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…
The U.S. administration has announced a bold trade move: starting November 1, U.S. truck tariffs on medium- and heavy-duty imports will increase to 25%. This policy, aimed at strengthening domestic manufacturing, is expected to have a ripple effect on the global trucking industry. For companies that rely on imported heavy trucks, these new U.S. truck…
The world of regulatory oversight is changing fast — and 2026 could be one of the most transformative years yet. With new technologies, political priorities, and global challenges emerging, U.S. industries are preparing for a wave of updated rules and stronger enforcement. From data privacy to environmental standards, the next phase of oversight is expected…
The U.S. federal government shutdown, now in its second week, is no longer just a political standoff, it’s a full-blown operational crisis for contractors. As of October 13, 2025, thousands of federal projects have been suspended, delayed, or quietly defunded. From cybersecurity rollouts to infrastructure upgrades, the ripple effects are hitting every corner of the…
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,…
Winning your first government contract feels like climbing a mountain — thrilling, exhausting, and a little surreal. But here’s the truth: landing that first deal is just the beginning. The real challenge is scaling in government contracting — transforming a small operation into a sustainable, multi-million-dollar enterprise. Most small businesses enter the government space with…
On October 6, 2025, the DOJ confirmed the dismissal of U.S. Attorney Jessica Aber and Deputy U.S. Attorney Raj Parekh. Both served in the Eastern District of Virginia, a key region for federal contracting cases. The firings followed a sealed internal audit that uncovered case mismanagement and alleged conflicts of interest. A DOJ spokesperson said,…