Introduction: Winning Isn’t the Finish Line—It’s the Starting Line You’ve just won your first federal contract. Cue the confetti and happy dances! But hold on—winning a contract isn’t the end of the story. In government contracting, your post-award performance determines whether that contract becomes a one-off win or a springboard for years of growth. Agencies…
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…
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,…
Federal contract vehicles are the backbone of government procurement. They help agencies buy faster, smarter, and with less risk. If you’re a vendor, understanding federal contract vehicles is essential. These vehicles are pre-approved pathways for buying goods and services. They simplify the acquisition process. They also ensure compliance with federal rules. From GSA Schedules to…
Transitioning from local contracts to federal opportunities can feel like moving from the neighbourhood gym to the NBA—exciting but demanding. This post explores how small businesses can grow across government levels by starting with local wins, leveraging certifications like 8(a) and WOSB, and embracing key industry trends such as digital tools, teaming agreements, and diversity…