Grow Fed Biz

Scale balancing time and money next to a checklist labeled GSA Schedule — symbolizing the decision between DIY and hiring a consultant.
Blogs

GSA Schedule: DIY vs Consultant—Costs, Risks & How to Win

DIY gives you control; consultants save time and reduce rework—if you hire the right one. This guide compares costs, risks, red flags, and the concrete steps to win business after award so your Schedule becomes a growth engine, not a shelf trophy.

“Road sign with the words ‘Decisions Just Ahead’ against a blue sky — symbolizing the FY26 GSA Schedule decision guide for small businesses.
Blogs

Do You Need a GSA Schedule in FY26? A Practical Decision Guide

A GSA Schedule can be powerful—but not for everyone, and not at every moment. This practical FY26 decision guide helps you evaluate timing, costs, readiness, buyers, and ROI so you can choose confidently. Includes a free checklist and the most common pitfalls to avoid.

Multiple highway lanes merging into one corridor, symbolizing federal contract consolidation in FY26 for small businesses.
Blogs

Contract Consolidation Is Here: What It Means for Small Business Federal Sales in FY26

Contract consolidation is changing how small businesses win Federal work. Here’s what’s actually happening in FY26, why it matters, and the moves that keep you visible, credible, and competitive—from choosing the right vehicles to strengthening relationships and positioning. Get practical steps you can act on this quarter.

Person using a screwdriver in an electrical panel, symbolizing a government contract opportunity that may be “wired” for a specific vendor.
Blogs

WIRED Bid No Bid Federal Contracting Guide: How to Decide—and Win More

Before you chase the next RFP, ask one crucial question: should you even bid? In federal contracting, many losses happen before the proposal is written—when you pursue opportunities where another bidder may already have a strong advantage, and you’ve started too late to close the gap. Learn the WIRED framework to spot contracts that might be favoring a bidder who’s already been working the opportunity hard, so you can focus on the ones you can truly compete for.

Spiral coral growth pattern, symbolizing organic momentum and layered relationship-building
Blogs

They Took Your Call… But Don’t Need You Yet. Here’s What to Do Next

They returned your call… but said they don’t need anything right now. That’s not a brush-off — it’s a window. This post introduces 10 micro engagement moves you can use to stay relevant, build trust, and position yourself for the next opportunity. Smart follow-up isn’t pressure — it’s presence.

wo professionals shaking hands in a government building, symbolizing trusted federal contracting relationships
Blogs

How To Engage Federal Buyers In Q4

In Q4, staying top-of-mind matters more than ever. These fast, low-pressure micro engagement strategies help you reconnect with federal buyers and win last-minute work.
Why Q4 2025 Is Different — and Why It Matters
This Q4 is unlike any before. With widespread freezes on spending authority, agency reorganizations, shifting priorities under the new Administration, and ongoing staff cuts across procurement teams, federal buyers are navigating deep uncertainty. Meanwhile, a full-scale rewrite of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) is in motion—reshaping how agencies buy, even before the ink is dry. In this climate, vendors who stay visible, helpful, and relationship-ready are the ones who get through. This post shows you exactly how.

Three professionals meeting and shaking hands in an office, symbolizing reconnecting with federal buyers.
Blogs

From Past to Prime: How to Reconnect with Federal Buyers and Win Before Year-End

The easiest federal contract to win isn’t a new one — it’s the next one with a buyer who already knows and trusts you. As year-end approaches, Contracting Officers are under pressure to obligate funds quickly. That’s why vendors who are visible, familiar, and low-risk often win — even without being the cheapest. In this blog, you’ll learn how to reconnect with past buyers, restart conversations with quiet contacts, and ask for referrals in ways that are confident, professional, and completely natural. Plus, we’ll show you how one small $10K project led to nearly $1 million in awards — all because someone asked the right question. If Q4 wins are on your 2025 growth plan, this is where to start.

department of transportation small business specialist meets with a business owner at the government procurement conference
Blogs

Stand Out or Miss Out: How to Prepare for Federal Industry Outreach Events in 2025

Federal Industry Outreach Events are still happening in 2025 — but with fewer government decision-makers in the room, every moment of face time matters more than ever. Budget cuts and staffing reductions mean agencies are stretched thin, and your preparation needs to be sharper, faster, and more relevant to stand out. This post walks you through how to prepare, what to bring, what buyers are looking for, and how to follow up effectively. If you’re ready to make a strong impression and build relationships that lead to contracts, this is the guide you need.

