The federal government is undergoing massive workforce cuts, driven by Executive Order 14222 and the newly created "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE). Agencies like the EPA, Education, HUD, HHS, Interior, SBA, and even DoD are seeing thousands of layoffs, with many forced to slash operations to FY2019 levels or lower.
For small businesses counting on federal contracts, this isn't just a bureaucratic shakeup—it's a direct threat to your cash flow, capture pipeline, and survival. Fewer staff mean procurement is slowing to a crawl, leading to canceled RFIs and industry days, backlogged proposal evaluations, lapsing option years, slower payments, and reduced communication with contracting officers (COs) and program managers (PMs). This environment creates "existential risk" for small businesses that rely on predictable awards and fast-moving timelines.
But you don't have to wait it out. This episode will equip you with actionable strategies to stay ahead of the disruption. Learn how to:
- Deepen agency relationships beyond just the CO, connecting with program managers, CORs, or OSDBU specialists for crucial intelligence.
- Be the least burdensome option, highlighting your agility and readiness to get started fast with minimal handholding.
- Watch forecasts like a hawk on SAM.gov and agency sites to track real-time changes in solicitation dates and scope.
- Diversify your agency and vehicle mix, focusing on more stable agencies like DoD, VA, or USDA, and leveraging existing vehicles like GSA schedules, OASIS+, or SEWP.
- Prepare for last-minute chaos in Q4, keeping proposal materials "turnkey ready" and being prepared to pivot to teaming or subcontracting.
While these cuts are painful, many agencies still need contractors to get things done. This is a stress test, but also an opportunity for small businesses that can stay visible, helpful, and agile to gain an edge and come out stronger on the other side. Tune in to discover how to weather the turbulence and position your business as the solution to government's staffing shortfalls.
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