USFCR Blog

June 5, 2025 | Clearwater, FL | Hosted by USFCR

Why this event matters:
Federal and commercial business growth is rarely a straight path. Most small businesses hit a point where they need better processes, smarter strategies, or just the right connection to move forward. That’s where Elevate 2025 comes in.

This one-day growth summit is designed for business owners, executives, and federal contractors who are ready to take focused action. You’ll get real strategies from professionals who’ve done the work, and you’ll leave with practical tools you can actually use.

If you're in federal contracting, teaming up might be your ticket in—but only if you understand the rules of the game.

Many small businesses confuse teaming agreements with subcontracting. They both involve working with other companies. They both can help you win more contracts. But they’re not the same—and mixing them up can cost you opportunities or worse, land you in compliance trouble.

Let’s break it down.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) has recently launched four programs to help U.S. agricultural producers promote and sell their goods internationally. This action follows U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brook Rollins’ latest announcement to visit six international markets—Brazil, India, Japan, Peru, Vietnam, and the United Kingdom—to boost American agricultural exports and expand markets for U.S. farmers, ranchers, and producers.

Be aware that the application deadline for all four programs is June 6, 2025. Applicants can submit questions to the agency's point of contact for all four programs until May 30, 2025.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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​

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.