For a small construction company, specialty contractor, manufacturer, or supplier, that question can surface just when an opportunity starts looking promising. You understand the scope, have relevant experience, and can assemble a competitive price. Then you reach the bonding provisions and realize there is another conversation to have before your estimating team spends the week preparing a bid.

SBA’s latest announcement gives business owners a reason to start that conversation early.

What SBA’s Bonding Expansion Changes

On October 5, 2026, the Small Business Administration announced that five additional surety companies joined its Surety Bond Guarantee Program during fiscal year 2026. The expanded network is intended to improve bonding access for small businesses pursuing construction, manufacturing, fabrication, and supply-chain work. SBA guarantees help participating sureties serve qualified businesses that might have difficulty obtaining bonds through conventional channels.

The announcement expands the participating network. It does not provide automatic approvals or increase the program’s contract limits. SBA reports support for contracts and subcontracts up to $9 million, with guarantees available for certain federal contracts up to $14 million when a federal contracting officer certifies that the guarantee is necessary to obtain bonding. Those ceilings are program parameters, not a statement of what your company can qualify for.

For an owner who has previously assumed bonding would rule out a suitable project, the practical takeaway is straightforward: investigate the available options before making that assumption again.

Which Surety Bonds Does Your Contract Require?

Start with the actual solicitation. Identify the required bonds, their amounts, the submission deadlines, and any specified forms. Share those requirements with a surety agency early. A general conversation about whether your business is “bondable” becomes much more useful when the agent can see the contract you want to pursue.

Understand what each bond addresses:

• Bid bonds support the bidder’s commitment to enter the contract and provide required bonds if selected.
• Performance bonds secure fulfillment of the contractor’s obligations under the contract.
• Payment bonds protect payment to parties supplying labor or materials, including subcontractors and suppliers.

These protections serve different purposes, so a reference to “bonding” should prompt a closer review of the requirements. The Federal Acquisition Regulation explains the distinctions.

SBA also supports ancillary contract bonds, such as maintenance bonds. Its program guarantees contract bonds rather than commercial bonds, which address compliance with laws or regulations. A contractor’s license bond, for example, should not be treated as interchangeable with the bonds required for a particular project.

Manufacturers and suppliers should check requirements just as carefully as construction businesses. Federal agencies generally do not require performance and payment bonds for non-construction contracts, although the FAR permits them in specified circumstances. Read the solicitation instead of assuming every federal supply opportunity requires bonding.

How an SBA-Authorized Surety Agency Helps

An SBA-authorized surety agency is your starting point for investigating the program. The agency connects your business with participating surety companies and helps coordinate the application and approval process. SBA provides the guarantee; the participating surety issues the bond. You can locate agencies through SBA’s surety bond agency directory.

Ask whether the agency regularly works with companies in your industry and with contracts similar to yours. A fabrication business delivering custom components may present different questions from a contractor performing site work. Bring enough detail to explain the scope, schedule, customer, and delivery obligations.

Assess Your Bonding Readiness Before You Bid

Eligibility still matters. Your company must meet SBA’s small-business size standards, and the surety evaluates credit, capacity, and character. Government backing does not eliminate that evaluation.

Prepare to discuss those factors in practical terms. What does your financial position look like today? How much cash will you need before the first customer payment arrives? Who will supervise the work? Which completed projects demonstrate experience with a comparable scope? What commitments are already competing for your crews, equipment, or production time?

Treat these questions as an internal readiness exercise before the agency meeting. Your answers should describe how the business will perform the contract, with enough supporting information for someone outside the company to understand the plan.

SBA recommends preparing documents that may include business and personal financial statements, tax returns, proof of insurance, bank credit information, experience summaries, and references. Ask your agent which documents are needed for your application rather than guessing at a universal checklist.

Bring a clear picture of unfinished work as well. Ask how the surety will evaluate the proposed contract alongside your existing workload, and what information it needs to assess both an individual project and your total commitments. A project that looks manageable on its own may feel very different when three other customers expect delivery that same month.

Manufacturers and suppliers can run the same exercise against production plans. Suppose a proposed order requires materials purchases months before delivery, while your current customers still need their usual shipments. Map the order onto your production calendar and payment schedule, then discuss any gaps with the agency. A larger purchase order should come with a credible delivery plan.

Keep the distinction between bonding and financing clear in that planning. Ask how you will cover payroll, inventory, freight, and other costs while performing the contract. Do not build your cash forecast around the existence of a guarantee. Identify the source of working capital and test what happens if payment arrives later than expected.

Understand Bonding Costs and Obligations

Discuss costs before finalizing your price. SBA currently lists a guarantee fee of 0.6% of the contract price for performance and payment bond guarantees, with no SBA fee for bid bond guarantees. Ask the agency for a complete estimate, including the surety’s premium and any applicable charges, and clarify when payment is due.

Also ask the agent to explain any indemnity agreement, who must sign it, and what obligations it creates. Have those discussions while you still have time to evaluate the proposal.

Use Bonding Information to Make a Better Bid Decision

Consider a hypothetical specialty contractor pursuing a larger installation project. The technical work resembles jobs it has completed successfully, but the new federal customer requires contract bonds. Before investing heavily in the bid, the owner brings the solicitation, financial information, project history, and workload schedule to an authorized agency.

That conversation could reveal a workable route through the SBA program. It could also identify a cash-flow concern or workload conflict that deserves attention first. Either result improves the owner’s decision because it replaces an assumption with specific information.

Then make your bid decision using the whole picture: technical fit, available people, realistic delivery dates, expected margin, financing needs, and the agency’s assessment of bonding options. Set an internal deadline for resolving those questions before committing substantial proposal resources.

If the company needs more preparation, ask what improvements would strengthen a future application. Use the answer to shape your next steps and the size of opportunities you pursue.

Find Contract Opportunities That Fit Your Business

FedBiz Access can help you review contracting readiness and research opportunities aligned with your capabilities. That work gives your bonding conversation a practical target: contracts your business has a credible plan to perform.

Contact FedBiz Access at (844) 628-8914 to discuss your readiness and opportunity strategy. Take the bonding application to an SBA-authorized surety agency, and use what you learn to decide whether a larger contract makes business sense.

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Lee Bailey

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Enjoyed working with Mrs Constance Painter. Quick communication and process went smooth!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your business and your five star google review for the FedBiz Access team member. We value your feedback!

Peter Anthony

4 weeks ago

After initially signing up for FedBiz i really wasn't sure what to expect, but I took a chance and the folks working there were really helpful. Constance Painter was one of the first to assist me with moving me along the process, and I was really impressed with her availability and forward thinking to keeping the ball rolling.

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1 month ago

My experience with FedBiz has genuinely been a positive and valuable one. When I came to them, I was still learning my way through government contracting, and the guidance and support I received helped me better understand the process and continue moving my business forward. I especially want to recognize Frank Kerbs. I had regular consultation meetings with Frank, and I always appreciated his time, knowledge, patience, and willingness to answer my questions. Having someone knowledgeable that I could speak with consistently made a real difference in my experience. During my time working with FedBiz, my company went on to receive several government contract awards. Most recently, we were awarded a four-year government contract providing ongoing maintenance services for a public healthcare facility. I’m extremely grateful for the progress my company has made and for the guidance and resources FedBiz provided along the way. What I appreciate most is that my experience with FedBiz wasn’t simply about receiving a service. I came away with a much greater understanding and appreciation for government contracting and what is possible for a small business willing to pursue these opportunities. I’m genuinely grateful to Frank and the entire FedBiz team for being part of that journey, and I would gladly recommend them to other small-business owners who are serious about exploring government contracting.

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4 months ago

I cannot say enough good things about Ashley Futral and the exceptional support she provided throughout my SBA and SDVOSB certification process. From start to finish, Ashley demonstrated an outstanding level of professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to customer service. Navigating the certification process can be overwhelming, but her knowledge, guidance, and responsiveness made the entire experience smooth and stress-free. Ashley took the time to thoroughly review every requirement, identify potential issues before they became problems, and ensure that all documentation was accurate and complete. Her meticulous attention to detail played a significant role in helping me successfully obtain both my SBA certification and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) certification. What impressed me most was her genuine dedication to her clients. She was always available to answer questions, provide updates, and offer expert advice throughout the process. Her communication was timely, clear, and professional, giving me confidence every step of the way. If you are seeking assistance with SBA certifications, SDVOSB certifications, or government contracting registrations, I highly recommend Ashley Futral. Her expertise, work ethic, and customer-focused approach are truly second to none. Thank you, Ashley, for your outstanding support and for helping me achieve this important milestone for my business. I also want to add I wouked with Mya Plant. Mya Plant exceeded every expectation and delivered a capability statement that truly elevated our organization's professional image and marketability. From our initial consultation through the final product, Mya demonstrated exceptional professionalism, attention to detail, and a genuine commitment to understanding our business. She took the time to learn about our organization's history, capabilities, certifications, differentiators, and long-term goals, then transformed that information into a polished, visually appealing, and highly effective capability statement. What impressed me most was her ability to take complex information and present it in a clear, concise, and compelling format that speaks directly to potential government agencies, contracting officers, and business partners. Her recommendations improved not only the document itself but also how we communicate our value proposition to prospective clients. Mya was responsive, patient, and incredibly easy to work with throughout the entire process. Every revision was completed quickly, and she consistently went above and beyond to ensure the final product exceeded our expectations. Thanks to her expertise, we now have a professional capability statement that accurately reflects our organization, strengthens our credibility, and positions us more effectively for government contracting and business development opportunities. If you are considering hiring Mya for capability statements, government contracting support, branding materials, or professional business documents, I recommend her without hesitation. Her expertise, customer service, and dedication to excellence are second to none. Thank you, Mya, for your outstanding work and commitment to our success. We look forward to working with you again in the future. — Professor Al Hogan Owner, Team Randori Martial Arts Retired U.S. Army CW4 | Veteran-Owned Business Owner

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Elizabeth Whitaker was exceptional, very helpful and was always there whenever we need her, thank you Elizabeth for being the great person that you are. We at Collins Henry, LLC is very grateful to have her working on our behalf....

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5 months ago

Trying to update anything with a govenrment agency is always a nightmare. After fighting with Sam.gov for weeks and getting nowhere, we reached out to Constance for help. She has made this SO much easier on us and gotten our account active again.

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5 months ago

Elizabeth Whitaker with FedBiz Access has been great. She has taken her time with us to customize her services directly to what we need. She is very professional and knowledgeable. Further, she is very proactive and highly responsive in our communications. We enjoy our experience working with Elizabeth and her team. We would highly recommend using Elizabeth at FedBiz Access.

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Elizabeth Whitaker has been so very helpful to us. We are a very small business attempting to navigate the Government Contracts process. Elizabeth is quite knowledgeable, easy to understand and patient.

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The post SBA Expands Bonding Access: Could Your Small Business Compete for Bigger Contracts? appeared first on FedBiz Access.

Their software was built for manufacturers. Their sensors were designed for utilities. Their autonomous system started in agriculture. Their power technology was developed for industrial users. Their logistics platform solves commercial supply-chain problems.

None of that necessarily puts the Army out of reach.

In fact, the Army is actively looking for commercially developed technologies that could be adapted to military needs, including solutions from companies that may have little or no previous defense experience.

The Army’s xTech|Search 10 competition is accepting concept white papers through October 19, 2026, at 5 p.m. Eastern. The competition is open to eligible U.S. small businesses and allows companies to propose either an entirely new technology or a new Army application for technology that already exists commercially.

There is up to $1 million in cash prize money available through the competition, along with a potential path for selected finalists to submit a separate Phase I Army SBIR or STTR proposal worth up to $300,000.

But there is an important distinction here.

You are not submitting a regular SBIR or STTR proposal by October 19.

The first step is the xTech competition itself, and companies considering it should understand exactly what the Army is looking for before spending the next couple of weeks racing to put something together.

xTech|Search Is Looking Beyond the Traditional Defense Industry

One of the most interesting things about xTech|Search 10 is that it is an open-topic competition.

The Army is not simply asking contractors to respond to one narrowly defined technical specification. Army FUZE describes the program as a way to find technologies with strong commercial traction that may also create significant advantages for the Army.

That opens the door to companies that would not normally identify themselves as defense contractors.

The Army specifically says xTech|Search encourages submissions from companies that may not already be familiar with the Army problem their technology could solve, provided they can clearly explain their technology’s advantage, technical viability and commercial potential.

That is an important signal for commercial technology companies.

You do not necessarily need to start with, “We built this for the Army.”

You may be able to start with, “We built something that solves this problem extremely well. Does the Army have the same problem?”

Often, the answer is worth investigating.

The Army reinforced that idea when announcing xTech|Search 10, noting that many technologies capable of influencing future battlefields begin in commercial markets rather than inside the traditional defense industrial base. Across the first nine xTech|Search competitions, the Army says more than 820 semifinalist, finalist and winning companies received over $14 million in cash prizes.

Start With the Army Problem, Not Your Product Features

The biggest mistake a commercial technology company can make is taking an existing sales presentation, replacing “enterprise customer” with “Army,” and calling it a government strategy.

The Army does not need another product description.

It needs to understand what operational problem your technology helps solve.

Although xTech|Search 10 welcomes technologies addressing any valid Army need or capability gap, the Army says it will give strong consideration to technologies aligned with several priority areas:

• All Arms Maneuver, including technologies supporting endurance, autonomous systems, breaching and terrain shaping
• Command and Control and Counter-C2 Networks, including resilient communications, sensing, decision systems, cybersecurity and electromagnetic capabilities
• Formation-Based Layered Protection, including protection, concealment and signature-management technologies
• Adaptive Sustainment, including logistics, power distribution, maintenance, fabrication, transportation and Soldier support
• Cross Domain Fires, including targeting, cyber and electronic warfare effects, counter-UAS, air and missile defense and related capabilities

The competition remains open-topic, so a company does not need to squeeze its technology awkwardly into one of these categories. Still, they provide valuable clues about the operational problems receiving Army attention.

This is where market research matters.

A commercial logistics company, for example, should not simply say that its platform “uses AI to improve supply chains.” It should determine whether the technology could improve distributed tactical logistics, inventory visibility, maintenance planning or sustainment in environments where communications and transportation may be disrupted.

A battery company should look beyond specifications such as energy density and charge time and ask how its technology could affect expeditionary power, Soldier load, vehicle endurance or the Army’s ability to operate farther from established infrastructure.

The technology matters, but the mission impact is what gives the technology relevance.

One important exception should also be noted. Technologies falling exclusively within certain U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command areas, including military infectious diseases, military operational medicine, chemical and biological defense, and clinical and rehabilitative medicine, are excluded from this particular xTech|Search competition. XTech

The October 19 Submission Is a Three-Page White Paper

Companies interested in xTech|Search 10 do not begin with a massive federal proposal.

The initial submission is a three-page concept white paper.

That sounds simple until you look at what those three pages have to accomplish.

The Army wants the white paper to explain the technology, its potential Army impact, its technical and concept viability, and its dual-use applications in both commercial and defense markets. Applicants must also use the official template available through the competition registration page. The Army states that submissions using another format will not be reviewed. XTech

The evaluation weights tell companies where to spend their limited space:

That scoring structure is useful because it makes the Army’s priorities fairly clear.

Sixty-five percent of the evaluation comes down to two questions:

Does the technology work?

Does it create meaningful value for the Army?

Another 25 percent addresses commercial potential, which is particularly important for companies entering from outside the traditional defense market. Commercial adoption, customer validation, investment, testing and demonstrated demand can help establish that the Army is not betting on an interesting idea that exists only on paper.

Do Not Submit the Initial White Paper Through DSIP

This is probably the most important procedural point for interested companies.

The October 19 xTech|Search 10 white paper is not submitted through the Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal, or DSIP.

The white paper is submitted through the xTech competition process, using the application pathway provided on the xTech|Search 10 competition website.

The Army is explicit about this. Companies that do not submit a concept white paper through the xTech competition by the deadline will not be eligible to advance into the associated Phase I SBIR or STTR opportunity.

The process currently looks like this:

Part 1: Concept White Paper
Up to 50 semifinalists can receive $5,000 each and advance.

Part 2: Virtual Technology Pitch
Up to 20 finalists can receive an additional $20,000 each.

Part 3: Finals Demonstration
The Army intends to select up to three winners, with additional prizes of $200,000 for first place, $100,000 for second and $50,000 for third.

Part 4: Phase I Army SBIR or STTR Opportunity
Finalists can receive instructions allowing them to submit a separate Phase I proposal for a potential award of up to $300,000 with a six-month period of performance.

And that final point deserves emphasis: the Phase I contract is not automatic.

Being selected as an xTech finalist creates eligibility to submit the associated SBIR or STTR proposal. Finalists still have to satisfy the separate program requirements, and an award is not guaranteed. The Army says finalists are the only companies eligible to submit under the associated xTech|Search 10 Phase I topics.

Is xTech|Search 10 Worth Pursuing for Your Company?

With an October 19 deadline approaching, companies should resist the temptation to pursue the competition simply because there is funding attached.

A better question is whether there is a credible fit.

Before committing resources, ask:

Can we identify a real Army problem our technology could solve?
If your argument begins and ends with “the Army is large and probably needs this,” you need more market research.

Can we explain why our solution is technically different or better?
Technical approach represents 40 percent of the white-paper evaluation.

Do we have evidence of commercial potential?
Customers, pilots, revenue, testing, partnerships or other market validation can strengthen the dual-use story.

Could we realistically adapt the technology for Army requirements?
A promising commercial product may still require changes to ruggedization, cybersecurity, communications, power, interoperability or operating conditions.

Are we prepared for what happens if we advance?
A good xTech submission should not be treated like a lottery ticket. Semifinalists move into pitching, finalists into demonstrations and potentially into a formal SBIR or STTR effort.

There is also an eligibility issue involving overlapping federal support. The Army states that submissions cannot be substantially the same as another proposal that has already been funded, is currently being funded, or is pending contract award with another federal agency. Companies with questions about similar prior or pending support are instructed to disclose that information to the Army FUZE xTech Program Office as early as possible.

Think Beyond One Competition

Even if xTech|Search 10 looks promising, the larger strategic question is more valuable:

Where else in the federal government could this technology fit?

An Army application might reveal demand within another military service, DHS, NASA, the Department of Energy or a civilian agency. The same underlying capability could also appear in SBIR/STTR topics, Broad Agency Announcements, prototype opportunities, Other Transactions, subcontracting opportunities or conventional federal procurements.

That is why companies entering the government market should avoid building their strategy around a single solicitation or competition.

Start with the technology. Identify the problems it solves. Determine which agencies have those problems. Find the programs, buyers, incumbent contractors, competitors and acquisition vehicles associated with that market.

Then decide which opportunities deserve your time.

The Army itself notes that xTech participation can lead to interest from organizations outside the immediate competition and potentially to other acquisition pathways.

For a commercial technology company that has never seriously considered the federal market, that may ultimately be the biggest opportunity here.

October 19 Is the Immediate Deadline. Agency Fit Is the Bigger Question.

xTech|Search 10 gives innovative small businesses a relatively accessible way to put commercial technology in front of Army technical, acquisition and operational experts.

But the companies most likely to make good use of the opportunity will not simply submit because they have interesting technology.

They will understand where the technology fits, what Army problem it addresses, why it performs better than the alternatives and whether pursuing the Army represents a logical extension of their commercial market.

If your company has a commercial technology and you are unsure whether the Army, or another federal agency, could be a viable customer, FedBiz Access can help you evaluate the market before you commit valuable time and resources to the wrong opportunity.

From identifying agencies and buyers to analyzing competitors, upcoming opportunities and broader federal demand, the goal is not simply to find an opportunity. It is to determine where your company has a realistic path to compete.

Call FedBiz Access at (844) 628-8914 to discuss your government market strategy and learn how FedBiz365 can help you identify where your technology fits in the federal marketplace.

Official xTech|Search 10 information and application: Army xTech|Search 10 Competition

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Lee Bailey

4 weeks ago

Enjoyed working with Mrs Constance Painter. Quick communication and process went smooth!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your business and your five star google review for the FedBiz Access team member. We value your feedback!

Peter Anthony

4 weeks ago

After initially signing up for FedBiz i really wasn't sure what to expect, but I took a chance and the folks working there were really helpful. Constance Painter was one of the first to assist me with moving me along the process, and I was really impressed with her availability and forward thinking to keeping the ball rolling.

