USFCR Blog

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

Written by USFCR | Aug 20, 2025 12:00:00 PM

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.

From Startup to Industry Leader: The USFCR Journey

When Eric Knellinger founded USFCR on July 20, 2010, the federal contracting landscape was full of roadblocks. Small businesses faced overwhelming red tape, confusing terminology, and systems that practically required a translator. With over 30 years of experience spanning government acquisition, marketing, and business development,  including work with organizations like Raytheon, Hilton Hotels, and McGraw-Hill—Knellinger launched USFCR to flip the script.

The mission? Make government contracting accessible to every business. And over the next 15 years, that mission shaped an entire industry.

The Numbers Tell an Extraordinary Story

Fifteen years later, USFCR’s impact is visible across the marketplace:

  • Over 300,000 compliant SAM registrations completed—the highest verified volume in the industry

  • $30+ billion in awarded contracts connected to USFCR clients (based on tracked public awards and indirect attribution)

  • Hundreds of thousands of businesses supported with registration, training, and certifications

  • 23% federal small business contracting goal supported through SBA certification assistance

  • Consistent annual revenue exceeding $12 million, with growth continuing post-2020

These numbers reflect not just scale but transformation. From small startups to veteran-owned enterprises, USFCR clients found a trusted path into the world’s largest buyer.

Innovation That Changed Everything

The Advanced Procurement Portal (APP)

When the Advanced Procurement Portal (APP) launched, it addressed one of the biggest hurdles contractors faced: fragmented data. Searching across SAM, FPDS, and Contract Opportunities was like solving a puzzle with missing pieces. APP brought everything together.

Key features include:

  • Real-time opportunity feeds tailored by NAICS code, region, and keyword

  • Integrated contract award tracking and pipeline statistics

  • Government personnel databases for outreach

  • Automated alerts for new matches

  • Easy access to National Stock Number (NSN) bids with detailed filters

By 2023, new features like enhanced Contract Awards tools and NSN quantity targeting helped small businesses spot and win high-volume opportunities faster.

The Simplified Acquisition Program (SAP)

The Simplified Acquisition Program remains a cornerstone service at USFCR. More than just a registration bundle, SAP offers:

  • One-on-one support with a Registration & Contracting Specialist

  • SAM compliance and custom guidance

  • DSBS profile optimization to increase contracting officer visibility

  • A live Online Capabilities Statement site with branding and mobile access

  • APP access with full training on opportunity research

  • Exclusive entry into the USFCR Government Contractor Accelerator (GCA) Program

SAP compresses what used to take 12 to 18 months into a realistic path to awards in under 6 months, depending on contract type and agency behavior.

Beyond Registration: Building a Complete Ecosystem

USFCR isn’t a forms service. It's an ecosystem built around long-term contracting success:

USFCR Academy

Weekly webinars, on-demand training, and expert Q&As covering every stage—from first registration to proposal strategies.

Verified Vendor Program

A compliance and credibility marker used by procurement officials to identify serious, ready-to-award businesses.

Vendor Management Program (VMP)

Helps large primes stay compliant with small business subcontracting goals, while protecting vendor eligibility.

 

Resilience in Uncertain Times

When COVID-19 disrupted supply chains, USFCR doubled down on client support. The team expanded its outreach, strengthened Academy training, and helped disaster-focused firms pivot fast.

The Human Impact: Real Contractor Success

USFCR success isn’t abstract. It shows up in real businesses like:

  • Veteran’s Choice Procurement, LLC (Jesse Carlow): Won six set-aside contracts in nine months using SAP, SDVOSB status, and training 

  • B&G Forestry, LLC: Secured a disaster response Blanket Purchase Agreement with the Forest Service within months

These aren’t unicorn stories. They’re real clients who succeeded faster because they didn’t try to figure it out alone.

Leading with Values

Eric Knellinger’s leadership legacy is rooted in more than business growth. He has supported scholarships, mentorship programs, and faith-based initiatives throughout his career.

USFCR’s culture reflects this commitment, from service-driven case managers to acquisition experts who stick with clients until the contract’s signed.

What’s Next: 2025 and Beyond

The federal landscape is shifting again. What’s coming:

  • Tech modernization and AI mandates across civilian and defense agencies

  • Green contracting incentives for energy, facilities, and fleet modernization

  • Historic infrastructure investment rolling out through 2025–2027

  • Disaster response growth linked to FEMA and Forest Service contracts

  • Global supply chain shifts are increasing small business demand

USFCR is ready. With tools like APP, training from the Academy, and certification strategies that work, the next 15 years look just as promising.

A Legacy of Partnership

At its core, USFCR isn’t just a vendor. It’s a partner in America’s largest opportunity system. USFCR has built a stronger, more inclusive procurement environment by demystifying federal rules and empowering overlooked businesses.

This milestone isn’t just about the company. It’s about the hundreds of thousands of contractors who believed they could win—and did.

Ready to become a federal success story?
Call (877) 252-2700 or visit usfcr.com to connect with a Registration and Contracting Specialist.

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