Federal Q1 Launch Guide
From Reflection to Revenue — Momentum for Growth
Rebuild. Refocus. Restart your Federal growth—despite the longest shutdown on record.
The 2026 Federal fiscal year began under extraordinary circumstances: a record-breaking government shutdown that’s left thousands of contractors waiting, wondering, and recalibrating. If you and your team are grappling with the ongoing impacts of all that, this guide is for you.
Summit Insight’s Federal Q1 Launch Guide gives you a practical roadmap to regain traction—despite the delays—and position your business for stronger relationships, faster recovery, and sustainable Federal revenue growth once the gears start turning again.
What's Inside
Updated edition includes action steps for seven proven strategies to restart your Federal business momentum during and after the 2025 shutdown:
✅ Update Your Forecast: Clear your pipeline, refocus on viable opportunities, and reconnect with decision-makers who matter most.
✅ Refresh Your Contacts: Track who’s moved, retired, or restructured—and find the right new connections to keep your relationships alive.
✅ Give Thanks, Literally: Build goodwill with contracting officers and program managers through authentic, personal appreciation.
✅ Refresh Your Collateral: Update your capability statement, profiles, and keywords so buyers and partners can find you fast.
✅ Gather Testimonials & Case Studies: Turn client success into credibility that wins new trust.
✅ Multi-Touch Marketing: Design an outreach rhythm across channels—calls, emails & social—to build visibility and connection.
Why This Guide Matters
Even in a stalled Federal market, the most successful contractors stay visible and proactive. This guide shows you how to:
- Rebuild connection with empathy and persistence
- Turn downtime into foundation-building time
- Align with people navigating the same disruption you are
- Prepare to serve again and activate opportunities gently once government reopens
It’s not just about recovery—it’s about positioning yourself to grow faster than competitors once the doors reopen.
You’ll be able to:
✅ Refill your pipeline with realistic, high-probability opportunities
✅ Refresh and re-engage your key agency relationships
✅ Rebuild business rhythm and internal alignment after the shutdown
✅ Reconnect with buyers & partners using proven follow-up strategies
✅ Regain Federal sales momentum—without burning out your team
Why It Works
Each step draws from over 37 years of proven Federal business development experience from Judy Bradt, CEO of Summit Insight.
These are the same moves she teaches GovCon firms that have gone on to win millions in new contracts—even in disrupted markets.
You’ll find practical checklists, conversation prompts, and updated resources for post-shutdown conditions, including how to adapt to SBA’s new Small Business Search system that replaced DSBS in 2025.
Ready to Turn Insight Into Action?
If you want to move faster and farther in the year ahead, let’s talk. Book a free 15 minute chat with me. No pitch.
- Choose with three questions you’d like answered.
- Bring the people you count on most.
- Come away with insights.
👉 I got more than information. I got hope.
~ Melissa Mangold, CEO, CASCO Manufacturing.