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to be of service and to continue assisting with your government contracting needs now and in the future. Thank you for this five star google review for the FedBiz Access team and for placing your trust in us.

Jamal Salih

1 month ago

My experience with FedBiz has genuinely been a positive and valuable one. When I came to them, I was still learning my way through government contracting, and the guidance and support I received helped me better understand the process and continue moving my business forward. I especially want to recognize Frank Kerbs. I had regular consultation meetings with Frank, and I always appreciated his time, knowledge, patience, and willingness to answer my questions. Having someone knowledgeable that I could speak with consistently made a real difference in my experience. During my time working with FedBiz, my company went on to receive several government contract awards. Most recently, we were awarded a four-year government contract providing ongoing maintenance services for a public healthcare facility. I’m extremely grateful for the progress my company has made and for the guidance and resources FedBiz provided along the way. What I appreciate most is that my experience with FedBiz wasn’t simply about receiving a service. I came away with a much greater understanding and appreciation for government contracting and what is possible for a small business willing to pursue these opportunities. I’m genuinely grateful to Frank and the entire FedBiz team for being part of that journey, and I would gladly recommend them to other small-business owners who are serious about exploring government contracting.

Response from the owner:Congratulations of your contract award success and thank you for the opportunity to be of assistance. We appreciate your detailed feedback for the FedBiz Access team and your account consultants specifically. We look forward to continue providing valuable service and assistance with your government contracting goals, from registration to award.

Dennis Haag

1 month ago

Great POC for us. They provide us with current and relevant information. You need them to keep informed and to find opportunities.

BRONSON'S AMBITIONS

2 months ago

Great With Follow Up and Execution!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your feedback, our pleasure to assist with your government contracting goals and registrations.

James Mabrey

2 months ago

Working with Ashley Futral of FedBiz Access was a great experience, she was professional and very Knowledgable of the process and I would recommend anyone pursuing anything within the US Governement Certifications Space to Work with FedBiz Access Team.

Response from the owner:Congratulations on your recently awarded Certification and thank you for the opportunity to assist in that endeavor on your behalf. We appreciate your business and your feedback and remain at your service as needed.

Stevie Duncan

2 months ago

Was able to reeive information capable of getting me engaged in the process.

Response from the owner:Thank you.

Bill Ketenbrink

2 months ago

great job

Response from the owner:Thank you for this five star google review for the FedBiz Access team!

Rich Mauch

2 months ago

Big shoutout to Constance Painter of FedBiz for the awesome work she recently managed for our gov't SAMS account. Thank you Constance!

Response from the owner:Been a pleasure to assist you with your government contracting needs, looking forward to your success!

Lori

3 months ago

Helpful and friendly staff. Nice and easy.

Response from the owner:Thank you, our pleasure to assist

Patrick Tuttle

3 months ago

THE TEAM--Wayne-Frank-Ashley =A+ Team. All of them are there for you, and unlike many other places we interviewed, they are keen to answer your calls and questions in an expeditious manner. We never have to wait very long to get help. We tried many firms, and NONE can hold a candle to "THIS" team. Thx guys for your "CARING"

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to consistently be of help and value to your organization and government contracting goals. We look forward to continue earning A+. Thank you for your business and time in leaving the FedBiz Access team this five star google review and comments.

Cathy M

4 months ago

I met Sidney Waters one year ago on a conference call. Really personable and ready to help companies become properly equipped government contractors. Their resources and expert guidance provide everything you need to implement your strategy and hit the ground running. Although I haven't subscribed to Fed Biz Access, Sidney Waters has consistently checked in on our progress, providing "gold nuggets" and directing us to government resources. To be honest, he doesn't have to, but he's a quality individual. And for that, we appreciate him. The team at Fed Biz Access consists of former contracting officers who clearly know their stuff. If you are looking to start a government contracting business, I highly recommend calling Sidney Waters before spending your budget elsewhere. He is a genuine, professional who genuinely wants you to succeed.

Response from the owner:Thank you for attending our presentation; Our pleasure to be of assistance and support with your government contracting goals as needed. We look forward to being of service again in the future. We appreciate your time in posting this five star google review for the FedBiz Access team consultant.

Glenn Scheel

4 months ago

Ashley Futral and the entire staff at FedBiz Access are very knowledgable and helpful. Ashley has helped me navigate the arduous process of GSA approval with great care and speed.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the opportunity to be of service. We appreciate the five star google rating and your positive feedback for the FedBiz Access team and your account specialist.

diane canovas

4 months ago

I've been working with Ashley Futral for almost 2 years, after taking over as Account Administrator for our SAM.gov account. Interaction with Ashley has always been pleasant. She took the time to explain what she was doing as she navigated through the process of updating our account information. Very knowledgeable, which was a relief as I was just taking over the role of Admin. Thank you Ashley, "Thumbs Up"

Response from the owner:Thank you for the thumbs up and for your continued business. Very much appreciate your feedback and five star google rating for the FedBIz Access team specialist.

Jo-lin Ferdinand

4 months ago

Ashley Futral has always been available for me. She has always made me feel like I have nothing to worry about. My million questions are answered with a kind word and assurance that all is good and she's got me. Never worry about a due date, she's on it before I even know it's coming up. Super GRATEFUL THAT SHE IS THERE FOR ME.

Response from the owner:We look forward to always being of service and value to your organization and love the "million questions".. we strive hard to have the million answers:) Thank you for this five star FedBiz Access team consultant review!

Mariah Khetem

4 months ago

Ashley was outstanding throughout the entire process. She was incredibly responsive, knowledgeable, and dedicated to ensuring everything was completed accurately and on time. Her attention to detail and proactive communication made what could have been a complicated process feel seamless and stress-free. Ashley worked diligently to guide us through each step, keeping us informed along the way and quickly addressing any questions or updates that arose. Her professionalism, expertise, and commitment to customer service were evident from start to finish. We truly appreciate all of Ashley's hard work and support and would highly recommend her and Fedbiz to anyone needing assistance. Thank you, Ashley, for going above and beyond!

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to assist with your government contracting needs and registrations. Thank you for your repeat business and your detailed five star feedback for the FedBiz Access team specialist. Very much appreciated!

Al Hogan

4 months ago

I cannot say enough good things about Ashley Futral and the exceptional support she provided throughout my SBA and SDVOSB certification process. From start to finish, Ashley demonstrated an outstanding level of professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to customer service. Navigating the certification process can be overwhelming, but her knowledge, guidance, and responsiveness made the entire experience smooth and stress-free. Ashley took the time to thoroughly review every requirement, identify potential issues before they became problems, and ensure that all documentation was accurate and complete. Her meticulous attention to detail played a significant role in helping me successfully obtain both my SBA certification and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) certification. What impressed me most was her genuine dedication to her clients. She was always available to answer questions, provide updates, and offer expert advice throughout the process. Her communication was timely, clear, and professional, giving me confidence every step of the way. If you are seeking assistance with SBA certifications, SDVOSB certifications, or government contracting registrations, I highly recommend Ashley Futral. Her expertise, work ethic, and customer-focused approach are truly second to none. Thank you, Ashley, for your outstanding support and for helping me achieve this important milestone for my business. I also want to add I wouked with Mya Plant. Mya Plant exceeded every expectation and delivered a capability statement that truly elevated our organization's professional image and marketability. From our initial consultation through the final product, Mya demonstrated exceptional professionalism, attention to detail, and a genuine commitment to understanding our business. She took the time to learn about our organization's history, capabilities, certifications, differentiators, and long-term goals, then transformed that information into a polished, visually appealing, and highly effective capability statement. What impressed me most was her ability to take complex information and present it in a clear, concise, and compelling format that speaks directly to potential government agencies, contracting officers, and business partners. Her recommendations improved not only the document itself but also how we communicate our value proposition to prospective clients. Mya was responsive, patient, and incredibly easy to work with throughout the entire process. Every revision was completed quickly, and she consistently went above and beyond to ensure the final product exceeded our expectations. Thanks to her expertise, we now have a professional capability statement that accurately reflects our organization, strengthens our credibility, and positions us more effectively for government contracting and business development opportunities. If you are considering hiring Mya for capability statements, government contracting support, branding materials, or professional business documents, I recommend her without hesitation. Her expertise, customer service, and dedication to excellence are second to none. Thank you, Mya, for your outstanding work and commitment to our success. We look forward to working with you again in the future. — Professor Al Hogan Owner, Team Randori Martial Arts Retired U.S. Army CW4 | Veteran-Owned Business Owner

Response from the owner:Thank you for your business and your detailed five star review for the FedBiz Access team consultant; our pleasure to be of service as needed.

Rita Hibbard

4 months ago

Very good company.

Response from the owner:We appreciate your business and this five star google review for our FedBiz Access team. Thank you.

Allyson Collins

4 months ago

Elizabeth Whitaker was exceptional, very helpful and was always there whenever we need her, thank you Elizabeth for being the great person that you are. We at Collins Henry, LLC is very grateful to have her working on our behalf....

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to continue being of valuable service to your organization. Thank you for the recognition and the kind comments for our FedBiz Access specialist; We appreciate you.

Bryan Johnson

5 months ago

I had my own federal contracting consulting business for 25 years and I have to say Fed Biz Access is doing it right.

Michael Scanna

5 months ago

I cannot recommend the assistance Elizabeth and her team provided to me enough! The entire process was handled professionally, quickly, and with incredible attention to detail. What seemed overwhelming and confusing at first became simple and stress-free thanks to their guidance. They answered every question patiently, ensured all information was submitted correctly, and kept me informed every step of the way. Their knowledge of the SAM registration process saved me so much time and frustration. If you need reliable, efficient, and trustworthy help with SAM registration, this is absolutely the team to use!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your business and your time in leaving us this five star Google review for the FedBiz Access team specialist. We appreciate your recommendation and detailed feedback on your experience with our dedicated team. We remain at your service, as needed.

Stacy Hall

5 months ago

Trying to update anything with a govenrment agency is always a nightmare. After fighting with Sam.gov for weeks and getting nowhere, we reached out to Constance for help. She has made this SO much easier on us and gotten our account active again.

Response from the owner:Taking the frustration out of these somewhat cumbersome processes is at the center of our expertise. As changes continue within the government workplace, platforms and procedures, our team stays vigilant and current in our quest for a fruitful and pleasant customer experience. Thank you for the opportunity to assist.

Justin Moore

5 months ago

Elizabeth Whitaker with FedBiz Access has been great. She has taken her time with us to customize her services directly to what we need. She is very professional and knowledgeable. Further, she is very proactive and highly responsive in our communications. We enjoy our experience working with Elizabeth and her team. We would highly recommend using Elizabeth at FedBiz Access.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the opportunity to be of assistance as needed with your government contracting needs; very much appreciate your positive feedback and five star review for the FedBiz Access team specialist and your recommendation of our services.

Minerva Finishes

5 months ago

Elizabeth Whitaker has been so very helpful to us. We are a very small business attempting to navigate the Government Contracts process. Elizabeth is quite knowledgeable, easy to understand and patient.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your positive feedback for the FedBiz Access team specialist and this five star google review for our Company. Look forward to assisting you as needed in the future.

Lynn Tyler

5 months ago

Elizabeth Whitaker helped me get my recertification. She made the process painless. She also helped me update my SAM.

Response from the owner:We appreciate your continued business and positive feedback for the FedBiz Access team specialist. Congratulations on your recent recertification, and thank you for the opportunity to assist you in that process.

The post A $1 Million Army Tech Competition Is Open to Small Businesses appeared first on FedBiz Access.

NASA’s latest logistics awards offer a good reason to reconsider that assumption. Behind the agency’s extraordinary mission are operational needs that should look familiar to plenty of small business owners.

You do not have to build spacecraft to investigate NASA’s supply chain. Start by looking at the services that keep its operations running.

What NASA actually awarded

On October 1, 2026, NASA announced the selection of 16 companies for Enterprise Logistics Support Services. The agency describes the awards as $1.4 billion in blanket purchase agreements under GSA’s OASIS+ framework, with a five-year base ordering period through September 30, 2031. NASA updated the release October 2 to clarify company names. 

The announced scope includes transportation, equipment and property management, disposal, maintenance and repair, and moving operations. It also includes specialized work such as export control and flight hardware support.

The prime agreements have already been awarded. This is not an open $1.4 billion solicitation for new applicants, and the announcement does not establish that any particular subcontracting opportunity is currently available.

For other businesses, the announcement identifies services NASA buys and contractors worth researching, giving you a starting point for evaluating where your capabilities might be relevant.

Start with the work you can prove

Before researching all 16 companies, identify which part of the scope your business could credibly support. “We provide logistics solutions” gives a potential partner much less to evaluate than a specific service backed by experience.

Use the following examples as a matching exercise, not a list of confirmed NASA subcontracting needs.

Then ask what would make your company useful to a particular prime. Perhaps you have an experienced local crew, specialized equipment, or capacity to handle a defined assignment.

Keep those claims grounded in what you can actually deliver. Ordinary business services can still involve demanding requirements, and commercial experience does not automatically establish eligibility for every NASA assignment. Confirm the applicable qualifications with the prime before treating a possible fit as a pursuit.

Research the company behind the award

Begin with NASA’s corrected award list. It includes Akima Facilities Operations LLC, Akima Global Logistics LLC, KBR Wyle Services LLC, Leidos Inc., LogiCore Corporation, and other selected firms. Use the exact legal entity listed, then verify any parent-company relationship and which team handles supplier inquiries.

Create a simple research sheet for the companies whose work appears relevant. Record the awardee, related contract history, likely service connection, verified performance locations, supplier instructions, and the question you still need answered.

Look beyond a company’s size or familiar name. Review its official service pages and prior awards for evidence of relevant experience. Search by agency, service keywords, and applicable NAICS codes, then read the underlying descriptions to confirm that the match is meaningful.

For example, a regional maintenance business could compare a prime’s history of equipment-support work with the territory its technicians already cover. If that reveals a plausible match, the next question is whether the prime uses outside providers for that service and location. The answer may be that an existing team already covers it, or that the company evaluates suppliers through a central procurement office. Either answer improves your next decision. Keep historical awards separate from confirmed upcoming needs; past activity helps you frame questions, but the prime must clarify its requirements.

Location deserves particular attention. NASA explains that a contracting center’s location may differ from where the work actually takes place. An address in an award record should therefore prompt verification before you build a pitch around local coverage.

NASA’s small-business guidance also recommends matching your capabilities to its centers, reviewing active contracts, and contacting the appropriate Small Business Specialist. Those resources can help you understand the customer while you investigate potential prime relationships. 

Narrow the list to a few companies you can approach with a clear reason. If you cannot explain why your capabilities fit a particular contractor, keep researching before sending an introduction.

Prepare a capability statement for that customer

Your capability statement should help the recipient answer a practical question: could this company handle a relevant piece of work?

Lead with the services that match your research. Include your coverage area, available capacity, and comparable projects, using measurable results wherever you can support them. For equipment maintenance, that might mean the equipment types you service and your documented response performance. For inventory work, it might mean the scale of an assignment and the accuracy achieved.

Keep company identifiers, relevant NAICS codes, applicable certifications, and contact information accurate. Let qualifications support the case you have already made through capability and experience.

A reader should not have to hunt through unrelated services to find the reason you contacted them. You can retain a consistent company identity while changing the emphasis and project examples for each prospect.

Make a specific introduction

Find the contractor’s official supplier, procurement, or small-business contact and follow its published process. SBA recommends investigating prime contractors’ websites, assessing their subcontractor requirements, and following the firm’s instructions for doing business.

A concise opening might read:

We saw that [exact company name] was selected for NASA’s Enterprise Logistics Support Services agreements. Our team provides [specific service] in [service area], with experience supporting [comparable work]. If you evaluate additional suppliers for this program, could you direct us to the appropriate qualification process? I have attached a capability statement focused on that work.

Use only claims you can substantiate, and follow any instructions about attachments or supplier registration. The aim is to establish whether there is a relevant process and potential fit.

If the company responds, ask about the service categories it evaluates, locations it supports, qualification requirements, and whether it has current or anticipated needs within your specialty. A supplier registration alone does not establish that work is available.

Record what you learn and agree on a sensible follow-up. Where no current fit exists, retain the research for future developments without treating the company as an active sales opportunity.

Turn the research into a practical next step

NASA’s announcement gives small businesses a useful exercise in looking beyond an agency’s headline mission. Apply the same approach whenever an award catches your attention: understand the work, investigate the selected contractor, and decide whether your company has something specific to contribute.

FedBiz365 can help you research government contract awards, identify who is winning relevant work, and evaluate potential prime-contractor and teaming relationships. FedBiz Access can also help you develop a capability statement that speaks to the customer you want to reach. 

Call FedBiz Access at 844-628-8914 to request a FedBiz365 demo and discuss a capability statement tailored to the prime contractors you want to reach.

The post NASA Needs More Than Rocket Scientists: What Its New Logistics Awards Reveal for Small Businesses appeared first on FedBiz Access.

For a veteran-owned company, that next stage deserves just as much attention as the application itself. Certification can establish eligibility for certain contracting opportunities, but it does not identify your best customers, write your proposals, or explain how you will cover payroll while delivering the work.

SBA’s latest investment puts useful attention on that gap. For businesses considering SDVOSB or VOSB certification, it is also a timely reminder to develop a contracting strategy alongside the paperwork.

What SBA’s New Investment Actually Supports

On October 2, 2026, SBA announced a $3.75 million grant over five years to the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce Community Foundation’s Veteran Institute for Procurement, or VIP. The organization will operate the nationwide Veteran Federal Procurement Entrepreneurship Training Program. The initial $750,000 award covers September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2027. l

SBA anticipates five training cohorts annually, serving approximately 250 veteran-owned small businesses each year. The no-cost, in-person instruction will address opportunity identification, capability statements, proposals, pricing, and readiness to perform federal contracts. Intended participants include certified veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, veterans pursuing certification, and transitioning service members exploring entrepreneurship.

This is funding for a training provider, not a $3.75 million pool of cash grants available directly to veteran-owned businesses. Its value to participating companies is procurement education and mentorship.

Businesses interested in attending should contact VIP directly to confirm the appropriate program, participation requirements, and scheduling.

Understand What Your Certification Does for Your Business

Before choosing target agencies, understand the distinction between the two veteran business certifications.

Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business certification, or SDVOSB certification, provides access to qualifying set-aside and sole-source opportunities across the federal government. Veteran-Owned Small Business certification, or VOSB certification, provides access to qualifying set-aside and sole-source opportunities at the Department of Veterans Affairs under its Vets First program. SBA also identifies a governmentwide goal of awarding at least 5% of federal contracting dollars to SDVOSBs, although that goal is not a promise of work for any individual company.

Certification readiness involves more than confirming that an owner served in the military. Core requirements include qualifying small-business size, at least 51% qualifying veteran ownership, and actual control of the business. SDVOSB applicants must meet the corresponding service-disabled veteran requirements.

Review your operating agreement, ownership records, voting arrangements, and management responsibilities before applying. A majority ownership percentage does not settle the control question if the company’s governing documents give someone else authority over ordinary business decisions. SBA’s rules address both ownership and control.

Treat this review as the beginning of your federal business-development effort, rather than waiting for approval before researching potential customers. You can prepare your marketing and study the market while accurately describing your certification status.

Give Buyers a Capability Statement They Can Use

A capability statement should help a buyer understand where your company fits, not require them to translate a page of broad claims into something useful.

For initial outreach, build a focused, one-page version that presents your core services, relevant project experience, meaningful differentiators, business identifiers, and direct contact information. Tailor the emphasis to the customer you are approaching instead of sending every buyer the same general company introduction.

For example, a facilities-maintenance company could highlight experience working in occupied buildings, coordinating after-hours repairs, and documenting preventive maintenance. Those details give a buyer something concrete to evaluate, provided the company can substantiate them.

Compare that with “We provide comprehensive solutions and exceptional service.” A buyer could find those words on almost anybody’s website.

Use specific project descriptions and measurable results where available. Clearly distinguish work performed by your company from experience an owner gained in the military or at a previous employer.

There is also an important distinction between marketing readiness and application requirements: SBA does not require a capability statement to apply for its certification programs. Develop one because it supports your outreach, not because it is a mandatory certification document.

