USFCR Blog

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.

The HUBZone program is one of the most overlooked shortcuts to winning federal contracts. It gives small businesses a competitive edge by reserving billions in set-aside awards for companies located in historically underutilized areas. If your business qualifies, this is a rare chance to compete in a smaller pool for guaranteed dollars.

What does HUBZone mean?

HUBZone stands for Historically Underutilized Business Zone. It's a federal certification that targets businesses based on two things: where they operate and where their employees live.

How Small Businesses Can Win and Manage Requirements Contracts

Winning a government contract can create new growth opportunities, but unpredictable demand makes planning difficult. Requirements contracts solve this problem by guaranteeing that a federal agency will buy all its necessary supplies or services from one vendor, without setting a specific order quantity upfront.

Federal payments may soon go digital, and stablecoins are leading the charge. These digital tokens are pegged to the U.S. dollar and backed by assets like cash or short-term Treasury bills. They combine the speed of crypto with the predictability of fiat currency, making them ideal for real-time payments without the wild price swings of Bitcoin or Ethereum.

As preventable injuries are the third leading cause of death in the United States, June emphasizes the importance of safety and recognizes National Safety Month. ^[1] To raise awareness, USFCR is currently highlighting opportunities and resources to help businesses, nonprofits, and individuals continue to aid in injury prevention and preparation for potential disasters.

Most government contracts take time to process, but some situations require businesses to start work immediately—even before the final contract is ready. That’s where letter contracts come in. These preliminary agreements authorize contractors to begin working while the full terms are still being negotiated.

Most government contracts focus on detailed work specifications, but performance-based contracts shift the focus to results. Instead of dictating exactly how work must be performed, these agreements reward businesses for achieving specific outcomes.

Natural disasters are occurring more often than ever, and as a business owner, it’s no longer enough to hope for the best. Being prepared for a natural disaster must be a part of your business strategy. According to a 2025 report by the Congressional Research Service, 40% of small businesses never reopen after a disaster, and another 25% fail within a year.¹ It’s a clear reminder that having a plan in place before disaster strikes can mean the difference between recovery and permanent closure. You can’t predict when a weather emergency will occur, but you can make sure your business is ready when it does.

Gina Wright originally joined US Federal Contractor Registration in January 2016 as an Acquisition Specialist and returned in her current role as a Client Engagement Manager in our Government Contractor Accelerator (GCA) program. With years of experience supporting businesses in the federal space, Gina focuses on helping clients build operational readiness and understand the government contracting process with confidence. Her work centers on ensuring clients understand what to expect and how to strategically position themselves to compete for federal funding.