Insights
Expert Strategies for Government Contracting Success
Industry updates, procurement trends, and expert analysis from the FEDCON team — helping your business stay ahead in the government marketplace.
Strategy
7 Steps to Start Winning Government Contracts
A practical 7-step roadmap for small businesses new to federal contracting, covering SAM registration, capability statements, picking your lane, research, relationships, RFPs, and post-award readiness.
Strategy
AI Tools for Government Proposals: What Works, What Doesn't, and Why You Still Need a Human
Government contractors are using AI to write proposals faster, but speed without expert review is a liability. Here's what works, what doesn't, and how to use AI without getting eliminated.
Industry News
The Revolutionary FAR Overhaul: What Federal Contractors Need to Know in 2026
The FAR is getting its biggest overhaul since 1984. Here's what's changing, what's been eliminated, and what federal contractors should do right now.
Industry News
The FY2027 Shipbuilding Budget Is the Biggest in 60 Years. Here's What It Means for You.
The White House proposed $65.8 billion for naval shipbuilding in the FY2027 budget, the largest request since 1962. If your business touches shipbuilding, ship repair, or the maritime supply chain, here's how to position yourself before the contracts drop.
Certifications
The CMMC Compliance Clock Is Ticking: What Defense Contractors Need to Do
CMMC Compliance Phase 2 hits November 2026. Here's a month-by-month timeline to get certified before the deadline.
Industry Updates
White House Legislative Policy Framework for Artificial Intelligence
The White House released a National AI Framework of recommendations, including help for small businesses in government contracting.
Industry Updates
How DOGE Is Reshaping Government Contracting in 2026
DOGE has cut over 10,000 federal contracts, and small businesses took the biggest hit. See which sectors are growing and what smart contractors are doing.
Industry Updates
The New Federal AI Rules and What They Mean for Your Contracts
The Department of War blacklisted one of the world's leading AI companies, signed deals with two others, and launched a platform giving 3 million military personnel access to AI tools — all in a few weeks. Here's what contractors need to know.
Compliance
The New Federal AI Rules and What They Mean for Your Contracts
New federal AI regulations are reshaping how contractors can use artificial intelligence on government projects. Here's what you need to know to stay compliant and competitive.
Federal Contracts
Golden Dome America — Contracts for Small Businesses
The federal government committed $151 billion to a single defense initiative. The SHIELD contract was deliberately structured to include small businesses. Here's how to position yourself.
Certifications
The SBA 8(a) Program Has Changed
Between January 22 and February 11, 2026, the SBA rewrote the rules for the 8(a) program — eliminating race-based presumptions, suspending over 1,000 firms, and dropping new admissions by 97%. Part 1 of our 4-part series.
Certifications
SBA 8(a) Program Changes — What to Do Now
What the 8(a) overhaul means for current participants, applicants, and agencies. The enforcement escalation you can't ignore. Part 2 of our 4-part series.
Certifications
SBA 8(a) Program Changes: A Step-by-Step Guide
Specific, practical steps for suspended firms, current participants, applicants, and business owners weighing their options. Part 3 of our 4-part series.
Certifications
SBA 8(a) Program: 5 Alternative Paths to Government Contracts
The 8(a) program was never the only path to government contracts. Here are five alternatives worth serious consideration — several of which have gotten easier to qualify for. Part 4 of our 4-part series.
Risk Management
Managing Risk During a Government Shutdown
If you hold a federal contract, a shutdown means uncertainty. Will your contract continue? Will you get paid? Here's what actually happens — and how to prepare.
Contract Vehicles
What Are Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity Contracts?
IDIQs are one of the most common procurement vehicles in federal contracting. Here's how they work, why they matter, and when they make sense for your business.
Strategy
Scaling Federal Operations Without Losing Margin
Growing your federal business without sacrificing margins requires careful planning. Here's how to scale operations while maintaining profitability.
Strategy
How Past Performance Strategy Impacts Your Future Awards
Your past performance record is one of the most important factors in winning federal contracts. Learn how to build and leverage it strategically.
Strategy
Data-Driven Pipeline Management: Using Market Intelligence to Outperform Competitors
Data-driven pipeline management separates winning contractors from the rest. Learn how to use market intelligence to build a stronger opportunity pipeline.
