As "shelter in place" orders are mandated across the country, unemployment surges, and commercial businesses are being required to close their doors, COVID-19 has caused considerable uncertainty for U.S. companies. Working with commercial customers can be confusing and concerning for small business as many consumers are looking to tighten their belts to face the economic hardship that the Coronavirus has caused. Thankfully there are some markets that are stable and even growing during this uncertain time. Selling to the government is a safe opportunity during times of crisis. With the $2 Trillion Coronavirus Stimulus Package coming into play, the federal government is one of the safest buyers in the world, and they need solutions now more than ever. Selling to the government is significantly different than selling commercial during times of crisis. The government is buying more due to the crisis and with the government’s fourth quarter quickly approaching, the government is buying on an even larger scale.

On Friday, March 27th, President Trump signed a historic $2 Trillion Dollar Coronavirus aid package into law. This legislation, otherwise known as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”), will provide emergency relief to several groups including individuals, small businesses, large corporations, public health facilities, state and local governments, and education institutions. The CARES Act provides the largest emergency stimulus package in United States history as a result of bipartisan legislation negotiated by Democrats and Republicans to provide an immediate response to the growing COVID-19 crisis sweeping the nation.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) has been a main topic of discussion in recent months as it has continued to spread rapidly worldwide. Since the Coronavirus hit the United States, the US Federal Government as well as State and Local Governments have had to take action to respond to this global pandemic. With that action comes the need for solutions. Federal Government Contractors – get ready for a rapid increase in sales.

As the Coronavirus continues to surge, federal, state, and local governments are working to respond in a timely manner to reach those most susceptible to the disease and slow the spread. While social distancing is something that we all can do as individuals to respond to the crisis, it’s important to note how federal contractors come into the mix. We’ve mentioned how the General Services Administration can prepare for the pandemic and how contractors can best come to the aid of state and local governments through the Disaster Purchasing Program. Now that the military is starting to be called to contain the coronavirus, it’s crucial to consider how defense contracts will play the situation surrounding COVID-19. Enter DPAS. The Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) is used to prioritize national defense-related contracts/orders throughout the U.S. supply chain in order to support military, energy, homeland security, emergency preparedness, and critical infrastructure requirements. We’ve broken down DPAS to show you how it applies to you as a defense contractor.

President Donald Trump will reportedly be signing a disaster or emergency declaration under the Stafford Act today in response to the Coronavirus, or COVID-19. With universities closing, the N.B.A. suspending its season, and flights being cancelled left and right, the Coronavirus outbreak is no laughing matter. However, the outbreak should be confronted with facts and figures rather than hysteria. With regards to your government contract, the world will continue to turn. The General Services Administration is designed to continue to function in times of national emergency or disaster. GSA's Disaster Purchasing Program allows federal, state, and local governments to buy services and supplies directly from GSA Schedules to assist with disaster preparation, response, or major disaster recovery. Purchases made in support of recovery must be in response to a Stafford Act Presidential declaration, like the one President Trump is likely to announce this afternoon. So let’s break down how the GSA Schedule Program can help in a national emergency or disaster.

If your company would like to do business with the Government, one initial question you may have is how to find Government contract opportunities that exist within the federal, state, and local marketplace. While finding opportunities may be fairly simple process, you should consider the following: Who is my ideal Government customer? What are my differentiators? What is my go-to-market strategy? After determining the answers to those important questions, your company should be able to capitalize on the myriad of opportunities that Government agencies at the local, state, and federal level offer to commercial vendors.