GA1 Speaks on the Pursuit of Federal Government Contracts

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md., Aug. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Jacquannette Lewis, Principal of Global Advertising 1st( )(GA1), located in Prince George's County, was selected by Congresswoman Donna E. Edwards to speak to a group of small business owners on "Why should the Federal Government do Business with You?" Mrs. Lewis was selected from a group of small business owners because she has traveled the road of many small business owners who want federal contracts but in her case, has "won" federal contracts. She will share her experiences of starting from the basement of her home navigating through the vast documents and online tutorials of how to obtain federal contract awards, federal government certifications, GSA Schedules and how to successfully market yourself to the federal government and win federal contracts.

"You need to bring value to the Government from the beginning. Do your homework, know the agency's 5-Year Plan, research spending and budgetary plans and figure out how you can help them solve their problems. Show how your company's services will enable them to accomplish their federal goals," says Jacquannette Lewis of her strategy. Since pursuing federal contract work, GA1 has obtained their SBA 8(a) certification and won several contracts as a result. In 2007, GA1 was certified with a GSA Schedule Contract to provide Advertising and Integrated Marketing Services to the federal government and has won several contracts as a result of their great service and reputation establish in the federal arena.

Five years ago, she and her husband left the basement of their home to open an office in Lanham, MD with one employee. In September, they will be doubling their space and moving their Headquarters to the National Harbor with a staff of 15. In an economy where most companies are downsizing, GA1 has shown growth from not only revenues but also employees and office space. "We have chosen not to participate in the recession," says Jacquannette when asked about weathering this economic storm. Personal savings is what Lewis used as capital to fund GA1. In 2008, GA1 was honored as on of the Top 500 African American Businesses in the country by DiversityInc.com. Mrs. Lewis was a Top 100 MBE recipient in 2007 and was recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the Top 50 Fastest Women-Led Companies in 2007.

About GA1:

Global Advertising 1st (GA1) is an award-winning full-service marketing solutions firm that specializes in providing innovative approaches to disseminating our clients' messages. GA1 has created and implemented campaigns for clients such as the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, Gillette, Dodge, the US Department of State and American Lung Association of DC. GA1 holds a GSA AIMS Schedule 541 and is 8(a) certified by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as a qualified minority-owned business for government media placement. GA1 has also received multiple state and local certifications. For a complete list of our certifications and awards please visit:www.globalad1.com.

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GA1 is also listed in the GovCon Directory: Global Advertising 1st