USFCR Blog

Smart contracts are self-executing code that follow if-then rules on a blockchain. They do not replace the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); they carry it out automatically. Agencies are already testing how these tools can confirm milestones, release payments, and log every step for easy audits. For vendors, this could cut weeks from payment cycles and provide a permanent record of performance.

What Smart Contracts Are
A smart contract is code that says, “If the delivery is verified, pay the vendor.” Once written, the logic cannot be changed without both parties agreeing. Think of direct deposit: after you enter the correct routing and account number, payments run by themselves.

How Small Businesses Can Win and Manage Requirements Contracts

Winning a government contract can create new growth opportunities, but unpredictable demand makes planning difficult. Requirements contracts solve this problem by guaranteeing that a federal agency will buy all its necessary supplies or services from one vendor, without setting a specific order quantity upfront.

Federal payments may soon go digital, and stablecoins are leading the charge. These digital tokens are pegged to the U.S. dollar and backed by assets like cash or short-term Treasury bills. They combine the speed of crypto with the predictability of fiat currency, making them ideal for real-time payments without the wild price swings of Bitcoin or Ethereum.

Most government contracts focus on detailed work specifications, but performance-based contracts shift the focus to results. Instead of dictating exactly how work must be performed, these agreements reward businesses for achieving specific outcomes.

Natural disasters are occurring more often than ever, and as a business owner, it’s no longer enough to hope for the best. Being prepared for a natural disaster must be a part of your business strategy. According to a 2025 report by the Congressional Research Service, 40% of small businesses never reopen after a disaster, and another 25% fail within a year.¹ It’s a clear reminder that having a plan in place before disaster strikes can mean the difference between recovery and permanent closure. You can’t predict when a weather emergency will occur, but you can make sure your business is ready when it does.

The 2025 hurricane season isn’t just a headline. For federal contractors, it’s a signal. The latest projections from Colorado State University show an above-average Atlantic season. That means more storms, more landfalls, and more government contracts issued on short notice to businesses that are ready to respond.

If your business can deliver emergency services, housing, cleanup, logistics, or construction, this forecast could shape your next win.

2025 Hurricane Season Outlook

A new executive order issued in May 2025 prioritizes long-term care and housing solutions for veterans. It instructs the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish the National Center for Warrior Independence at the West Los Angeles VA campus. The goal is to support up to 6,000 homeless veterans by 2028 through housing, treatment, and reentry programs.

On May 5, 2025, a new executive order was signed to speed up how quickly U.S. companies can build and expand pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities. It’s a federal response to one big issue: our supply of essential medicines is still too reliant on foreign sources. For federal contractors, this move changes the landscape. If you operate in pharmaceuticals, construction, logistics, or environmental services, you just got a competitive boost.

Nonprofits play a critical role in supporting individuals with mental health and addiction challenges, offering essential services such as counseling, recovery support, education, and community outreach. To help organizations continue this important work, several foundations are offering grant opportunities to fund program expansion, enhance access to care, and support community-based solutions. Below are four grants available to nonprofits working to address mental health and addiction in their communities.