The federal government is raising the bar again. Starting in 2025, all manufactured products and construction materials used in federally funded projects must meet a 65 percent domestic content requirement under the Buy American Act. This rule runs through 2028 and rises to 75 percent in 2029. If you're not auditing your supply chain now, you're risking more than a missed bid; you could be disqualified before you even get started.
This Earth Day, nonprofits dedicated to environmental conservation have the chance to access vital funding to further their impactful work. Grants aimed at protecting the environment are available across the country, supporting efforts to preserve natural resources and promote green initiatives. See below to explore environmental funding opportunities by state or region.
If you’ve been in construction for years, you already know how to manage crews, estimate jobs, and deliver results. However, when it comes to federal contracting, it might feel like a completely different world. That’s normal. Plenty of experienced business owners run into that same feeling.
If you're applying for a federal grant, you may come across a requirement to share in the cost of your project. This is called matching or cost sharing. In short, it means that part of the total cost needs to be covered by non-federal sources.
Matching amounts are usually shown as a percentage of the total project cost. These percentages, along with rules about which funds can be used, vary depending on the program. Always review the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) or other official guidance for your specific grant.
Government agencies often purchase goods and services from the same marketplace as private-sector businesses. Commercial item contracts simplify the process, allowing small businesses to sell their standard products to federal buyers with minimal modifications.
Why April Matters in Federal Contracting
Federal agencies don't wait for June to start spending. By the time summer hits, most buyers already have their budgets planned and vendors shortlisted. April is when the planning happens. It’s when buyers clear out Q1 backlogs, prepare their summer acquisition schedules, and move funds to priority projects.
A Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) contract reimburses a contractor for allowable costs incurred during a project and provides a fixed fee for profit. Unlike Firm-Fixed-Price contracts, where contractors assume the risk of cost overruns, CPFF contracts protect businesses from financial loss while still ensuring a reasonable return.
June 5, 2025 | Clearwater, FL | Hosted by USFCR
Why this event matters:
Federal and commercial business growth is rarely a straight path. Most small businesses hit a point where they need better processes, smarter strategies, or just the right connection to move forward. That’s where Elevate 2025 comes in.
This one-day growth summit is designed for business owners, executives, and federal contractors who are ready to take focused action. You’ll get real strategies from professionals who’ve done the work, and you’ll leave with practical tools you can actually use.
If you're in federal contracting, teaming up might be your ticket in—but only if you understand the rules of the game.
Many small businesses confuse teaming agreements with subcontracting. They both involve working with other companies. They both can help you win more contracts. But they’re not the same—and mixing them up can cost you opportunities or worse, land you in compliance trouble.
Let’s break it down.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) has recently launched four programs to help U.S. agricultural producers promote and sell their goods internationally. This action follows U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brook Rollins’ latest announcement to visit six international markets—Brazil, India, Japan, Peru, Vietnam, and the United Kingdom—to boost American agricultural exports and expand markets for U.S. farmers, ranchers, and producers.
Be aware that the application deadline for all four programs is June 6, 2025. Applicants can submit questions to the agency's point of contact for all four programs until May 30, 2025.