Blogs

Unlock Hidden Federal Contract Opportunities: How Strategic Contractors Win in 2026

Part 1 of 2. Want to find federal contracts before your competitors do? Federal award data holds the clues—but most contractors don’t know how to read them. Discover how top Federal contractors use contract award data to focus their business development efforts, build meaningful relationships with decision-makers, and target opportunities before they’re competed. This blog compares what you get from free public sources like SAM.gov, FPDS, and USAspending.gov to spot the agencies and Contracting Officers already spending in your niche. If you’re tired of your team chasing every SAM.gov notice with little return, this post will help everyone get on the faster track to meet your goals and win the work you deserve. We’ll walk you through free Federal data tools, how to find and research real buyers, and share a case study on why that insight is the foundation for a streamlined, winnable prospect list.

Blogs

How to Use SAM.gov and Federal Contract Data to Build Buyer Relationships and Win

Part Two of Two: If you want to stop chasing RFPs and start targeting the right buyers with smarter outreach, this is your playbook. You’ll discover how to identify trends, time your outreach, and pinpoint opportunities your competitors overlook. Whether you’re new to Federal market research or a seasoned pro looking for sharper strategies, this post gives you step-by-step guidance to turn award data into revenue. You’ll learn how to shift from reactive bidding to proactive planning—by identifying which agencies buy what you sell, which contract vehicles they use, and when current contracts are ending. Whether you’re a small business owner or part of a BD team, you’ll walk away with actionable steps to unlock new Federal contract opportunities—faster and with less guesswork.

Blogs

Using LinkedIn to Win Government Contracts: Build Trust & Connect with Buyers

Master LinkedIn to Win Government Contracts in 2025! 🚀 With over 2.8 million Federal employees on LinkedIn, including key decision-makers, this platform is a game-changer for government contractors. But LinkedIn’s 2025 algorithm update means organic reach has dropped by 65%—making strategic engagement essential to building relationships and growing your pipeline. Learn how to optimize your profile, leverage high-impact content formats (carousels, PDFs, infographics), and boost engagement to stay visible and win Federal business. Don’t get left behind—discover the latest LinkedIn strategies now! #GovCon #LinkedInForContractors

Blogs

GovCon 2025: Key Strategies & Emerging Opportunities for Federal Contractors

Winning the game in 2025’s fast-moving Federal contracting arena requires agility amid policy shifts, budget changes, and agency restructuring. Contractors must prepare for a higher risk of shutdowns and contract terminations with fiscal strategies and contingency plans. Emerging opportunities in audit, reporting, program support, compliance, facilities management, AI, and IT modernization await those who build strong relationships with federal buyers. ​

government contract being handed to you to sign
Blogs

What Are The Easiest Government Contracts To Win?

Discover the easiest government contracts to win and how small businesses can secure contracts more easily without costly RFPs. Learn strategies for micro-purchases, simplified acquisitions, and set-asides to build relationships and win federal contracts faster. 🚀 #GovCon #SmallBusiness

Blogs

Ten Tactics To Grow Your Federal Business This Year

Introduction You’ve got 3-7 years of Federal experience (prime, sub, or both). You want more wins — in your current agencies, new ones, maybe more vehicles, and more prime work. I’ve got your back! What to do, who can help, and what free resources can you use right away? Here are some proven tools and

woman on the threshold of opportunities
Blogs

Finding The Right Federal Opportunities

Federal business success takes more than deep pockets to fund continuous bidding. The top companies master skills that include building relationships, understanding the nuances of contract vehicles…and making hard choices about where to invest time and money in the opportunities they are most likely to win. This article explores the impact of capture choices on corporate performance, profitability, and the ability to attract and retain key personnel.

