USFCR Blog

Why the Federal Fiscal Year Starts in October: A Look Back at History

Sep 17, 2024 12:36:02 PM / by USFCR posted in Guides, Federal Spending

When you think about the start of a new year, you likely think of January. However, the fiscal year starts on October 1st for the U.S. federal government. This may seem unusual at first glance, but there’s a solid reasoning behind it. Let’s explore the historical background and how this timeline benefits both the government and businesses involved in federal contracting.

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Budget Insights: How Q1 Spending Affects Federal Contracts

Sep 16, 2024 11:20:18 AM / by USFCR posted in Guides, Federal Spending

Did you know that the first quarter of the federal fiscal year can set the tone for contracting opportunities all year long? Understanding Q1 spending patterns can give your business a competitive edge in the federal marketplace.

The federal government's fiscal year kicks off on October 1st, marking the beginning of Q1 (October to December). This period is crucial for businesses aiming to secure government contracts. Agencies start implementing new budgets, directly influencing contracting opportunities. In this blog, we'll explore how Q1 spending impacts federal contracts and provide actionable strategies to help your business succeed.

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The Joint Certification Program (JCP): Why It Matters for Federal Contractors

Sep 16, 2024 10:35:23 AM / by USFCR posted in Guides, cmmc, cybersecurity

The Joint Certification Program (JCP) is critical for U.S. and Canadian contractors who want to access unclassified but sensitive military technical data. If your company plans to work with the Department of Defense (DoD), obtaining JCP certification is often necessary to handle the technical data required for these projects.

JCP certification allows contractors to access Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), which is crucial when dealing with defense contracts. For example, even if you're manufacturing something as simple as a special bolt for a weapon system, you’ll need JCP certification to access the design files.

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Cybersecurity Compliance for Non-DoD Federal Contracts

Sep 10, 2024 11:08:21 AM / by USFCR posted in News, cmmc, cybersecurity

As cybersecurity becomes increasingly important across all sectors, non-Department of Defense (DoD) federal contractors must stay vigilant about their cybersecurity practices. This article explores the key cybersecurity regulations that apply to non-DoD contractors, emerging trends in the federal cybersecurity landscape, and practical steps to enhance cybersecurity readiness.
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In Commemoration of September 11th

Sep 10, 2024 9:00:00 AM / by Mari Crocitto posted in News, Hot Grants

“Even the smallest act of service, the simplest act of kindness, is a way to honor those we lost, a way to reclaim that spirit of unity that followed 9/11.”

— Barack Obama

Memories of September 11th have been “firmly embedded in the minds of most Americans old enough to recall the attacks.”1 Though marked by a tragic event in modern American history, this day revealed the resilience of American citizens and their willingness to risk their own lives to help others.

In the aftermath of September 11th, notable agencies began surveying the physical and mental health effects of this event on the American people, especially first responders and survivors who managed to escape the World Trade Center. For example, the World Trade Center Registry enrolled over 71,000 individuals to study the physical and mental health effects of September 11th. Most notably registered were first responders, passersby, residents of the surrounding building, evacuated workers in the World Trade Center, and volunteers who spent time at Ground Zero weeks afterward.2 Furthermore, USA Today stated that the rate of various cancers among first responders was over 30% higher than the general population, with the average September 11th first responder living until around age 55.

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Alize Soper - Special Service Case Manager

Sep 5, 2024 10:22:48 AM / by USFCR posted in Team

Alizé Soper joined US Federal Contractor Registration (USFCR) nearly a year ago, bringing enthusiasm and a passion for helping clients succeed. A Florida native, Alizé enjoys spending time with her pets and building Legos in her free time.

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How Federal Q1 Spending Trends Can Position Your Business for Success in the New Fiscal Year

Sep 5, 2024 10:20:58 AM / by USFCR posted in News, cybersecurity

The start of the federal fiscal year (October 1) brings a wave of opportunity for businesses ready to capitalize on Q1 spending trends. Government agencies have fresh budgets, and understanding how they allocate funds in the first quarter can set your business up for a strong year ahead.

Let’s explore why Q1 matters and how your business can benefit from it.

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National Park Service Intends to Invest $5,000,000 to Train and Inspire the Next Generation of Firefighters

Sep 4, 2024 5:02:25 PM / by Anna Rose posted in News, Hot Grants, Grants, Disaster Relief

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Federal Contract Compliance for DoD Contractors

Sep 3, 2024 12:18:05 PM / by USFCR posted in News, cmmc, cybersecurity

Success in federal contracting, especially with the Department of Defense (DoD), requires a deep understanding of compliance. If your company handles Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) or works closely with the DoD, mastering systems like PIEE/WAWF, JCP, and SPRS is essential. Additionally, ensuring compliance with NIST 800-171 is a critical step. This guide will walk you through the steps needed to align your business with these stringent federal standards.

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NSF Investing $69 Million Annually in Cybersecurity

Sep 3, 2024 12:07:21 PM / by Daniel Cavins posted in News, Hot Grants, cmmc, Grants

Cyberattacks are a constant threat in today's world, from stealing personal information to breaching large information systems. In response, the National Science Foundation (NSF) has created the Secure and Trustworthy Cyberspace (SaTC) program, which aims to advance cybersecurity and privacy through research and education.

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