Government Contracting | System for Award Management | DSBS

--- **Course Review for "Navigating Government Contracts" by Neil Mcdonnell** **Overview:** The online course "Navigating Government Contracts," taught by Neil Mcdonnell, has garnered a high approval rating from recent reviews. With a global rating of 4.40, the course is considered an excellent resource for beginners looking to enter the world of government contracts. It provides clear guidance on necessary steps, such as registering with SAM.GOV and obtaining DUNS and CAGE numbers. **Pros:** - **Ease of Learning:** The content is described as simple and straightforward, making complex topics easily understandable. Neil Mcdonnell's teaching style is commended for its clarity and ability to simplify the learning experience. - **Actionable Steps:** Reviewers highlight the course's effectiveness in helping users take immediate action, particularly in updating their profiles and preparing to engage with government agencies. - **Thorough Content:** The course is noted for being comprehensive, covering all the essential aspects of navigating government contracts and providing valuable insights into growing a business within this sector. - **Real-World Application:** The course content is practical, with direct references to relevant websites and information required, which reviewers found immensely helpful in their journey to securing government contracts. - **Engaging Instructor:** Neil Mcdonnell's engagement with the material and his students receives high praise, with one reviewer specifically mentioning how the instructor made the course exciting. - **Community Recommendation:** The course is highly recommended for small business owners, especially those who are Service Disabled Veteran Small Business Owners, due to its valuable content and guidance. **Cons:** - **Outdated Information:** Some reviewers pointed out that certain pages referenced during the course may be outdated, which could cause some confusion. However, this issue can be mitigated with prior knowledge or by keeping updated with recent changes on government contracting websites. - **International Focus:** There is a suggestion for future updates to include information specifically tailored for international companies seeking to sell to the US Government, addressing eligibility and certifications required. - **Minor Navigation Issues:** A few users noted that the course felt slightly out of date, with some difficulty in navigating to the correct information due to changes since the course was last updated. **Additional Notes:** - The course is more designed for individuals who are already on the GSA schedule but offers valuable advice on how to be competitive and improve chances for contract selection even if you're not yet there. - It is recommended that participants who have already begun the process of setting up their SAM.gov and DSBS profiles watch this course to ensure they are on the right track and to identify areas where they can improve their profile for better competitiveness. **Conclusion:** "Navigating Government Contracts" by Neil Mcdonnell is a highly recommended course for individuals and small business owners looking to break into government contracting. Its clear, concise, and actionable content is an asset, with the occasional outdated reference being the primary drawback. Updates to address international concerns and recent changes in the process would further enhance the value of this already impressive course. Overall, it stands as a valuable tool for those navigating the complexities of government contracting. ---