Welcome to FloridaProcurements.com (FlaProc), your authoritative resource for navigating Florida’s government contracting landscape, with particular focus on transportation and technology opportunities. FlaProc provides free, expert guidance to help companies identify and secure state contracting opportunities throughout Florida.
This resource is maintained by Attorney Sean Gellis of Gellis Law, PLLC, one of less than 75 attorneys Board Certified in State and Federal Government and Administrative Practice by The Florida Bar. Mr. Gellis brings unique insight to government contracting, having served as General Counsel of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and Chief of Staff of the Florida Department of Management Services (DMS)—positions that provided direct oversight of major transportation and technology initiatives. His record in bid protest litigation reflects the sophisticated advocacy and strategic thinking he brings to government contracting matters, particularly in complex transportation and technology procurements.
Inside Tips: How to Research Florida’s Current Government Contracts
After years of helping companies navigate Florida’s procurement landscape, I’m often asked one crucial question: “How do I learn about the current contract?” The answer lies in knowing where to look and, more importantly, how to use the information strategically.
Leveraging Florida’s Transparency Tools
Let me share something that’s transformed the way my clients approach new opportunities: Florida’s commitment to transparency has created a goldmine of contract information, if you know where to dig. The Florida Accountability Contract Tracking System (FACTS) is your first stop, but it’s just the beginning of what you can discover.
I recently helped a technology company research an upcoming procurement. Through strategic use of public records requests, we uncovered not just the current contract terms, but also performance reports that revealed the agency’s pain points with their incumbent vendor. This intelligence proved invaluable in crafting a winning strategy.
Beyond the Basic Contract
Here’s a pro tip that many vendors miss: don’t just request the current contract. Ask for amendments, change orders, and performance reports. These documents tell the real story of how the contract has evolved and where the challenges lie. I’ve seen cases where seemingly minor contract modifications revealed significant shifts in agency needs.
The incumbent’s winning proposal from the last procurement is another crucial piece of the puzzle. It provides insight into not just pricing strategies, but also how they positioned their solution. Understanding this context helps you gauge both the competitive landscape and the agency’s priorities.
Strategic Use of Information
But here’s the key that separates successful vendors from the rest: it’s not just about gathering information – it’s about using it strategically. When you understand the current contract’s history, you can craft a proposal that directly addresses known issues and demonstrates your company’s ability to solve real problems.
I remember working with a vendor who discovered through performance reports that the incumbent struggled with response times. Their proposal specifically detailed their rapid response capabilities and included concrete metrics – directly addressing a pain point they knew the agency experienced. That’s the kind of targeted approach that gets evaluators’ attention.
Getting Started
If you’re ready to start your research, here’s my suggested approach:
- Begin with FACTS to identify the current contract
- Submit targeted public records requests for:
- The complete contract and all amendments
- Performance reports and correspondence
- The incumbent’s winning proposal
- Analyze the documents for:
- Pain points and challenges
- Changes in agency needs
- Pricing structures
- Performance metrics
Remember, this research isn’t just about gathering information – it’s about understanding the agency’s needs and challenges so you can present yourself as the solution they’re seeking.
For more detailed guidance on navigating Florida’s procurement landscape or assistance with specific research needs, feel free to reach out. Sometimes, an experienced perspective can help you see opportunities in the data that others might miss.
Have questions about researching government contracts or need assistance with your procurement strategy? Contact Gellis Law, PLLC for guidance on navigating Florida’s government marketplace.
