USFCR Blog

Federal Contracting Events You Can’t Afford to Miss in 2025

Feb 10, 2025 1:10:33 PM / by USFCR posted in News

  Build Relationships, Win More Contracts

Winning federal contracts takes more than just paperwork. You need to get in the room with the people who influence awards. Contracting officers, program managers, and primes want to work with vendors they trust. The fastest way to build that trust is by showing up—at the right events.

When you attend federal contracting conferences, you get to:

  • Talk directly with decision-makers at agencies who are actively sourcing vendors

  • Learn what’s coming down the pipeline before it hits SAM

  • Build relationships with primes looking for qualified subcontractors

If you’re serious about winning contracts in 2025, these events aren’t optional. They’re strategic. You walk away with market intelligence, introductions, and a sharper edge over your competition.

2025 Federal Contracting Events You Shouldn't Miss

Below are a few of the most relevant and high-impact events still coming up this year. We’ve chosen these based on search trends, industry relevance, and government buyer attendance.

Government Procurement Conference – April 16, Washington, DC
Best for: Small businesses, HUBZone firms, SDVOSBs, and WOSBs
Why attend? This is one of the largest and most active small business contracting events in the country. You’ll find buyers from dozens of federal agencies, direct matchmaking, and panels on procurement strategy.

RSA Conference – April 28 to May 1, San Francisco, CA
Best for: Cybersecurity, cloud, software, and IT vendors
Why attend? Agencies like DHS, DoD, and GSA are increasing investments in cyber resilience. If your business touches tech or data protection, this is where you learn what they’ll buy and who’s buying.

Clean Power Expo – May 19 to 22, Phoenix, AZ
Best for: Energy, engineering, and environmental contractors
Why attend? Billions in federal funding are flowing into renewable energy. This is where you meet project managers and primes building the future grid.

TechConnect World – June 9 to 10, Austin, TX
Best for: R&D firms, innovators, and SBIR/STTR applicants
Why attend? DOD, DOE, DHS, and NASA attend specifically to find new partners. If you’re developing anything cutting edge, this is where you get noticed.

World Congress 2025 – July 13 to 16, Grapevine, TX
Best for: Acquisition professionals, BD leaders, and compliance teams
Why attend? It’s the largest training event for federal procurement. Agencies and industry come together to shape how contracting is evolving. If you sell into procurement offices, you should be there.

American Small Business Contracting Summit – July 22, Washington, DC
Best for: Small businesses ready to scale
Why attend? Connect face-to-face with contracting officers and program leads from federal agencies. These are the people awarding contracts now.

Navy & Marine Corps Procurement Conference – July 29 to 30, Norfolk, VA
Best for: Defense contractors in logistics, facility support, shipbuilding, and IT
Why attend? Meet the buyers and program managers responsible for keeping bases and operations running. A must-attend for anyone in the DoD supply chain.

Plan Now to Win More in 2025

Showing up to an event is one thing. Turning that handshake into a contract is another. If you want to get results, you need a plan.

  • Research which agencies and primes will be in the room
  • Prepare a 30-second pitch that speaks to what you solve, not just what you sell
  • Bring a capability statement that makes it easy for buyers to say yes
  • Follow up fast and with purpose—relationships fade when you don’t take action

These events give you access. But it’s how you prepare and follow through that wins contracts.

📅 Ready to take the next step? Download the 2025 Federal Contracting Events Calendar to access the full list of high-impact conferences, expos, and matchmakers happening through the end of the year.

This is your moment to meet the right people, ask the right questions, and put your business in the right place at the right time.

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USFCR vs. Competitors: Who Offers the Best Federal Contracting Support?

Feb 3, 2025 10:48:46 AM / by USFCR posted in News

Winning federal contracts isn’t just about submitting bids—it’s about knowing how to position your business for success. From SAM registration to bid preparation, the right contracting support makes all the difference. However, not all service providers offer the same level of expertise, resources, or long-term guidance.

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Middlemanning in Federal Contracting: The Risks and Realities

Jan 31, 2025 12:43:53 PM / by USFCR posted in News

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Navigating Federal Contract Delays Amid RTO Policies

Jan 28, 2025 11:11:00 AM / by USFCR posted in News, Federal Spending

Recent reports suggest that some federal agencies, including the Department of Defense (DOD), Department of the Interior (DOI), and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), may be experiencing delays in processing contract modifications and obligations. These slowdowns have raised concerns across the contracting community, particularly for contractors with upcoming renewals or active projects.

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Are Set-Asides at Risk Amid DEI Changes?

Jan 27, 2025 2:08:32 PM / by USFCR posted in News, Set-asides

Federal contractors are facing a wave of uncertainty as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies come under scrutiny. Many small business owners are concerned about the potential ripple effects on set-aside programs like SDVOSB, WOSB 8(a), and others. With information circulating, it’s critical to understand the facts and separate policy changes from speculation.

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Where Federal Emergency Funds Go and How Businesses Can Benefit

Jan 24, 2025 2:59:20 PM / by USFCR posted in News, Disaster Relief

When disaster strikes, the federal government steps in with massive funding to aid recovery efforts. But where does that money go, and how can businesses benefit from these opportunities? This article breaks down federal spending priorities, highlights which agencies manage funds, and explains how businesses can position themselves to secure emergency-related contracts.