Choose a Realistic Target Market

“Federal agencies” is too broad to be a useful prospect list. Start with two or three agencies or buying offices that have a demonstrated need for your strongest services.

SBA recommends researching purchasing activity and agency needs before approaching government customers. USAspending.gov can help identify historical awards and procurement patterns, while SAM.gov provides a place to monitor federal contract opportunities.

Look beyond the agency’s name. Study the work being purchased, the incumbent contractors, performance locations, and the size of requirements you could reasonably handle.

A regional electrical contractor, for example, has a practical reason to study nearby federal facilities before chasing every construction opportunity nationwide. The objective is to find a manageable group of customers whose needs match the company’s experience and capacity.

Then look forward. GSA’s Forecast of Contracting Opportunities tool includes information such as agency, NAICS code, anticipated award date, acquisition strategy, and place of performance. Forecasts support early planning, but they can change or disappear and do not commit the government to a purchase.

Use those details to decide where your preparation time belongs.

Build an Outreach Process You Can Repeat

Once you have identified likely customers, establish a weekly routine for reviewing opportunities, contacting relevant offices, and documenting the next step.

Your first message should give the recipient a reason to keep reading. Reference a relevant requirement or mission need, explain the specific work your company performs, and include a brief example that supports your claim.

GSA encourages early engagement around forecasted opportunities, including sharing a concise capability statement and asking appropriate questions about the anticipated acquisition strategy. SBA also points businesses toward agency small-business offices after they have researched the agency’s needs.

For each prospective customer, record the contact, the potential requirement, the reason your business fits, and a sensible follow-up date. Make subsequent messages useful by adding relevant information rather than repeatedly asking whether any work is available.

Keep your public business information aligned with that outreach. SBA’s Small Business Search database is used by agencies to identify small-business contractors, so review your profile for clear capabilities and accurate information.

Prepare to Price and Perform Before You Bid

Before investing days in a proposal, test whether the opportunity makes operational and financial sense.

Build your price from the actual cost of performing the work. Account for labor, applicable payroll burden, materials, equipment, insurance, overhead, and a reasonable margin. Read the requirement closely enough to identify costs that would otherwise become expensive surprises after award.

Then consider delivery. Can you meet the schedule without disrupting existing customers? Are the necessary people and equipment available? Have you assessed the cash required to get started?

Federal contractor responsibility standards address financial resources, delivery capability, operational controls, technical skills, and necessary equipment or facilities. These are substantive considerations, not details that certification makes unnecessary.

Where a requirement exceeds your current capacity, consider whether subcontracting offers a more manageable entry point. GSA identifies subcontracting as a way to participate in federal work before a business is prepared to contract directly with an agency.

A sensible bid decision protects both your proposal budget and the reputation you are working to build.

Make Certification Part of a Practical Growth Plan

The useful lesson in this announcement is that certification and contracting readiness belong together. As you prepare your application, identify likely customers, sharpen your capability statement, and establish a repeatable process for evaluating opportunities.

FedBiz Access helps veteran business owners assess VOSB and SDVOSB eligibility, organize supporting documentation, and navigate the application process. We also offer capability-statement development and targeted federal market research to support the business-development work that follows. FedBiz Access

SBA certification applications are free. FedBiz Access’s professional assistance is optional and separate from the SBA-funded VIP training program; SBA makes the certification decision. Veteran Small Business Certification

Interested in getting SDVOSB or VOSB certified? Call FedBiz Access today at (844) 628-8914 for a complimentary eligibility review and a discussion of your next steps.

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Lee Bailey

4 weeks ago

Enjoyed working with Mrs Constance Painter. Quick communication and process went smooth!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your business and your five star google review for the FedBiz Access team member. We value your feedback!

Peter Anthony

4 weeks ago

After initially signing up for FedBiz i really wasn't sure what to expect, but I took a chance and the folks working there were really helpful. Constance Painter was one of the first to assist me with moving me along the process, and I was really impressed with her availability and forward thinking to keeping the ball rolling.

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to be of service and to continue assisting with your government contracting needs now and in the future. Thank you for this five star google review for the FedBiz Access team and for placing your trust in us.

Jamal Salih

1 month ago

My experience with FedBiz has genuinely been a positive and valuable one. When I came to them, I was still learning my way through government contracting, and the guidance and support I received helped me better understand the process and continue moving my business forward. I especially want to recognize Frank Kerbs. I had regular consultation meetings with Frank, and I always appreciated his time, knowledge, patience, and willingness to answer my questions. Having someone knowledgeable that I could speak with consistently made a real difference in my experience. During my time working with FedBiz, my company went on to receive several government contract awards. Most recently, we were awarded a four-year government contract providing ongoing maintenance services for a public healthcare facility. I’m extremely grateful for the progress my company has made and for the guidance and resources FedBiz provided along the way. What I appreciate most is that my experience with FedBiz wasn’t simply about receiving a service. I came away with a much greater understanding and appreciation for government contracting and what is possible for a small business willing to pursue these opportunities. I’m genuinely grateful to Frank and the entire FedBiz team for being part of that journey, and I would gladly recommend them to other small-business owners who are serious about exploring government contracting.

Response from the owner:Congratulations of your contract award success and thank you for the opportunity to be of assistance. We appreciate your detailed feedback for the FedBiz Access team and your account consultants specifically. We look forward to continue providing valuable service and assistance with your government contracting goals, from registration to award.

Dennis Haag

1 month ago

Great POC for us. They provide us with current and relevant information. You need them to keep informed and to find opportunities.

BRONSON'S AMBITIONS

2 months ago

Great With Follow Up and Execution!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your feedback, our pleasure to assist with your government contracting goals and registrations.

James Mabrey

2 months ago

Working with Ashley Futral of FedBiz Access was a great experience, she was professional and very Knowledgable of the process and I would recommend anyone pursuing anything within the US Governement Certifications Space to Work with FedBiz Access Team.

Response from the owner:Congratulations on your recently awarded Certification and thank you for the opportunity to assist in that endeavor on your behalf. We appreciate your business and your feedback and remain at your service as needed.

Stevie Duncan

2 months ago

Was able to reeive information capable of getting me engaged in the process.

Response from the owner:Thank you.

Bill Ketenbrink

2 months ago

great job

Response from the owner:Thank you for this five star google review for the FedBiz Access team!

Rich Mauch

2 months ago

Big shoutout to Constance Painter of FedBiz for the awesome work she recently managed for our gov't SAMS account. Thank you Constance!

Response from the owner:Been a pleasure to assist you with your government contracting needs, looking forward to your success!

Lori

3 months ago

Helpful and friendly staff. Nice and easy.

Response from the owner:Thank you, our pleasure to assist

Patrick Tuttle

3 months ago

THE TEAM--Wayne-Frank-Ashley =A+ Team. All of them are there for you, and unlike many other places we interviewed, they are keen to answer your calls and questions in an expeditious manner. We never have to wait very long to get help. We tried many firms, and NONE can hold a candle to "THIS" team. Thx guys for your "CARING"

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to consistently be of help and value to your organization and government contracting goals. We look forward to continue earning A+. Thank you for your business and time in leaving the FedBiz Access team this five star google review and comments.

Cathy M

4 months ago

I met Sidney Waters one year ago on a conference call. Really personable and ready to help companies become properly equipped government contractors. Their resources and expert guidance provide everything you need to implement your strategy and hit the ground running. Although I haven't subscribed to Fed Biz Access, Sidney Waters has consistently checked in on our progress, providing "gold nuggets" and directing us to government resources. To be honest, he doesn't have to, but he's a quality individual. And for that, we appreciate him. The team at Fed Biz Access consists of former contracting officers who clearly know their stuff. If you are looking to start a government contracting business, I highly recommend calling Sidney Waters before spending your budget elsewhere. He is a genuine, professional who genuinely wants you to succeed.

Response from the owner:Thank you for attending our presentation; Our pleasure to be of assistance and support with your government contracting goals as needed. We look forward to being of service again in the future. We appreciate your time in posting this five star google review for the FedBiz Access team consultant.

Glenn Scheel

4 months ago

Ashley Futral and the entire staff at FedBiz Access are very knowledgable and helpful. Ashley has helped me navigate the arduous process of GSA approval with great care and speed.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the opportunity to be of service. We appreciate the five star google rating and your positive feedback for the FedBiz Access team and your account specialist.

diane canovas

4 months ago

I've been working with Ashley Futral for almost 2 years, after taking over as Account Administrator for our SAM.gov account. Interaction with Ashley has always been pleasant. She took the time to explain what she was doing as she navigated through the process of updating our account information. Very knowledgeable, which was a relief as I was just taking over the role of Admin. Thank you Ashley, "Thumbs Up"

Response from the owner:Thank you for the thumbs up and for your continued business. Very much appreciate your feedback and five star google rating for the FedBIz Access team specialist.

Jo-lin Ferdinand

4 months ago

Ashley Futral has always been available for me. She has always made me feel like I have nothing to worry about. My million questions are answered with a kind word and assurance that all is good and she's got me. Never worry about a due date, she's on it before I even know it's coming up. Super GRATEFUL THAT SHE IS THERE FOR ME.

Response from the owner:We look forward to always being of service and value to your organization and love the "million questions".. we strive hard to have the million answers:) Thank you for this five star FedBiz Access team consultant review!

Mariah Khetem

4 months ago

Ashley was outstanding throughout the entire process. She was incredibly responsive, knowledgeable, and dedicated to ensuring everything was completed accurately and on time. Her attention to detail and proactive communication made what could have been a complicated process feel seamless and stress-free. Ashley worked diligently to guide us through each step, keeping us informed along the way and quickly addressing any questions or updates that arose. Her professionalism, expertise, and commitment to customer service were evident from start to finish. We truly appreciate all of Ashley's hard work and support and would highly recommend her and Fedbiz to anyone needing assistance. Thank you, Ashley, for going above and beyond!

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to assist with your government contracting needs and registrations. Thank you for your repeat business and your detailed five star feedback for the FedBiz Access team specialist. Very much appreciated!

Al Hogan

4 months ago

I cannot say enough good things about Ashley Futral and the exceptional support she provided throughout my SBA and SDVOSB certification process. From start to finish, Ashley demonstrated an outstanding level of professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to customer service. Navigating the certification process can be overwhelming, but her knowledge, guidance, and responsiveness made the entire experience smooth and stress-free. Ashley took the time to thoroughly review every requirement, identify potential issues before they became problems, and ensure that all documentation was accurate and complete. Her meticulous attention to detail played a significant role in helping me successfully obtain both my SBA certification and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) certification. What impressed me most was her genuine dedication to her clients. She was always available to answer questions, provide updates, and offer expert advice throughout the process. Her communication was timely, clear, and professional, giving me confidence every step of the way. If you are seeking assistance with SBA certifications, SDVOSB certifications, or government contracting registrations, I highly recommend Ashley Futral. Her expertise, work ethic, and customer-focused approach are truly second to none. Thank you, Ashley, for your outstanding support and for helping me achieve this important milestone for my business. I also want to add I wouked with Mya Plant. Mya Plant exceeded every expectation and delivered a capability statement that truly elevated our organization's professional image and marketability. From our initial consultation through the final product, Mya demonstrated exceptional professionalism, attention to detail, and a genuine commitment to understanding our business. She took the time to learn about our organization's history, capabilities, certifications, differentiators, and long-term goals, then transformed that information into a polished, visually appealing, and highly effective capability statement. What impressed me most was her ability to take complex information and present it in a clear, concise, and compelling format that speaks directly to potential government agencies, contracting officers, and business partners. Her recommendations improved not only the document itself but also how we communicate our value proposition to prospective clients. Mya was responsive, patient, and incredibly easy to work with throughout the entire process. Every revision was completed quickly, and she consistently went above and beyond to ensure the final product exceeded our expectations. Thanks to her expertise, we now have a professional capability statement that accurately reflects our organization, strengthens our credibility, and positions us more effectively for government contracting and business development opportunities. If you are considering hiring Mya for capability statements, government contracting support, branding materials, or professional business documents, I recommend her without hesitation. Her expertise, customer service, and dedication to excellence are second to none. Thank you, Mya, for your outstanding work and commitment to our success. We look forward to working with you again in the future. — Professor Al Hogan Owner, Team Randori Martial Arts Retired U.S. Army CW4 | Veteran-Owned Business Owner

Response from the owner:Thank you for your business and your detailed five star review for the FedBiz Access team consultant; our pleasure to be of service as needed.

Rita Hibbard

4 months ago

Very good company.

Response from the owner:We appreciate your business and this five star google review for our FedBiz Access team. Thank you.

Allyson Collins

4 months ago

Elizabeth Whitaker was exceptional, very helpful and was always there whenever we need her, thank you Elizabeth for being the great person that you are. We at Collins Henry, LLC is very grateful to have her working on our behalf....

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to continue being of valuable service to your organization. Thank you for the recognition and the kind comments for our FedBiz Access specialist; We appreciate you.

Bryan Johnson

5 months ago

I had my own federal contracting consulting business for 25 years and I have to say Fed Biz Access is doing it right.

Michael Scanna

5 months ago

I cannot recommend the assistance Elizabeth and her team provided to me enough! The entire process was handled professionally, quickly, and with incredible attention to detail. What seemed overwhelming and confusing at first became simple and stress-free thanks to their guidance. They answered every question patiently, ensured all information was submitted correctly, and kept me informed every step of the way. Their knowledge of the SAM registration process saved me so much time and frustration. If you need reliable, efficient, and trustworthy help with SAM registration, this is absolutely the team to use!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your business and your time in leaving us this five star Google review for the FedBiz Access team specialist. We appreciate your recommendation and detailed feedback on your experience with our dedicated team. We remain at your service, as needed.

Stacy Hall

5 months ago

Trying to update anything with a govenrment agency is always a nightmare. After fighting with Sam.gov for weeks and getting nowhere, we reached out to Constance for help. She has made this SO much easier on us and gotten our account active again.

Response from the owner:Taking the frustration out of these somewhat cumbersome processes is at the center of our expertise. As changes continue within the government workplace, platforms and procedures, our team stays vigilant and current in our quest for a fruitful and pleasant customer experience. Thank you for the opportunity to assist.

Justin Moore

5 months ago

Elizabeth Whitaker with FedBiz Access has been great. She has taken her time with us to customize her services directly to what we need. She is very professional and knowledgeable. Further, she is very proactive and highly responsive in our communications. We enjoy our experience working with Elizabeth and her team. We would highly recommend using Elizabeth at FedBiz Access.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the opportunity to be of assistance as needed with your government contracting needs; very much appreciate your positive feedback and five star review for the FedBiz Access team specialist and your recommendation of our services.

Minerva Finishes

5 months ago

Elizabeth Whitaker has been so very helpful to us. We are a very small business attempting to navigate the Government Contracts process. Elizabeth is quite knowledgeable, easy to understand and patient.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your positive feedback for the FedBiz Access team specialist and this five star google review for our Company. Look forward to assisting you as needed in the future.

Lynn Tyler

5 months ago

Elizabeth Whitaker helped me get my recertification. She made the process painless. She also helped me update my SAM.

Response from the owner:We appreciate your continued business and positive feedback for the FedBiz Access team specialist. Congratulations on your recent recertification, and thank you for the opportunity to assist you in that process.

The post New Support for Veteran-Owned Contractors: SBA Invests in Federal Contracting Readiness appeared first on FedBiz Access.

For international companies, that frustration can send someone searching for the combination of letters or numbers that gets the form to cooperate. Unfortunately, advice that works on a shopping website may create problems in a federal registration.

A sound GSA Schedule strategy starts with accurate business records. When SAM.gov rejects an address, the goal is to resolve the underlying discrepancy and keep your information consistent throughout the registration process.

Why this matters to your GSA Schedule strategy

SAM registration deserves a place on your business development calendar alongside pricing, market research, and proposal preparation. GSA explains that, in most cases, offerors need an active registration when submitting an offer or quotation and at award. Its guidance for existing Multiple Award Schedule contractors also requires a current, accurate, complete SAM profile and active registration through final payment.

That makes address accuracy a practical scheduling concern. Discovering a validation problem while preparing an offer leaves less time to gather records, obtain translations, or correct an international registration.

Treat registration readiness as an early milestone. Assign someone responsibility for checking the record, monitoring renewal dates, and coordinating changes before the sales team promises a submission date.

Diagnose the error before changing the postal code

A postal-code formatting error and an entity-validation failure should not automatically be treated as the same problem. Record exactly what the system says and where it stops you.

Does the form reject a field before you can continue? Does the entity search fail to locate your business? Or does a later registration message identify a CAGE or NCAGE issue? GSA distinguishes entity validation from the separate CAGE review handled by the Defense Logistics Agency.

Before changing anything, compare your selected country, legal business name, physical address, city, province, and postal information with your supporting records. Keep the error message and the affected screen available when requesting help. Those details make a support request more useful than a general statement that registration is broken.

Avoid treating placeholder codes as an approved fix

Suggestions such as entering 00000, 99999, N/A, or the city name into the postal-code field circulate online. The official guidance reviewed for this article does not establish any of those entries as a universal SAM.gov solution for countries without postal codes.

Use a placeholder only when applicable official instructions or case-specific government support guidance direct you to do so. A value that lets you advance through one screen does not establish that your address will pass subsequent checks.

Also verify the country’s actual addressing system. Oman, for example, uses three-digit postcodes according to the Universal Postal Union, so it should not be described as a country without postal codes.

Where your location genuinely has no postal code, explain that circumstance and request the correct entry method. If the form prevents you from reaching the validation workflow, report the technical problem to FSD instead of inventing address information to provoke a rejection. SAM.gov provides FSD support for technical issues.

Keep your NCAGE and SAM information aligned

For a non-U.S. business pursuing federal contracts, NCAGE preparation is part of registration readiness. SAM’s All Awards checklist directs entities based outside the United States to obtain an NCAGE code before starting registration. The international registration guide says the legal business name and physical address used for NCAGE and SAM must be identical.

Compare the records side by side, including building or suite details, city spelling, country, and any postal information. If a placeholder appears in one record, investigate whether it is correct before reproducing it elsewhere.

When the NCAGE record needs correction, work through the responsible NCAGE authority and follow the registration instructions for resubmission. Matching an inaccurate record simply carries the problem forward. Maintain a clear record of approved corrections so everyone involved uses the same business information.

Submit evidence through the entity-validation workflow

When SAM cannot locate the correct entity match, use the assistance or documentation route presented within the SAM.gov validation process. Official guidance describes creating an incident from that process and supplying documents that establish the correct information. Follow the current on-screen prompts, since interface labels can change.

Explain precisely what needs review. For a location that genuinely has no postal code, an appropriate description would be:

Our entity is located in [country] at [complete physical address]. No postal code is assigned to this location. The postal-code field displays [exact error]. The attached [document names] establish our legal business name and physical location. Please advise how to represent the postal-code field and complete validation.

Adapt the wording to the facts. Identify what each attachment proves, and preserve the incident number for follow-up. Do not claim that an entire country lacks postal codes unless you have verified it.

Choose documents that actually establish your information

GSA’s published guidance highlights several avoidable documentation problems. Business records must support the information entered, and a P.O. box does not establish a physical location. Foundational documents can remain useful when their information is unchanged; another acceptable document may be needed to prove a current address.

Readable business-registration records, incorporation documents, and appropriate supporting statements can help establish the required facts. Submit clear documents with relevant seals, signatures, and address details visible. For non-English originals, include the required certified English translation.

Be careful with blanket advice about attachments. GSA’s published rejection guide allows certain official state business-registry screenshots, so “screenshots are never accepted” is inaccurate. That guide also describes a five-year window for recurring documents, rather than a universal 90-day requirement. Use recent evidence where available and check the current FSD documentation requirements and your case instructions before submitting.

Follow through until your registration is active

Opening an incident begins a review; it does not guarantee approval or a manual override. GSA explains that FSD phone and chat personnel provide system support but do not review validation documents. Validation communications come from the entity-validation team.

Monitor the incident and respond promptly to requests. After validation is resolved, return to SAM and complete the remaining registration steps. A validated entity or assigned Unique Entity ID is not the same as an active registration for pursuing federal contracts.

Build those follow-up tasks into your GSA preparation schedule, with a named owner and time to resolve outstanding questions.

Keep copies of the final submissions, supporting records, and government responses so your next renewal starts with an organized reference instead of another search.

