USFCR Blog

How Small Businesses Can Win and Manage Time-and-Materials Contracts

Mar 19, 2025 8:00:00 AM / by USFCR posted in News, Federal Spending

Time-and-Materials (T&M) contracts provide flexibility for both contractors and government agencies, making them a common choice for projects with uncertain scopes or shifting requirements. Instead of a fixed price, these contracts compensate businesses based on actual labor hours worked and material costs incurred.

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Is Now a Good Time to Get into Government Contracting?

Mar 10, 2025 1:55:20 PM / by USFCR posted in Guides, News

Recent headlines about Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) canceling more than 1,000 federal contracts and laying off thousands of federal employees have understandably caused concern among businesses. These cuts primarily impact consulting, DEI initiatives, and administrative support contracts, creating genuine uncertainty for many contractors.

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Federal Contracting for Video Production: A Guide to Winning Government Work

Mar 4, 2025 8:00:00 AM / by USFCR posted in Guides, News

The U.S. government spends billions annually on professional services, including video production, animation, and content creation. From military training videos to public service announcements, federal agencies need high-quality video production to educate, inform, and engage.

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Who Holds the Power? Understanding the Contracting Officer’s Role in Federal Awards

Mar 3, 2025 8:00:00 AM / by USFCR posted in Guides, News

​Winning a government contract isn’t just about submitting a strong bid—it’s about understanding who’s making the decisions. In the world of federal procurement, Contracting Officers (COs) hold the keys to government spending. Whether you're bidding on a small contract or a multi-million-dollar award, the CO determines whether your company gets the deal.

This article will break down the role of a Contracting Officer, how they impact federal contracting, and what businesses can do to work effectively with them.

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Protect Your Business from the Impact of Terminations for Convenience

Feb 28, 2025 8:00:00 AM / by USFCR posted in Guides, News

Understanding terminations for convenience: when the federal government or a prime contractor issues a Termination for Convenience (T4C), it means they are ending a contract not due to contractor fault but for strategic, budgetary, or policy reasons. This can disrupt your business, but it does not mean you won’t be compensated. Understanding your rights and the required steps can help ensure you recover the costs of work performed and avoid financial hardship.

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The Bybit Hack and the Future of Cybersecurity Compliance

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

Imagine waking up to discover that $1.4 billion had vanished overnight. That’s exactly what happened when North Korean state-sponsored hackers infiltrated Bybit, one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges. This wasn’t just another cyber attack—it was the largest digital heist in history.

For years, North Korea’s infamous Lazarus Group has targeted financial institutions, particularly cryptocurrency exchanges, as a way to bypass global sanctions and fund the country’s nuclear ambitions. While crypto heists have become an unfortunate reality, this one sets a new precedent—not only in scale but in how it is forcing governments worldwide to rethink cybersecurity.

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The ‘What’s Next?’ Approach to Federal Contracting Success

Feb 26, 2025 2:24:28 PM / by USFCR posted in Guides, News

Getting registered in SAM is an important first step in federal contracting, but it’s just that—the first step. Many businesses assume that once they’re in the system, contract opportunities will naturally follow. The reality is that federal contracting is competitive, and businesses that don’t take proactive steps after registration risk falling behind. Agencies prioritize vendors who stay engaged, update their profiles, and actively pursue opportunities.

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NAICS Codes 101: What Businesses Need to Know

Feb 25, 2025 8:00:00 AM / by USFCR posted in News, NAICS

What Are NAICS Codes?

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Disasters Expo USA 2025: Why You Should Attend

Feb 21, 2025 8:00:00 AM / by USFCR posted in News, Disaster Relief, Events

The Disaster Expo USA, March 5 & 6th, is the premier event for professionals in disaster response, emergency preparedness, and resilience planning. Hosted in Miami, this expo gathers industry leaders, government agencies, and businesses specializing in disaster mitigation and recovery solutions. Attendees gain access to cutting-edge innovations, expert discussions, and networking opportunities that shape the future of disaster management.

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Security Clearances: Levels, Requirements, and How to Get Approved

Feb 21, 2025 8:00:00 AM / by USFCR posted in News

What Is a Security Clearance?

A security clearance is required for individuals working with classified information in federal agencies, defense contracting, or intelligence-related positions. Whether you're a government contractor, military personnel, or federal employee, holding a clearance confirms you can be trusted with sensitive data.

Clearances are granted after a comprehensive background investigation, including a criminal history review, financial background check, and foreign contact screening. Agencies such as the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) handle investigations to protect national security.

Failure to comply with clearance requirements can lead to revocation, job loss, fines, or even imprisonment. Understanding the clearance process—and how to maintain eligibility—can help you secure long-term federal contracting opportunities.

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