Most government contracts focus on detailed work specifications, but performance-based contracts shift the focus to results. Instead of dictating exactly how work must be performed, these agreements reward businesses for achieving specific outcomes.
Natural disasters are occurring more often than ever, and as a business owner, it’s no longer enough to hope for the best. Being prepared for a natural disaster must be a part of your business strategy. According to a 2025 report by the Congressional Research Service, 40% of small businesses never reopen after a disaster, and another 25% fail within a year.1 It’s a clear reminder that having a plan in place before disaster strikes can mean the difference between recovery and permanent closure. You can’t predict when a weather emergency will occur, but you can make sure your business is ready when it does.
The 2025 hurricane season isn’t just a headline. For federal contractors, it’s a signal. The latest projections from Colorado State University show an above-average Atlantic season. That means more storms, more landfalls, and more government contracts issued on short notice to businesses that are ready to respond.
If your business can deliver emergency services, housing, cleanup, logistics, or construction, this forecast could shape your next win.
2025 Hurricane Season Outlook
A new executive order issued in May 2025 prioritizes long-term care and housing solutions for veterans. It instructs the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish the National Center for Warrior Independence at the West Los Angeles VA campus. The goal is to support up to 6,000 homeless veterans by 2028 through housing, treatment, and reentry programs.
On May 5, 2025, a new executive order was signed to speed up how quickly U.S. companies can build and expand pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities. It’s a federal response to one big issue: our supply of essential medicines is still too reliant on foreign sources. For federal contractors, this move changes the landscape. If you operate in pharmaceuticals, construction, logistics, or environmental services, you just got a competitive boost.
Nonprofits play a critical role in supporting individuals with mental health and addiction challenges, offering essential services such as counseling, recovery support, education, and community outreach. To help organizations continue this important work, several foundations are offering grant opportunities to fund program expansion, enhance access to care, and support community-based solutions. Below are four grants available to nonprofits working to address mental health and addiction in their communities.
The 2025 Air Force Contracting Summit in Orlando brought together a wide mix of government agencies, industry leaders, and small businesses. While the Air Force was the anchor, the conversations stretched across nearly every corner of the federal contracting space. From the floor to the matchmaking sessions, the theme was clear: change is happening, and contractors are working hard to keep up.
A Federal Policy Update That Signals Higher Expectations for Contractors
The Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) has updated its repayment policy, prioritizing full repayment for all future awards. This change is set to influence how agencies choose projects, how vendors craft proposals, and how the federal government plans long-term IT modernization. Contractors offering technology, cybersecurity, or shared services will need to adapt quickly to stay competitive.
Federal construction projects require expert design, planning, and oversight before any work begins. Architect-engineer (A-E) contracts provide opportunities for firms specializing in engineering, architecture, and surveying to contribute to government infrastructure.
For small businesses, these contracts offer high-value projects, but competition is steep, and businesses must qualify based on technical expertise rather than the lowest price.
A new executive order, "Ensuring Commercial, Cost-Effective Solutions in Federal Contracts," is changing the rules for federal buyers. Agencies are now required to prioritize commercial products and services over custom-built solutions. That means small businesses with ready-to-sell offerings are in the best position they have been in years.
