If you're a small business owner stepping into federal contracting, understanding how government agencies conduct market research can significantly boost your odds of winning your first federal contract.
In simple terms, market research is how federal agencies find businesses like yours. Agencies must check out the market before they start buying. This research helps them figure out what's available, who can supply it, and what the typical costs are.
Recent headlines about Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) canceling more than 1,000 federal contracts and laying off thousands of federal employees have understandably caused concern among businesses. These cuts primarily impact consulting, DEI initiatives, and administrative support contracts, creating genuine uncertainty for many contractors.
If you're new to federal contracting, the System for Award Management (SAM) registration might seem confusing. Many companies that handle SAM registration independently miss critical details, causing costly delays or outright rejection. Such setbacks mean lost opportunities and blocked revenue streams.
Avoid Payment Delays: How FedMail Keeps Federal Contractors Paid on Time
Securing a federal contract is a big win—until payment delays start messing with your cash flow and project timelines. FedMail, a key part of the federal payment system, plays a behind-the-scenes role in making sure your money moves smoothly from the government to your bank account. But if something goes wrong on your end, you could be waiting longer than expected. Here’s what you need to know to keep the funds flowing.
Winning a GSA Schedule is one of the best ways for businesses to enter federal contracting. However, startups and newer companies often face challenges due to past performance requirements. The GSA Startup Springboard Program provides an alternative path, allowing businesses to qualify using different criteria.
The U.S. government spends billions annually on professional services, including video production, animation, and content creation. From military training videos to public service announcements, federal agencies need high-quality video production to educate, inform, and engage.
Winning a government contract isn’t just about submitting a strong bid—it’s about understanding who’s making the decisions. In the world of federal procurement, Contracting Officers (COs) hold the keys to government spending. Whether you're bidding on a small contract or a multi-million-dollar award, the CO determines whether your company gets the deal.
This article will break down the role of a Contracting Officer, how they impact federal contracting, and what businesses can do to work effectively with them.
Understanding terminations for convenience: when the federal government or a prime contractor issues a Termination for Convenience (T4C), it means they are ending a contract not due to contractor fault but for strategic, budgetary, or policy reasons. This can disrupt your business, but it does not mean you won’t be compensated. Understanding your rights and the required steps can help ensure you recover the costs of work performed and avoid financial hardship.
Imagine waking up to discover that $1.4 billion had vanished overnight. That’s exactly what happened when North Korean state-sponsored hackers infiltrated Bybit, one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges. This wasn’t just another cyber attack—it was the largest digital heist in history.
For years, North Korea’s infamous Lazarus Group has targeted financial institutions, particularly cryptocurrency exchanges, as a way to bypass global sanctions and fund the country’s nuclear ambitions. While crypto heists have become an unfortunate reality, this one sets a new precedent—not only in scale but in how it is forcing governments worldwide to rethink cybersecurity.
Getting registered in SAM is an important first step in federal contracting, but it’s just that—the first step. Many businesses assume that once they’re in the system, contract opportunities will naturally follow. The reality is that federal contracting is competitive, and businesses that don’t take proactive steps after registration risk falling behind. Agencies prioritize vendors who stay engaged, update their profiles, and actively pursue opportunities.
