USFCR Blog

Colin Powell, the first African American appointed as the U.S. Secretary of State, put it best when he said, "Have a vision. Be demanding.

August 1st marks the beginning of National Black Business Month, marking the importance of continuous support of Black-owned businesses. There are an estimated 161,031 Black or African-American-owned businesses with $183.3 billion in annual receipts, 1.4 million employees, and about $53.6 billion in annual payroll. About 45,015 (28%) of these businesses were in the Health Care and Social Assistance sector.

Did you know the average time to secure a federal contract can take up to 12 months? Government-Wide Acquisition Contracts (GWACs) can significantly reduce this timeframe, offering a streamlined path to success. By leveraging GWACs, businesses can gain access to a broader market while government agencies benefit from efficient and cost-effective purchasing.

Key Benefits at a Glance

For Government Agencies:

• Simplified procurement process
• Access to pre-vetted contractors
• Cost savings and efficiency

For Contractors:

• Increased market access
• Steady revenue opportunities
• Reduced administrative burden

“As we work to create light for others, we naturally light our own way.”

—Mary Anne Radmacher

National Nonprofit Day celebrates the hard work that nonprofit organizations undertake to lift the hardships of their communities, whether locally or across the globe. Founded by Sherita J. Herring, a respected author and speaker, it also acknowledges the signing of the Tariff Act on August 17, 1894. The Act provides exclusions from the federal income tax levied on corporations for charitable organizations and charities.¹ Since then, National Nonprofit Day is commemorated every August 17th. 

Federal contracting can be complex. Fortunately, Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts offer a robust solution, streamlining procurement for both government agencies and contractors. These flexible agreements provide access to a steady stream of work over a set period, with specific details ironed out through individual task orders.

In federal contracting, efficient and flexible procurement processes are essential. Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs) are a key tool that helps achieve these goals. Understanding BPAs can offer businesses significant advantages in navigating government contracts.

Efficient procurement is essential in federal contracting. One key tool that ensures this efficiency is the National Stock Number (NSN). By understanding NSNs, businesses can streamline their procurement processes and gain a competitive edge in federal contracts.

What Are National Stock Numbers (NSNs)?

National Stock Numbers (NSNs) are standardized 13-digit codes used by the federal government to identify and catalog items.

For instance, an NSN might look like this: 1234-00-567-8901.

Each segment of this number provides specific information about the item. An NSN ensures precise identification and includes the following parts:

1. 1234 - Federal Supply Group (FSG): Indicates the broad category of the item.
2. 00 - Federal Supply Class (FSC): Further classifies the item within the FSG.
3. 567 - National Item Identification Number (NIIN): A unique identifier for the item
4. 8901 - Check Digit: Used for error checking to ensure the accuracy of the NSN.

Securing federal contracts requires a solid understanding of various laws and regulations. Among these, the Trade Agreements Act (TAA) is a key regulation that can significantly impact your ability to win government contracts. This blog will explain TAA compliance, why it matters for federal contractors, and how to ensure your products meet the necessary standards. Whether you're an experienced federal contractor or new to this space, understanding TAA compliance is essential for your success.

Registering in the System for Award Management (SAM) is a vital first step for businesses aiming to secure federal contracts. However, SAM registration alone is not enough to guarantee success. To effectively compete in the federal marketplace, businesses must take additional steps. This blog will guide you through essential actions to take after SAM registration, including understanding NAICS codes, finding contract opportunities, and building a compelling proposal.

Compliance in federal contracting is essential for businesses aiming to win and maintain government contracts. This article is for newcomers and those already familiar with federal contracting basics. Non-compliance can lead to severe consequences, including penalties, contract termination, exclusion from future bids, and reputational damage. Understanding and adhering to federal regulations is crucial for long-term success.

Hurricane Beryl has caused extensive damage as it moved through the Caribbean and Texas, leaving communities devastated and in urgent need of assistance. This post will focus on the ongoing recovery efforts in Texas and highlight how federal contractors can contribute to rebuilding homes, businesses, and infrastructure.

Current Status of Hurricane Beryl

Hurricane Beryl made landfall along the Texas coast as a Category 1 storm early Monday, July 8, 2024. The storm unleashed severe weather as it moved inland, weakening into a tropical storm but still capable of causing widespread damage. For the latest updates on the storm's current status, please refer to the National Hurricane Center website.