Strategy
How to Increase Task Order Win Rates Across Multiple Contract Vehicles
Winning a place on a major IDIQ, GWAC, or BPA feels like the destination. In reality, it's only the starting point. Here's how to turn your vehicles into engines of growth.
Strategy
How Incumbents Are Losing — and How to Protect Your Position
Incumbency in federal contracting used to feel like a safety net. That assumption is no longer safe. Here's why incumbents lose — and how to defend your position.
Compliance
Protest-Proofing Your Bids: How to Strengthen Compliance and Reduce Award Risk
Bid protests can delay awards and cost thousands in legal fees. Learn how to strengthen your proposals and reduce the risk of a successful protest.
Strategy
Beyond the GSA Schedule: Diversifying Contract Vehicles for Long-Term Growth
The GSA Schedule is a powerful contract vehicle, but it's not the only path to federal revenue. Explore alternative vehicles that can diversify your portfolio.
Strategy
Advanced Capture Strategies for Mid-to-Large Federal Contractors
For mid-to-large federal contractors, winning new business requires sophisticated capture strategies that go beyond basic bid responses.
Strategy
Is Federal Contracting Worth It for Small Businesses?
Is the complexity of federal contracting worth it for small businesses? We break down the costs, benefits, and realistic expectations.
Strategy
Common Federal Contracting Terms Explained in Plain Language
Federal contracting has its own language. This plain-language glossary covers the essential terms every new contractor needs to know.
Industry News
The Effects of Economic Shifts on Federal Contracting
Economic downturns and booms affect federal contracting differently than the private sector. Understanding these dynamics can help you stay ahead.
Industry News
The Impact of Election Years on Federal Spending and Contracting
Election years bring uncertainty to federal spending and contracting. Understanding the patterns can help you plan your pipeline and protect your business.
Strategy
Overcoming Common Challenges Faced by Small Businesses in Federal Contracting
Small businesses face unique challenges in federal contracting, from navigating complex regulations to competing against larger firms. Here's how to overcome the most common obstacles.
Strategy
Avoiding Common Contracting Mistakes
Federal contracting is full of pitfalls that can cost your business time and money. Learn the most common mistakes and how to avoid them before they derail your growth.
Strategy
How to Break Into Federal Contracting
Breaking into federal contracting can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, any qualified business can start winning government work.
Strategy
How to Build Past Performance When You're a New Government Contractor
No past performance? No problem. Learn proven strategies for building a track record that helps you compete for larger federal contracts.
Strategy
The Biggest Mistakes Contractors Make When Bidding on Federal Contracts
From pricing errors to compliance oversights, these are the most common mistakes that cost federal contractors awards and revenue.
Strategy
From Service to Supplier: Why Veterans Are Built for Federal Contracting
Military veterans bring unique skills and advantages to federal contracting. Here's why the transition from service to supplier is a natural fit.
Industry News
How AI Is Reshaping Federal Contracting — and What It Means for Your Business
AI is changing how agencies buy, evaluate proposals, and manage contracts. Here's what federal contractors need to understand about the new AI landscape.
Registrations
The Hidden Benefits of SAM: Beyond Government Contracts
SAM registration unlocks federal grants, boosts business credibility, and opens partnership doors most companies never consider. Here's what you gain beyond contract eligibility.
Registrations
Guide to SAM: Getting Your Business Ready for Government Contracting
A comprehensive guide to SAM.gov registration, from gathering your documents to completing your profile and positioning your business for government contracts.
Industry News
The Future of Small Business Set-Asides in Federal Contracting
Small business set-aside programs are changing — new certification requirements, legal rulings, and consolidated portals are reshaping how small businesses compete for federal contracts.
Industry News
Remote Work and Federal Contracting: What Contractors Need to Know
Federal return-to-office mandates changed the landscape for government employees, but contractor work arrangements follow different rules. Here's how place of performance affects your contracts.
Ready to start winning contracts?
Book your free Market Assessment. A senior advisor will review your registrations and show you exactly where the opportunities are.
Book My Free Market Assessment