The government contracting world can be challenging—there are lots of rules and regulations to keep track of, billions of dollars being spent through various procurement methods, and tough competition among established contractors. We often hear the question “how do we make a name of ourselves amongst all of this?” from many new businesses who are wanting to break into the federal market.

As federal government Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 comes to an end on September 30, it's time to reflect on which industries the government was spending the most money on and what the funding looks like for the future. Just like you conduct annual recaps on sales and the market in your commercial market, it’s important to see trends in the federal marketplace whether you are a current contractor or plan to become one soon.

Market research is something you can expect to see throughout the life of your GSA Schedule. Market research can be used to determine ‘fair and reasonable pricing’ during the offer stage and for modifications. Market research can also be used during the procurement process for the buyer to determine the ‘best’ price for their needs. As a Schedule contract holder, it’s important for you to have a better understanding of why GSA collects market research and how this data shapes future purchasing decisions.

As we enter peak hurricane season while continuing to battle the never endless COVID-19 pandemic, government agencies are turning to Disaster Recovery Purchasing for help. Both federal, state, and local agencies can use the GSA Disaster Recovery Purchasing Program to get the supplies they need to mitigate and repair the effects of national emergencies. It's important for GSA contractors to be aware of this program and see what opportunities are available to them. Here's what you need to know about this program and how to add it to your GSA contract.

Ever since the Small Business Reauthorization Act of 1997 was created, the Historically Underutilized Business Zones or HUBZones, have encouraged economic development in distressed areas through the establishment of preferences and thus, access to more federal contracting opportunities.

On the journey to obtain your GSA Schedule contract, you will encounter North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Codes. NAICS Codes appear at all phases of GSA contract acquisition and throughout the life of your contract. As you register your SAM.gov account, you will have to select your NAICS Code and if you want to add new Special Item Numbers (SINs) to your contract, you will need to add the appropriate code. Government solicitations such as Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and Requests for Quotation (RFQs) all have NAICS Codes attached to them. Each time you come across one or have to select a NAICS Code, the question is “how do I determine the right NAICS code for my business?”