For four decades, Washington, DC-based Lauderdale has worked for private-sector companies involved in government contracting; he also has three years of public sector experience at the US Office of Management and Budget. He offers a guide to the government contracting world for novice and experienced readers, in businesses large and small. Coverage includes critical elements of success; taking the first steps toward a win; avoiding ethical and legal landmines; collecting important market data; the procurement process; building a winning team; targeting specific customers and specific opportunities; developing and submitting a proposal; marketing your businesses to the government after turning in a proposal; holding on to government contracts once they're won; and, if not awarded a contract, debriefing after the award is announced and learning from your mistakes. The appendix contains a glossary of terms, resource list, sample plans, and team-training tips. Annotation ©2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)