The federal contracting process can sometimes feel like trying to run a marathon in a swamp. You’re bogged down by forms, clauses, and systems that seem to have been designed in a pre-Wi-Fi era. Every step — from finding the right solicitation to submitting your bid — can feel painfully slow. Yet, amid the red…
In the world of federal contracting, your reputation is your resume. No matter how shiny your proposal looks, past performance in government contracting is what really makes or breaks your chances of winning. Think of it this way: the government doesn’t want to take risks. They want partners, not experiments. When agencies see that you’ve…
If you want to win big in the federal marketplace, you need to know how to drive — and that means understanding contract vehicles in government contracting. Think of these vehicles as the roads the government uses to buy things. Some are smooth highways (like GWACs), some are scenic routes (like IDIQs), and some are…
Let’s face it — technology in government procurement used to sound like a contradiction. For years, federal contracting ran on paper files, endless spreadsheets, and fax machines that refused to die. But not anymore. Today, technology in government procurement is reshaping how contracts are bid, awarded, and managed. Automation, AI, and data analytics are cutting…
Federal contract project management in 2025 demands clarity, agility, and tight compliance. This guide gives practical steps project managers can use now. Read it for budgeting, risk controls, contract performance, and team design. Why 2025 matters Federal priorities shifted toward digital modernization and resilient supply chains. Funding windows tightened after multi‑year appropriations changes. Agencies expect…
AI projects are different. They change after delivery. Agencies now demand traceability, explainability, and audit evidence. Program managers must deliver capability and compliance together. This essay gives a compact, actionable roadmap. Use it to map clauses to artifacts, run compliant development, and prepare audit packs. Why AI matters for federal programs AI is not static…
On October 15, 2025, the Trump administration announced the termination of 321 financial awards supporting 223 clean energy projects, totaling $7.56 billion. The move, framed as part of a broader federal shutdown strategy, has immediate implications for contracting oversight, project continuity, and energy-sector innovation. This article breaks down the scope, rationale, and strategic fallout of…
In the high-stakes world of federal government contracting, past performance isn’t just a checkbox – it’s a credibility currency. For small businesses aiming to break into or scale within the federal marketplace, understanding how agencies evaluate past performance can be the difference between a winning bid and a missed opportunity. Whether you’re bidding as a…
Mastering Cost Realism Analysis in Federal Contracting Cost realism analysis is more than a pricing checkpoint. It’s a compliance gate, a performance predictor, and a silent deal-breaker. Under FAR 15.404-1(d), federal agencies use cost realism to assess whether proposed costs reflect the actual effort required. Cost Realism vs Price Reasonableness, Know the Difference Many contractors…
The Power of Partnerships in Government Contracting In government contracting, going solo can only take you so far. Sure, landing that first contract feels great — but if you want to go from small fish to serious contender, you need partnerships in government contracting. These partnerships come in various forms, including teaming agreements, joint ventures,…