USFCR Blog

It’s no secret that a lot of America’s manufacturing has gone overseas. This couldn’t be more exemplified than with the textile industry’s move toward countries such as China, Vietnam, Malaysia, and India. This massive shift has left many factories across the U.S. closed.

Pacific Continental Textiles, Inc. isn’t one of them. In fact, they’ve been manufacturing apparel and textiles for the commercial sector for 37 years. Now, with a recent contract from the Defense Logistics Agency, they’ve just added the federal government as their newest customer.

In the federal marketplace, there are loads of opportunities across every industry imaginable. You don’t know what you’ll find or what you will even be working on. That’s because there are plenty of businesses that will jump on opportunities that are outside of their own industries. This may sound impractical or even impossible from an outside perspective, but it’s more common than one would think.

One recent example of a business finding success in the federal marketplace by reaching out of its normal spectrum of work is Near Me, L.L.C.

Federal contracting is a highly competitive sector. Getting your foot in the door is a whole feat of its own. However, a true indicator of a contractor’s prowess and quality of work is when Uncle Sam chooses to build a working relationship with their business. Such is the case with RTG Building Services Inc. (which has held previous contracts under LP Custodial) winning their rebid on a janitorial contract with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. After a 10-year contract, the Army has once again solidified its trust in RTG Building Services Inc. with this recent award.

June 1st marked the beginning of the Atlantic Hurricane season. These past few years, the United States has endured waves of devastation from Maria to Michael. Then, in the West, there have been numerous wildfires, with the Camp Fire being one of the most destructive in recent memory. Although it seems as if a disaster is inevitable, what’s also inevitable is that there will always be contractors who will answer the call to help. With a recent Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) award from the U.S. Forest Service, B&G Forestry, LLC will be there to answer the call and provide aid.

What is Login.gov?

Login.gov is a secure authentication service that allows you to access multiple government websites with just one login. It was created by the General Services Administration (GSA) in April 2017, replacing Connect.gov. As of June 29th, 2018, the System for Award Management (SAM) has suspended all active accounts and requires all vendors to create an account to manage their SAM registration.
Request Information on Login.gov

On April 16, A&E Haberdashery, LLC was awarded its first federal contract. Valued at $13,184.55, the certified service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) will provide feminine hygiene dispensers for the VA hospital in Portland, Oregon. A&E’s recent win is just one of many examples of how a small business set-aside can truly open up opportunities with the federal government.

Editor's Note: This post was originally published in March 2019 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

So you’ve done your homework and learned about the immense benefits of government contracting. Uncle Sam is a customer who has billions to spend every year, is always looking to buy, and will spend more in recessions. Plus, there are exclusive opportunities just for small businesses.

Naturally, you will want a piece of that pie and get registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).

Last week, a big change in federal contracting was announced.

How big?

It could...possibly...maybe...unhinge the federal marketplace as we know it (we're not sure yet).

So what's happening?

Here it is. Everything that government contractors ask about the Dun and Bradstreet number (aka DUNS number) is in this quick, and easy-to-read guide.

Everyone knows that you need to build a relationship with Contracting Officers. Have you ever considered factoring the End User (aka the person who actually uses your products/services) into the equation?