John,
I've worked with county government since I went into business as a contractor 15 years ago. There's a fair amount of paperwork - I have to fill in the same forms every year to prove I'm still white, female and over 21 - not sure why they think any of the above would change < grin >. My only problem has been that some jobs require bonds of $10,000,000 US or more (yup, 10 million) which is a little beyond what I can pay for. I just refuse to bid on those. In one case they actually reduced the bond so I could be hired......

As to getting started - I knew someone who knew someone who wanted a program. The first one was a freebie which I used to try out new techniques. After that my name became known and I'd get a call saying "Tom X said I should call you..."

HTH
Barbara

>Hi!
>
>I was wondering if any other independent contractors has had any success in landing gigs with government, either federal, state, or local? I've been a subcontractor to a one man consulting firm that has acted as a consultant to government for years, mainly city governments. Since I programmed his billing system and do regular support, I know that he bills between $125 and $150 per hour. I wouldn't expect to bill that rate initially, but that would be a good target rate long term.
>
>How does one even get their foot in the door? What is the first step?
>
>Thanks!