USFCR Blog (5)

Pualei Farm Wins Agriculture Grant with USFCR’s Support

Apr 3, 2025 10:03:28 AM / by Daniel Cavins posted in Hot Grants, Grants

US Federal Contractor Registration (USFCR) is proud to announce its role in assisting Pualei Farm in securing a $30,000 grant from the Maui Department of Agriculture. The funding will enable Pualei Farm to transform its operations into a fully sustainable backyard farm powered by solar energy to benefit the Molokai community. This shift to renewable energy will also support the farm’s mission of providing free educational programs on backyard farming and sustainability practices to the local community.

GSA Pricing Strategy: How to Set Profitable and Compliant Rates

Apr 1, 2025 12:00:00 PM / by USFCR posted in General Services Administration (GSA), Guides, Federal Spending

How to Price Your GSA Schedule in 2025 (Without Losing Your Profit Margin)

Pricing under a GSA Schedule isn’t just about winning bids—it’s about protecting your bottom line while staying within the rules. Your GSA rates need to be competitive, but they also need to be compliant. If you don’t understand how GSA views your pricing, you could end up with rates that are unworkable, subject to mandatory reductions, or flagged during an audit. That’s why a strong GSA pricing strategy is more than just a number—it’s a defense plan.

Grants vs. Loans: Understanding the Differences and the Myth of 'Free Money'

Mar 28, 2025 1:08:38 PM / by Isaiah Haddon posted in USFCR Academy, Hot Grants, Grants

Proper funding is always an important goal of any organization, with grants and loans being two popular sources of funding. Understanding the difference between grants and loans is crucial to leveraging them to your organization’s benefit.

The main difference between a grant and a loan is repayment. Grants are typically funds provided by government bodies, foundations, or corporations that do not require repayment, while loans do.However, this doesn’t mean there are no costs associated with grants. Some people think of grants as "free money,” but that can be a misleading thought process.

The Real Reason Your Bids Are Missing the Mark: No Site Visit

Mar 27, 2025 8:00:00 AM / by USFCR posted in USFCR Academy, News

Understanding the Importance of Site Visits

Federal contracting can be highly competitive, and one of the most overlooked strategies for success is attending site visits. A site visit is your opportunity to walk the grounds, meet the project manager, and see firsthand what the job requires. Skipping it might save time in the short term, but it could cost you the contract in the long run.

Think of it this way: would you build a house without ever seeing the lot? Probably not. The same principle applies to federal contracts. A thorough site visit gives you insights that just aren’t possible through documents and specifications alone.

CMMC 101: Mastering Compliance for Federal Contracting Success

Mar 26, 2025 8:00:00 AM / by USFCR posted in USFCR Academy, Guides, cmmc, cybersecurity

Cybersecurity threats are on the rise, and the Federal Government is paying attention. To protect sensitive data within the defense supply chain, the Department of Defense (DoD) created the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). For contractors looking to secure or maintain government contracts, getting CMMC certified isn't just a recommendation—it’s a must.

Executive Order 14240: What It Means for Veteran-Owned Federal Contractors

Mar 25, 2025 2:28:02 PM / by USFCR posted in Veteran Owned Small Business (VETBIZ), News, Set-asides

The federal contracting world is about to undergo a significant change, and veteran-owned businesses need to be ready. Signed on March 20, 2025, Executive Order 14240 is set to consolidate federal procurement under the General Services Administration (GSA). The goal is to eliminate waste, reduce redundancy, and save taxpayer dollars by centralizing common goods and services procurement within one agency—GSA

How to Win Federal Infrastructure and Construction Contracts

Mar 25, 2025 8:00:00 AM / by USFCR posted in Guides, News, Industry-Specific Contracting

The U.S. government consistently funds large-scale infrastructure and construction projects, providing billions in contract opportunities for businesses of all sizes. While some agencies face budget adjustments, federal construction remains a priority, especially with projects tied to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and sustainability initiatives.

Federal contracts present an opportunity for stable, long-term work for small and mid-sized contractors. However, understanding the contracting process, positioning your business effectively, and identifying the right opportunities are key to success.

How COTS Items Make Buy American Compliance Easy

Mar 24, 2025 8:00:00 AM / by USFCR posted in USFCR Academy, Guides, Federal Spending

When businesses new to federal contracting hear terms like "Commercially Available Off-the-Shelf (COTS) items," they often think it's just more jargon to memorize. But understanding COTS can actually simplify your entire entry into federal markets, helping you cut through red tape faster.

Understanding Cost-Reimbursement Contracts in Federal Procurement

Mar 21, 2025 9:53:44 AM / by USFCR posted in USFCR Academy, News, Federal Spending

Imagine taking on a government contract without the risk of losing money on unexpected costs. Cost-reimbursement contracts make this possible by covering your expenses—plus a profit—while you focus on delivering results.

For small businesses, these contracts offer a safety net for unpredictable projects. But to take advantage of them, you need to understand the rules, the risks, and the right strategies to maximize profitability.

Tapping into New Markets: Federal Contracting Opportunities in Local Preparedness Programs

Mar 21, 2025 9:50:40 AM / by USFCR posted in News, Federal Spending

The federal government is shifting its focus to state and local preparedness, creating new opportunities for businesses in federal contracting. With an emphasis on risk-informed decision-making and empowering local entities, this policy shift opens doors for contractors who provide infrastructure solutions, emergency management support, cybersecurity services, and public health preparedness resources.

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