Get help updating your SAM profile

An address issue can consume hours that belong to your customers and contracting opportunities. FedBiz Access provides SAM registration and optimization assistance to help businesses maintain accurate profiles and prepare for the government marketplace.

If you need assistance updating and optimizing your SAM profile or help with your GSA Schedule, call FedBiz Access today at (844) 628-8914. We can help you review your information, identify inconsistencies, and organize the next steps for your registration update. SAM.gov itself is free to use; professional assistance is optional.

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Lee Bailey

4 weeks ago

Enjoyed working with Mrs Constance Painter. Quick communication and process went smooth!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your business and your five star google review for the FedBiz Access team member. We value your feedback!

Peter Anthony

4 weeks ago

After initially signing up for FedBiz i really wasn't sure what to expect, but I took a chance and the folks working there were really helpful. Constance Painter was one of the first to assist me with moving me along the process, and I was really impressed with her availability and forward thinking to keeping the ball rolling.

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to be of service and to continue assisting with your government contracting needs now and in the future. Thank you for this five star google review for the FedBiz Access team and for placing your trust in us.

Jamal Salih

1 month ago

My experience with FedBiz has genuinely been a positive and valuable one. When I came to them, I was still learning my way through government contracting, and the guidance and support I received helped me better understand the process and continue moving my business forward. I especially want to recognize Frank Kerbs. I had regular consultation meetings with Frank, and I always appreciated his time, knowledge, patience, and willingness to answer my questions. Having someone knowledgeable that I could speak with consistently made a real difference in my experience. During my time working with FedBiz, my company went on to receive several government contract awards. Most recently, we were awarded a four-year government contract providing ongoing maintenance services for a public healthcare facility. I’m extremely grateful for the progress my company has made and for the guidance and resources FedBiz provided along the way. What I appreciate most is that my experience with FedBiz wasn’t simply about receiving a service. I came away with a much greater understanding and appreciation for government contracting and what is possible for a small business willing to pursue these opportunities. I’m genuinely grateful to Frank and the entire FedBiz team for being part of that journey, and I would gladly recommend them to other small-business owners who are serious about exploring government contracting.

Response from the owner:Congratulations of your contract award success and thank you for the opportunity to be of assistance. We appreciate your detailed feedback for the FedBiz Access team and your account consultants specifically. We look forward to continue providing valuable service and assistance with your government contracting goals, from registration to award.

Dennis Haag

1 month ago

Great POC for us. They provide us with current and relevant information. You need them to keep informed and to find opportunities.

BRONSON'S AMBITIONS

2 months ago

Great With Follow Up and Execution!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your feedback, our pleasure to assist with your government contracting goals and registrations.

James Mabrey

2 months ago

Working with Ashley Futral of FedBiz Access was a great experience, she was professional and very Knowledgable of the process and I would recommend anyone pursuing anything within the US Governement Certifications Space to Work with FedBiz Access Team.

Response from the owner:Congratulations on your recently awarded Certification and thank you for the opportunity to assist in that endeavor on your behalf. We appreciate your business and your feedback and remain at your service as needed.

Stevie Duncan

2 months ago

Was able to reeive information capable of getting me engaged in the process.

Response from the owner:Thank you.

Bill Ketenbrink

2 months ago

great job

Response from the owner:Thank you for this five star google review for the FedBiz Access team!

Rich Mauch

2 months ago

Big shoutout to Constance Painter of FedBiz for the awesome work she recently managed for our gov't SAMS account. Thank you Constance!

Response from the owner:Been a pleasure to assist you with your government contracting needs, looking forward to your success!

Lori

3 months ago

Helpful and friendly staff. Nice and easy.

Response from the owner:Thank you, our pleasure to assist

Patrick Tuttle

3 months ago

THE TEAM--Wayne-Frank-Ashley =A+ Team. All of them are there for you, and unlike many other places we interviewed, they are keen to answer your calls and questions in an expeditious manner. We never have to wait very long to get help. We tried many firms, and NONE can hold a candle to "THIS" team. Thx guys for your "CARING"

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to consistently be of help and value to your organization and government contracting goals. We look forward to continue earning A+. Thank you for your business and time in leaving the FedBiz Access team this five star google review and comments.

Cathy M

4 months ago

I met Sidney Waters one year ago on a conference call. Really personable and ready to help companies become properly equipped government contractors. Their resources and expert guidance provide everything you need to implement your strategy and hit the ground running. Although I haven't subscribed to Fed Biz Access, Sidney Waters has consistently checked in on our progress, providing "gold nuggets" and directing us to government resources. To be honest, he doesn't have to, but he's a quality individual. And for that, we appreciate him. The team at Fed Biz Access consists of former contracting officers who clearly know their stuff. If you are looking to start a government contracting business, I highly recommend calling Sidney Waters before spending your budget elsewhere. He is a genuine, professional who genuinely wants you to succeed.

Response from the owner:Thank you for attending our presentation; Our pleasure to be of assistance and support with your government contracting goals as needed. We look forward to being of service again in the future. We appreciate your time in posting this five star google review for the FedBiz Access team consultant.

Glenn Scheel

4 months ago

Ashley Futral and the entire staff at FedBiz Access are very knowledgable and helpful. Ashley has helped me navigate the arduous process of GSA approval with great care and speed.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the opportunity to be of service. We appreciate the five star google rating and your positive feedback for the FedBiz Access team and your account specialist.

diane canovas

4 months ago

I've been working with Ashley Futral for almost 2 years, after taking over as Account Administrator for our SAM.gov account. Interaction with Ashley has always been pleasant. She took the time to explain what she was doing as she navigated through the process of updating our account information. Very knowledgeable, which was a relief as I was just taking over the role of Admin. Thank you Ashley, "Thumbs Up"

Response from the owner:Thank you for the thumbs up and for your continued business. Very much appreciate your feedback and five star google rating for the FedBIz Access team specialist.

Jo-lin Ferdinand

4 months ago

Ashley Futral has always been available for me. She has always made me feel like I have nothing to worry about. My million questions are answered with a kind word and assurance that all is good and she's got me. Never worry about a due date, she's on it before I even know it's coming up. Super GRATEFUL THAT SHE IS THERE FOR ME.

Response from the owner:We look forward to always being of service and value to your organization and love the "million questions".. we strive hard to have the million answers:) Thank you for this five star FedBiz Access team consultant review!

Mariah Khetem

4 months ago

Ashley was outstanding throughout the entire process. She was incredibly responsive, knowledgeable, and dedicated to ensuring everything was completed accurately and on time. Her attention to detail and proactive communication made what could have been a complicated process feel seamless and stress-free. Ashley worked diligently to guide us through each step, keeping us informed along the way and quickly addressing any questions or updates that arose. Her professionalism, expertise, and commitment to customer service were evident from start to finish. We truly appreciate all of Ashley's hard work and support and would highly recommend her and Fedbiz to anyone needing assistance. Thank you, Ashley, for going above and beyond!

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to assist with your government contracting needs and registrations. Thank you for your repeat business and your detailed five star feedback for the FedBiz Access team specialist. Very much appreciated!

Al Hogan

4 months ago

I cannot say enough good things about Ashley Futral and the exceptional support she provided throughout my SBA and SDVOSB certification process. From start to finish, Ashley demonstrated an outstanding level of professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to customer service. Navigating the certification process can be overwhelming, but her knowledge, guidance, and responsiveness made the entire experience smooth and stress-free. Ashley took the time to thoroughly review every requirement, identify potential issues before they became problems, and ensure that all documentation was accurate and complete. Her meticulous attention to detail played a significant role in helping me successfully obtain both my SBA certification and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) certification. What impressed me most was her genuine dedication to her clients. She was always available to answer questions, provide updates, and offer expert advice throughout the process. Her communication was timely, clear, and professional, giving me confidence every step of the way. If you are seeking assistance with SBA certifications, SDVOSB certifications, or government contracting registrations, I highly recommend Ashley Futral. Her expertise, work ethic, and customer-focused approach are truly second to none. Thank you, Ashley, for your outstanding support and for helping me achieve this important milestone for my business. I also want to add I wouked with Mya Plant. Mya Plant exceeded every expectation and delivered a capability statement that truly elevated our organization's professional image and marketability. From our initial consultation through the final product, Mya demonstrated exceptional professionalism, attention to detail, and a genuine commitment to understanding our business. She took the time to learn about our organization's history, capabilities, certifications, differentiators, and long-term goals, then transformed that information into a polished, visually appealing, and highly effective capability statement. What impressed me most was her ability to take complex information and present it in a clear, concise, and compelling format that speaks directly to potential government agencies, contracting officers, and business partners. Her recommendations improved not only the document itself but also how we communicate our value proposition to prospective clients. Mya was responsive, patient, and incredibly easy to work with throughout the entire process. Every revision was completed quickly, and she consistently went above and beyond to ensure the final product exceeded our expectations. Thanks to her expertise, we now have a professional capability statement that accurately reflects our organization, strengthens our credibility, and positions us more effectively for government contracting and business development opportunities. If you are considering hiring Mya for capability statements, government contracting support, branding materials, or professional business documents, I recommend her without hesitation. Her expertise, customer service, and dedication to excellence are second to none. Thank you, Mya, for your outstanding work and commitment to our success. We look forward to working with you again in the future. — Professor Al Hogan Owner, Team Randori Martial Arts Retired U.S. Army CW4 | Veteran-Owned Business Owner

Response from the owner:Thank you for your business and your detailed five star review for the FedBiz Access team consultant; our pleasure to be of service as needed.

Rita Hibbard

4 months ago

Very good company.

Response from the owner:We appreciate your business and this five star google review for our FedBiz Access team. Thank you.

Allyson Collins

4 months ago

Elizabeth Whitaker was exceptional, very helpful and was always there whenever we need her, thank you Elizabeth for being the great person that you are. We at Collins Henry, LLC is very grateful to have her working on our behalf....

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to continue being of valuable service to your organization. Thank you for the recognition and the kind comments for our FedBiz Access specialist; We appreciate you.

Bryan Johnson

5 months ago

I had my own federal contracting consulting business for 25 years and I have to say Fed Biz Access is doing it right.

Michael Scanna

5 months ago

I cannot recommend the assistance Elizabeth and her team provided to me enough! The entire process was handled professionally, quickly, and with incredible attention to detail. What seemed overwhelming and confusing at first became simple and stress-free thanks to their guidance. They answered every question patiently, ensured all information was submitted correctly, and kept me informed every step of the way. Their knowledge of the SAM registration process saved me so much time and frustration. If you need reliable, efficient, and trustworthy help with SAM registration, this is absolutely the team to use!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your business and your time in leaving us this five star Google review for the FedBiz Access team specialist. We appreciate your recommendation and detailed feedback on your experience with our dedicated team. We remain at your service, as needed.

Stacy Hall

5 months ago

Trying to update anything with a govenrment agency is always a nightmare. After fighting with Sam.gov for weeks and getting nowhere, we reached out to Constance for help. She has made this SO much easier on us and gotten our account active again.

Response from the owner:Taking the frustration out of these somewhat cumbersome processes is at the center of our expertise. As changes continue within the government workplace, platforms and procedures, our team stays vigilant and current in our quest for a fruitful and pleasant customer experience. Thank you for the opportunity to assist.

Justin Moore

5 months ago

Elizabeth Whitaker with FedBiz Access has been great. She has taken her time with us to customize her services directly to what we need. She is very professional and knowledgeable. Further, she is very proactive and highly responsive in our communications. We enjoy our experience working with Elizabeth and her team. We would highly recommend using Elizabeth at FedBiz Access.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the opportunity to be of assistance as needed with your government contracting needs; very much appreciate your positive feedback and five star review for the FedBiz Access team specialist and your recommendation of our services.

Minerva Finishes

5 months ago

Elizabeth Whitaker has been so very helpful to us. We are a very small business attempting to navigate the Government Contracts process. Elizabeth is quite knowledgeable, easy to understand and patient.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your positive feedback for the FedBiz Access team specialist and this five star google review for our Company. Look forward to assisting you as needed in the future.

Lynn Tyler

5 months ago

Elizabeth Whitaker helped me get my recertification. She made the process painless. She also helped me update my SAM.

Response from the owner:We appreciate your continued business and positive feedback for the FedBiz Access team specialist. Congratulations on your recent recertification, and thank you for the opportunity to assist you in that process.

The post GSA Schedule Strategy: Fixing SAM.gov Validation Problems with International Addresses appeared first on FedBiz Access.

That assumption can leave real opportunities unexplored.

On September 14, 2026, the Federal Aviation Administration announced approximately $1.1 billion through 280 Airport Improvement Program grants across 46 states and three territories. The funding covers projects ranging from runway reconstruction and terminal expansion to noise mitigation, airfield equipment, lighting, and other safety-related infrastructure.

The important point for small businesses is not that $1.1 billion in new contracts suddenly appeared on a federal bid board. It did not.

These are grants to airport sponsors, and some of the associated procurement may already be underway. But the announcement provides something valuable to contractors who know how to use it: a detailed market-intelligence signal showing where funded airport projects are moving forward.

You do not have to manufacture airplanes to investigate that work.

Look Past the Headline and Into the Project List

The FAA announcement highlighted several large awards, including $30.7 million for runway reconstruction at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, $18.9 million for terminal expansion at Shreveport Regional Airport, $11.5 million for a new contract tower at Mankato Regional Airport, and $42.8 million spread across 10 airports for noise mitigation projects. Another $10.9 million will help equip airport vehicles at 61 airports with vehicle movement area transmitters.

Those examples only tell part of the story.

The FAA’s complete September 14 grant list includes projects for apron reconstruction, taxiway rehabilitation, taxiway lighting, drainage and erosion control, airfield equipment, energy infrastructure, snow-removal equipment, environmental mitigation, and other improvements. For example, the list includes more than $13 million for taxiway and taxiway-lighting rehabilitation at Space Coast Regional Airport in Florida, approximately $12.6 million for airport energy infrastructure and related work at Pensacola International Airport, and numerous equipment acquisitions at airports throughout the country.

That is a much broader supply chain than most businesses picture when they hear “airport contracting.”

The FAA also identifies runways, taxiways, signage, airport lighting, markings, and related safety infrastructure as common uses of Airport Improvement Program funding. Depending on the project, eligible costs can also include professional services such as planning, surveying, and design.

That creates reasons for civil contractors, electrical companies, paving and concrete firms, striping and signage businesses, equipment suppliers, engineering companies, environmental contractors, specialty manufacturers, and other small businesses to pay attention.

The First Question Should Not Be “Where Is the Federal Bid?”

This is where contractors can waste a lot of time.

Airport Improvement Program funding is federal money, but that does not mean every resulting contract will appear as a direct FAA solicitation on SAM.gov.

Under the AIP, the airport sponsor is responsible for the procurement and the resulting contracts. The FAA oversees grant compliance, but it is not the contracting party for the sponsor’s construction or equipment contract. FAA guidance places responsibility for administering those contracts with the sponsor.

Depending on the airport, that sponsor or purchasing organization might be an airport authority, city, county, state agency, port authority, or another public entity.

That changes your research strategy.

Instead of searching only federal opportunities, you may need to find the airport’s procurement page, the owner’s purchasing portal, municipal bid notices, state and local procurement systems, airport board documents, capital-improvement plans, and contract-award records.

FAA rules also require AIP procurement to follow applicable federal procurement standards. For development and equipment projects, the FAA identifies competitive sealed bidding as the preferred method when appropriate and requires public advertising designed to generate competition. Architect-engineer procurements follow qualifications-based selection requirements and also involve publicly advertised requests for qualifications.

In other words, there can be a public trail. The trick is finding the right trail early enough to act on it.

A Practical Five-Step Way to Investigate the Funding

1. Start with the FAA grant list, not a generic airport search. Review the September 14 award list and filter it according to your geography and capabilities. An electrical contractor might flag taxiway-lighting projects. A civil contractor may focus on runway, apron, drainage, and taxiway work. An equipment supplier could investigate awards specifically labeled “Acquire Airfield Equipment.” You do not need to research all 280 grants. Build a manageable shortlist of projects where your company could realistically participate.
2. Identify the actual purchasing organization. Once you have an airport and project, determine who owns or sponsors the airport and who handles procurement. Then move to that organization’s purchasing resources. Search its active solicitations, vendor-registration system, capital-project pages, board agendas, meeting minutes, and historical awards. The name on the airport terminal is not always the name of the entity issuing the purchase order.
3. Find out where the project is in the procurement cycle. A September grant announcement does not automatically mean the solicitation will be released in October. In fact, timing can work the other way. FAA guidance states that AIP sponsors base grant applications on defined project costs, which can include received bids or negotiated fees. That means some newly announced grants may support work for which procurement has already progressed, while other scopes may still be approaching solicitation. Search the airport and project description alongside terms such as “IFB,” “RFP,” “RFQ,” “bid tabulation,” “contract award,” and “notice to proceed.” Your objective is to determine whether you are looking at a future prime opportunity, an active competition, or a subcontracting target.
4. Research the primes and consultants already involved. If the main construction contract has been awarded, that does not necessarily end the investigation. Look at contract-award notices, airport-board documents, bid tabulations, and project announcements to identify the general contractor, construction manager, engineering firm, or other major participants. Then approach relevant primes with a project-specific subcontracting message. “We saw your company is involved in the taxiway rehabilitation at XYZ Airport, and we perform airfield electrical work throughout the region” is far more useful than emailing the same generic capability statement to 200 companies.
5. Tailor your capability statement to airport work. Match your qualifications to the specific scope. Highlight relevant construction, municipal, transportation, utility, or regulated-facility past performance. Make licenses, bonding capacity, geographic coverage, specialized equipment, safety experience, and applicable certifications easy to find. If you do not have airport past performance, do not pretend you do. Show why your adjacent experience translates and what part of the project you are equipped to perform.

Do Not Ignore the Compliance Side

Airport work can come with requirements that are unfamiliar to companies accustomed to purely commercial projects.

FAA guidance divides typical AIP procurements into construction development, equipment acquisition, and professional services, with federal contract provisions varying according to the type and value of the procurement. The FAA’s current 2026 guidance also notes that applicable provisions generally flow down to subcontracts and lower-tier agreements unless otherwise stated.

For a small business pursuing subcontracting work, that matters. Getting onto a prime’s radar is only part of the job. You also need to understand the solicitation, applicable clauses, project specifications, insurance and bonding requirements, site-access procedures, and any other compliance obligations before pricing the work.

Airport infrastructure can be attractive precisely because it is specialized. Specialized work also rewards contractors who do their homework before bidding.

Treat the $1.1 Billion as Market Intelligence

The most useful way to read the FAA’s announcement is not, “There are $1.1 billion in contracts waiting for small businesses.”

It is: “The government just identified 280 funded airport projects. Which ones connect to what my company sells, who controls the purchasing, and who is already positioned to perform the work?”

That distinction matters.

Funding announcements can help you find markets before you find solicitations. They can reveal which airports are investing, what kinds of projects are receiving money, where prime contractors may need subcontractors and suppliers, and which purchasing organizations deserve a place in your capture plan.

For small government contractors, that is where a news headline becomes actionable business development.

Turn Funding Signals Into a Smarter Pipeline

Finding the grant is the easy part. The harder work is connecting the funding to the right airport, purchasing organization, opportunity, prime contractor, and next action.

That is exactly the kind of research discipline that improves government contracting results.

FedBiz365, FedBiz Access’s AI-powered Government Contracting Market Intelligence tool, can help contractors investigate opportunities, research markets, and identify the organizations and potential partners worth pursuing instead of waiting for the perfect solicitation to appear in front of them.

If airport infrastructure fits your capabilities, use this FAA announcement as a starting signal, not a finish line. Request a FedBiz365 demo from FedBiz Access and see how stronger market intelligence can help you turn funded projects into a more focused government-contracting pipeline.

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Excellent

FedBiz Access4.9

Based on 861 reviews

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Lee Bailey

4 weeks ago

Enjoyed working with Mrs Constance Painter. Quick communication and process went smooth!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your business and your five star google review for the FedBiz Access team member. We value your feedback!

Peter Anthony

4 weeks ago

After initially signing up for FedBiz i really wasn't sure what to expect, but I took a chance and the folks working there were really helpful. Constance Painter was one of the first to assist me with moving me along the process, and I was really impressed with her availability and forward thinking to keeping the ball rolling.

