What is Contract Connections (matchmaking)?
Contract Connections are one-on-one meetings between Suppliers and Buyers from government agencies and corporations to discuss potential business opportunities. Please keep in mind that a meeting facilitated through Contract Connections does not guarantee that formal negotiations will commence or any contract will be reached between the parties to that meeting.
How do I register for Contract Connections?
To register for Contract Connections, click on the "Learn More" button on the events page to access and complete the specific event registration. There is no participation cost for Contract Connections. Attendance at the event is also complimentary and includes educational programming as well as resources for small business suppliers. Individuals that wish to register for multiple events must complete the registrations through each selected event website.
Is there a deadline to opt-in or submit additional Contract Connections information?
Yes, each event has an opt-in and submit deadline. Please check the event page for more information.
Can I pick my own Contract Connections meetings?
No, National 8(a) Association will be pre-matching all meetings on behalf of each company.
How are the matches determined?
National 8(a) Association will match Buyers based on their requirements with Suppliers based on the capabilities provided in their company's registration.
Please note that not all businesses will be matched. You may not be matched if your company's capabilities did not align with the interests or current needs of the attending Buyers, or there were no available appointments. Please email the National 8(a) Association at matchmaking@national8aassociation.org if you would like a detailed explanation.
When will I know who I'm meeting with?
Contract Connections meeting confirmations will be sent out by National 8(a) Association the week prior to the event.
I have more than one person from my company attending, can they get an appointment as well?
Meeting(s) are assigned per company, not per individual attendee. If you have multiple company representatives attending the event then more than one person from the company may attend the meeting(s).
How long are the meetings?
Each meeting is 15 minutes in length.
I received my Contract Connections meeting(s). Do I need to check in for my meetings at the event?
No, just be sure to arrive at the Contract Connections area at least 5 minutes prior to your appointment time.
I received my Contract Connections meeting(s), but I want more meetings. Is it possible to add additional meetings?
Additional meetings may be offered at the event through an "Open-Call" process. You will need to wait in the "Open-Call" queue and listen for an announcement to know which Buyer is available. "Open-Call" participation does not guarantee you will be selected for additional meeting(s).
I received my Contract Connections meeting(s), but I need to make changes. What do I need to do?
Please email National 8(a) Association at matchmaking@national8aassociation.org, or visit the Contract Connections Info Desk at the event.
Why didn't my company receive any meetings?
Your company's capabilities did not align with the interests or current needs of the attending Buyers, or there were no available appointments. Please email National 8(a) Association at matchmaking@national8aassociation.org if you would like a detailed explanation.
I registered for the event but didn’t indicate I was interested in being a Supplier. How can I do that now?
Please email National 8(a) Association at matchmaking@national8aassociation.org to edit your registration.
I registered for the event late, but would like to be matched for meetings. What do I need to do?
Suppliers registering for the event after the deadlines can email National 8(a) Association at matchmaking@national8aassociation.org prior to the event. We will also be offering the chance to be assigned Contract Connections meetings on-site at the event at the Contract Connections Info Desk, and through "Open-Call" during Contract Connections hours.
What should I bring to my meeting?
Bring plenty of business cards, capability statements, and any marketing materials to provide to the Buyers.