USFCR Blog

Made in America Agenda: What Government Contractors Should Know

Aug 18, 2025 8:00:00 AM / by USFCR posted in News

Manufacturing-related federal contracts are on the rise following the White House’s recent Made in America Agenda announcement. This presidential action outlines new steps to boost domestic production and expand U.S.-based supply chains, creating fresh opportunities for manufacturers across multiple industries.

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CMMC Levels Explained: What Contractors Need to Know in 2025

Jul 23, 2025 9:00:00 AM / by USFCR posted in News, cmmc

What Is CMMC and Why It Matters in 2025

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification, or CMMC, is the Department of Defense’s framework for protecting sensitive information in the federal contracting space. Starting in October 2025, CMMC requirements will begin appearing in DoD solicitations. The rollout will occur in phases through 2028.

CMMC applies to both prime contractors and subcontractors that handle Federal Contract Information (FCI) or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Even if it’s not yet written into your current contract, many prime contractors are already requesting proof of compliance or system readiness from their subs.

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15 Years of Innovation: How USFCR Transformed Federal Contracting from the Ground Up

Jul 20, 2025 11:00:00 AM / by USFCR posted in USFCR Info, News, Team

July 20, 2025, marks a milestone that few could have predicted back in 2010. What started as a vision to simplify the notoriously complex world of federal contracting has grown into the largest and most trusted full-service federal consulting organization in the United States. Today, US Federal Contractor Registration (USFCR) celebrates 15 years of client-focused innovation, federal expertise, and results-driven support for American businesses.

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FY2026 Federal Contracting Forecast: Position Yourself for October’s Fresh Start

Jul 17, 2025 8:00:00 AM / by USFCR posted in News, Federal Spending

October 1 is more than a date. It’s a starting point for smart contractors.

Every year, the federal government resets its budget starting October 1st. The mistake most contractors make is waiting until then to act. The real preparation happens three months before.

From July through September, you can still capture final FY2025 awards while setting yourself up for FY2026. If you wait until Q1 to start thinking about strategy, you’re already behind.

Here’s what we know is coming, and what you should be doing right now.

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SAM.gov Registration in 2025: What They Don't Tell You About the Process

Jul 10, 2025 10:00:00 AM / by USFCR Academy posted in News, Registration & Compliance Management

SAM.gov Registration in 2025: What They Don't Tell You About the Process

Last quarter, a contractor in Maryland called us after three failed SAM.gov registration attempts. When we looked at the file, the issue jumped out immediately. Their legal business name didn’t match IRS records by one character. This kind of problem is not rare. It’s common, it’s preventable, and SAM doesn’t warn you about it. After assisting with over 300,000 registrations since 2010, we know exactly where these registrations fall apart.

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Texas Flooding Disaster Prompts Immediate Federal Contracts

Jul 9, 2025 11:00:00 AM / by USFCR posted in News, Disaster Relief

The Flood That Triggered Federal Action

On July 4, 2025, historic flooding struck Kerr County, Texas, following heavy rainfall that began late the night before. The Guadalupe River rose rapidly, overtaking roads, homes, and critical infrastructure. More than 100 people lost their lives across the region, making it the deadliest flash flood Texas has seen in over 20 years.

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Negotiating Better Terms in Teaming Agreements (Without Burning the Bridge)

Jul 7, 2025 10:00:00 AM / by USFCR posted in USFCR Academy, News

If primes are reaching out to you for teaming, it means you bring something valuable. But too many small businesses say yes to the first offer, even when the terms are one-sided. If your role is unclear and the percentage is low, it might not be a partnership at all. It might just be a placeholder.

Here’s how to recognize a bad deal, negotiate a better one, and decide when it’s worth saying no.

Why Primes Want You on the Team

Federal rules give primes strong incentives to work with certified small businesses. If you're an SDVOSB, WOSB, HUBZone, or 8(a) firm, you qualify them for set-aside contracts they couldn’t pursue alone. You might also bring niche skills, past performance in a target agency, or simply a stronger proposal under FAR 15.305.

For contracts over $750,000, primes are required to submit a subcontracting plan under FAR 19.702. That’s why teaming isn’t just about capability—it’s also about compliance. When you show up with certification, experience, and availability, you’re solving three problems for the prime at once.

