The federal government is resetting how it judges contractors: the CPARS overhaul, driven by the pending FY 2026 NDAA and the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul, is eliminating subjective ratings and narratives like “Exceptional”. Instead, the new system, effective around 2026, will focus exclusively on recording verifiable negative performance events—such as late deliveries or cybersecurity breaches—within 30 days of occurrence, creating a standardized composite performance score for contractors, often likened to a "credit score". We explore why this higher-stakes, data-centric environment demands immediate changes in how your company tracks performance and manages risk, especially since a single negative event can have a disproportionate impact, particularly on small businesses.

Tracking the top NAICS codes for small-business federal contracts is a strategic imperative for small and mid-sized government contractors. This episode reveals the Top 10 NAICS Codes Dominating Small-Business Federal Contracts in FY 2025, showing where agencies are spending billions in small-business dollars. We analyze the sustained strength in Information Technology (IT), including categories like Other Computer Related Services (NAICS 541519) and Computer Systems Design Services (NAICS 541512), and the robust spending in Construction/Engineering (NAICS 236220 and 541330). Discover the newcomer to the Top 10, Remediation Services (NAICS 562910), which surged due to increased funding for environmental and climate-related projects. Learn how to leverage certifications (like 8(a) or SDVOSB) to capture opportunities in these high-value categories, particularly with major spending drivers like the DoD, VA, and GSA. This is your strategic roadmap for aligning your business development efforts with the hottest federal opportunities.

The shutdown is over, now what? The first 72 hours after a federal shutdown ends are just as critical as the shutdown itself for small or mid-sized government contractors. This episode breaks down the essential 3-Day Email Plan designed to help you move fast, re-establish momentum, and protect your performance record, especially if you are working toward certifications like 8a or women business certification. We provide a practical, communication-first strategy backed by regulatory guidance and historical lessons. Learn the ten highest-priority emails you must send in the first three business days to key recipients, including Contracting Officers (COs), CORs, primes, subs, and your internal team. We share recommended subject lines and a plug-and-play status update template to immediately signal readiness, clarify funding status, and request revised schedules or priorities. We also cover best practices for maintaining a professional tone, documenting idle time or backlog, and ensuring you don't resume performance without clear government direction. Tune in to ensure clear alignment, mitigate risk, and position your firm as organized and accountable during the post-shutdown scramble.