We’re less than a month away from the end of the Federal fiscal year, and we know our clients may be wondering about what they should do to prepare. So, we asked John Boulware, our Federal Government Contracting specialist, if he had any advice for our clients. His response is below:

All government contractors should be bracing for another round of cuts forced upon Federal agencies by sequestration. Some contractors will be surprised at the cuts they must absorb or the option years that are cancelled as a result of painful cuts forced on many Federal agencies.

Agencies will be forced to make some more hard choices, as they have done in the last few years. Some of these choices may simply be made based on how well the Federal agencies know and trust their supporting contractors or on how closely connected contractors are with agency program staff who have the money.

If you have not maintained really close contact with your Federal client’s program staff, it may be too late for you, but don’t give up yet. Stay close to your client’s program staff in September and October. Meet with them as often as possible hoping that you can build on the good relationships you have developed over the last few years and convince your clients that your firm is the one they must protect.

In meeting with them, make sure you have a purpose your client will appreciate. For example, ask to meet with them to explain some adjustments you think you can make to bring added value to your contract. Then, when you meet with you client, be specific and show the added value.

If you have additional questions about government contracting, please visit our government contracting resource page. If you would like to set up an appointment to speak with one of our government contracting specialists, please complete our request for counseling questionnaire.