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to be of service and to continue assisting with your government contracting needs now and in the future. Thank you for this five star google review for the FedBiz Access team and for placing your trust in us.

Jamal Salih

1 month ago

My experience with FedBiz has genuinely been a positive and valuable one. When I came to them, I was still learning my way through government contracting, and the guidance and support I received helped me better understand the process and continue moving my business forward. I especially want to recognize Frank Kerbs. I had regular consultation meetings with Frank, and I always appreciated his time, knowledge, patience, and willingness to answer my questions. Having someone knowledgeable that I could speak with consistently made a real difference in my experience. During my time working with FedBiz, my company went on to receive several government contract awards. Most recently, we were awarded a four-year government contract providing ongoing maintenance services for a public healthcare facility. I’m extremely grateful for the progress my company has made and for the guidance and resources FedBiz provided along the way. What I appreciate most is that my experience with FedBiz wasn’t simply about receiving a service. I came away with a much greater understanding and appreciation for government contracting and what is possible for a small business willing to pursue these opportunities. I’m genuinely grateful to Frank and the entire FedBiz team for being part of that journey, and I would gladly recommend them to other small-business owners who are serious about exploring government contracting.

Response from the owner:Congratulations of your contract award success and thank you for the opportunity to be of assistance. We appreciate your detailed feedback for the FedBiz Access team and your account consultants specifically. We look forward to continue providing valuable service and assistance with your government contracting goals, from registration to award.

Dennis Haag

1 month ago

Great POC for us. They provide us with current and relevant information. You need them to keep informed and to find opportunities.

BRONSON'S AMBITIONS

2 months ago

Great With Follow Up and Execution!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your feedback, our pleasure to assist with your government contracting goals and registrations.

James Mabrey

2 months ago

Working with Ashley Futral of FedBiz Access was a great experience, she was professional and very Knowledgable of the process and I would recommend anyone pursuing anything within the US Governement Certifications Space to Work with FedBiz Access Team.

Response from the owner:Congratulations on your recently awarded Certification and thank you for the opportunity to assist in that endeavor on your behalf. We appreciate your business and your feedback and remain at your service as needed.

Stevie Duncan

2 months ago

Was able to reeive information capable of getting me engaged in the process.

Response from the owner:Thank you.

Bill Ketenbrink

2 months ago

great job

Response from the owner:Thank you for this five star google review for the FedBiz Access team!

Rich Mauch

2 months ago

Big shoutout to Constance Painter of FedBiz for the awesome work she recently managed for our gov't SAMS account. Thank you Constance!

Response from the owner:Been a pleasure to assist you with your government contracting needs, looking forward to your success!

Lori

3 months ago

Helpful and friendly staff. Nice and easy.

Response from the owner:Thank you, our pleasure to assist

Patrick Tuttle

3 months ago

THE TEAM--Wayne-Frank-Ashley =A+ Team. All of them are there for you, and unlike many other places we interviewed, they are keen to answer your calls and questions in an expeditious manner. We never have to wait very long to get help. We tried many firms, and NONE can hold a candle to "THIS" team. Thx guys for your "CARING"

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to consistently be of help and value to your organization and government contracting goals. We look forward to continue earning A+. Thank you for your business and time in leaving the FedBiz Access team this five star google review and comments.

Cathy M

4 months ago

I met Sidney Waters one year ago on a conference call. Really personable and ready to help companies become properly equipped government contractors. Their resources and expert guidance provide everything you need to implement your strategy and hit the ground running. Although I haven't subscribed to Fed Biz Access, Sidney Waters has consistently checked in on our progress, providing "gold nuggets" and directing us to government resources. To be honest, he doesn't have to, but he's a quality individual. And for that, we appreciate him. The team at Fed Biz Access consists of former contracting officers who clearly know their stuff. If you are looking to start a government contracting business, I highly recommend calling Sidney Waters before spending your budget elsewhere. He is a genuine, professional who genuinely wants you to succeed.

Response from the owner:Thank you for attending our presentation; Our pleasure to be of assistance and support with your government contracting goals as needed. We look forward to being of service again in the future. We appreciate your time in posting this five star google review for the FedBiz Access team consultant.

Glenn Scheel

4 months ago

Ashley Futral and the entire staff at FedBiz Access are very knowledgable and helpful. Ashley has helped me navigate the arduous process of GSA approval with great care and speed.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the opportunity to be of service. We appreciate the five star google rating and your positive feedback for the FedBiz Access team and your account specialist.

diane canovas

4 months ago

I've been working with Ashley Futral for almost 2 years, after taking over as Account Administrator for our SAM.gov account. Interaction with Ashley has always been pleasant. She took the time to explain what she was doing as she navigated through the process of updating our account information. Very knowledgeable, which was a relief as I was just taking over the role of Admin. Thank you Ashley, "Thumbs Up"

Response from the owner:Thank you for the thumbs up and for your continued business. Very much appreciate your feedback and five star google rating for the FedBIz Access team specialist.

Jo-lin Ferdinand

4 months ago

Ashley Futral has always been available for me. She has always made me feel like I have nothing to worry about. My million questions are answered with a kind word and assurance that all is good and she's got me. Never worry about a due date, she's on it before I even know it's coming up. Super GRATEFUL THAT SHE IS THERE FOR ME.

Response from the owner:We look forward to always being of service and value to your organization and love the "million questions".. we strive hard to have the million answers:) Thank you for this five star FedBiz Access team consultant review!

Mariah Khetem

4 months ago

Ashley was outstanding throughout the entire process. She was incredibly responsive, knowledgeable, and dedicated to ensuring everything was completed accurately and on time. Her attention to detail and proactive communication made what could have been a complicated process feel seamless and stress-free. Ashley worked diligently to guide us through each step, keeping us informed along the way and quickly addressing any questions or updates that arose. Her professionalism, expertise, and commitment to customer service were evident from start to finish. We truly appreciate all of Ashley's hard work and support and would highly recommend her and Fedbiz to anyone needing assistance. Thank you, Ashley, for going above and beyond!

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to assist with your government contracting needs and registrations. Thank you for your repeat business and your detailed five star feedback for the FedBiz Access team specialist. Very much appreciated!

Al Hogan

4 months ago

I cannot say enough good things about Ashley Futral and the exceptional support she provided throughout my SBA and SDVOSB certification process. From start to finish, Ashley demonstrated an outstanding level of professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to customer service. Navigating the certification process can be overwhelming, but her knowledge, guidance, and responsiveness made the entire experience smooth and stress-free. Ashley took the time to thoroughly review every requirement, identify potential issues before they became problems, and ensure that all documentation was accurate and complete. Her meticulous attention to detail played a significant role in helping me successfully obtain both my SBA certification and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) certification. What impressed me most was her genuine dedication to her clients. She was always available to answer questions, provide updates, and offer expert advice throughout the process. Her communication was timely, clear, and professional, giving me confidence every step of the way. If you are seeking assistance with SBA certifications, SDVOSB certifications, or government contracting registrations, I highly recommend Ashley Futral. Her expertise, work ethic, and customer-focused approach are truly second to none. Thank you, Ashley, for your outstanding support and for helping me achieve this important milestone for my business. I also want to add I wouked with Mya Plant. Mya Plant exceeded every expectation and delivered a capability statement that truly elevated our organization's professional image and marketability. From our initial consultation through the final product, Mya demonstrated exceptional professionalism, attention to detail, and a genuine commitment to understanding our business. She took the time to learn about our organization's history, capabilities, certifications, differentiators, and long-term goals, then transformed that information into a polished, visually appealing, and highly effective capability statement. What impressed me most was her ability to take complex information and present it in a clear, concise, and compelling format that speaks directly to potential government agencies, contracting officers, and business partners. Her recommendations improved not only the document itself but also how we communicate our value proposition to prospective clients. Mya was responsive, patient, and incredibly easy to work with throughout the entire process. Every revision was completed quickly, and she consistently went above and beyond to ensure the final product exceeded our expectations. Thanks to her expertise, we now have a professional capability statement that accurately reflects our organization, strengthens our credibility, and positions us more effectively for government contracting and business development opportunities. If you are considering hiring Mya for capability statements, government contracting support, branding materials, or professional business documents, I recommend her without hesitation. Her expertise, customer service, and dedication to excellence are second to none. Thank you, Mya, for your outstanding work and commitment to our success. We look forward to working with you again in the future. — Professor Al Hogan Owner, Team Randori Martial Arts Retired U.S. Army CW4 | Veteran-Owned Business Owner

Response from the owner:Thank you for your business and your detailed five star review for the FedBiz Access team consultant; our pleasure to be of service as needed.

Rita Hibbard

4 months ago

Very good company.

Response from the owner:We appreciate your business and this five star google review for our FedBiz Access team. Thank you.

Allyson Collins

4 months ago

Elizabeth Whitaker was exceptional, very helpful and was always there whenever we need her, thank you Elizabeth for being the great person that you are. We at Collins Henry, LLC is very grateful to have her working on our behalf....

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to continue being of valuable service to your organization. Thank you for the recognition and the kind comments for our FedBiz Access specialist; We appreciate you.

Bryan Johnson

5 months ago

I had my own federal contracting consulting business for 25 years and I have to say Fed Biz Access is doing it right.

Michael Scanna

5 months ago

I cannot recommend the assistance Elizabeth and her team provided to me enough! The entire process was handled professionally, quickly, and with incredible attention to detail. What seemed overwhelming and confusing at first became simple and stress-free thanks to their guidance. They answered every question patiently, ensured all information was submitted correctly, and kept me informed every step of the way. Their knowledge of the SAM registration process saved me so much time and frustration. If you need reliable, efficient, and trustworthy help with SAM registration, this is absolutely the team to use!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your business and your time in leaving us this five star Google review for the FedBiz Access team specialist. We appreciate your recommendation and detailed feedback on your experience with our dedicated team. We remain at your service, as needed.

Stacy Hall

5 months ago

Trying to update anything with a govenrment agency is always a nightmare. After fighting with Sam.gov for weeks and getting nowhere, we reached out to Constance for help. She has made this SO much easier on us and gotten our account active again.

Response from the owner:Taking the frustration out of these somewhat cumbersome processes is at the center of our expertise. As changes continue within the government workplace, platforms and procedures, our team stays vigilant and current in our quest for a fruitful and pleasant customer experience. Thank you for the opportunity to assist.

Justin Moore

5 months ago

Elizabeth Whitaker with FedBiz Access has been great. She has taken her time with us to customize her services directly to what we need. She is very professional and knowledgeable. Further, she is very proactive and highly responsive in our communications. We enjoy our experience working with Elizabeth and her team. We would highly recommend using Elizabeth at FedBiz Access.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the opportunity to be of assistance as needed with your government contracting needs; very much appreciate your positive feedback and five star review for the FedBiz Access team specialist and your recommendation of our services.

Minerva Finishes

5 months ago

Elizabeth Whitaker has been so very helpful to us. We are a very small business attempting to navigate the Government Contracts process. Elizabeth is quite knowledgeable, easy to understand and patient.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your positive feedback for the FedBiz Access team specialist and this five star google review for our Company. Look forward to assisting you as needed in the future.

Lynn Tyler

5 months ago

Elizabeth Whitaker helped me get my recertification. She made the process painless. She also helped me update my SAM.

Response from the owner:We appreciate your continued business and positive feedback for the FedBiz Access team specialist. Congratulations on your recent recertification, and thank you for the opportunity to assist you in that process.

The post $1.1 Billion in Airport Upgrades: Where Small Contractors Should Look for Work appeared first on FedBiz Access.

If you previously set the idea aside because of the application process—or assumed expedited processing was only relevant to technology companies—this change deserves your attention.

The General Services Administration has expanded FASt Lane eligibility across its Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) solicitation, beyond the program’s existing information technology focus. The proposal is part of MAS Solicitation Refresh 33. Importantly, GSA updated its announcement on September 11, 2026, moving the planned release to October 2026 (Update: GSA made this official on Oct. 2nd, 2026).

For small businesses outside IT, the proposed expansion creates a reason to revisit the opportunity. But the most useful question is not simply, “Could we get a Schedule faster?”

It is, “Would a GSA Schedule support the way we actually plan to win federal business?”

What the Proposed FASt Lane Expansion Could Mean

FASt Lane is GSA’s expedited processing program for eligible vendors supporting federal agency requirements. GSA’s current published guidance limits participation to qualifying Information Technology Category offers and contract actions, with specific eligibility and documentation requirements. It is not a general express application service available to every business.

Refresh 33’s proposed expansion could make expedited consideration relevant to businesses beyond that IT-focused group. For a company considering a new Schedule offer, that is worth watching. It should not, however, be interpreted as automatic eligibility, guaranteed approval, or a promise that every type of contract action will receive faster processing. Businesses should confirm the final solicitation and implementation guidance before relying on the expansion.

There is also an important distinction: the GSA Schedule itself is already about much more than technology. MAS includes categories such as professional services, facilities, furniture and furnishings, office management, transportation and logistics, and industrial products and services. The proposed change concerns access to expedited processing—not whether non-IT companies can pursue a Schedule in the first place.

That distinction matters for businesses that may have overlooked the program because their products or services do not fit the technology label.

Faster Processing Does Not Replace Qualification

An expedited review still requires an offer that GSA can evaluate and award.

The draft Refresh 33 instructions continue to require a responsible offeror, a technically acceptable proposal, and prices that GSA determines are fair and reasonable. They also emphasize that offers must be accurate and complete, and that businesses should not assume deficiencies will be resolved through clarification before an offer is rejected.

FASt Lane adds another consideration: the connection to an actual federal requirement. GSA’s current submission guidance calls for an eligibility checklist, supporting opportunity documentation, and applicable written agency requests. A general belief that “the government buys what we sell” is not the same as documenting the agency need supporting expedited consideration.

This is why market fit, Schedule readiness, and FASt Lane eligibility should be evaluated separately. Your business might have a strong reason to pursue a Schedule without qualifying for expedited processing. Conversely, a potentially relevant agency opportunity does not eliminate the need for a complete, supportable offer.

Start With Market Fit, Not the Application

Before investing in a GSA Schedule, investigate where it would fit into your sales strategy. GSA itself recommends market research and competitive analysis before competing for government contracts, focusing on whether demand exists and whether your business can compete effectively.

Are the right agencies buying what you sell?

Start with evidence rather than broad federal spending headlines. Which agencies purchase products or services similar to yours? What do their requirements look like? Are the purchases recurring, and are the contract sizes realistic for your company?

GSA recommends tools such as USAspending and Schedule Sales Query Plus to research customer spending and the types of products and services being purchased. Use that information to build a focused picture of potential customers—not simply a list of agencies with large budgets.

Does the Schedule fit those purchases?

Identifying federal demand is only the beginning. Next, determine whether your offerings fit the relevant Schedule scope and whether your target customers use MAS for comparable requirements.

GSA eLibrary allows research by Special Item Number, or SIN, and keyword, including existing contractors and their contract coverage. GSA Advantage and published contractor catalogs can also help you examine available offerings and pricing. These are useful starting points for assessing both fit and competition.

For example, consider two hypothetical consulting firms. One has identified agencies that buy its specific services through MAS and has relevant experience to demonstrate. The other knows only that the federal government purchases consulting services. Both may find the FASt Lane headline interesting, but the first has a much stronger foundation for evaluating a Schedule investment.

What will you do after award?

A Schedule should support a sales plan, not substitute for one. GSA explicitly states that it cannot market a contractor’s MAS contract for them; success depends on the contractor’s marketing efforts.

Before applying, decide who will develop customer relationships, monitor relevant requirements, prepare quotes, and follow up with prospective buyers. Include those activities in your budget and staffing plans alongside the work of obtaining the contract.

What Small Businesses Should Prepare Now

The planned October release gives interested businesses a reason to start evaluating readiness—not a reason to rush an incomplete offer.

A practical preparation effort should cover three areas:

• A clearly defined offering. Identify the products or services you intend to offer, map them to the appropriate SINs, and review the applicable category requirements. Assemble relevant project experience, past-performance information, and an explanation of how you maintain quality. GSA’s offer guidance identifies these as important elements of the technical submission.
• Financial and pricing documentation. Gather financial statements, established pricing information or market rates, and the supporting records needed to explain your proposed prices. GSA generally requests financial statements covering the previous two years, with qualifying exceptions, and provides required pricing templates. Your internal review should also test whether the proposed pricing supports profitable delivery.
• Registration and submission readiness. Verify that your System for Award Management registration is current and accurate, review applicable compliance requirements, and identify the employees responsible for the offer. GSA’s draft instructions also retain requirements for Pathways to Success training and the Readiness Assessment for prospective offerors, subject to stated exceptions.

Responsiveness matters, too. Under GSA’s current FASt Lane eOffer guidance, participants must respond to contracting officer inquiries or information requests within 24 hours to retain FASt Lane eligibility. Businesses should verify the requirements applicable when they submit, but the operational lesson is straightforward: expedited processing requires a team prepared to respond promptly.

Consider the Responsibilities Beyond Approval

Readiness is not limited to preparing an application.

After award, Schedule contractors have continuing responsibilities involving contract information, catalog maintenance, sales reporting, fees, modifications, and minimum sales requirements. GSA’s post-award guidance makes clear that obtaining the contract is the beginning of an ongoing management obligation.

Before proceeding, ask whether your business has the people, systems, and resources to manage those responsibilities while pursuing customers and delivering the work.

A potentially shorter review period can improve timing. It cannot resolve an unclear target market, unsupported pricing, or a lack of capacity to perform.

Find Out Whether a GSA Schedule Fits Your Business

The proposed FASt Lane expansion is a reason to reassess, not to assume.

The strongest next step is to connect three questions: Does your business have a viable federal market? Is it ready to pursue and maintain a Schedule? And could expedited processing be available under the rules in effect when you apply?

At FedBiz Access, we’ve helped hundreds of businesses secure a GSA Schedule. Our GSA proposal support helps businesses organize the information and strategy needed to pursue an award, while our market research and business-development services help connect that effort to actual sales goals.

Our complimentary eligibility assessment is an opportunity to discuss your offerings, readiness, and whether a Schedule supports your company’s plans. It is separate from GSA’s required Readiness Assessment and does not replace GSA’s eligibility or award decisions.

Call FedBiz Access today at (844) 628-8914 or book a call for your complimentary eligibility assessment. Start with a clearer understanding of whether a GSA Schedule is the right next step for your business.

Book a Free Consultation

Book An Appointment

Excellent

FedBiz Access4.9

Based on 861 reviews

See all reviews

review us on

Lee Bailey

4 weeks ago

Enjoyed working with Mrs Constance Painter. Quick communication and process went smooth!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your business and your five star google review for the FedBiz Access team member. We value your feedback!

Peter Anthony

4 weeks ago

After initially signing up for FedBiz i really wasn't sure what to expect, but I took a chance and the folks working there were really helpful. Constance Painter was one of the first to assist me with moving me along the process, and I was really impressed with her availability and forward thinking to keeping the ball rolling.

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to be of service and to continue assisting with your government contracting needs now and in the future. Thank you for this five star google review for the FedBiz Access team and for placing your trust in us.

Jamal Salih

1 month ago

My experience with FedBiz has genuinely been a positive and valuable one. When I came to them, I was still learning my way through government contracting, and the guidance and support I received helped me better understand the process and continue moving my business forward. I especially want to recognize Frank Kerbs. I had regular consultation meetings with Frank, and I always appreciated his time, knowledge, patience, and willingness to answer my questions. Having someone knowledgeable that I could speak with consistently made a real difference in my experience. During my time working with FedBiz, my company went on to receive several government contract awards. Most recently, we were awarded a four-year government contract providing ongoing maintenance services for a public healthcare facility. I’m extremely grateful for the progress my company has made and for the guidance and resources FedBiz provided along the way. What I appreciate most is that my experience with FedBiz wasn’t simply about receiving a service. I came away with a much greater understanding and appreciation for government contracting and what is possible for a small business willing to pursue these opportunities. I’m genuinely grateful to Frank and the entire FedBiz team for being part of that journey, and I would gladly recommend them to other small-business owners who are serious about exploring government contracting.

Response from the owner:Congratulations of your contract award success and thank you for the opportunity to be of assistance. We appreciate your detailed feedback for the FedBiz Access team and your account consultants specifically. We look forward to continue providing valuable service and assistance with your government contracting goals, from registration to award.

