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.

Rural areas across the country are facing issues of aging and declining infrastructure, buildings, and equipment that have widespread consequences for both the economy and the environment. For many farmers and small business owners, energy-inefficient equipment and infrastructure can drastically raise the cost of doing business, placing a further burden on these firms to be financially successful. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has begun accepting new applications for their Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP), designed to expand and “significantly increase” the availability of alternative fuels. This program is a part of the overall national initiative to both solidify America’s energy independence and increase the supply of renewable energy sourced from US agricultural products. 

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) is accepting applications for their Climate Smart Humanities Organizations program, distributing a total of $6,000,000 of funds to humanities organizations needing to improve conservation practices of materials while also being ecologically-efficient. Humanities organizations interested in this opportunity shall contemplate strategies to their daily operations that help reduce their carbon footprint as a result of climate change.