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The Small Business Guide to Mentor-Protégé Programs

Jan 23, 2025 11:14:27 AM / by USFCR posted in Guides, News, Set-asides

Mentor-protégé programs have been instrumental in helping small businesses navigate the federal contracting landscape. They enable smaller firms to partner with larger, more experienced companies, gaining access to resources, expertise, and federal opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.

This article explores the benefits of these programs, recent updates, and actionable steps small businesses can take to thrive under changing regulations.

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The Legacy of CCR, ORCA, and FedBizOpps in Today’s Federal Marketplace

Jan 17, 2025 4:16:54 PM / by USFCR posted in News

Federal contracting has undergone significant transformation since we began assisting businesses with registrations in 2010. One of the most impactful changes was the consolidation of earlier systems like the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) and the Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA) into a unified platform now known as SAM (System for Award Management). These changes simplified processes and made federal opportunities more accessible to contractors across industries.

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EPA Allocates $20 Million To Improve the Gulf of Mexico Watershed

Jan 15, 2025 3:16:42 PM / by Mari Crocitto posted in News, Hot Grants

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is offering up to $20 million in funding to assist farmers actively working in the Gulf of Mexico watershed. This opportunity is open until January 28, 2025. The Farmer to Farmer 2024 BIL program will allow farmers to conduct projects that improve water quality, habitat, or resilience. Collaboration and outreach with farmers are required, and organization partnerships are encouraged.

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Top NAICS Codes for Wildfire Recovery

Jan 15, 2025 12:44:50 PM / by USFCR posted in News, Disaster Relief, NAICS

Wildfire disaster recovery involves a wide range of services—from clearing debris to rebuilding infrastructure and restoring the environment. Contractors looking to secure federal contracts for these projects need to identify the correct NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) codes to align their services with federal opportunities. This guide explains the most relevant NAICS codes for wildfire recovery and how to use them effectively.

Why NAICS Codes Matter

NAICS codes are critical for federal contracting. They categorize businesses based on their industries and services, helping federal agencies match contractors to specific project needs. For wildfire recovery, choosing the right NAICS code is essential to:

  • Ensure your business is visible for relevant contract opportunities.

  • Qualify for set-aside contracts tailored to small or disadvantaged businesses.

  • Streamline the federal contracting process by accurately defining your services.

Top NAICS Codes for Wildfire Recovery

Here are the most commonly used NAICS codes for wildfire disaster response and recovery:

Immediate Response

  • 561730 – Landscaping Services

    • Clearing trees, brush, and debris from wildfire-affected areas.

  • 562998 – All Other Miscellaneous Waste Management Services

    • Handling specialized waste management tasks, such as removing hazardous debris.

  • 624230 – Emergency and Other Relief Services

    • Providing temporary housing, food distribution, and emergency logistics.

  • 621910 – Ambulance Services

    • Medical transport and emergency response in disaster areas.

Short-Term Recovery

  • 238910 – Site Preparation Contractors

    • Grading, excavation, and preparation for rebuilding efforts.

  • 237310 – Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction

    • Restoring damaged roads and bridges in wildfire-affected areas.

  • 541330 – Engineering Services

    • Planning and engineering recovery efforts, such as rebuilding infrastructure and erosion control.

Long-Term Recovery

  • 562910 – Remediation Services

    • Cleaning up hazardous materials and remediating contaminated sites.

  • 113310 – Logging

    • Salvaging timber and managing forest health post-fire.

  • 115310 – Support Activities for Forestry

    • Managing reforestation efforts and implementing wildfire prevention measures.

How to Select the Right NAICS Codes

Follow these steps to ensure your business is using the most relevant NAICS codes for wildfire recovery:

  1. Evaluate Your Services: Identify the core services your business provides that align with wildfire recovery needs.

  2. Research Federal Opportunities: Look at active RFPs in wildfire disaster recovery to see which NAICS codes are being used.

  3. Update Your SAM Profile: Ensure your SAM registration includes all applicable NAICS codes. This increases your chances of being matched to the right opportunities.

  4. Highlight in Proposals: Clearly list your NAICS codes in your capability statement and proposals to show alignment with federal requirements.

Leveraging Set-Asides with NAICS Codes

Many wildfire recovery contracts are awarded through set-asides, which are opportunities reserved for small and disadvantaged businesses. By selecting the correct NAICS codes, you can qualify for:

  • Small Business Set-Asides: Contracts reserved exclusively for small businesses.

  • HUBZone Set-Asides: Opportunities for businesses located in historically underutilized business zones.

  • 8(a) Program: Contracts for socially and economically disadvantaged businesses.

Cross-Referencing NAICS and SIC Codes

Some contractors still reference Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes. While NAICS has largely replaced SIC, understanding how these systems relate can be helpful for businesses working with older clients or transitioning to federal work. 

Tips for Success

  • Stay Updated: NAICS codes evolve over time. Regularly review your codes to ensure they reflect your services accurately.

  • Seek Guidance: If you’re unsure which codes apply to your business, USFCR can help you analyze your services and update your SAM profile.

  • Be Proactive: Start researching wildfire-related RFPs early to identify trends in NAICS code usage.

Let USFCR Help

Navigating NAICS codes and federal contracting can be overwhelming, but USFCR simplifies the process. Learn more about how USFCR can help you succeed in wildfire recovery through the VIPR Program. From SAM registration to proposal writing, we ensure your business is well-positioned for success in wildfire recovery projects. Contact us today to get started.

CALL USFCR

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