A change in the presidential administration can bring shifts in federal priorities, policies, and budgets—all of which can impact federal government contractors. If you are keeping up with the news, you have seen articles cropping up every day about a new Executive Order (EO) and a change in spending or initiatives. Although it can seem overwhelming right now, this isn’t necessarily new. Every time an administration switches over, there will inevitably be a lot of updates as they work to modify the landscape to fit their vision. The question is: what are you doing to adapt to these changes and maximize your success as a contractor in this new administration?
Here are the top 10 steps federal contractors should take to ensure they stay ahead of any changes and increase their opportunities in the public sector.
1. Reevaluate Your Brand and Government Marketing Strategy
The Trump Administration clearly has new goals and needs, so it’s important to reassess how you position your business. Are your products and services aligned with the new administration’s priorities? Consider updating your marketing materials to highlight your solutions’ relevance to current government objectives. This includes your capabilities statement, government pages on your website, and your product descriptions on GSA Advantage!.
Yes, there is a cut in spending in several programs, but what does the Trump Administration plan to accomplish with some of these Executive Orders? So far, there’s a lot of discussion on modernizing technology and software, building an Iron Dome, energy exploration and production on federal lands and waters, etc. They will need contractor resources to accomplish this.
2. Attend Conferences/Trade Shows
To reevaluate your brand and marketing strategy, you’ll need to have a pulse on the shifting federal landscape. Conferences and trade shows are excellent opportunities to stay informed about policy changes and connect with key decision-makers. As new priorities emerge, attending these events will allow you and your team to hear directly from government officials and gain insights on upcoming procurement opportunities. They will also give you the chance to connect with potential partners on future contracts, which we’ll discuss next.
3. Network and Explore Partnerships
Now is a great time to expand your network and form strategic partnerships with other businesses, including small or disadvantaged businesses that can help you win set-aside contracts or subcontracting opportunities. If you are already a small business, you are in a position to connect with large businesses who need your help, or connect with other small businesses to form a Contractor Teaming Arrangement (CTA).
Partnering with another company is a great way to form a total solution, and you can help each other navigate the waters of new regulations and policies. Now that there’s an even larger emphasis on the Buy American Act (BAA) and sourcing materials/labor domestically, some companies may need to form a partnership to ensure they are abiding by these new rules.
4. Research Shifts in Budget and Spending Priorities
Agencies typically realign their funding and focus areas based on the new administration's goals, as we’ve started to see already. Review updated agency strategic plans and budget allocations to identify where spending is likely to increase or decrease.
You can also view recent Executive Orders and actions of new departments, such as the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). DOGE is replacing the former U.S. Digital Service, so it'll now be called The United States DOGE Service (USDS). This department is announcing several changes that could greatly impact budget and spending.
5. Closely Track Government Opportunities
Now that you have a handle on the new budget and spending priorities, you can start tracking opportunities related to the Trump Administration’s mission. Changes in federal priorities will result in new solicitations, task orders, and Requests for Information (RFIs). Keep a close eye on platforms like SAM.gov, GSA eBuy, and agency-specific opportunity portals. Despite the shift in spending, there are still opportunities cropping up daily that you should take advantage of. Check out our Winvale Weekly Bids & Awards email to see what kinds of opportunities are out there each week.
6. Diversify Your Contract Vehicle Access
Since the Trump Administration is focused on taxpayer savings and government accountability (as we’ve seen with DOGE and other initiatives), we expect to see less sole sourcing and a larger emphasis on established Governmentwide Acquisition Contracts (GWACs) and Best-In-Class (BIC) contracts. There are a few recent and upcoming vehicles out there such as OASIS+, Alliant 3, NASA SEWP VI, CIO-SP3, Navy SeaPort NxG, etc.
Additionally, if you’re not already on the GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS), we suggest you look into the opportunities within this vehicle. The General Services Administration (GSA) is a self-funded agency, and the MAS Program is set up to save government agencies time and money, so we anticipate the new administration leaning heavily on this vehicle.
7. Refresh Your Government Proposal Strategy
As the federal government’s needs evolve, your proposal strategy should too. Now is the time to make sure you’re addressing any new evaluation criteria or technical requirements in your proposals. For example, there will certainly be a heavier emphasis on cybersecurity regulations such as Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), Buy American Act (BAA), and the Trade Agreements Act (TAA). Emphasize your understanding of the agency’s mission under the new administration and demonstrate how your solution directly supports their objectives.
8. Submit Applicable Contract Modifications
As you refresh your new proposal strategy and identify opportunities to go after, you should also make sure your current contracts such as the GSA Schedule have the proper modifications in place to win these opportunities. Are you making changes to product descriptions to better attract government customers, adjusting your pricing, adapting to new compliance measures in your terms and conditions, or adding new products? Now is the time to take a closer look at your contract(s) and submit those mods.
9. Evaluate and Strengthen Your Cybersecurity Posture
With increasing emphasis on cybersecurity in federal contracts, particularly through initiatives like CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification and Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP), it’s crucial to ensure your company meets or exceeds current security requirements. This can give you a competitive edge as agencies seek secure contractors. With the way the new administration is going so far, agencies will likely prioritize vendors who can demonstrate strong cybersecurity measures.
10. Seek Professional Guidance
We at Winvale understand it can be overwhelming to navigate a changing federal landscape, especially when multiple factors like policy changes and evolving compliance requirements come into play. You don’t have to go through it all alone. Partnering with experts who understand government contracting, such as consultants familiar with GSA Schedules, can help you stay compliant and competitive.
Keeping Up with a Changing Federal Landscape
Every presidential administration brings its own set of opportunities and challenges for government contractors. By taking these 10 steps, you’ll be well equipped to adapt to changes in policies, budgets, and agency priorities. Whether you need to update your marketing strategy, submit contract modifications, or refine your proposal process, we are here to help you. Reach out to one of our consultants today if you need help managing your contracts. If you want to stay updated on future news and opportunities, check out our blog and monthly newsletter.
