HOW WASHINGTON WORKS

In a previous blog (ANOTHER MOVE) I mentioned having Company visitors in Harrisburg who were interested in my relationship with state government customers. That was the key to the job offer that took me to Washington, D.C.

It is very important that any sizeable corporation in our country have representation in Washington, either by a lobbyist group or by establishing a corporate office there. My company chose the latter (although it had some lobbyists). We occupied three floors in an office building on 15th N.W., directly across from the Washington Post building.

Our office housed a resident vice-president and people who represented the corporation's many divisions and particular product lines. My office represented contracting with the federal government - both in its civilian and military departments. For instance, one of our men assisted corporate personnel calling on Army bases around the country, using our contracting instruments as the selling tools.

My immediate boss was responsible for negotiating contracts with the federal General Services Administration (GSA). After each successful negotiation (prices and terms agreed upon), the government printed booklets and distributed them to all of its agencies to use as a buying tool.

Many state governments wanted to use the federal contracting catalogues for their own use, and that is where I came into the picture.

More, later.