What We Do

Services

Thunderbird Advisors Group provides a variety of consulting services to small businesses interested in growing by pursuing work with the federal government. There are a number of contracting assistance programs available within the space. For those whose businesses meet the parameters of one of these programs, these federal projects serve as a great means of demonstrating excellence on a large scale with a reliable customer. This page offers an overview of some of the services our team provides in additional to strategic consulting opportunities on an ongoing or project-by-project basis:

Business Development 

No matter what certification(s) your company has or doesn’t have, securing contracts will generate the revenues necessary for your company to not only survive, but to thrive.  There is a common misunderstanding within the 8(a) program in particular, wherein companies believe obtaining the certification guarantees government contracts.  The certification gives you access to a percentage of federal budget dollars, but it’s the Business Development efforts that help you to secure contracts.  Our team has many years of experience in building strong relationships, positioning clients and ultimately securing contracts–typically in the sole source arena–throughout the country.  Our Business Development team can support your company in all aspects of BD, from strategy and guidance, to implementation, building relationships, and securing awards.

Business Development Management

Some established companies seek out our services in managing the Business Development team they already have in house.  Perhaps the federal arena or negotiated contracts is new, or there is a need for process improvement and structure to create a sustainable Business Development operation.  Our expertise in Business Development comes from responsibly but aggressively growing organizations through increased revenues in the federal arena.  This requires buttoned up systems.

Marketing

Marketing is essential for any business looking to grow and succeed. It involves creating a strategy to reach and engage with your target audience through various channels, such as social media, email marketing, and advertising. Effective marketing can help you build brand awareness, generate leads, and increase sales. Whether you’re a small business just starting out or a large corporation looking to expand your reach, marketing can help you achieve your objectives. By focusing on your customers and leveraging the latest tools and technologies, you can build a strong brand and grow your business and provide the tools for Business Development to succeed. In the world of federal contracting, effective marketing is based on what your business development efforts are focused on.

Certifications

  • This program provides managerial, technical, and contractual assistance to Small Disadvantaged Businesses to ready the firm and its owners for success in the private industry. Eligibility of the 8(a) program relies in part on criteria for Small Disadvantaged Businesses but has additional requirements related to the business itself. 
    • Be a small business as defined by the Small Business Administration
    • Not have previously participated in the 8(a) program
    • Be at least 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens who are socially and economically disadvantaged
    • Have a personal net worth of $850 thousand or less, adjusted gross income of $400 thousand or less, and assets totaling $6.5 million or less
    • Demonstrate good character
    • Demonstrate the potential for success such as having been in business for two years

This program offers mentorship and growth opportunities for qualifying small businesses as well as the opportunity to compete for and receive set-aside and sole source projects.

  • This program is for qualifying women-owned small businesses. The federal government’s goal is to set aside 5% of all federal contracting dollars for this program. In order to be eligible, a business must:
    • Be a small business according to SBA size standards
    • Be at least 51% owned and controlled by women who are U.S. citizens
    • Have women manage day-to-day operations who also make long-term decisions
  • To qualify as an EDWOSB within the program, a business must:
    • Meet all the requirements of the WOSB Federal Contract program
    • Be owned and controlled by one or more women, each with a personal net worth less than $850,000
    • Be owned and controlled by one or more women, each with $450,000 or less in adjusted gross income averaged over the previous three years
    • Be owned and controlled by one or more women, each $6.5 million or less in personal assets
  • Each year the federal government allocates approximately 10% (roughly $50 billion dollars) to Small Disadvantaged Businesses. The business may be registered as a Small Disadvantaged Business if it meets the criteria set by the Code of Federal Regulations:
    • The firm must be 51% or more owned and controlled by one or more disadvantaged persons. 
    • The disadvantaged person or persons must be socially disadvantaged and economically disadvantaged.  

The firm must be small, according to SBA’s size standards.

  • This program is designed to encourage and grow small businesses in historically underutilized business zones is currently awarded approximately 3% of all federal contract dollars. Businesses in this program are eligible to compete for set-aside projects as well as receive a 10% price evaluation preference in full and open competitions. To participate in this program, a business must:
    • Be a small business according to SBA size standards
    • Be at least 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens, a Community Development Corporation, an agricultural cooperative, an Alaska Native corporation, a Native Hawaiian organization, or an Indian tribe
    • Have its principal office located in a HUBZone
    • Have at least 35% of its employees living in a HUBZone
  •  
  • Every year the federal government sets aside contracting dollars for businesses owned by veterans. This program allows service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses to compete for sole-source and set-aside contracts across the federal government. A business must meet the following requirements in order to be certified as an SDVSOB:
    • Be considered a small business, as defined by the size standard corresponding to any NAICS code listed in the business’s SAM profile.
    • Have no less than 51% of the business owned and controlled by one or more veterans.
    • For certification as a SDVOSB, have no less than 51% of the business owned and controlled by one or more veterans rated as service-disabled by the VA. 
    • For those veterans who are permanently and totally disabled and unable to manage the daily business operations of their business, their business may still qualify if their spouse or appointed, permanent caregiver is assisting in that management.