USFCR Blog

Celebrating Earth Day - Green Grants Across the U.S.

Apr 22, 2025 7:00:00 AM / by Daniel Cavins posted in USFCR Academy, Hot Grants, Grants

This Earth Day, nonprofits dedicated to environmental conservation have the chance to access vital funding to further their impactful work. Grants aimed at protecting the environment are available across the country, supporting efforts to preserve natural resources and promote green initiatives. See below to explore environmental funding opportunities by state or region.

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Beginner’s Guide to Government Construction Projects

Apr 21, 2025 8:00:00 AM / by USFCR posted in USFCR Academy, Guides, Industry-Specific Contracting

If you’ve been in construction for years, you already know how to manage crews, estimate jobs, and deliver results. However, when it comes to federal contracting, it might feel like a completely different world. That’s normal. Plenty of experienced business owners run into that same feeling.

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Teaming vs. Subcontracting: What Every Contractor Should Know

Apr 11, 2025 8:00:00 AM / by USFCR posted in USFCR Academy, Guides

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.

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USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service Allocates Funds for FY26 Agricultural Trade Promotion Programs

Apr 9, 2025 8:00:00 AM / by Mari Crocitto posted in USFCR Academy, Hot Grants, Grants

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.

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Grants vs. Loans: Understanding the Differences and the Myth of 'Free Money'

Mar 28, 2025 1:08:38 PM / by Isaiah Haddon posted in USFCR Academy, Hot Grants, Grants

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.

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The Real Reason Your Bids Are Missing the Mark: No Site Visit

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

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.

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How COTS Items Make Buy American Compliance Easy

Mar 24, 2025 8:00:00 AM / by USFCR posted in USFCR Academy, Guides, Federal Spending

When businesses new to federal contracting hear terms like "Commercially Available Off-the-Shelf (COTS) items," they often think it's just more jargon to memorize. But understanding COTS can actually simplify your entire entry into federal markets, helping you cut through red tape faster.

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Understanding Cost-Reimbursement Contracts in Federal Procurement

Mar 21, 2025 9:53:44 AM / by USFCR posted in USFCR Academy, News, Federal Spending

Imagine taking on a government contract without the risk of losing money on unexpected costs. Cost-reimbursement contracts make this possible by covering your expenses—plus a profit—while you focus on delivering results.

For small businesses, these contracts offer a safety net for unpredictable projects. But to take advantage of them, you need to understand the rules, the risks, and the right strategies to maximize profitability.

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The Power of Teaming Agreements in Federal Contracting: Benefits and Compliance

Mar 18, 2025 10:13:16 AM / by USFCR posted in USFCR Academy

Teaming agreements can be the key to unlocking new opportunities in federal contracting. These strategic partnerships allow businesses to combine their strengths and resources to win competitive contracts. But what exactly are teaming agreements, and how do you ensure compliance with SBA rules? Let’s explore.

What Are Teaming Agreements?

Teaming agreements, or teaming arrangements, are temporary partnerships between two or more independent companies that come together to pursue a competitive bid for a federal contract. Typically, one company acts as the prime contractor, and the other(s) serve as subcontractors. This collaboration allows businesses to leverage their combined skills, expertise, and resources to meet the government’s requirements effectively.

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Do I Qualify for Federal Set-Asides?

Feb 14, 2025 12:00:00 PM / by Anna Rose posted in USFCR Academy

Understanding Federal Set-Asides: Guide for Small Businesses

Each year, the federal government aims to reserve approximately 23% of its contracting budget specifically for small businesses. These opportunities, known as federal set-asides, allow various types of small businesses to compete in the federal marketplace. But what exactly are set-asides, and how can your business qualify?

Federal set-asides refer to the percentage of federal spending reserved for small businesses, ensuring fair competition and participation. The federal government offers set-aside categories based on business types, allowing small businesses with diverse backgrounds and capabilities to qualify. Below, we’ll explain the key federal set-asides and the qualifications required.

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