Hope you’re Prepared for the Wave of Small Business Contracts with the Federal Government!
The recent end to the longest government shutdown in history brings relief not just to federal employees but potentially to small businesses contracted with the government as well. As federal agencies prepare to bring back their furloughed staff, companies like yours are likely to feel the ripple effects of this shift.
“We predict a massive wave of contracts is on the horizon due to a modernized SAM/GSA, more public/private cooperation in recent months and an ever-increasing workload.”
Realize, U.S. agencies like the GSA, DOC, IRS, DOW, DHS, DOE, FAA, USDA and FEMA have a backlog of work with a mandated completion date for projects. Some agencies are even in the midst of expanding or modernizing which add more fire under the project leaders.
A Quick Overview of the Shutdown
House lawmakers recently reached a resolution that allows federal employees who have been on furlough for approximately six weeks to return to work. Reports indicate that 670,000 employees were affected by furloughs, while 730,000 continued working without pay during this tumultuous period. The spending package not only restores pay for these employees but also keeps many agencies funded at existing levels through January 30, 2026. The question being, between now and 2026 will you be ready to ride the wave?
Agencies such as the IRS and the Department of Health and Human Services are ramping up their operations again, as they face a considerable backlog of work. For federal contractors, particularly small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs), this is an opportunity to position themselves favorably as federal agencies resume their essential functions.
Small Business Opportunities in a Post-Shutdown Environment
As federal contracts ramp up again, your business, especially if classified as a Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), Women-owned small business (WOSB) or HUBZone business, stands to benefit from increased solicitations for services and products.
Government contracts can be quite lucrative, and agencies often seek to support specific demographics like veterans, women-owned, and minority-owned businesses. By helping small business owners like you navigate the complexities of government contracting, we can maximize your chances of earning those contracts.
Gain Access to Government Resources
If you haven’t registered for the System for Award Management (SAM) or the General Services Administration (GSA) yet, it’s crucial to take those steps now. Here are some resources from our site that can guide you:
3. Understanding Government Contracting
Our team can freely outline the registration processes and provide insights into how you can position your small business as a viable service provider to the federal government. It’s not too late to ride the contracting wave so schedule a call now.
Upcoming Benefits Post-Shutdown
With the end of this government shutdown, funding approvals are likely to speed up, leading to contracts being awarded more swiftly than before. This also means that agencies have a significant backlog of work that needs completing, which translates into new opportunities for businesses like yours.
To prepare:
– Stay Informed: Keep an eye on federal agency announcements for requests for proposals (RFPs) and funding notices. The federal procurement landscape can change quickly.
– Get Involved: Attend industry events and networking opportunities to meet key decision-makers within government agencies.
– Align Your Offerings: Tailor your products or services to meet the current needs of federal agencies adjusting post-shutdown.
In Summary: Fostering Relationships with Federal Agencies
As government operations resume, now is the time to build connections. Whether you’re an established contractor or a new entrant keen on government contracts, staying top-of-mind with agency officials can create immense advantages. You might want to consider scheduling a meeting with us to learn how we can help you grow your government contracting practice effectively.
The end of the government shutdown presents a pivotal opportunity for small businesses interacting with federal agencies. By positioning yourself correctly and understanding the contracting landscape, your business can be prepared for the influx of opportunities that will come as agencies resume their operations.
Lastly, if you have questions about how to navigate the registrations or what this might mean for your business, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to guide you through every step of the government contracting process.
Sources:
– National Counsel of State legislatures. (2025). Overview of Federal Government Shutdowns
– Federal News Network. (2025). Agencies prepare to bring back furloughed staff as shutdown ends.
– GovTrack (2025). Government Shutdown day 40