Veterans Affairs website screenshot featuring a brightly colored map
Blogs

How To Win Business With Department of Veteran Affairs

Summit Insight’s clients get the latest market intelligence they need for their capture plans, and learn how to turn that into wins. One example is this Veterans Affairs VISN map. Find out why it’s important, and how you should be using it..

virtual meeting business man meeting new federal buyer
Blogs

Open Your Calls with This Simple Method to Quickly Build Trust

This blog is a collaboration with guest contributors at the Hi-Q Group. Have you ever felt anxious meeting a new Federal buyer or contractor? Whether it’s a video call or a simply a coffee break, meeting anyone for the first time and stepping outside of your comfort zone can be exciting. But sometimes, that excitement

Government contractor staying top of mind connecting before the bid
Blogs

Win More Federal Government Bids—Focus On The People

Winning contracts requires connecting with the right people at the right time in the right way with the right offering. This is indeed a tall order, but you absolutely can take steps to make it happen. Summit Insight consistently helps clients build their way to winning proposals with ten proven tactics. And “Connecting” with the influencers and decision-makers is one of the foundation stones.

Blogs

What Teaming Is, and What It Isn’t

Many Government contracts today are set-aside for small businesses, or certain types of small businesses, and the proportion of set-aside contracts will most likely continue to grow in the future.  Indeed, the Biden administration recently stated that it views the Government’s “procurement power” as a means to even the playing field for certain disadvantaged groups,

Blogs

Innovation in Federal BD: The PALM – Players and Layers Methodology®

Would it surprise you to know that there are FIVE LAYERS to every federal business opportunity?  For over 33 years, I’ve worked with established companies in every industry from the intelligence community to additive manufacturing. And every time I unpack this for seasoned business development professionals, their eyes light up. Here’s why. Once you know

Blogs

Consolidated GSA Multiple Award Schedule Opportunities and Hazards

What’s the MAS Consolidation About? GSA’s revamped Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) program simplifies the acquisition process for both agencies and contractors. Under the program, businesses and their offerings are pre-vetted and easily accessible, removing burdensome requirements for contractors to sell their products/services, and for agencies to purchase them.  Initially, GSA Schedules consisted of 24 separate

Responding to Sources Sought
Blogs

Why Should I Pay Attention to Sources Sought and RFIs?

Our Federal buyers want to get to know us before we invest the big bucks to write those big bids! Pre-solicitation activities like Sources Sought and Requests for Information open the door to building the relationships we need to succeed. Here’s how  we know.  Skip Blackburn, capture expert and CEO of BIT Solutions, points out

Blogs

GovCon Tryouts Have Been Announced!

Mastering Industry Outreach Meetings… Tryouts are announced! Coach announced his goals for the season and the tryout announcement said, “All interested in being on the team need to be ready for the tryouts on Wednesday at 3 PM.  Team session first and then individual try-outs.  Bring your gear and be ready to show the coach

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Blogs

FY21 Opportunity Outlook for Federal Contractors

We had such and exciting webinar with The Pulse of GovCon, talking about GovCon opportunity in this new administration, we wanted to share some of the highlights.  You can download the full webinar below.  Don’t miss out on this can’t miss information. As we enter 2021, the Government Contracting industry is benefiting from a 10-year

Capitol in Winter JJ
Blogs

How To Win Contracts In A New Administration

For many GovCons, contract spending is slower right now, as departments and agencies await new budget authority, new priorities, and new leaders. Seasoned GovCons are relaxed. They’re patiently calling on their Federal buyers, even while “nobody knows anything.”  Why aren’t they worried, and why are they in such a great mood? In this post, we’ll

Stand out by how you engage
Blogs

Stand Out by How you Engage…..LESS is More

So you are just hanging up the phone after talking with the government POC for the meeting with the potential customer team, excited that you have a chance to engage in the upcoming acquisition with some ideas you have had for a while on the challenges the government may face in improving the services you

Government Contractors Working Together
Blogs

What is Come Together for GovCon Conversations with Contracting Officers??

