How to Complete a Government Job

by Kimberley Schmitt
Created: August 16, 2011

Robert and Michelle Hornor followed several steps before winning the bid to sealcoat and stripe a VA hospital.

Because it was a government job, Robert had to restripe the handicap stalls exactly as they were with several different designs on each parking lot. Photo documentation was used to ensure proper...
Because it was a government job, Robert had to restripe the handicap stalls exactly as they were with several different designs on each parking lot. Photo documentation was used to ensure proper painting.
Michelle and Robert Hornor, owners of Reliable Pavement Maintenance, recently celebrated their seventh anniversary in the pavement industry.
Michelle and Robert Hornor, owners of Reliable Pavement Maintenance, recently celebrated their seventh anniversary in the pavement industry.
A 292,200-square-foot sealcoating and striping job might normally take a four to six man crew to complete, but Robert was able to complete it in four weekends without other crew members.
A 292,200-square-foot sealcoating and striping job might normally take a four to six man crew to complete, but Robert was able to complete it in four weekends without other crew members.
An early step on the job was to black out all pavement markings prior to sealcoating.
An early step on the job was to black out all pavement markings prior to sealcoating.

Bidding and working government jobs can have several other requirements and standards that need to be met unlike most pavement maintenance projects. Michelle offers several tips for contractors looking to bid government work. “Make sure if you are working a government property that your bid is entire as requested,” she says. “There are no change orders. Make sure you have the proper insurance and the proper equipment, and that you meet all of the standards required.”

Enhancing Customer Service

While taking pictures of this project were necessary for Robert to make sure he completed the job as it was originally, photo documentation is something that RPM does for every job.

When they first began the company, Michelle realized that most contractors didn’t document their jobs with photographs. So, she and her husband began taking photos of all of their jobs from start to finish.

Once the job is done Michelle compiles these photos onto a CD and sends it to the client. “We give them CD’s with photos so they know exactly the process we took to refurbish their parking lot, and it lets them see the before and after on it,” Robert says.

“Most people like it because they can refer back to something if they have an issue with or for further questions and to show others the protected asphalt and curb appeal they had completed on their property,” Michelle says.

Not only do the photos give their clients a look into the process, but it also helps Robert guarantee his work. It has also increased business as clients show what they have had completed. Michelle says, “It’s one more business card stamp for Reliable Pavement Maintenance in our profession.”