Basics

March 27, 2025
Sean Gellis
Basics

The Commodity Code Conundrum: Why Technology Vendors Miss Critical Opportunities

In theory, Florida's procurement system is designed to connect agencies with qualified vendors through a systematic approach. At the heart of this system lies the United Nations Standard Products...

March 20, 2025
Sean Gellis
Basics

Government Contractors Beware: You’re Now in the Public Records Business

So you've landed that government contract. Congratulations! Whether it's your first foray into the public sector or you're a seasoned government contractor, there's an aspect of public contracting that...

March 18, 2025
Sean Gellis
Basics

Do I Give Up My Trade Secrets When I Sign a Government Contract?

One of the most significant concerns I hear from companies considering government contracts is whether they'll be forced to surrender their valuable intellectual property and trade secrets. This concern...

March 13, 2025
Sean Gellis
Basics

The Forgotten “Why” of Procurement Laws: Competition Still Matters

In the daily hustle of government procurement - parsing complex RFPs and ITNs, navigating protest deadlines, and untangling the intricacies of contract terms - it's easy to lose sight...

February 13, 2025
Sean Gellis
Basics

Competitive Solicitations vs. Exceptional Purchases

In my years advising on Florida procurement matters, I've noticed a recurring question from both agencies and vendors: When is competition required, and when can we pursue an exceptional...

February 12, 2025
Sean Gellis
Basics

Florida’s Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) Process

When vendors first encounter Florida's Invitation to Negotiate (ITN), they often assume it's just another name for a Request for Proposals. This assumption couldn't be further from the truth....

February 12, 2025
Sean Gellis
Basics

Understanding Florida’s Request for Proposal (RFP) Process

After guiding countless clients through Florida's procurement processes, I've noticed that the Request for Proposals (RFP) often presents the greatest challenge – even for experienced contractors. While an ITB...

February 12, 2025
Sean Gellis
Basics

Understanding Florida’s Invitation to Bid (ITB) Process

After years of working with Florida's procurement system, I've found that many vendors misunderstand the simplest of our competitive solicitation methods: the Invitation to Bid (ITB). While it might...