The new year is a time of possibility that often brings about reflection in your business’s strategy for growth in the upcoming year. In the government contracting landscape, businesses often seek effective strategies to expand their horizons, tap into new markets, and secure a steady stream of customers.

If you’re considering selling to the government, entering the government marketplace through the GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) is a safe bet. Eligible companies who successfully become MAS contractors can benefit from streamlined acquisition processes and expanded access to government contracting opportunities.

In recent years, small businesses have seen increased opportunities in government acquisitions, particularly in the areas of cloud and software services. However, while overall participation has grown, the number of small businesses acting as prime contractors in the Federal IT marketplace has been diminishing. The Office of Management and Business (OMB) has responded by launching a plan to allocate over $100 billion in spending to Small Disadvantaged Businesses (SDBs) in the coming years.

The General Services Administration (GSA) has recently made updates to the Multiple Awards Schedule (MAS) Solicitation. MAS Solicitation Refreshes #18 and #19 consist of several significant changes, such as adjustments to minimum sales requirement, updated language, and implementation of Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act (FASCSA) Orders.

In the government contracting marketplace, it’s important to analyze trends so you can put your company in a position to capitalize on opportunities. When studying trends, it’s beneficial to look at the full picture—new trends will appear, and old trends may remain as well. We all know that our society moves fast when it comes to some trends like fashion and social media, but the government isn’t always as quick, especially since initiatives and regulations take time to be put in place. In this blog, we will look at 5 upcoming trends we expect to see in 2024. If you’d like to compare 2023 trends, check out this blog.

If you have a GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contract, understanding the government buying cycle is both beneficial and essential to your marketing success. This cycle, which is unique to the federal government, influences when and how federal agencies purchase goods and services. Just like with commercial markets, you want to learn more about your customers’ buying habits, budgets, and timeline. If you are more aware of how the cycle works and when spending is ramped up, you can plan your marketing strategy accordingly and have a better chance at winning contracts.