GovCon Resources to help you grow your Federal Business First, what the heck is “Come Together for GovCon Conversations with Contracting Officers”?? It’s not a webinar. It’s not a class. It’s FULL-ON ENGAGEMENT. It’s raw courage to have live conversations with real contracting officers to tackle the toughest challenge in GovCon: How YOU can get

Gifts for the holidays 2021
Blogs

5 Perfect Gifts For Your Team

5 Perfect Gifts For Your Team Still looking for the right gifts for your GovCon team or your colleagues?Help is here. All of us in GovCon — solo-preneurs, business owners, contractors — rely on a mix of trusted advisors, partners, employees, and contractors all year long. Our success depends on attracting the best people into

Blogs

How To Win Contracts In A New Administration

How To Win Contracts In A New Administration  A new Administration can make late fall and early winter an anxious time in the Federal contracting arena.  Many Federal employees and GovCons feel anxious and uncertain: how will program priorities, budgets, and jobs be affected in the months ahead? Pandemic continues to stress our personal and

Blogs

How did FY20 rate on the GovCon Pain Scale for you?

You’ve probably seen this at the doctor’s office or ER, especially if you’ve been there with kids. Here’s why it matters to you now. If you do business with the Federal government, this question How did FY20 rate on the GovCon Pain Scale for you? is vital for your survival right now. Here’s why. If

Commit to your plan and federal goals
Blogs

Commit To Your Federal Sales Goals

If you were successful beyond your wildest dreams in federal FY 2021, what would be true for you 12 months from now? Committing to your Federal Sales Goals will help you get there. https://growfedbiz.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Commit-To-Your-Goals.mov Think of them not just in terms of that big dollar figure, but also in terms of things like these: Number

Blogs

Federal Sales Plan Hot Wash

Your next step to a great Federal new year is your Hot Wash. Evaluate and create a Federal Sales Plan that works. Your next step to a great Federal new year is your Hot Wash. Evaluate and create a Federal Sales Plan that works. Read on to find out: What’s a hot wash? Who should

Mars rover traversing plains while lit by the dawn, a small blue pilot light, and a green internally placed lightbulb.
Blogs

Hot, Dry, Barren: But…Signs of Life?

You know how hard Federal contracting is. You’ve had those weeks, those months: no signs of life anywhere. You turn over the rocks, you dig. Everything seems absolutely uninhabited. Nobody’s returning calls. No opportunities. Nothing. And yet. You know that Federal agency is spending money. In fact, your competitor is winning some of it, and

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Blogs

Whitelisting Summit Insight Emails

Signed up for Summit Insight emails and haven’t received any? I can help! Make sure Summit Insight addresses are added to your email whitelist so your access to our content and updates isn’t interrupted. What’s a whitelist? An e-mail whitelist is a list of approved e-mail addresses or domain names you can personally select so

Two women in business suits survey what is in front of them. One stands before hurdles with barbed wire strung between them. The other has a red carpet laid out before her. Wouldn't you like to know which you might be?
Blogs

Ten Ways To Tell If That Federal Contract Is Wired For Someone Else

You’ve just seen that federal contract opportunity on FedBizOps. It looks perfect for you! But there’s not a lot of lead time. You want to give it your best effort to win! Should you submit that Federal bid? Or do they have someone else in mind? Here are ten things you need to look at!

Image of logo for GSA Schedule
Blogs

Is A GSA Schedule For You? How to Tell

A General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule contract isn’t part of every company’s federal success strategy. Yes, it’s a popular kind of contract. It’s essential for some companies selling certain products or services to specific buyers. But the effort to get one also takes big upfront resources of time or money, usually both. Related: What’s A

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