USFCR Blog

Beyond SAM Registration: Essential Steps to Winning Government Contracts

Jul 15, 2024 9:07:07 AM / by USFCR posted in News

Registering in the System for Award Management (SAM) is a vital first step for businesses aiming to secure federal contracts. However, SAM registration alone is not enough to guarantee success. To effectively compete in the federal marketplace, businesses must take additional steps. This blog will guide you through essential actions to take after SAM registration, including understanding NAICS codes, finding contract opportunities, and building a compelling proposal.

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The Role of Compliance in Federal Contracting: Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Jul 12, 2024 1:56:14 PM / by USFCR posted in News

Compliance in federal contracting is essential for businesses aiming to win and maintain government contracts. This article is for newcomers and those already familiar with federal contracting basics. Non-compliance can lead to severe consequences, including penalties, contract termination, exclusion from future bids, and reputational damage. Understanding and adhering to federal regulations is crucial for long-term success.

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Hurricane Beryl: Impact on Texas and Opportunities for Federal Contractors

Jul 8, 2024 1:27:00 PM / by USFCR posted in News

Hurricane Beryl has caused extensive damage as it moved through the Caribbean and Texas, leaving communities devastated and in urgent need of assistance. This post will focus on the ongoing recovery efforts in Texas and highlight how federal contractors can contribute to rebuilding homes, businesses, and infrastructure.

Current Status of Hurricane Beryl

Hurricane Beryl made landfall along the Texas coast as a Category 1 storm early Monday, July 8, 2024. The storm unleashed severe weather as it moved inland, weakening into a tropical storm but still capable of causing widespread damage. For the latest updates on the storm's current status, please refer to the National Hurricane Center website.

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NSF Allocating Over $68 Million For Highly-Effective STEM Teachers

Jul 1, 2024 2:56:45 PM / by Mari Crocitto posted in News, Hot Grants

The National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program is offering up to $68,000,000 in funding that supports the recruitment, preparation, and retention of highly effective K-12 STEM teachers and teacher leaders in high-need school districts. This program offers four distinct avenues that applicants can choose from:

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Amplify All: Disability Pride Month Grant Opportunities

Jul 1, 2024 2:56:18 PM / by Isaiah Haddon posted in News, Hot Grants

An overview of the celebrations of Disability Pride Month and information on Grants available towards ensuring equal opportunities for all.

"A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles." - Christopher Reeve

The month of July is celebrated as Disability Pride Month, marking the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). With aims to uplift the experiences and dreams of those living with disabilities, celebrations seek to encourage love, joy and fair treatment year-round. Both nonprofit and for-profit organizations have stepped up to fill gaps in service for the Disabled community, often in partnership with state or federal funding through grants.

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Implementing Climate Smart Initiatives to Protect the Humanities

Jun 27, 2024 1:15:59 PM / by Mari Crocitto posted in News, Hot Grants

[…] Disasters come in all shapes and sizes—fires, hurricanes, economic downturns, droughts, virus outbreaks, terrorism. We can’t predict how long the impact will be felt but we can do much to be ready. […] Disasters stretch the limits of community systems. Communities that recover best are […] those that have invested in social fabric, inter-connectedness, physical and emotional infrastructure, and those that have woven bonds between sectors and between citizens.

Jennifer Cole, Metro Nashville
Arts Commission1

Given the uncertainty of disasters, humanities organizations must have precautionary preparedness plans to ensure that their valuable works are accounted for. Some risk strategies to develop include:

  • Relocating pieces to more structurally-sound areas;
  • Conducting comprehensive structural assessments of the building to determine areas of vulnerability;
  • Training staff to know the plan of action when disasters occur;
  • Prioritizing pieces of most importance; and
  • Ensuring that individuals are not put in harm's way in order to protect their work.2

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Toby Fritz - Registration & Contracting Specialist

Jun 27, 2024 9:44:54 AM / by USFCR posted in Team

Toby Fritz joined US Federal Contractor Registration (USFCR) as a Registration & Contracting Specialist in February 2024. Growing up in Clearwater and now residing in Tampa, Toby brings a local perspective to his role. His hobbies include golfing, going to the beach, and watching baseball, complementing his professional life with leisure and relaxation.

Before his tenure at USFCR, Toby worked as an accountant, leveraging his financial acumen to provide precise account management. He is a proud graduate of the Muma College of Business at the University of South Florida, where he developed a strong foundation in business principles.

Toby was drawn to USFCR by the opportunity to improve customer service in the federal space, particularly for small business owners who often struggle to find the assistance they need. He finds immense satisfaction in teaching these business owners, helping them understand and navigate the complexities of federal contracting.

His education in hospitality has honed his customer service skills, making it his strongest asset. At USFCR, Toby's notable accomplishments include collaborating with the small business consulting team to help businesses qualify for the GCA program, a key focus since its launch.

Toby Fritz's commitment to client education and his dual expertise in customer service and finance make him a vital part of the USFCR team, dedicated to supporting the growth and success of small businesses in the federal marketplace.

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Daniel Cavins - Grant Writer

Jun 25, 2024 2:32:37 PM / by USFCR posted in Team

Daniel Cavins joined US Federal Contractor Registration (USFCR) in March of 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a passion for helping organizations thrive. Originally from Metro Detroit, Daniel moved to Tallahassee in 2018 to attend Florida State University College of Law.

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Top 20 Mistakes to Avoid in Federal Contracting

Jun 21, 2024 10:25:46 AM / by USFCR posted in News

Did you know that according to a recent study, businesses lose millions each year due to preventable mistakes in federal contracting? Navigating the federal contracting process can be complex, especially for newcomers. By understanding these common pitfalls, you can avoid costly missteps and significantly increase your chances of winning contracts. This article is especially beneficial for small businesses new to federal contracting.

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Building and Maintaining US Military Bases Overseas: Opportunities for Federal Contractors

Jun 18, 2024 10:27:53 AM / by USFCR posted in News, Federal Spending

Lucrative contracts, global reach, and community impact: Your guide to federal work abroad

U.S. military bases overseas are essential for global security and international operations. But beyond their strategic value, they represent billions of dollars in construction, maintenance, and modernization efforts—many of which are open to small and midsize U.S. contractors. These projects don’t just serve the military. They also drive local economies, create jobs, and support infrastructure development in communities around the world.

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