Best Value vs. Best Price in Federal Contracts: Who wins?

Spending isn’t likely to explode in the next year, but there are definite priorities among government buyers that are important to pay attention to. For the fourth year in a row, the federal government reached its small business contracting goals, spending nearly $100 billion on small businesses, however as more businesses graduate into the world of federal contracting, procurement agencies find themselves looking for better quality over better price as the pool of service providers becomes larger every year. So, what are they looking for? Our inside reports tell us they want the best of the best essentially, quality and low-risk margins are becoming the top priorities during the evaluation process. The next question becomes “Is my small business offering the best value service?”. Well, this can be tricky, especially for new businesses seeking to be awarded a contract. With constant changes in technology and industry the answer to that question is entirely contingent upon the business itself. In other words, businesses must now prove that they have the capability to offer a high-quality service at a low-risk margin through track records of investment, experience, and certifications. With changes like this it’s only a matter of time before the entire market tries to play “catch-up”. Bearing this in mind, small and mid-size businesses should look to review their business models in order to make the necessary changes that highlight their service as the best value above all other providers (including larger corporations). Stay tuned on our blog to get the inside scoop on all these upcoming shifts!

Written By: Michelle Rosario

WPG: Large in Reach

The Washington Premier Group (WPG) prides itself in providing a boutique government affairs experience with the qualifications and caliber of a large firm. With more than 20 years of experience in federal, state, and local government affairs, we have built connections on Capital Hill that undoubtedly lend well to business interests.

With the flexibility of a smaller firm, we have the ability to devote higher levels of focus and dedication to each of our clients. Thus allowing us to confidently say that our streamlined and affordable government relation’s services provide clients with a personal, truly hands-on experience. Be it lobbying, public relations, management consulting, legislative analysis, events management/planning, or stakeholder engagement programs, WPG bears the wealth of knowledge and experience needed to deliver the highest degree of excellence.

Though highly capable of standing alone in tackling new projects, WPG also recognizes the value of outside perspectives and collective action. As a team player, we are completely open and willing to be added to existing contracts or company infrastructure. The very nature of our work has sculpted WPG into integration experts, able to mesh well in the most productive of manners.
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Written by: Dylan Garcia, Intern

 

WPG Attends Federally Employed Women (FEW) 47th National Training Program in Dallas, TX

FEW's Training Program tackles discrimination and other workplace issues in the federal government. 

WASHINGTON PREMIER GROUP ENGAGES NEW CLIENT FEDERALLY EMPLOYED WOMEN (FEW)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Brett Roude
(202) 670-2298

Tonya Saunders, Principal of Washington Premier Group, LLC a public, policy government relations firm has recently been selected by the Federally Employed Women (FEW) to serve as their lobbying firm and representative. Washington Premier Group (WPG), for nearly 25 years, has provided strategic advocacy — in health care, energy, small business, transportation and many other issues — representing many of Washington’s most powerful trade associations, coalitions and corporations. Ms. Saunders has also been a staunch advocate on women’s issues, including domestic abuse, stalking and human trafficking.

FEW supports equality for women while addressing specific concerns of women in the federal workforce. Additionally, FEW provides a robust training program, research and development of diverse programs and materials; and promotes the effective use of such programs and materials for women in the workplace.

“In order to maintain a thriving economy and efficient government, we must continue to support pay equality and equal rights in the workforce. It is in the best interest of our schools, communities and business to support the diverse and expanding number of employed women. The work of FEW paved the way for women everywhere and will continue to provide guidance for years to come. I am honored by this opportunity to represent FEW, ” exclaimed Tonya Saunders.

Ms. Michelle Crocket, FEW National President states, “We are confident of a successful business relationship with Washington Premier Group.”

WPG Aided Aaron's Inc. In Community Outreach Project

The Washington Premier Group (WPG) was delighted to work with Aaron’s this year on their Community Outreach Program, in which 2,000 company managers joined forces to give back to the local Washington, D.C. community. As a stakeholder engagement specialist, WPG assisted Aaron’s in partnering with local organizations and government officials to launch multi-project service efforts around the city.

In collaboration with Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, Aaron’s, Inc. donated and installed furniture in 28 units in the “Jobs Have Priority” program, which houses families who have experienced homelessness. Featured below is Mayor Bowser addressing the public, declaring, "every single resident in our city deserves a safe and dignified home, and Aaron's is supporting us in achieving this goal by supplying high-quality furniture for families."

Other service projects completed include: refurbishing three Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington, raising money for the Fisher House Foundation and the Stillbrave Childhood Cancer Foundation, an on-site blood drive with INOVA Blood Donor Services, Be The Match Bone Marrow Swab, setting a new Guinness Book of World Records for “Largest Human Mattress Dominoes” (mattresses used were donated to local homeless shelters), and providing a scholarship contribution to the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.  

Video: Guinness Book of World Records for "Largest Human Mattress Dominoes"

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Written by: Dylan Garcia, Intern

WPG Planned WCOE 30th Anniversary Women Build America Conference 2014

The Washington Premier Group proudly provided event management services to Women Construction Owners & Executives (WCOE), hosting their 30th Anniversary Women Build America Conference in 2014, and doing the same in 2015. See photos of the event (both years) and related materials below. We couldn't be more happy with the outcome of both conferences! 

Written by: Dylan Garcia, Intern

Puerto Rico Herald Credits WPG Principal for Work on Medicare Reimbursement Rates

Washington Premier Group (WPG) Principal Tonya Saunders advocated on behalf of the American Hospital Association to equalize Medicare reimbursement rates for hospitals in Puerto Rico. Below is a citation from the Puerto Rico Herald, in which they credit Ms. Saunders (among others) for the agreement that ultimately improved Puerto Rico's rates formula. 

"A ‘conference’ committee of leaders of the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate on legislation to reform the national health care program for the elderly and the disabled this week agreed to an increase in program payments for hospitalizations in Puerto Rico.

The agreement would change Medicare payment rates from being 50 percent based on the rates that apply everywhere else in the nation and 50 percent on local cost factors to 75 percent national rates & 25 percent local costs. The change would be implemented over two years in equal installments. The change would increase payments in Puerto Rico at least $25 million a year when fully implemented.

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Conference sources credit the following for the agreement to improve the Puerto Rico rates formula: San Juan lobbyist Ortiz; Puerto Rico Hospital Association lobbyist Luis Baco, who formerly worked on the issue for Romero and Rossello, Bayamon, PR hospital owner Richard Machado; Kerry; Fortuno; Thomas; Weller; Clinton and other 2000 federal and territorial proponents of the change; Puerto Rican lobbyist Jose Fuentes-Agostini; and Hospital Association lobbyist Tonya Saunders." 

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Written by: Dylan Garcia, Intern
 

Blacks on K Street: Getting Beyond Race

Our Principal Tonya Saunders was featured on the cover of a 2003 publication of Influence - The Business of Lobbying to discuss the climate of racial diversity on Capital Hill.