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Interesting to see two (imo) extreme reactions - on one hand, the top-comment says "In what way is this a "startup"? It looks more like thinly veiled advertisin
by credo 16y ago
Interesting to see two (imo) extreme reactions - on one hand, the top-comment says "In what way is this a "startup"? It looks more like thinly veiled advertising for the government than anything else.". Another comment says "Wow! Very ambitious and bold startup. People are solving more society problems than the Govt itself."
I'm in the middle. I do think that it is a startup (assuming that they're leveraging a common platform to build these sites) I also think that civic-oriented sites are a good idea and contribute to society (Of course, I'm biased because I build civic-software apps, though not for the government :)
OTH I think it is an exaggeration to use this site as an example to say that "People are solving more society problems than the Govt itself".
[edit] Just saw the reply that the site was built for free. Apologies for saying that I assumed that the govt outsourced this website to the contractor and that govt contracting is generally lucrative
I think building the site for free is great for both sides. For your startup, it is great PR and will help win future clients. For the govt, it helps saves money for other work. Congratulations on building the site.
- sudonim 16y agoWe responded to a request for information and built it for free. ( original rfi: https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=bf7019eb2287a3516f1d16bb5e6328d2&tab=core&_cview=1 https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id... )
- davidu 16y agoI'd love to hear more about how you navigated this process. I had just assumed it was "impossible" unless you are Boeing or Halliburton.
- bmelton 16y agoRFIs are completely different than RFPs. RFIs have much less stringent requirements, and are usually (gasp) awarded to whomever can convince the government that their bid is the most capable or complete. RFPs are the scary ones, in which to even enter means you're competing with the likes of Boeing, Grumman, Halliburton, et al. Those are nigh impossible to win without serious inroads pre-existing.
- metachris 16y agoCongrats! Also I didn't know the government issues requests for services at no costs. > Since GSA is seeking information on no-cost solutions, no pricing should be provided. You should only describe exactly what it is you are offering the government at no cost.