If there's one GSA site that is overlooked the most, we think it's GSA eLibrary. No matter if you are a prospective or experience GSA Schedule contractor, GSA eLibrary is an important source for you. A lot of contractors are unaware of how useful this site can be for their contracting success, and we think you should understand what GSA eLibrary can offer you and how you can use it to your advantage. For example, the site addresses common questions such as: Who is my Contracting Officer and what is their contact information? When does my contract expire? Who are my competitors?

Some of us might just see it as the start of fall, but October also means the beginning of a new government Fiscal Year. Relax, and take a moment to pause now that the craziness of Q4 is over, but once you’ve taken a beat, now is the time to start thinking ahead for the next year.

The government Fiscal Year is coming to a close on Saturday, September 30, 2023, which means time is not only running out to use up annual budgets, but the clock is ticking for Congress to approve government funds for next year. This year so far, Congress hasn't enacted any of the 12 appropriations bills setting the spending levels for next year, which could cause the federal government to shut down on October 1.

It’s no secret the federal government prioritizes small business participation in federal contracts. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2019, the federal government awarded $162.9 billion in contract dollars to small businesses. How does the government accomplish this? The federal government requires Other Than Small Businesses (OTSB) to create a “practicable opportunity” for small businesses to participate in federal procurement. One of the ways to accomplish this is through small business subcontracting.

The Department of Defense (DoD) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) are expecting the release of a proposed Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) rule in September 2023. This rule was originally expected earlier this summer, but once released will set the framework for CMMC. Since this rule has been highly anticipated, let’s cover what you can expect over the next few months and how you can prepare for the implementation of CMMC.

Many government contractors make the mistake of not taking the time to conduct market research. Instead, they spend their time monitoring upcoming opportunities and chasing agencies, which is much more useful if paired with the proper market analysis to determine the right strategy and the most relevant opportunities to pursue. While it's important to get your company's name out there and respond to government solicitations, it can be a waste of time if the opportunity isn't the right fit, or there are components to it you just can't realistically meet.