Dennis Haag

1 month ago

Great POC for us. They provide us with current and relevant information. You need them to keep informed and to find opportunities.

BRONSON'S AMBITIONS

2 months ago

Great With Follow Up and Execution!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your feedback, our pleasure to assist with your government contracting goals and registrations.

James Mabrey

2 months ago

Working with Ashley Futral of FedBiz Access was a great experience, she was professional and very Knowledgable of the process and I would recommend anyone pursuing anything within the US Governement Certifications Space to Work with FedBiz Access Team.

Response from the owner:Congratulations on your recently awarded Certification and thank you for the opportunity to assist in that endeavor on your behalf. We appreciate your business and your feedback and remain at your service as needed.

Stevie Duncan

2 months ago

Was able to reeive information capable of getting me engaged in the process.

Response from the owner:Thank you.

Bill Ketenbrink

2 months ago

great job

Response from the owner:Thank you for this five star google review for the FedBiz Access team!

Rich Mauch

2 months ago

Big shoutout to Constance Painter of FedBiz for the awesome work she recently managed for our gov't SAMS account. Thank you Constance!

Response from the owner:Been a pleasure to assist you with your government contracting needs, looking forward to your success!

Lori

3 months ago

Helpful and friendly staff. Nice and easy.

Response from the owner:Thank you, our pleasure to assist

Patrick Tuttle

3 months ago

THE TEAM--Wayne-Frank-Ashley =A+ Team. All of them are there for you, and unlike many other places we interviewed, they are keen to answer your calls and questions in an expeditious manner. We never have to wait very long to get help. We tried many firms, and NONE can hold a candle to "THIS" team. Thx guys for your "CARING"

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to consistently be of help and value to your organization and government contracting goals. We look forward to continue earning A+. Thank you for your business and time in leaving the FedBiz Access team this five star google review and comments.

Cathy M

4 months ago

I met Sidney Waters one year ago on a conference call. Really personable and ready to help companies become properly equipped government contractors. Their resources and expert guidance provide everything you need to implement your strategy and hit the ground running. Although I haven't subscribed to Fed Biz Access, Sidney Waters has consistently checked in on our progress, providing "gold nuggets" and directing us to government resources. To be honest, he doesn't have to, but he's a quality individual. And for that, we appreciate him. The team at Fed Biz Access consists of former contracting officers who clearly know their stuff. If you are looking to start a government contracting business, I highly recommend calling Sidney Waters before spending your budget elsewhere. He is a genuine, professional who genuinely wants you to succeed.

Response from the owner:Thank you for attending our presentation; Our pleasure to be of assistance and support with your government contracting goals as needed. We look forward to being of service again in the future. We appreciate your time in posting this five star google review for the FedBiz Access team consultant.

Glenn Scheel

4 months ago

Ashley Futral and the entire staff at FedBiz Access are very knowledgable and helpful. Ashley has helped me navigate the arduous process of GSA approval with great care and speed.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the opportunity to be of service. We appreciate the five star google rating and your positive feedback for the FedBiz Access team and your account specialist.

diane canovas

4 months ago

I've been working with Ashley Futral for almost 2 years, after taking over as Account Administrator for our SAM.gov account. Interaction with Ashley has always been pleasant. She took the time to explain what she was doing as she navigated through the process of updating our account information. Very knowledgeable, which was a relief as I was just taking over the role of Admin. Thank you Ashley, "Thumbs Up"

Response from the owner:Thank you for the thumbs up and for your continued business. Very much appreciate your feedback and five star google rating for the FedBIz Access team specialist.

Jo-lin Ferdinand

4 months ago

Ashley Futral has always been available for me. She has always made me feel like I have nothing to worry about. My million questions are answered with a kind word and assurance that all is good and she's got me. Never worry about a due date, she's on it before I even know it's coming up. Super GRATEFUL THAT SHE IS THERE FOR ME.

Response from the owner:We look forward to always being of service and value to your organization and love the "million questions".. we strive hard to have the million answers:) Thank you for this five star FedBiz Access team consultant review!

Mariah Khetem

4 months ago

Ashley was outstanding throughout the entire process. She was incredibly responsive, knowledgeable, and dedicated to ensuring everything was completed accurately and on time. Her attention to detail and proactive communication made what could have been a complicated process feel seamless and stress-free. Ashley worked diligently to guide us through each step, keeping us informed along the way and quickly addressing any questions or updates that arose. Her professionalism, expertise, and commitment to customer service were evident from start to finish. We truly appreciate all of Ashley's hard work and support and would highly recommend her and Fedbiz to anyone needing assistance. Thank you, Ashley, for going above and beyond!

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to assist with your government contracting needs and registrations. Thank you for your repeat business and your detailed five star feedback for the FedBiz Access team specialist. Very much appreciated!

Al Hogan

4 months ago

I cannot say enough good things about Ashley Futral and the exceptional support she provided throughout my SBA and SDVOSB certification process. From start to finish, Ashley demonstrated an outstanding level of professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to customer service. Navigating the certification process can be overwhelming, but her knowledge, guidance, and responsiveness made the entire experience smooth and stress-free. Ashley took the time to thoroughly review every requirement, identify potential issues before they became problems, and ensure that all documentation was accurate and complete. Her meticulous attention to detail played a significant role in helping me successfully obtain both my SBA certification and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) certification. What impressed me most was her genuine dedication to her clients. She was always available to answer questions, provide updates, and offer expert advice throughout the process. Her communication was timely, clear, and professional, giving me confidence every step of the way. If you are seeking assistance with SBA certifications, SDVOSB certifications, or government contracting registrations, I highly recommend Ashley Futral. Her expertise, work ethic, and customer-focused approach are truly second to none. Thank you, Ashley, for your outstanding support and for helping me achieve this important milestone for my business. I also want to add I wouked with Mya Plant. Mya Plant exceeded every expectation and delivered a capability statement that truly elevated our organization's professional image and marketability. From our initial consultation through the final product, Mya demonstrated exceptional professionalism, attention to detail, and a genuine commitment to understanding our business. She took the time to learn about our organization's history, capabilities, certifications, differentiators, and long-term goals, then transformed that information into a polished, visually appealing, and highly effective capability statement. What impressed me most was her ability to take complex information and present it in a clear, concise, and compelling format that speaks directly to potential government agencies, contracting officers, and business partners. Her recommendations improved not only the document itself but also how we communicate our value proposition to prospective clients. Mya was responsive, patient, and incredibly easy to work with throughout the entire process. Every revision was completed quickly, and she consistently went above and beyond to ensure the final product exceeded our expectations. Thanks to her expertise, we now have a professional capability statement that accurately reflects our organization, strengthens our credibility, and positions us more effectively for government contracting and business development opportunities. If you are considering hiring Mya for capability statements, government contracting support, branding materials, or professional business documents, I recommend her without hesitation. Her expertise, customer service, and dedication to excellence are second to none. Thank you, Mya, for your outstanding work and commitment to our success. We look forward to working with you again in the future. — Professor Al Hogan Owner, Team Randori Martial Arts Retired U.S. Army CW4 | Veteran-Owned Business Owner

Response from the owner:Thank you for your business and your detailed five star review for the FedBiz Access team consultant; our pleasure to be of service as needed.

Rita Hibbard

4 months ago

Very good company.

Response from the owner:We appreciate your business and this five star google review for our FedBiz Access team. Thank you.

Allyson Collins

4 months ago

Elizabeth Whitaker was exceptional, very helpful and was always there whenever we need her, thank you Elizabeth for being the great person that you are. We at Collins Henry, LLC is very grateful to have her working on our behalf....

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to continue being of valuable service to your organization. Thank you for the recognition and the kind comments for our FedBiz Access specialist; We appreciate you.

Bryan Johnson

5 months ago

I had my own federal contracting consulting business for 25 years and I have to say Fed Biz Access is doing it right.

Michael Scanna

5 months ago

I cannot recommend the assistance Elizabeth and her team provided to me enough! The entire process was handled professionally, quickly, and with incredible attention to detail. What seemed overwhelming and confusing at first became simple and stress-free thanks to their guidance. They answered every question patiently, ensured all information was submitted correctly, and kept me informed every step of the way. Their knowledge of the SAM registration process saved me so much time and frustration. If you need reliable, efficient, and trustworthy help with SAM registration, this is absolutely the team to use!

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The post Beyond IT: GSA Plans to Expand FASt Lane—What Small Businesses Should Know appeared first on FedBiz Access.

That problem exists even in a substantial small business market. In fiscal year 2025, federal agencies awarded nearly $179 billion in prime contracts to small businesses. When subcontracting awards are included, the total approached $273 billion. Yet access to those dollars is not evenly distributed. Vehicles, agency relationships, cleared personnel, relevant performance, and capture resources often determine which companies can compete credibly. (Small Business Administration)

For some contractors, the next stage of growth may not come from submitting more bids. It may come from buying, merging with, or taking an investment from another government contractor.

GovCon M&A Is Becoming a Growth Strategy

Mergers and acquisitions have traditionally been discussed as an exit path for founders. That remains important, but it is only half the story.

Small government contractors are also looking at M&A from the buyer’s side. They are evaluating acquisitions that could add an agency customer, a contract vehicle, an adjacent technical capability, cleared employees, intellectual property, or a stronger management team. A transaction that fills several of those gaps at once can compress years of organic business development into a much shorter period.

The market is selective, however. KPMG reported that government technology services deal volume fell 38.8 percent during the first half of 2025, from 98 transactions to 60. Strategic buyer activity was comparatively steady, with 27 deals versus 29 in the prior-year period. That distinction matters. Contractors are not simply chasing a universal acquisition boom. Buyers are pursuing businesses that solve a defined strategic problem.

Washington Technology similarly reported that buyers have been placing greater emphasis on durable backlog, prime contract positions, customer access, differentiated capabilities, proprietary solutions, and work aligned with priority markets such as cyber, missile defense, national security, and counternarcotics. (Washington Technology)

Recent LinkedIn commentary from GovCon investment banking and advisory professionals points in the same direction. Buyers are showing particular interest in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, automation, cleared personnel, specialized technology, and companies with defensible customer access. The premium is shifting away from undifferentiated labor and toward capabilities that are harder to recreate organically.

Why Small Government Contractors Are Considering M&A

1. Acquisitions can compress the time required to enter a market

Breaking into a new federal agency can become a familiar catch-22. The agency wants relevant past performance, but the contractor cannot obtain that experience until it wins work with the agency.

An acquisition may provide an established customer history, incumbent knowledge, key employees, relevant contract performance, or access to an existing delivery organization. Industry commentary on LinkedIn has highlighted this exact dynamic: government relationships and institutional knowledge take time to build, so buying a company with those assets can be faster than trying to create them from scratch.

The word may is important. Past performance, contract rights, key personnel, socioeconomic eligibility, and vehicle access must each be evaluated independently. The value is not simply that the target has federal revenue. The value lies in what the buyer can legally retain and operationally use after closing.

2. M&A can reduce customer and contract concentration

A contractor with 70 percent of its revenue tied to one agency, one program, or one contract vehicle may appear successful while carrying significant recompete risk.

A well-chosen acquisition can diversify the combined company across customers, contract types, capabilities, and procurement channels. For example, a civilian IT contractor might acquire a defense-focused cybersecurity firm. An engineering company dependent on one indefinite-delivery contract might pursue a target with prime positions on other vehicles.

The objective should not be to become larger for its own sake. The better question is whether the combined business will be more resilient when an option is not exercised, a recompete is delayed, a budget shifts, or an incumbent loses a major task order.

3. An acquisition can help a company prepare for graduation

Successful small businesses eventually approach the applicable SBA size standard. Graduation can be a difficult transition because the company loses certain set-aside advantages before it has the scale, infrastructure, or unrestricted past performance of a mature large contractor.

M&A can help create a more deliberate bridge. A contractor may use a transaction to add unrestricted work, stronger back-office systems, additional capture resources, commercial revenue, or capabilities that appeal to larger prime contractors. A larger revenue base can also support investments in cybersecurity, compliance, recruiting, pricing, proposal development, and program management.

For sellers, joining a larger platform may provide similar benefits. A founder can obtain capital and operating support while giving employees access to larger programs and more developed career paths. Depending on the structure, the owner may retain equity and participate in the future growth of the combined company.

4. M&A gives founders more succession and liquidity options

Not every owner wants an immediate, complete exit. Some want to reduce personal risk, bring in a management team, fund acquisitions of their own, or step back from daily operations without abandoning the business they built.

A majority sale, minority investment, merger, recapitalization, or equity rollover may offer more flexibility than a traditional all-cash exit. These structures can be especially attractive when the founder believes the business has another stage of growth but does not want to fund that stage alone.

The GovCon Catch: A Deal Can Change the Asset Being Purchased

In commercial M&A, buyers naturally focus on revenue, margins, customers, intellectual property, and employees. GovCon buyers must add another question:

What changes because this transaction occurred?

Under the current SBA rule in 13 CFR 125.12, a contractor generally must recertify its size and applicable socioeconomic status within 30 calendar days after a merger, acquisition, or sale that changes the company’s controlling interest. The requirement can apply to both the acquired company and the acquiring company when each holds small business contracts.

Timing also matters. When a triggering transaction occurs within 180 days after an offer is submitted but before award, a disqualifying recertification can make the concern ineligible for a pending small business set-aside or reserved award.

Multiple-award contracts require particularly careful analysis. Following the end of the SBA transition period on January 17, 2026, a large-business acquisition of a small contractor can generally prevent the combined company from competing for future set-aside or reserved orders under certain small business multiple-award contracts. Small-to-small transactions receive different treatment in defined circumstances, although the agency may not be able to count resulting awards toward its small business goals if the combined entity no longer qualifies as small.

PilieroMazza has described this as the end of the old “grandfathering” environment and recommends evaluating post-transaction size status at the beginning of a deal rather than treating it as a closing formality.

Contract transfer rules create another layer. Under FAR Subpart 42.12, federal contracts generally cannot simply be assigned to another legal entity. When assets or the portion of the business performing the contracts are transferred, the government may recognize the successor through a novation agreement. A stock purchase commonly does not require novation when the original legal entity remains the contracting party, controls the assets, and continues performing, but ownership changes can still require agency review or other agreements. Contracting officers must also evaluate issues such as organizational conflicts of interest.

Transactions involving cleared contractors require additional scrutiny. A potential change involving foreign ownership, control, or influence can affect facility clearance eligibility and may trigger notification and mitigation requirements through the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency.

This is why experienced buyers do not value a GovCon target solely by multiplying EBITDA. They value what survives the transaction.

What a Disciplined GovCon Buyer Should Examine

Before signing a letter of intent, the buyer should separate funded backlog from options, expected task orders, recompetes, and pipeline. Contract ceilings may look impressive in a presentation, but a ceiling is not the same as obligated revenue.

The diligence team should then examine each important contract by set-aside status, NAICS code, contract type, period of performance, customer, vehicle, prime or subcontract position, recertification consequence, key-person dependency, and potential novation requirement.

Customer concentration, CPARS history, incumbent performance, security clearances, cybersecurity obligations, accounting systems, organizational conflicts of interest, protests, claims, and subcontractor dependencies also deserve attention. GovCon counsel, financial advisers, security specialists, and quality-of-earnings professionals should be involved early enough to influence deal structure.

Finally, buyers should build the post-close growth thesis before completing the acquisition. Which agencies can the combined company pursue? Which capabilities can be cross-sold? Which vehicles remain usable? Who will own capture? What revenue could be impaired by recertification? Without clear answers, the buyer may be purchasing yesterday’s revenue rather than tomorrow’s growth.

How FedBiz365 Supports a Smarter GovCon M&A Strategy

FedBiz365 helps contractors evaluate M&A using actual federal market intelligence rather than relying exclusively on a seller’s presentation or a broad industry thesis.

Its M&A intelligence capabilities allow users to research transaction activity, potential acquisition targets, strategic buyers, investors, advisers, and valuation or pricing trends. That can help an owner understand who is active in a market and which capabilities are attracting attention.

The platform can also help a buyer develop a more focused acquisition thesis. Instead of deciding to “buy a cyber company,” the contractor can examine which agencies are purchasing the relevant services, who currently holds the work, which vehicles are being used, when major contracts may recompete, and which competitors have the customer access the buyer lacks.

When a target has been identified, FedBiz365 can support market-side validation by helping the buyer review award history, agency concentration, contract vehicles, competitors, teaming relationships, expiring contracts, recompete patterns, and adjacent opportunities. Its relationship mapping can show how agencies, offices, programs, vehicles, contractors, and awards connect. AI-supported competitor, teaming, labor-pricing, and solicitation intelligence can further test whether the proposed strategic fit is grounded in real buying behavior. (F

After closing, the integrated pipeline and customer relationship management tools can help the combined company turn its acquisition thesis into specific pursuits, assignments, capture activities, and account plans. That matters because a successful acquisition is not completed when the documents are signed. It succeeds when the combined company converts its new capabilities and customer access into sustainable contract wins.

Test the Strategy Before You Buy the Story

M&A can give a small government contractor faster access to customers, vehicles, talent, technology, and scale. It can also create recertification problems, reduce the value of set-aside contracts, trigger novation requirements, or expose risks that were hidden inside an attractive backlog number.

The difference is disciplined market intelligence.

Before signing an LOI, accepting an investment, or choosing an acquisition target, request a FedBiz365 demo from FedBiz Access. See how federal award data, contract vehicle intelligence, competitor research, M&A activity, recompete visibility, and capture tools can help you identify the right strategic fit, challenge the revenue story, and build a credible post-close growth plan.

This article provides general business information and is not legal, tax, valuation, investment, or accounting advice. Contractors considering a transaction should consult advisers with specific experience in federal contracting M&A.

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Lee Bailey

4 weeks ago

Enjoyed working with Mrs Constance Painter. Quick communication and process went smooth!

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Peter Anthony

4 weeks ago

After initially signing up for FedBiz i really wasn't sure what to expect, but I took a chance and the folks working there were really helpful. Constance Painter was one of the first to assist me with moving me along the process, and I was really impressed with her availability and forward thinking to keeping the ball rolling.

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1 month ago

My experience with FedBiz has genuinely been a positive and valuable one. When I came to them, I was still learning my way through government contracting, and the guidance and support I received helped me better understand the process and continue moving my business forward. I especially want to recognize Frank Kerbs. I had regular consultation meetings with Frank, and I always appreciated his time, knowledge, patience, and willingness to answer my questions. Having someone knowledgeable that I could speak with consistently made a real difference in my experience. During my time working with FedBiz, my company went on to receive several government contract awards. Most recently, we were awarded a four-year government contract providing ongoing maintenance services for a public healthcare facility. I’m extremely grateful for the progress my company has made and for the guidance and resources FedBiz provided along the way. What I appreciate most is that my experience with FedBiz wasn’t simply about receiving a service. I came away with a much greater understanding and appreciation for government contracting and what is possible for a small business willing to pursue these opportunities. I’m genuinely grateful to Frank and the entire FedBiz team for being part of that journey, and I would gladly recommend them to other small-business owners who are serious about exploring government contracting.

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Great POC for us. They provide us with current and relevant information. You need them to keep informed and to find opportunities.

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2 months ago

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2 months ago

Working with Ashley Futral of FedBiz Access was a great experience, she was professional and very Knowledgable of the process and I would recommend anyone pursuing anything within the US Governement Certifications Space to Work with FedBiz Access Team.

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2 months ago

Big shoutout to Constance Painter of FedBiz for the awesome work she recently managed for our gov't SAMS account. Thank you Constance!

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3 months ago

THE TEAM--Wayne-Frank-Ashley =A+ Team. All of them are there for you, and unlike many other places we interviewed, they are keen to answer your calls and questions in an expeditious manner. We never have to wait very long to get help. We tried many firms, and NONE can hold a candle to "THIS" team. Thx guys for your "CARING"

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I met Sidney Waters one year ago on a conference call. Really personable and ready to help companies become properly equipped government contractors. Their resources and expert guidance provide everything you need to implement your strategy and hit the ground running. Although I haven't subscribed to Fed Biz Access, Sidney Waters has consistently checked in on our progress, providing "gold nuggets" and directing us to government resources. To be honest, he doesn't have to, but he's a quality individual. And for that, we appreciate him. The team at Fed Biz Access consists of former contracting officers who clearly know their stuff. If you are looking to start a government contracting business, I highly recommend calling Sidney Waters before spending your budget elsewhere. He is a genuine, professional who genuinely wants you to succeed.

