What Small Businesses Should Know About Government Contracting In 2024

In the ever-evolving landscape of government contracting, small businesses play a crucial role in shaping the future. As we look ahead, it is evident that small businesses will continue to be integral to the government procurement process.

Small businesses bring agility, innovation, and a unique perspective to government contracts. They have the ability to adapt quickly to changing market dynamics and provide specialized solutions that larger corporations may struggle to deliver. With their nimble structure and entrepreneurial spirit, small businesses are well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of government agencies.

Furthermore, government entities are increasingly recognizing the value that small businesses bring to the table. Initiatives such as set-aside contracts and preferential treatment for small business owners are being implemented to foster growth and create opportunities for these enterprises. This not only benefits small businesses but also promotes diversity and fosters healthy competition within the industry.

Looking forward, advancements in technology will continue to level the playing field for small businesses in government contracting. The use of digital platforms and streamlined processes will make it easier for these enterprises to navigate complex procurement procedures and compete with larger counterparts.

As we envision the future of government contracting, it is clear that small businesses will remain a driving force. Their agility, innovation, and dedication will shape an inclusive landscape where opportunities abound for all stakeholders involved. Government agencies must continue their support for these enterprises by providing resources, mentorship programs, and promoting fair competition within this dynamic sector.

In conclusion, embracing small businesses as key contributors in government contracting is not just essential but beneficial for all parties involved. Their unique strengths combined with technological advancements will pave the way towards a more efficient and inclusive procurement ecosystem in years to come.

Consolidated Purchasing Programs

Like any other organization, the federal government has common purchasing needs such as petroleum products, carpets, furniture, perishable goods, and standard office supplies. 

For this reason, it made sense to centralize purchasing various common products and services.

Some new procurement models for acquisition include multi-agency contracts and government-wide acquisition contracts or GWACs. These types of contracts help obtain long-term vendor agreements with fewer vendors. The GWACs have become very popular because they allow government buyers to quickly fill requirements by issuing orders against existing contracts or schedules without starting a new procurement action from scratch. Agencies can now competitively award several or multiple task order contracts to different firms for the same products and services. This practice allows federal buyers to issue orders to anyone or a combination of several firms with relative ease.

Cyber Security

As the world becomes increasingly higher-tech, security breaches are more likely to be in data management than on the battlefield. The government needs to stay several steps ahead of those who wish to exploit undiscovered vulnerabilities in our systems. This is why cybersecurity will be a very lucrative area for government contractors. This is particularly true in 2020, which will be an election year. Cybersecurity will be used to protect voter databases and voting machines.

Cybersecurity will also be a big part of government protection when it comes to cyberattacks on supply chains. Contractors that can help manage these constant threats to government security will be in high demand.

The Department Of Health And Human Services

The Department of Health and Human Services states its mission “Is to enhance the health and well-being of all Americans, by providing for effective health and human services and by fostering sound, sustained advances in the sciences underlying medicine, public health, and social services” This is an agency whose need has only increased due to the current pandemic of Covid-19.

This agency is a great contracting source for small businesses that provide healthcare services and products. Go to https://www.hhs.gov/grants/contracts/index.html for more information. This agency also does a lot of partnerships, so it is a great way for a small business to get their foot in the door with many other government agencies.

Blockchain

Blockchain allows for the distribution of data on multiple platforms at the same time. It grows as a new set of recordings, referred to as blocks, are added. All the blocks contain timestamp information linking them to previous blocks, thus creating a chain. This allows for no data block to be altered without altering all the blocks that came before it.

Infrastructure Construction

There are at least 21 billion dollars allocated for infrastructure spending by the federal government. The United States is a vast land of highways, roads, bridges, and dams. All of these structures need to be constantly maintained for safety and to fuel a strong vibrant economy. The country also needs to construct new infrastructure in order to keep up with the needs of a growing population

Government Funding

As we have stated before, the United States government is one of the wealthiest and most powerful clients in the world. However, no one has unlimited resources. Administrations change and that can often mean a shift in funding priorities. For example, if the government is into energy conservation, that might mean a lot of contracts for those who develop energy alternatives. If a new administration comes into power that values different things, then the funding for alternative energy initiatives might be decreased.

One of the best ways to combat this is by supporting politicians that understand and promote your type of business. It is important to keep an eye on the political atmosphere and make sure that your voice is heard.

The Government Will Always March Forward

The Federal government will soon be back on track and in much need of goods and services provided by small businesses. Many agencies, such as the Department of Defense, are fully funded for the year. and will be moving forward with their contracts immediately. 

To do any business with the federal government, you must register your business in the System for Award Management directory. The government will not hire any type of business (large or small) that has not registered in the SAM directory.

Please read one of the helpful blog articles on our site Everything You Need to Know About SAM for Small Businesses.  These blogs will help give you all the information you need to understand how we can help make the process very easy for you. Sam Directory will happily guide you through this often confusing process. With our help, you will be able to be on the path to government subcontracting quickly and efficiently.