Maine’s federal market is anchored by Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, one of the Navy’s four public shipyards and a major maintenance hub for nuclear-powered submarines. As a government contracting consultant for Maine businesses, GERC helps small businesses in Portland, Bangor, Lewiston, Augusta and South Portland get registered, get certified and win bids. We are based in California and serve Maine clients remotely, as part of our nationwide practice.
Federal work: government contracting consultant services for Maine businesses
- SAM.gov registration, UEI and annual renewal
- SBA 8(a), WOSB, HUBZone and SDVOSB certification
- GSA Schedule offers, federal proposals and capability statements
- Targeting Maine’s federal buyers, including Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (Kittery), VA Maine Healthcare System – Togus VA Medical Center (Augusta area), 101st Air Refueling Wing, Maine Air National Guard (Bangor) and Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) Limestone
Maine state contracting
- Vendor Self-Service (VSS): where businesses register with the Division of Procurement Services in the Department of Administrative and Financial Services
- MaineDOT DBE certification through the MaineDOT Civil Rights Office under the new U.S. DOT rules requiring an individual showing of disadvantage (see DBE certification)
Portland, Bangor and Lewiston local contracting
- City of Portland Purchasing, Portland International Jetport and Maine Turnpike Authority: vendor registration and bid opportunities
- Subcontracting with the prime contractors that serve Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and other federal sites
- Airports, transit agencies and school districts, each with its own vendor list (see vendor registration)
How our government contracting consultants help Maine businesses
- Free readiness call: what you sell, who buys it in Maine and what you are missing
- Registrations: SAM.gov, Maine’s Vendor Self-Service system and city and county portals
- Certifications: SBA programs and DBE
- Bid targeting and subcontracting research, using our market research for government contractors
- Proposals written to score, through our bid writing services
Example: how a Portland marine electrical subcontractor would get started
This is an illustration of our process, not a client story.
A Portland marine electrical subcontractor wants work with Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and the Togus VA Medical Center. First, we register it in SAM.gov, confirm its NAICS codes and check SBA certifications. Next, we research how those buyers purchase from small businesses and which contracts are coming up. After that, we register it in Maine’s Vendor Self-Service system and prepare MaineDOT DBE certification if it qualifies.
Frequently asked questions
Can a California-based government contracting consultant help my Maine business?
Yes. Because registrations, certifications and proposals are all filed online, we can work with clients nationwide by video call.
Who certifies Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) in Maine?
MaineDOT’s Civil Rights Office certifies DBEs in Maine under federal rules. Maine has no separate statewide minority- or women-owned certification for state contracts.
Do Maine federal buyers set aside work for small businesses?
Yes. Federal agencies and military bases in Maine buy through small business set-asides, and their prime contractors have small business subcontracting goals. SAM.gov registration and the right SBA certifications put you in position for both.
Win government contracts in Maine
Book a free 15-minute readiness call and we will map the registrations, certifications and bids that fit your business.
Related: SAM.gov Registration · 8(a) Certification · DBE Certification · GSA Schedule Consulting · Bid Writing Services · All service areas