But when that value is met with a 3% share and no access to the proposal, it’s time to ask what you’re really getting.

What a Fair Teaming Agreement Looks Like

There’s no fixed formula, but there are patterns we’ve seen across hundreds of real contracts:

  • If they want your status only (with little or no work): 5 to 10% may be fair.

  • If you’re doing 30 to 40% of the labor: Your share should reflect that directly.

  • If you’re contributing to the proposal or providing past performance: You deserve input into the scope and revenue split.

If there’s no written scope of work, that’s a red flag. SBA affiliation rules (13 CFR 121.103) and FAR 52.219-14 require clear delineation of roles. Without that, you risk compliance issues—and you may get boxed out of the actual work.

How to Counter the Low Offer Without Burning the Bridge

Most primes will expect some pushback. If you come prepared, they’ll respect the approach:

  • “Can we walk through the labor breakdown and how the percentage was calculated?”

  • “Since we’re providing 40% of the staffing and technical deliverables, can we revisit the proposed share?”

  • “Are we able to review the proposal before submission or sign a letter of intent outlining our scope?”

You’re not demanding. You’re clarifying. That’s the difference between being a passive sub and a real teaming partner.

Jesse Carlow’s Example: Start Smart, Then Scale

Jesse Carlow launched a healthcare supply firm in Austin, Texas. With no prior contracts, he started teaming with well-established primes like Ecolab and Job Corps. He used USFCR to get certified as an SDVOSB, build a compliant profile, and access simplified acquisitions. Within nine months, he had six contracts awardedUSFCR Case Study Summar….

Teaming gave him a runway—but he knew when to switch from support role to prime.

When It Makes More Sense to Go Prime

You may not need the prime. Many small businesses win their first awards directly by targeting simplified acquisition contracts under $250,000. These are faster, less competitive, and designed for small vendors.

That’s how Jean-Max Charles landed a $65,880 VA contract just three months after registration. He used his SDVOSB status, trained weekly through USFCR Academy, and focused on contracts he could handle soloUSFCR Case Study Summar….

If you’re already doing the work, already qualified, and already known in the agency, going prime gives you full control—and full payout.

What’s Next?USFCR Vendor Management Service
Teaming works best when both parties win. If your share doesn’t match your value, it’s time to negotiate—or prepare your own bid. USFCR helps businesses do both. We’ll review teaming offers, prep counter proposals, or guide you through simplified acquisitions if you’re ready to go prime.

Let’s map out the smartest next move for your business.


FAQ
View full FAQ page

What should be in a teaming agreement?
It should include proposal responsibilities, workshare, payment terms, timelines, and protections if the bid is awarded.

What percentage should I expect?
It depends on your role. For status only, 5 to 10% is common. If you’re doing the work, your share should reflect it.

Can I say no to a teaming offer?
Yes. If the terms are vague or undervalue your contribution, a professional “no” protects your reputation and future opportunities. 

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Up to $26 Million in Grants Available for National Outreach and Communications Program for Recreational Boating & Fishing Activities

Jul 2, 2025 4:12:50 PM / by Mari Crocitto posted in News, Hot Grants

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, through the Department of the Interior, is expected to award funds to up to 15 applicants for innovative programs in relation to recreational boating and fishing activities under its National Outreach and Communications Program (NOCP). Be aware that eligible applicants must demonstrate experience with the following: 

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From SAM Registration to Government Contracts: The Next Steps That Actually Matter

Jun 30, 2025 11:00:00 AM / by USFCR posted in News, cmmc

Your SAM registration cost you time and paperwork. Now it's sitting there doing nothing while your competitors are winning contracts. Here's how to fix that.

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The History of Grants: Part III - The Influence of Grants on International Development

Jun 25, 2025 10:00:00 AM / by Mari Crocitto posted in News, Hot Grants, Grants

The United States has a long history of being a major contributor of foreign aid. In 2022, 86% of the United States’ foreign aid was allocated to economic support, while 14% went to military support. Ukraine, Israel, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, and Yemen were the top five nations to receive funding that year. (Haines, 2024). As of 2024, the United States remained the largest donor of governmental humanitarian aid, followed by the European Commission, Sweden, Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan, France, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Norway (Donare, 2024).

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