If you run checks for a business and they're a day late, only the client knows about it. Venture outside of purchasing. Associated Business Forms has received orders for ad specialties and tax forms because Thompson visited departments other than purchasing. When working with smaller government agencies, Kochalko offers suggestions, but refrains from making too many waves. But you don't find that in the municipalities.
Nobody wants to shake things up.
Submit multiple bids. If you have a better idea for an application than the one requested, try submitting a bid that meets the agency's specifications, then a separate bid with an alternative suggestion. Earn clients' trust. Once you win the bid and start working on the job, it's up to you to make sure everything runs smoothly. They need to know that once they give you the business, that's the end.