3 Issues You Should be Tracking to Start the New Year
Expectations are high among government contractors as 2022 gets underway, though plenty of uncertainty lies ahead. Here’s a quick look at three of the biggest issues we’ll be tracking in Q1 (and what they mean for you).
The countdown continues…The Continuing Resolution enacted last month will keep the government funded through Feb. 18. Now, lawmakers must work to finalize a dozen appropriations bills to ensure funding for the rest of the year. If they can’t, we’ll see another stopgap mandate or a shutdown.
Operating under a CR is less than ideal and means that no new government initiatives will begin until at least March. Use this time to plan. Talk to your agency connections about their goals for the second half of the year and align your capabilities to meet them. If a budget resolution passes in February, be ready to hit the ground running.
Last minute changes…The trend seems to continue that GWACs and Best in Class vehicles are becoming the preferred acquisition routes for many agencies. The GSA will be releasing RFPs for its highly anticipated Polaris vehicle this month and BIC MAC is on the horizon.
Be flexible: Do your research and make sure you’re on the vehicles your target agencies are using to procure services, or have a partner on those platforms. And when responding to RFPs, don’t assume that final requests will reflect initial drafts. Stay on top of modifications because government needs and requirements are changing faster than ever.
All eyes on the White House…President Biden has signed more than 70 Executive Orders since taking office—at this juncture, that’s more than any other President in history. Many of them will affect government contractors.
Expect the White House to play a much larger role in defining contractor requirements moving forward, particularly regarding compliance. The President’s agenda also includes boosting opportunities for small, underserved businesses, which could bring a flood of new entrants into the public sector market.
If you want to learn more about how we can help you navigate these and other issues shaping the federal landscape, get in touch. We’re always happy to talk!