Let’s face it—government contracting is not a hobby for the faint of heart or fuzzy on math. Costing and pricing can feel like assembling IKEA furniture: there’s a thick manual, oddly shaped pieces, and you’re pretty sure something is missing. But here’s the good news: once you understand how costing and pricing work in the…
In the complex landscape of federal contracting, where billions of dollars in contracts are awarded annually, the standard process involves full and open competition. However, there are specific circumstances where federal agencies may determine that competitive bidding isn’t feasible or practical. In these cases, agencies must prepare a formal Justification and Approval (J&A) document to…
The satellite communications industry has reached a pivotal moment as SES finalizes its landmark $3.1 billion acquisition of Intelsat, creating a dominant force in government-focused satellite communications. This 15-month process has culminated in the formation of a new industry leader capable of delivering next-generation satellite communications solutions with unprecedented global reach and multi-orbit capabilities. A…
Refiners Sound the Alarm Over New Biofuel Mandates In a major industry update, U.S. oil refiners are pushing back hard against new federal biofuel blending rules that could dramatically increase their operational costs. The American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) sent a direct letter to the White House warning that the proposed rule changes could…
A New Chapter in U.S.–EU Trade Relations In a pivotal business update, the United States and the European Union have finalized a sweeping trade agreement that could reshape transatlantic commerce for years to come. Signed on July 27, the deal includes reduced tariffs on major imports and exports, notably automobiles, semiconductors, and clean energy technologies.…
A new government procurement cancellation, the U.S. Coast Guard has abruptly canceled its $500 million Business and Logistics Management Support Services (BLMSS) government procurement, leaving industry insiders reeling. After nearly 18 months of planning, the Coast Guard posted a terse notice on SAM.gov: “This opportunity is cancelled and will not be solicited.” No reasons were…
If you’ve been doing work with the government, you’ve probably heard of FAR, the Federal Acquisition Regulation. It’s the big book of rules that tells agencies how to buy stuff, and tells contractors how to sell it to them. Sounds simple, but it’s not. FAR is long, confusing, and filled with words that make people…
The federal contracting space is undergoing a massive transformation, and at the heart of it is artificial intelligence (AI). Government contractors, especially those managing high-stakes proposals, have long been tied down by complex, disjointed workflows and mountains of documentation. The process of finding, analyzing, and responding to solicitations can feel like navigating a maze with…
Federal contracting can feel like trying to get into an exclusive club with a 200-page rulebook, and the bouncer only speaks in acronyms like FAR, NAICS, and SAM. But if you’re a small business, there’s a golden opportunity waiting for you: small business set-asides. These are not just feel-good programs. They’re real, powerful tools designed…
Welcome to the exciting world of federal procurement, where opportunities abound, paperwork stacks high, and compliance is your key to thriving! The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recently launched its new Small Business Search (SBS) system, quietly replacing the long-standing Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS). This transition is a game-changer for small businesses aiming to…