Government Consultants Key Terms

Learn the key terms associated with the work of government consultants

Government consultants are responsible for advising and consulting with members of federal and state government in a variety of areas. Consultants can be used for direction and management help in financial or security projects, as well as in areas of development or regulation.

In order to understand what government consultants do, it's important to know some of the key terms associated with government consultants. Learn some of the basic terminology used in government consulting to decide if working with a consultant or as a consultant for the government is right for you.

Central Contractor Registration

Central Contractor Registration is a database containing information about goods, services, point of contact information, and financial data like tax identification numbers for anyone that enters into a contract with the government. Any sole proprietor or business working with government is required to register with CCR.
CCR's federal webpage explains what CCR is, what information it contains, who is required to register and how to become a registered contractor.

Defense Procurement and Acquisition Policy

The Defense Procurement and Acquisition Policy is the set of policies governing the acquisition of weapons systems, information systems and other systems and technology by the Department of Defense. It's important to understand these policies as a government consultant working with the Department of Defense or other security body.
The Defense Procurement and Acquisition Policy federal website describes the policy and explains its mission.

Federal Procurement Data System

The Federal Procurement Data System, or FPDS, is a system that tracks all government contracts and collects data about spending and accounts. As a government consultant, it's important to be able to navigate FPDS and understand its function.
Visit the FPDS website to learn more about why the system is necessary, how it benefits contractors and how to register.

CAGE Code

The CAGE Code is a code that identifies contractors working with the federal government. The Commercial And Government Entity code provides tax information and can be used to identify security clearances.
The Defense Logistics Information Service website provides more information about the CAGE Code that is important for contractors and consultants to know.

E-Government

E-government, often shortened to e-gov, refers to the transition of government dealings and operations to online operation. The term indicates that more government operations and functions are now being performed online or via satellite.
The World Bank describes e-government and explains how the concept is changing the way that the government does business.

Supply chain management

Supply chain management is the management of the specific process that results in the production of goods, services or policies. In government consulting, supply chain management could include management of production of supplies such as military aircrafts, the accounting of federal budgets, or the process of policy writing.
Rockford Consulting offers an explanation of supply chain management that can easily be applied to the realm of government consulting.

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