USFCR Blog

The Importance of Networking in Federal Contracting

The federal government is the largest buyer in the world, spending billions on goods and services. In this vast marketplace, networking is not just beneficial; it's essential. Building relationships with government officials and other contractors can give businesses a significant advantage in the fierce contract competition. It's more than just a strategy; it's a pathway to success in federal contracting.

Jean Hernandez began his journey with USFCR in July 2022. Originally from the bustling city of Chicago, Illinois, Jean's pursuit of broader prospects led him to the sunny shores of Florida in 2009.

With a background in English, Jean's interest in grant writing was a natural fit. But life had other plans. Although he initially signed up for grant writing, Jean was drawn to USFCR’s Consulting team, where he discovered a passion for technical writing.

Rod Johnson, originally from St. Petersburg, has been a steadfast pillar of the USFCR team since 2010. Holding the esteemed position of Senior Registration & Contracting Specialist, Rod plays a crucial role in navigating the intricacies of federal contracting. With a foundation in finance and extensive experience in wholesale mutual funds, his transition to federal contracting was both organic and effective.

In the land of the free, the recent ban on TikTok, a social media app owned by Chinese company ByteDance, has sparked a heated debate among American contractors. The ban, implemented by the U.S. government, extends to all devices used in the performance of a federal contract, including contractor employee-owned devices under a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program. But the question remains: Is this a necessary measure for national security, or is it an infringement on our cherished American freedoms?

Kiersten Marino a driven Administrative Specialist at USFCR, took a leap of faith in 2015, relocating from West Virginia to Florida, a move that significantly shaped her professional journey. She joined our USFCR team in September 2022, bringing a wealth of experience and a deeply rooted passion for the industry.

Kiersten interest in USFCR stemmed from recognizing the company's potential for growth, the positive work environment, and the boundless opportunities on offer. With a career history encompassing various facets of local, state, and federal contracting, she found her true calling in helping businesses succeed within the government sector.

Cameron Blevins, a vibrant Grant Writer at USFCR, moved from Gainesville, Florida, to expand his academic pursuits at the University of South Florida. He joined us in June 2022, bringing his passion for writing and a knack for helping others realize their goals.

Cameron sought out a professional opportunity that could serve a dual purpose: refining his writing portfolio and paving his path as a future law student. At USFCR, grant writing emerged as the perfect match, allowing him to leverage his love for writing in a purposeful way.

The Federal Government is the world's largest buyer of goods and services. With federal spending rising in several sectors in 2023, it's the perfect time to explore federal contracting.

In 2022, the total obligations of the federal government reached $6.8 trillion. The Department of Defense led the way with $3.1 trillion, followed by the Department of Health and Human Services at $1.3 trillion, and the Department of Veterans Affairs at $1.1 trillion. The industries that saw the most obligations were professional, scientific, and technical services ($1.2 trillion), construction ($900 billion), and manufacturing ($800 billion).

Who upholds America's iconic federal buildings, such as the White House and FBI Headquarters? The GSA is responsible for overseeing 9,600 federal buildings, totaling over 370 million square feet, making them the trusted stewards of some of America's most iconic structures.

This article has been updated as of July 15th, 2024

Understanding federal spending patterns is essential for success in federal contracting. The 4th quarter holds particular significance, presenting unique opportunities for informed contractors. As the fiscal year ends, a significant increase in federal spending emerges, creating a window of lucrative opportunities.

Understanding Year-End Federal Spending

The U.S. federal fiscal year spans from October 1 to September 30. As we approach the year-end, a surge in spending is driven by the "use it or lose it" budgeting policy. This policy requires agencies to spend their entire budget within the fiscal year to avoid potential budget cuts in the subsequent year. Consequently, this results in an uptick in contract opportunities. According to recent data, federal spending in the 4th quarter has consistently shown significant increases, illustrating the robust market for contracting opportunities.