Strategies for Small Businesses to Win Federal Contracts

Strategies for Small Businesses to Win Federal Contracts by Fredrick Derell Murphy MBA, Strayer University, 2012 BBA, Strayer University, 2008 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University December 2017 Abstract Small businesses miss out on federal contracting opportunities because of the strategies they lack. Both large and small businesses provide supplies and services through contract awards to the U.S. government while spending over $300 billion annually. The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore the strategies of small business owners in the Clarksville, Tennessee and Hopkinsville, Kentucky region who have won federal contracts. Porter’s competitive advantage theory grounded this study as the conceptualSmall businesses miss out on federal contracting opportunities because of the strategies they lack. Both large and small businesses provide supplies and services through contract awards to the U.S. government while spending over $300 billion annually. The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore the strategies of small business owners in the Clarksville, Tennessee and Hopkinsville, Kentucky region who have won federal contracts. Porter’s competitive advantage theory grounded this study as the conceptual framework. The data collection process involved face-to-face, semistructured interviews and member checking with 3 small business owners to enhance credibility of data interpretation. Themes that emerged from the study included contractual knowledge, access to resources, measures of success, and sustainability. The study findings may apply directly or indirectly to individuals, organizations, and society. The positive social implications of applying the findings include increased business opportunities for small business owners, which could promote job creation to benefit the federal government and society. Strategies for Small Businesses to Win Federal Contracts by Fredrick Derell Murphy MBA, Strayer University, 2012 BBA, Strayer University, 2008 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University December 2017 Dedication The dedication of this study is to God and my family. With God, all things are possible. I particularly thank my wife, Mrs. Mauricia Murphy. My wife’s continuous support throughout our marriage and through this educational journey has been remarkable. Thank you for sacrificing the time for me to complete my studies and for always encouraging me that all things are possible through dedication and perseverance. Through your unconditional love and continual support, constant encouragement, and unwavering belief in me, our future endeavors will be blessed. The dedication of this project also goes to my grandmother, Ms. Ruby Mae Judkins, and my mother, Ms. Edith Tuck, who laid the foundation for what God has predestined me for. I thank God for my mother-in-law, Ms. Margie Charlton for the many prayers and caring support throughout the years. Thank you to all for your encouragement and faith in my dreams in the hope that we would have a better life. Acknowledgments First, special thanks to my family and friends for all of the love, understanding, and support they provided to me during my doctoral pursuit. With my highest appreciation, I would like to thank my committee chair and mentor, Dr. Karin Mae, for all of the guidance, instruction, and wisdom provided to me during the doctoral process. You are a true mentor, a gifted professor with a teacher’s heart, and a leader who inspires by your commitment to others and your ability to lead by example. Thank you to my second committee member, Dr. Ify Diala, for your professionalism, responsiveness, and major contributions to this accomplishment. Thank you to my URR, Dr. Peter Anthony; your assessments and support were extremely beneficial. Thanks to Dr. Gene Fusch and Dr. Judy Blando; your reviews and recommendations were especially valuable. Thank you to DBA Program Director Dr. Freda Turner, for your steadfast commitment to the excellence of Walden University’s DBA program. Lastly, thanks to fellow cohorts and Dr. Reginald Taylor, who provided continuous encouragement and relevant feedback to me during this challenging, yet highly rewarding, doctoral journey.