Tips to Make VOS a Success​

VOS appointments are currently made via email request to Bureau Small Business Specialists.

The following tips are provided to help make your attendance at our Vendor Outreach Sessions a success:

• Before you request an appointment, do your homework!!

• The counselors you meet will be either:
  • Treasury Bureau Small Business Specialist 
  • IT Program Managers
  • Prime Contractor small business liaison officers (unless otherwise indicated).
• Click on the links below to research those you want to meet with. Thorough research includes:
  • visit the web site to understand what the bureau/company/ agency is about;
  • review Treasury marketing publications, Top 25 Purchases and Forecast of Contract Opportunities to see
    • what the bureau/ company/agency you want to meet buys;
    • what existing or new contract opportunities are listed for your product or service.
  • If you provide Information Technology products or services, visit the Treasury Chief Information Officer's website and click on the link entitled "Capital Planning & Investment Control".
  • Go to FedBizOpps for a current list requirements valued at $25,000 or more.
  • Review the column entitled "Special Notes of Interest", for specific products/services the bureau buys or DOES NOT buy. If the bureau/ company/agency does not buy what you sell, it would not be worth your valuable time to meet with them.

• Follow the Special Instructions provided to schedule appointments.  Please do not schedule appointments until the date/time listed in the instructions. 
• Due to space limitations, please limit the number of company representatives attending to two (2).
• If you have met with a Treasury bureau in the 2-month period prior to the VOS date, please do not request another appointment with that bureau.
• VOS is very popular.  If you show up without an appointment, you may not be able to meet with the counselors.
• Bring sufficient quantities of marketing materials such as business cards, capability statements, line cards, etc. to distribute.  Bring extra materials for networking opportunities with other small businesses.

• Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your first scheduled appointment to allow adequate time for signing in.  If you are late for your appointment, your appointment will be given to another vendor.  We cannot guarantee that we can reschedule your appointment that day.

• Remember, this meeting is likely to be the first impression you will make. 

• Access to U.S. Mint:    VOS is conducted at the U.S. Mint.  The U.S. Mint is a secure facility.  Attendees for VOS names must appear on a clearance roster at the Guard's Desk.  You will be required to give your name and show and provide a picture ID at the Guard's Desk.  This is another reason to arrive early.  As always, VOS appointments will begin on time.

• Special Note to out-of-town businesses: Public transportation to the U.S. Mint from area airports (Reagan National) and/or train stations (Union Station/METRO) is available via the Red, Yellow and Green Lines to Gallery Place.  

   

To request appointments, please refer to the instructions under Outreach Activities.

The Bureau listed below is not located in the Metropolitan DC area and does not come to Vendor Outreach. However, they would be happy to talk to vendors telephonically and/or receive your capability statements to keep on file for upcoming procurement opportunities.

Vendor Outreach Sessions