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Steamboat Springs — When Frank Dolman contracted with the Pentagon, he learned a pack of lessons about government contracting. He settled for nothing less than the perfect bid every time.

Dolman worked for a company that built engines for military vehicles. He carried his contract-winning ways through nine years of owning a painting company in Steamboat. For example, Dolman aimed to offer painting bids within eight hours of receiving a request. They weren't simple bids, either, he said.

"I'd bury you in detail," Dolman said. "But you knew exactly what I was going to do."

Dolman spoke at a Success Steps lunch Thursday at Steamboat Smokehouse. SCORE and Colorado Mountain College put on the lunch, where Dolman and officials from Routt County, Steamboat Springs and the U.S. Forest Service offered advice to business owners interested in government contracts.

They encouraged businesses to keep their eyes open and bid on projects but warned that money is tight and the field is crowded.

Marti Hamilton, Routt County's purchasing agent, works on behalf of the Routt County Board of Commissioners, so most contracts require their approval. The county, like other entities, is cutting its budget, she said. The county is trying to make its materials last.

"I'm getting an awful lot of calls from people who want to open doors, and I appreciate that," Hamilton said.

Local municipalities publish requests for proposals and bids in the legal classifieds section of the Steamboat Pilot & Today, so businesses should keep an eye out there, she said. Hamilton encouraged companies to get in touch with her if they're interested in selling to the county.

"Everyone is welcome to bid, and we actually would like that," she said.

The city of Steamboat Springs handles its contracts in a similar fashion, said Anne Small, purchasing/contracts and risk manager. Most contracts are subject to the approval of City Manager Jon Roberts, she said.

Small reminded people that businesses must follow city contract rules and regulations. Some projects are funded partly by federal, state or nonprofit entities, she said. That means companies must comply with any regulations those agencies attach, Small said.

"That sometimes makes the process of acquiring a good or service a little more complicated," she said.

Jamie Kingsbury helps put together projects for the U.S. Forest Service. She noted that some businesses had been upset that out-of-town companies received logging projects funded with government stimulus money.

Those went to Small Business Administration 8(a) businesses, or economically and socially disadvantaged companies, because that was the only way to get them bid in the seven days required, Kingsbury said. She suggested that businesses check out whether they are eligible for that program. Businesses owned by women also receive a boost in government contracting, she said.

Kingsbury encouraged companies to get on the Forest Service's list of potential contractors. They can do so by contacting Dawn Hull at 307-745-2388, she said.

"If Dawn doesn't know you exist, you might not get information about a contract that's happening," Kingsbury said.

Dolman, the longtime contractor, encouraged business owners to be patient, persistent and skilled at time management.

Businesses that want contracts must make themselves attractive, Dolman said. If an agency receives three equal bids, purchasers will pick the person they like, he said.

"You better dress well, talk well, look well, smile well and answer every single request from the buyer on time," Dolman said.