USFCR Blog

Government contracts don't always work on an open competition basis. Sometimes, there's a clear choice for a contract, and it's here that sole-source contracting comes into play.

The Value of Sole-Source Contracts for You

If your business offers a unique product or service or enjoys a small business set-aside status, you could win sole-source contracts—contracts awarded without competition. There are at least seven scenarios where a contract may be sole-sourced, with some specific to small businesses. Understand these, and you'll find new federal market opportunities and be able to make compelling cases to contracting officers or during bid protests.

Updated as of July 2023, this article provides the most recent and relevant insights into the advantages of being a Veteran-Owned Small Business in federal contracting.

Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) enjoy unique advantages in the world of federal contracting. Chief among these is the Veteran's First Verification Program, a pathway that offers these businesses preferential treatment.

With the U.S. government's operations spanning across the globe, it's no surprise that opportunities for international contracting are vast and varied. Whether you're a U.S.-based firm eager to spread your wings or a global enterprise eyeing the U.S. federal marketplace, the road to international contracting is rich with potential.

A Contractor debriefing is a unique element of government contracting that offer invaluable insights into why your contract bid was accepted or declined. By understanding and leveraging these debriefs, your business stands a greater chance of winning more contracts and boosting profitability.

This article has been updated with the most recent information as of July 2023

Small businesses have a unique edge in federal spending requirements thanks to their size and socioeconomic status. Daily, the government turns to small businesses to redistribute products instead of large manufacturers.

The reason behind this trend is the small business programs contained in Part 19 of the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR). It allows individuals to venture into business as sole proprietors, with the role of redistributing products to the government at an acceptable price point. This process is referred to as brokering.

Ever felt stuck trying to win federal contracts? You need the experience to win but to get experience; you need to win contracts. Sounds like a puzzle, right? Don't worry; there's a way out: start with subcontracting.

Subcontracting: Your First Step
Subcontracting is like your first step into the world of federal contracting. It's a hands-on way to learn, meet people in the industry, and start building a track record. Plus, it's a steady income source while setting up your business.

At USFCR, we've walked more than 300,000 businesses through the intricate maze of government contracting. We've boiled down years of expertise into a simple, easy-to-understand guide to help you conquer this field too. Let's focus on three game-changing strategies:

1. Identifying the right opportunities
2. Building enduring relationships
3. Maintaining a competitive edge

What's great is that these strategies are transferable to securing grants too.

The technical proposal is considered the most creative section of a proposal. However, that doesn’t mean vendors should include irrelevant information in the offer.

The technical proposal is a narrative where vendors must prove that they understand the objectives of the potential contract to not only meet the expectations but exceed them. To prepare for writing the technical proposal, a vendor should read the SOW, PWS, or Scope of Work in the solicitation document.

Understanding how to price your products or services for government contracts is key to landing lucrative deals. Your price proposal, and a clear breakdown of your costs, is crucial in securing these contracts. Here's what you need to know:

Competitive Pricing Through Market Research

Use market research to understand your competition and set a competitive price for your bid or offer. This data helps ensure your price is attractive to the government and profitable.