USFCR Blog

October 1 is more than a date. It’s a starting point for smart contractors.

Every year, the federal government resets its budget starting October 1st. The mistake most contractors make is waiting until then to act. The real preparation happens three months before.

From July through September, you can still capture final FY2025 awards while setting yourself up for FY2026. If you wait until Q1 to start thinking about strategy, you’re already behind.

Here’s what we know is coming, and what you should be doing right now.

The Flood That Triggered Federal Action

On July 4, 2025, historic flooding struck Kerr County, Texas, following heavy rainfall that began late the night before. The Guadalupe River rose rapidly, overtaking roads, homes, and critical infrastructure. More than 100 people lost their lives across the region, making it the deadliest flash flood Texas has seen in over 20 years.

Your SAM registration cost you time and paperwork. Now it's sitting there doing nothing while your competitors are winning contracts. Here's how to fix that.

The U.S. government isn’t launching its own cryptocurrency anytime soon, but it’s already testing and applying blockchain tools across public finance, supply chains, and emergency response. From the state of Wyoming’s own stable token to Navy pilots for parts tracking, crypto isn’t a theory anymore. Its infrastructure is in progress.

Even with political resistance to a central bank digital currency (CBDC), agencies are actively exploring how token-based systems can improve transparency, speed, and verification. These programs aren't just technical experiments. They shape how money moves, how contracts get fulfilled, and how data is trusted.

CUI Compliance 101: What Every New Federal Contractor Should Know

When you’re just starting out in federal contracting, it’s easy to focus on the obvious hurdles:  SAM registration, past performance, and finding bid opportunities. But one of the less visible and potentially contract-killing obstacles is something many new contractors overlook: how to handle sensitive government information.

Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) isn’t classified, but it’s still considered sensitive by federal agencies. And if your contract involves it, even indirectly, you’re expected to meet strict security standards from day one. For small businesses, especially, ignoring CUI compliance can mean losing contracts, getting flagged during award evaluations, or being shut out of future work altogether.

So what exactly is CUI, and how do you handle it the right way without building a massive IT team? Here’s what it means, what the rules say, and the steps your business should take now to stay eligible and competitive.

Janitorial services are among the most consistently funded and recurring contract categories across federal, state, and local governments. Every year, millions of square feet of federal space need to be cleaned, sanitized, and maintained. That includes courthouses, military bases, post offices, and VA hospitals. These contracts often span multiple years, offer recurring revenue, and present a massive opportunity for service-based small businesses ready to step into the government market.

Smart contracts are self-executing code that follow if-then rules on a blockchain. They do not replace the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); they carry it out automatically. Agencies are already testing how these tools can confirm milestones, release payments, and log every step for easy audits. For vendors, this could cut weeks from payment cycles and provide a permanent record of performance.

What Smart Contracts Are
A smart contract is code that says, “If the delivery is verified, pay the vendor.” Once written, the logic cannot be changed without both parties agreeing. Think of direct deposit: after you enter the correct routing and account number, payments run by themselves.

Laura Ramones brings a seasoned sales background and strong communication skills to her role as a Registration & Contracting Specialist at US Federal Contractor Registration (USFCR). She specializes in understanding each client’s goals and guiding them through the complexities of federal contracting with clarity and confidence. Her ability to communicate effectively and provide tailored solutions helps clients move forward with a clear path to growth.