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4 months ago

Ashley Futral and the entire staff at FedBiz Access are very knowledgable and helpful. Ashley has helped me navigate the arduous process of GSA approval with great care and speed.

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I've been working with Ashley Futral for almost 2 years, after taking over as Account Administrator for our SAM.gov account. Interaction with Ashley has always been pleasant. She took the time to explain what she was doing as she navigated through the process of updating our account information. Very knowledgeable, which was a relief as I was just taking over the role of Admin. Thank you Ashley, "Thumbs Up"

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Ashley Futral has always been available for me. She has always made me feel like I have nothing to worry about. My million questions are answered with a kind word and assurance that all is good and she's got me. Never worry about a due date, she's on it before I even know it's coming up. Super GRATEFUL THAT SHE IS THERE FOR ME.

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Ashley was outstanding throughout the entire process. She was incredibly responsive, knowledgeable, and dedicated to ensuring everything was completed accurately and on time. Her attention to detail and proactive communication made what could have been a complicated process feel seamless and stress-free. Ashley worked diligently to guide us through each step, keeping us informed along the way and quickly addressing any questions or updates that arose. Her professionalism, expertise, and commitment to customer service were evident from start to finish. We truly appreciate all of Ashley's hard work and support and would highly recommend her and Fedbiz to anyone needing assistance. Thank you, Ashley, for going above and beyond!

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4 months ago

I cannot say enough good things about Ashley Futral and the exceptional support she provided throughout my SBA and SDVOSB certification process. From start to finish, Ashley demonstrated an outstanding level of professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to customer service. Navigating the certification process can be overwhelming, but her knowledge, guidance, and responsiveness made the entire experience smooth and stress-free. Ashley took the time to thoroughly review every requirement, identify potential issues before they became problems, and ensure that all documentation was accurate and complete. Her meticulous attention to detail played a significant role in helping me successfully obtain both my SBA certification and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) certification. What impressed me most was her genuine dedication to her clients. She was always available to answer questions, provide updates, and offer expert advice throughout the process. Her communication was timely, clear, and professional, giving me confidence every step of the way. If you are seeking assistance with SBA certifications, SDVOSB certifications, or government contracting registrations, I highly recommend Ashley Futral. Her expertise, work ethic, and customer-focused approach are truly second to none. Thank you, Ashley, for your outstanding support and for helping me achieve this important milestone for my business. I also want to add I wouked with Mya Plant. Mya Plant exceeded every expectation and delivered a capability statement that truly elevated our organization's professional image and marketability. From our initial consultation through the final product, Mya demonstrated exceptional professionalism, attention to detail, and a genuine commitment to understanding our business. She took the time to learn about our organization's history, capabilities, certifications, differentiators, and long-term goals, then transformed that information into a polished, visually appealing, and highly effective capability statement. What impressed me most was her ability to take complex information and present it in a clear, concise, and compelling format that speaks directly to potential government agencies, contracting officers, and business partners. Her recommendations improved not only the document itself but also how we communicate our value proposition to prospective clients. Mya was responsive, patient, and incredibly easy to work with throughout the entire process. Every revision was completed quickly, and she consistently went above and beyond to ensure the final product exceeded our expectations. Thanks to her expertise, we now have a professional capability statement that accurately reflects our organization, strengthens our credibility, and positions us more effectively for government contracting and business development opportunities. If you are considering hiring Mya for capability statements, government contracting support, branding materials, or professional business documents, I recommend her without hesitation. Her expertise, customer service, and dedication to excellence are second to none. Thank you, Mya, for your outstanding work and commitment to our success. We look forward to working with you again in the future. — Professor Al Hogan Owner, Team Randori Martial Arts Retired U.S. Army CW4 | Veteran-Owned Business Owner

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Elizabeth Whitaker was exceptional, very helpful and was always there whenever we need her, thank you Elizabeth for being the great person that you are. We at Collins Henry, LLC is very grateful to have her working on our behalf....

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I had my own federal contracting consulting business for 25 years and I have to say Fed Biz Access is doing it right.

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I cannot recommend the assistance Elizabeth and her team provided to me enough! The entire process was handled professionally, quickly, and with incredible attention to detail. What seemed overwhelming and confusing at first became simple and stress-free thanks to their guidance. They answered every question patiently, ensured all information was submitted correctly, and kept me informed every step of the way. Their knowledge of the SAM registration process saved me so much time and frustration. If you need reliable, efficient, and trustworthy help with SAM registration, this is absolutely the team to use!

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Stacy Hall

5 months ago

Trying to update anything with a govenrment agency is always a nightmare. After fighting with Sam.gov for weeks and getting nowhere, we reached out to Constance for help. She has made this SO much easier on us and gotten our account active again.

Response from the owner:Taking the frustration out of these somewhat cumbersome processes is at the center of our expertise. As changes continue within the government workplace, platforms and procedures, our team stays vigilant and current in our quest for a fruitful and pleasant customer experience. Thank you for the opportunity to assist.

Justin Moore

5 months ago

Elizabeth Whitaker with FedBiz Access has been great. She has taken her time with us to customize her services directly to what we need. She is very professional and knowledgeable. Further, she is very proactive and highly responsive in our communications. We enjoy our experience working with Elizabeth and her team. We would highly recommend using Elizabeth at FedBiz Access.

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Minerva Finishes

5 months ago

Elizabeth Whitaker has been so very helpful to us. We are a very small business attempting to navigate the Government Contracts process. Elizabeth is quite knowledgeable, easy to understand and patient.

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Elizabeth Whitaker helped me get my recertification. She made the process painless. She also helped me update my SAM.

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The post Beyond Organic Growth: Why Small Government Contractors Are Turning to M&A appeared first on FedBiz Access.

A contractor can spend years building past performance, hiring specialized employees, strengthening its accounting systems, and developing the financial capacity to perform larger contracts. Then it crosses its SBA size standard and discovers that much of the market it learned to navigate is suddenly off limits. The company may be too large for small business set-asides, yet still far too small to compete comfortably against billion-dollar incumbents.

The SBA’s newly proposed size standards could push that cliff much farther down the road for thousands of growing contractors. But this is not simply an inflation adjustment or a modest increase to a few revenue thresholds. SBA is proposing to rebuild the framework it uses to determine which businesses count as small.

For some federal contractors, that would create valuable new runway. For others, it could introduce a formidable new class of competitors into the small business market.

First, This Is a Proposal, Not an Effective Rule

SBA published the proposed rule on August 20, 2026, and is accepting public comments through September 21, 2026. Until SBA reviews those comments, issues a final rule, and establishes an effective date, contractors must continue using the current size standards.

That distinction matters. A business that exceeds its current standard cannot begin representing itself as small based on a proposed threshold, no matter how likely the proposal may appear to move forward.

Still, the potential impact deserves immediate attention. SBA estimates that the proposal would produce a net increase of 114,541 employer firms classified as small, raising the total from approximately 6.345 million to 6.460 million. That is a 1.8 percent increase in the eligible population.

SBA Is Redrawing the Size Standards Map

The current system contains size standards covering 978 six-digit NAICS industries, along with 18 specialized contracting exceptions. The proposed structure would replace that arrangement with 338 standards, including 276 established at the four-digit NAICS level and 62 at the five-digit level. All 18 current exceptions would be eliminated.

SBA also proposes a major shift in how business size is measured. The number of receipt-based standards would fall from 496 to 129, while 208 standards would be employee-based. Where SBA has discretion, its new methodology generally favors employee counts, which the agency believes will reduce the number of businesses moving unpredictably between small and other-than-small status because of revenue volatility, inflation, or productivity gains.

The revised methodology would also remove the current maximum thresholds of $47 million for receipt-based standards and 1,500 employees for employee-based standards. Receipt-based calculations would include a productivity adjustment in addition to inflation, something SBA says it has not done previously.

In other words, SBA is not merely moving a few yard markers. It is redrawing much of the field.

Some Proposed Increases Are Enormous

The scale of the change becomes clearer when looking at industries with significant federal contracting activity.

Custom Computer Programming Services under NAICS 541511 currently has a $34 million receipt-based standard. Under the proposal, the broader Computer Systems Design and Related Services group would use a $531 million standard. Computer Systems Design Services and Other Computer Related Services would also fall under that proposed $531 million threshold.

Engineering Services would move from $25.5 million to $252 million. Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services would move from $24.5 million to $295 million.

Construction firms would experience a different kind of change. Commercial and Institutional Building Construction, currently measured against $45 million in average annual receipts, would move to a 600-employee standard. SBA estimates that this particular change would add 1,868 firms to the small business population for that NAICS code.

These are not rounding-error adjustments. A technology company with $200 million in average annual receipts may operate very differently from a company with $20 million, even if neither is dominant within the broader commercial market SBA has analyzed.

That difference in scale will matter when both companies pursue the same federal set-aside.

The Newly Eligible Pool Includes Experienced Federal Contractors

The most important GovCon number may not be 114,541. It may be 37,002.

SBA estimates that approximately 37,002 firms with fiscal year 2025 federal contracts would be newly classified as small under the proposal. Collectively, those firms accounted for roughly 105,655 contracts worth more than $71 billion during the fiscal year.

Engineering Services leads the list, with an estimated 5,314 current contractors becoming newly eligible. Other Computer Related Services follows with 2,247, Custom Computer Programming Services with 2,171, management consulting with 1,818, and Computer Systems Design Services with 1,663.

Many of these businesses will not be newcomers trying to decipher SAM registration for the first time. Because they already hold federal contracts, they may bring relevant past performance, established delivery teams, contract infrastructure, and familiarity with agency customers. The exact competitive effect will vary by market, and SBA notes that some underlying SAM revenue and employee information may be outdated, but the strategic implication is difficult to miss.

A significant group of experienced federal vendors could become eligible to pursue small business set-asides.

Is This Really a Win for Small Business GovCon?

For businesses that previously graduated from their size standards, the proposal could be a substantial win. It may allow them to reenter restricted competitions, retain small status longer, and continue growing without immediately being pushed into full-and-open competition.

For firms approaching their current thresholds, the additional runway could be equally valuable. SBA specifically describes the proposal as pushing out the “benefit cliff” that can discourage companies from growing beyond existing standards.

Agencies could also benefit from a deeper supplier pool. Awards made to newly small contractors could count toward agency small business goals, including awards made through procurements that were not originally restricted to small businesses.

But current small business incumbents should not assume that a bigger small business market automatically means a better one.

SBA acknowledges that increased competition could reduce profits and that businesses closest in scale to the newly eligible firms are likely to feel the greatest effect. A contractor that has spent years competing against companies with $10 million to $30 million in revenue may soon find itself facing firms several times that size, depending on the final standard for its industry.

The proposal could therefore solve one version of the size cliff while creating a wider competitive range inside the small business category.

What Contractors Should Do Now

Model your status under both systems. Compare the current and proposed standards for every NAICS code that materially supports your pipeline, not just the code listed as your primary NAICS in SAM. Identify where your company would remain small, become newly small, or face a larger competitive population.

Use the correct size calculations. For federal contracting, annual receipts are generally averaged across the five most recently completed fiscal years. Employee-based size calculations generally use the average number of employees across pay periods during the preceding completed 24 calendar months. Applicable affiliate receipts and employees must also be included, so a quick glance at standalone company revenue may not provide the correct answer.

Rebuild the competitor universe. Market research based only on today’s small business population may become obsolete. For important recompetes, identify current other-than-small incumbents and competitors that would fall beneath the proposed standard. Separate them into current-small, potentially newly small, and remaining large-business categories.

Reassess agency and opportunity strategy. A larger eligible pool could support additional set-aside decisions in markets where contracting officers previously struggled to identify enough capable small businesses. It could also make existing set-asides more competitive. Contractors should review agency forecasts, expiring awards, incumbent size, contract scale, and buying-office behavior rather than treating the rule as an abstract compliance change.

Do not change your SAM representation based on the proposal. Current standards remain in effect. Monitor the rulemaking, any revisions made in response to comments, the publication of a final rule, and the eventual effective date before changing a size representation.

Consider submitting a substantive comment. Comments are due September 21, 2026, under Docket No. SBA-2026-0199. Useful comments should be supported by market evidence, such as typical contract size, labor requirements, capital intensity, competitive concentration, subcontracting patterns, and the likely effect of combining distinct six-digit industries under a broader four-digit standard.

The Market Could Move Before the Rule Becomes Final

Whether this proposal becomes an unqualified win will depend on where a contractor sits.

Graduated firms may regain access to valuable contracting lanes. Growing small businesses may receive more room to scale. Agencies may gain additional qualified suppliers. At the same time, established small contractors may face better-resourced competitors with significant federal past performance.

The companies that benefit most will not simply wait for a final rule. They will begin modeling the new market now.

FedBiz Access helps small businesses turn regulatory developments into practical capture decisions. Request a demo of FedBiz365, the AI-powered Government Contracting Market Intelligence tool, to evaluate agencies, incumbents, NAICS markets, expiring contracts, and competitive patterns before the proposed standards begin reshaping your pipeline.

If you need help competing in today’s rapidly evolving government marketplace, call FedBiz Access today at (844) 628-8914 or book a quick call with a Federal Contracting Specialist.

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FedBiz Access4.9

Based on 861 reviews

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Lee Bailey

4 weeks ago

Enjoyed working with Mrs Constance Painter. Quick communication and process went smooth!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your business and your five star google review for the FedBiz Access team member. We value your feedback!

Peter Anthony

4 weeks ago

After initially signing up for FedBiz i really wasn't sure what to expect, but I took a chance and the folks working there were really helpful. Constance Painter was one of the first to assist me with moving me along the process, and I was really impressed with her availability and forward thinking to keeping the ball rolling.

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to be of service and to continue assisting with your government contracting needs now and in the future. Thank you for this five star google review for the FedBiz Access team and for placing your trust in us.

Jamal Salih

1 month ago

My experience with FedBiz has genuinely been a positive and valuable one. When I came to them, I was still learning my way through government contracting, and the guidance and support I received helped me better understand the process and continue moving my business forward. I especially want to recognize Frank Kerbs. I had regular consultation meetings with Frank, and I always appreciated his time, knowledge, patience, and willingness to answer my questions. Having someone knowledgeable that I could speak with consistently made a real difference in my experience. During my time working with FedBiz, my company went on to receive several government contract awards. Most recently, we were awarded a four-year government contract providing ongoing maintenance services for a public healthcare facility. I’m extremely grateful for the progress my company has made and for the guidance and resources FedBiz provided along the way. What I appreciate most is that my experience with FedBiz wasn’t simply about receiving a service. I came away with a much greater understanding and appreciation for government contracting and what is possible for a small business willing to pursue these opportunities. I’m genuinely grateful to Frank and the entire FedBiz team for being part of that journey, and I would gladly recommend them to other small-business owners who are serious about exploring government contracting.

Response from the owner:Congratulations of your contract award success and thank you for the opportunity to be of assistance. We appreciate your detailed feedback for the FedBiz Access team and your account consultants specifically. We look forward to continue providing valuable service and assistance with your government contracting goals, from registration to award.

Dennis Haag

1 month ago

Great POC for us. They provide us with current and relevant information. You need them to keep informed and to find opportunities.

BRONSON'S AMBITIONS

2 months ago

Great With Follow Up and Execution!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your feedback, our pleasure to assist with your government contracting goals and registrations.

James Mabrey

2 months ago

Working with Ashley Futral of FedBiz Access was a great experience, she was professional and very Knowledgable of the process and I would recommend anyone pursuing anything within the US Governement Certifications Space to Work with FedBiz Access Team.

Response from the owner:Congratulations on your recently awarded Certification and thank you for the opportunity to assist in that endeavor on your behalf. We appreciate your business and your feedback and remain at your service as needed.

Stevie Duncan

2 months ago

Was able to reeive information capable of getting me engaged in the process.

Response from the owner:Thank you.

Bill Ketenbrink

2 months ago

great job

Response from the owner:Thank you for this five star google review for the FedBiz Access team!

Rich Mauch

2 months ago

Big shoutout to Constance Painter of FedBiz for the awesome work she recently managed for our gov't SAMS account. Thank you Constance!

Response from the owner:Been a pleasure to assist you with your government contracting needs, looking forward to your success!

Lori

3 months ago

Helpful and friendly staff. Nice and easy.

Response from the owner:Thank you, our pleasure to assist

Patrick Tuttle

3 months ago

THE TEAM--Wayne-Frank-Ashley =A+ Team. All of them are there for you, and unlike many other places we interviewed, they are keen to answer your calls and questions in an expeditious manner. We never have to wait very long to get help. We tried many firms, and NONE can hold a candle to "THIS" team. Thx guys for your "CARING"

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to consistently be of help and value to your organization and government contracting goals. We look forward to continue earning A+. Thank you for your business and time in leaving the FedBiz Access team this five star google review and comments.

Cathy M

4 months ago

I met Sidney Waters one year ago on a conference call. Really personable and ready to help companies become properly equipped government contractors. Their resources and expert guidance provide everything you need to implement your strategy and hit the ground running. Although I haven't subscribed to Fed Biz Access, Sidney Waters has consistently checked in on our progress, providing "gold nuggets" and directing us to government resources. To be honest, he doesn't have to, but he's a quality individual. And for that, we appreciate him. The team at Fed Biz Access consists of former contracting officers who clearly know their stuff. If you are looking to start a government contracting business, I highly recommend calling Sidney Waters before spending your budget elsewhere. He is a genuine, professional who genuinely wants you to succeed.

Response from the owner:Thank you for attending our presentation; Our pleasure to be of assistance and support with your government contracting goals as needed. We look forward to being of service again in the future. We appreciate your time in posting this five star google review for the FedBiz Access team consultant.

Glenn Scheel

4 months ago

Ashley Futral and the entire staff at FedBiz Access are very knowledgable and helpful. Ashley has helped me navigate the arduous process of GSA approval with great care and speed.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the opportunity to be of service. We appreciate the five star google rating and your positive feedback for the FedBiz Access team and your account specialist.

diane canovas

4 months ago

I've been working with Ashley Futral for almost 2 years, after taking over as Account Administrator for our SAM.gov account. Interaction with Ashley has always been pleasant. She took the time to explain what she was doing as she navigated through the process of updating our account information. Very knowledgeable, which was a relief as I was just taking over the role of Admin. Thank you Ashley, "Thumbs Up"

Response from the owner:Thank you for the thumbs up and for your continued business. Very much appreciate your feedback and five star google rating for the FedBIz Access team specialist.

Jo-lin Ferdinand

4 months ago

Ashley Futral has always been available for me. She has always made me feel like I have nothing to worry about. My million questions are answered with a kind word and assurance that all is good and she's got me. Never worry about a due date, she's on it before I even know it's coming up. Super GRATEFUL THAT SHE IS THERE FOR ME.

Response from the owner:We look forward to always being of service and value to your organization and love the "million questions".. we strive hard to have the million answers:) Thank you for this five star FedBiz Access team consultant review!

Mariah Khetem

4 months ago

Ashley was outstanding throughout the entire process. She was incredibly responsive, knowledgeable, and dedicated to ensuring everything was completed accurately and on time. Her attention to detail and proactive communication made what could have been a complicated process feel seamless and stress-free. Ashley worked diligently to guide us through each step, keeping us informed along the way and quickly addressing any questions or updates that arose. Her professionalism, expertise, and commitment to customer service were evident from start to finish. We truly appreciate all of Ashley's hard work and support and would highly recommend her and Fedbiz to anyone needing assistance. Thank you, Ashley, for going above and beyond!

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to assist with your government contracting needs and registrations. Thank you for your repeat business and your detailed five star feedback for the FedBiz Access team specialist. Very much appreciated!

