designed for small businesses in the Greater LA area.

Stephanie Clark-Ochoa

Stephanie Clark-Ochoa is a Government Procurement Strategist and founder of Clark-Ochoa Business Services.

https://clarkochoa.com
Previous

New Fiscal Year, New Contracts
Next

What Is Government Contracting?