Al Hogan

4 months ago

I cannot say enough good things about Ashley Futral and the exceptional support she provided throughout my SBA and SDVOSB certification process. From start to finish, Ashley demonstrated an outstanding level of professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to customer service. Navigating the certification process can be overwhelming, but her knowledge, guidance, and responsiveness made the entire experience smooth and stress-free. Ashley took the time to thoroughly review every requirement, identify potential issues before they became problems, and ensure that all documentation was accurate and complete. Her meticulous attention to detail played a significant role in helping me successfully obtain both my SBA certification and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) certification. What impressed me most was her genuine dedication to her clients. She was always available to answer questions, provide updates, and offer expert advice throughout the process. Her communication was timely, clear, and professional, giving me confidence every step of the way. If you are seeking assistance with SBA certifications, SDVOSB certifications, or government contracting registrations, I highly recommend Ashley Futral. Her expertise, work ethic, and customer-focused approach are truly second to none. Thank you, Ashley, for your outstanding support and for helping me achieve this important milestone for my business. I also want to add I wouked with Mya Plant. Mya Plant exceeded every expectation and delivered a capability statement that truly elevated our organization's professional image and marketability. From our initial consultation through the final product, Mya demonstrated exceptional professionalism, attention to detail, and a genuine commitment to understanding our business. She took the time to learn about our organization's history, capabilities, certifications, differentiators, and long-term goals, then transformed that information into a polished, visually appealing, and highly effective capability statement. What impressed me most was her ability to take complex information and present it in a clear, concise, and compelling format that speaks directly to potential government agencies, contracting officers, and business partners. Her recommendations improved not only the document itself but also how we communicate our value proposition to prospective clients. Mya was responsive, patient, and incredibly easy to work with throughout the entire process. Every revision was completed quickly, and she consistently went above and beyond to ensure the final product exceeded our expectations. Thanks to her expertise, we now have a professional capability statement that accurately reflects our organization, strengthens our credibility, and positions us more effectively for government contracting and business development opportunities. If you are considering hiring Mya for capability statements, government contracting support, branding materials, or professional business documents, I recommend her without hesitation. Her expertise, customer service, and dedication to excellence are second to none. Thank you, Mya, for your outstanding work and commitment to our success. We look forward to working with you again in the future. — Professor Al Hogan Owner, Team Randori Martial Arts Retired U.S. Army CW4 | Veteran-Owned Business Owner

Response from the owner:Thank you for your business and your detailed five star review for the FedBiz Access team consultant; our pleasure to be of service as needed.

Rita Hibbard

4 months ago

Very good company.

Response from the owner:We appreciate your business and this five star google review for our FedBiz Access team. Thank you.

Allyson Collins

4 months ago

Elizabeth Whitaker was exceptional, very helpful and was always there whenever we need her, thank you Elizabeth for being the great person that you are. We at Collins Henry, LLC is very grateful to have her working on our behalf....

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to continue being of valuable service to your organization. Thank you for the recognition and the kind comments for our FedBiz Access specialist; We appreciate you.

Bryan Johnson

5 months ago

I had my own federal contracting consulting business for 25 years and I have to say Fed Biz Access is doing it right.

Michael Scanna

5 months ago

I cannot recommend the assistance Elizabeth and her team provided to me enough! The entire process was handled professionally, quickly, and with incredible attention to detail. What seemed overwhelming and confusing at first became simple and stress-free thanks to their guidance. They answered every question patiently, ensured all information was submitted correctly, and kept me informed every step of the way. Their knowledge of the SAM registration process saved me so much time and frustration. If you need reliable, efficient, and trustworthy help with SAM registration, this is absolutely the team to use!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your business and your time in leaving us this five star Google review for the FedBiz Access team specialist. We appreciate your recommendation and detailed feedback on your experience with our dedicated team. We remain at your service, as needed.

Stacy Hall

5 months ago

Trying to update anything with a govenrment agency is always a nightmare. After fighting with Sam.gov for weeks and getting nowhere, we reached out to Constance for help. She has made this SO much easier on us and gotten our account active again.

Response from the owner:Taking the frustration out of these somewhat cumbersome processes is at the center of our expertise. As changes continue within the government workplace, platforms and procedures, our team stays vigilant and current in our quest for a fruitful and pleasant customer experience. Thank you for the opportunity to assist.

Justin Moore

5 months ago

Elizabeth Whitaker with FedBiz Access has been great. She has taken her time with us to customize her services directly to what we need. She is very professional and knowledgeable. Further, she is very proactive and highly responsive in our communications. We enjoy our experience working with Elizabeth and her team. We would highly recommend using Elizabeth at FedBiz Access.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the opportunity to be of assistance as needed with your government contracting needs; very much appreciate your positive feedback and five star review for the FedBiz Access team specialist and your recommendation of our services.

Minerva Finishes

5 months ago

Elizabeth Whitaker has been so very helpful to us. We are a very small business attempting to navigate the Government Contracts process. Elizabeth is quite knowledgeable, easy to understand and patient.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your positive feedback for the FedBiz Access team specialist and this five star google review for our Company. Look forward to assisting you as needed in the future.

Lynn Tyler

5 months ago

Elizabeth Whitaker helped me get my recertification. She made the process painless. She also helped me update my SAM.

Response from the owner:We appreciate your continued business and positive feedback for the FedBiz Access team specialist. Congratulations on your recent recertification, and thank you for the opportunity to assist you in that process.

The post Potentially a Major Win for Small Business GovCon: SBA Proposal Could Reclassify 114,541 Firms as Small appeared first on FedBiz Access.

NASA currently anticipates that SEWP VI will begin on November 1, 2026, with a period of performance that could extend through October 31, 2036. That is a ten-year runway for federal information technology, communications, audio-visual products, and related services, and it is one that small businesses cannot afford to dismiss simply because they did not receive a prime contract award.

For companies that did receive an award, the next several months are about getting operationally ready, not framing the award notice and admiring it. For everyone else, SEWP VI may still offer years of teaming, subcontracting, OEM, reseller, and supplier opportunities. In fact, some businesses that did not win a seat at the prime contractor table may ultimately earn more revenue by supplying the companies that did, without carrying every ounce of the administrative weight that comes with being a prime.

The opportunity is real, but only for contractors that understand how SEWP VI will work and begin positioning before orders start moving.

SEWP VI Is More Than a New Version of an Old Contract

NASA SEWP, formally known as Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement, is a governmentwide acquisition contract that federal agencies use to purchase information technology, communication, and audio-visual products and services. It is not limited to NASA, despite the name attached to it. Federal agencies across the government use SEWP because it provides a pre-competed buying channel and a faster path from requirement to order.

SEWP VI expands that model.

According to NASA’s current SEWP VI transition guidance, Category A will focus primarily on traditional ITC/AV product solutions, while Categories B and C will include a broader suite of ITC/AV services. Agencies will also have access to several order types, including firm-fixed-price, time-and-materials, labor-hour, fixed-price-award-fee, fixed-price-incentive-fee, and fixed-price-economic-price-adjustment arrangements, along with certain hybrid commercial structures.

That flexibility matters because federal technology requirements rarely stay neatly inside one box. An agency may need hardware, software, integration, installation, cybersecurity, program support, and continuing maintenance, all while someone in the procurement office is asking why the printer still refuses to recognize that it contains paper.

SEWP VI is being built to accommodate more of that work within a single buying environment.

NASA is also redesigning the SEWP Marketplace, Online Catalog, Quote Request Tool, Strategic Storefronts, and Blanket Purchase Agreement storefronts. The Online Catalog is expected to allow customers to search by part number, keyword, or provider, perform market research, make certain micro-purchases, and request quotes from contract holders.

For contractors, that means discoverability, catalog accuracy, response speed, and partner coverage will matter nearly as much as having the contract itself.

Small-Business Set-Asides Will Happen at the Order Level

One of the biggest SEWP VI developments for small businesses is NASA’s confirmation that all three categories will allow any form of small-business set-aside at the order level.

That does not mean every order will be set aside, nor does it mean that holding a socioeconomic certification automatically turns into a stack of purchase orders. It means ordering contracting officers will have the ability to restrict individual requirements to eligible small businesses, including firms that qualify as Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses, Women-Owned or Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Businesses, HUBZone businesses, or participants in the 8(a) Business Development Program, when the conditions for that set-aside are met.

This creates a major positioning opportunity. A small business contract holder should make its socioeconomic status unmistakably clear in every relevant profile, capability description, catalog entry, partner presentation, and customer conversation. If an ordering team is looking for two capable SDVOSBs that can satisfy a cybersecurity requirement, you do not want your certification hiding on page seven of a brochure that was last updated when people still carried BlackBerry phones.

Contractors also need to understand the importance of federal acquisition market research. Ordering officials need evidence that capable small businesses exist before restricting an order. Clear capability information, accurate NAICS codes, relevant past performance, current certifications, properly maintained SAM and Small Business Search profiles, and prompt responses to RFIs help provide that evidence.

A set-aside is often influenced long before the solicitation appears.

Order-Level NAICS Codes Change the Competitive Picture

Under SEWP VI, North American Industry Classification System codes will be assigned at the order level, and any valid in-scope NAICS code may be used. This is a significant change because the NAICS code assigned to an order helps determine the applicable small-business size standard and which companies are eligible to compete.

A business may qualify as small under one NAICS code but not another. An ordering contracting officer’s selection can therefore change the competitive pool, sometimes considerably.

SEWP VI contract holders should review every in-scope NAICS code that could reasonably apply to their products and services, then document where the company remains small and where its size status may differ. Marketing teams, capture staff, contracts personnel, and executives should all be working from the same information because this is not the kind of detail you want to debate two hours before a quote is due.

Non-awardees should conduct the same exercise. Your NAICS profile will help identify which SEWP VI primes are likely to need your capabilities and which set-aside orders could create a teaming or subcontracting opening.

What SEWP VI Awardees Should Be Doing Now

Winning a spot on SEWP VI is like earning a commercial driver’s license. It gives you permission to operate the vehicle, but it does not provide customers, fuel, directions, or somebody to change the tire when things go sideways.

Awardees should first complete every NASA onboarding requirement and confirm that operational contacts, user accounts, security responsibilities, catalog data, and reporting procedures are assigned to actual people. “The contracts team will handle it” is not a process unless the contracts team knows it has been nominated.

Product-oriented contractors should verify OEM and distributor relationships, reseller authorizations, pricing feeds, warranties, supply-chain documentation, and Category A nonmanufacturer rule coverage. NASA has indicated that SEWP VI will operate under specific waivers covering most, but not all, Category A products, so contractors need to understand the SBA’s nonmanufacturer rule and know where a waiver applies rather than assuming the entire catalog is covered.

Services firms should map labor categories, delivery models, certifications, geographic reach, clearance capabilities, and relevant past performance to the work expected in Categories B and C.

Awardees should also create a quote-response process before the first meaningful request arrives. Who makes the bid decision? Who confirms scope? Who obtains partner pricing? Who reviews compliance? Who approves the final response? Federal opportunities have a habit of appearing when half the team is traveling and the other half is trying to close the month, so the process needs to survive real life.

Non-Awardees Still Have Several Ways Into SEWP VI

A company that did not receive a prime contract award should not treat SEWP VI as a locked building. The front door may be reserved for contract holders, but there are plenty of side entrances for companies that bring something useful.

Start by reviewing NASA’s official SEWP VI information and monitoring its contract-holder and award updates. Identify awardees whose capabilities, customers, socioeconomic status, and product or service coverage overlap with your own. Then look for a specific reason that contractor might need you.

Perhaps you have an OEM authorization the prime does not hold. Maybe your company offers local installation in markets where the prime has limited coverage. You may have highly relevant past performance, a difficult-to-find technical certification, cleared staff, a cybersecurity specialty, or a socioeconomic status that supports a customer’s small-business strategy.

Your outreach should explain that fit in plain language. A message that says, “We would like to explore mutually beneficial synergies” usually earns a polite trip to the deleted folder. A message that says, “We provide cleared cloud engineers in three locations where your team has limited delivery coverage, and we recently performed similar work for this agency” gives the recipient something concrete to consider.

Non-awardees should pursue several channels:

• Teaming arrangements can combine complementary technical capabilities before an order is released.
• Subcontracting can provide access to performance opportunities without requiring the small business to manage the entire contract.
• OEM and reseller relationships can help contract holders strengthen product coverage and pricing.
• Catalog relationships can place a company’s products or services within an established SEWP VI holder’s offering.
• Regional installation, maintenance, training, and field-support partnerships can fill delivery gaps that national primes cannot efficiently cover on their own.

The key is to approach the right partner with the right capability at the right time, which sounds obvious until you watch companies send the same generic capability statement to 200 unrelated primes and then wonder why nobody called.

A Practical 90-Day SEWP VI Launch Checklist

During the first 30 days, awardees should complete NASA onboarding, verify all official points of contact, review the contract-holder manual, assign ownership of the Quote Request Tool and catalog functions, confirm cyber supply-chain risk management responsibilities, and audit product, service, NAICS, and socioeconomic information. Non-awardees should identify a focused list of potential partners, update their government capability statement, verify certifications and size status, and document exactly what they can add to a SEWP VI team.

During days 31 through 60, awardees should build quote templates, pricing procedures, partner intake processes, compliance reviews, and internal bid-decision rules. They should also identify gaps in OEM coverage, geographic delivery, labor capacity, specialized services, and socioeconomic participation. Non-awardees should begin targeted outreach, register through relevant supplier portals, discuss specific capability gaps with primes, and negotiate agreements where a real pursuit or recurring need exists.

During days 61 through 90, awardees should rehearse the quote process, test internal response times, validate catalog information, monitor agency buying signals, and begin customer education around their SEWP VI capabilities. Non-awardees should track the primes and agencies most relevant to their business, monitor early RFIs and requirements, continue partner conversations, and make sure they can provide pricing, resumes, past performance, certifications, and technical information quickly when asked.

The goal is not to complete a nice checklist and place it in a drawer. The goal is to be ready when an opportunity arrives, because the team that spends two weeks searching for its own reseller letter is not likely to beat the team that can quote tomorrow morning.

The Best Time to Find a Partner Is Before the Order Drops

SEWP VI will bring more contract holders, more service coverage, order-level NAICS decisions, and broad small-business set-aside possibilities. That creates opportunity, but it also creates a crowded field where companies need to know who they should work with and why.

The AI-powered FedBiz365 platform helps small business government contractors identify teaming and subcontracting partners that align with their capabilities, NAICS codes, past performance, and target agencies. Instead of searching through scattered databases and sending outreach based on guesswork, contractors can build a shorter, more relevant partner list and begin positioning while there is still time to have a useful conversation.

Call FedBiz Access today at 844-628-8914 for a FedBiz365 demonstration, or book a demo at you convenience. SEWP VI may not officially begin until November, but the partnering work should already be underway.

Book a Free Consultation

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Excellent

FedBiz Access4.9

Based on 861 reviews

See all reviews

review us on

Lee Bailey

4 weeks ago

Enjoyed working with Mrs Constance Painter. Quick communication and process went smooth!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your business and your five star google review for the FedBiz Access team member. We value your feedback!

Peter Anthony

4 weeks ago

After initially signing up for FedBiz i really wasn't sure what to expect, but I took a chance and the folks working there were really helpful. Constance Painter was one of the first to assist me with moving me along the process, and I was really impressed with her availability and forward thinking to keeping the ball rolling.

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to be of service and to continue assisting with your government contracting needs now and in the future. Thank you for this five star google review for the FedBiz Access team and for placing your trust in us.

Jamal Salih

1 month ago

My experience with FedBiz has genuinely been a positive and valuable one. When I came to them, I was still learning my way through government contracting, and the guidance and support I received helped me better understand the process and continue moving my business forward. I especially want to recognize Frank Kerbs. I had regular consultation meetings with Frank, and I always appreciated his time, knowledge, patience, and willingness to answer my questions. Having someone knowledgeable that I could speak with consistently made a real difference in my experience. During my time working with FedBiz, my company went on to receive several government contract awards. Most recently, we were awarded a four-year government contract providing ongoing maintenance services for a public healthcare facility. I’m extremely grateful for the progress my company has made and for the guidance and resources FedBiz provided along the way. What I appreciate most is that my experience with FedBiz wasn’t simply about receiving a service. I came away with a much greater understanding and appreciation for government contracting and what is possible for a small business willing to pursue these opportunities. I’m genuinely grateful to Frank and the entire FedBiz team for being part of that journey, and I would gladly recommend them to other small-business owners who are serious about exploring government contracting.

Response from the owner:Congratulations of your contract award success and thank you for the opportunity to be of assistance. We appreciate your detailed feedback for the FedBiz Access team and your account consultants specifically. We look forward to continue providing valuable service and assistance with your government contracting goals, from registration to award.

Dennis Haag

1 month ago

Great POC for us. They provide us with current and relevant information. You need them to keep informed and to find opportunities.

BRONSON'S AMBITIONS

2 months ago

Great With Follow Up and Execution!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your feedback, our pleasure to assist with your government contracting goals and registrations.

James Mabrey

2 months ago

Working with Ashley Futral of FedBiz Access was a great experience, she was professional and very Knowledgable of the process and I would recommend anyone pursuing anything within the US Governement Certifications Space to Work with FedBiz Access Team.

Response from the owner:Congratulations on your recently awarded Certification and thank you for the opportunity to assist in that endeavor on your behalf. We appreciate your business and your feedback and remain at your service as needed.

Stevie Duncan

2 months ago

Was able to reeive information capable of getting me engaged in the process.

Response from the owner:Thank you.

Bill Ketenbrink

2 months ago

great job

Response from the owner:Thank you for this five star google review for the FedBiz Access team!

Rich Mauch

2 months ago

Big shoutout to Constance Painter of FedBiz for the awesome work she recently managed for our gov't SAMS account. Thank you Constance!

Response from the owner:Been a pleasure to assist you with your government contracting needs, looking forward to your success!

Lori

3 months ago

Helpful and friendly staff. Nice and easy.

Response from the owner:Thank you, our pleasure to assist

Patrick Tuttle

3 months ago

THE TEAM--Wayne-Frank-Ashley =A+ Team. All of them are there for you, and unlike many other places we interviewed, they are keen to answer your calls and questions in an expeditious manner. We never have to wait very long to get help. We tried many firms, and NONE can hold a candle to "THIS" team. Thx guys for your "CARING"

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to consistently be of help and value to your organization and government contracting goals. We look forward to continue earning A+. Thank you for your business and time in leaving the FedBiz Access team this five star google review and comments.

Cathy M

4 months ago

I met Sidney Waters one year ago on a conference call. Really personable and ready to help companies become properly equipped government contractors. Their resources and expert guidance provide everything you need to implement your strategy and hit the ground running. Although I haven't subscribed to Fed Biz Access, Sidney Waters has consistently checked in on our progress, providing "gold nuggets" and directing us to government resources. To be honest, he doesn't have to, but he's a quality individual. And for that, we appreciate him. The team at Fed Biz Access consists of former contracting officers who clearly know their stuff. If you are looking to start a government contracting business, I highly recommend calling Sidney Waters before spending your budget elsewhere. He is a genuine, professional who genuinely wants you to succeed.

Response from the owner:Thank you for attending our presentation; Our pleasure to be of assistance and support with your government contracting goals as needed. We look forward to being of service again in the future. We appreciate your time in posting this five star google review for the FedBiz Access team consultant.

Glenn Scheel

4 months ago

Ashley Futral and the entire staff at FedBiz Access are very knowledgable and helpful. Ashley has helped me navigate the arduous process of GSA approval with great care and speed.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the opportunity to be of service. We appreciate the five star google rating and your positive feedback for the FedBiz Access team and your account specialist.

diane canovas

4 months ago

I've been working with Ashley Futral for almost 2 years, after taking over as Account Administrator for our SAM.gov account. Interaction with Ashley has always been pleasant. She took the time to explain what she was doing as she navigated through the process of updating our account information. Very knowledgeable, which was a relief as I was just taking over the role of Admin. Thank you Ashley, "Thumbs Up"

Response from the owner:Thank you for the thumbs up and for your continued business. Very much appreciate your feedback and five star google rating for the FedBIz Access team specialist.

Jo-lin Ferdinand

4 months ago

Ashley Futral has always been available for me. She has always made me feel like I have nothing to worry about. My million questions are answered with a kind word and assurance that all is good and she's got me. Never worry about a due date, she's on it before I even know it's coming up. Super GRATEFUL THAT SHE IS THERE FOR ME.

Response from the owner:We look forward to always being of service and value to your organization and love the "million questions".. we strive hard to have the million answers:) Thank you for this five star FedBiz Access team consultant review!

Mariah Khetem

4 months ago

Ashley was outstanding throughout the entire process. She was incredibly responsive, knowledgeable, and dedicated to ensuring everything was completed accurately and on time. Her attention to detail and proactive communication made what could have been a complicated process feel seamless and stress-free. Ashley worked diligently to guide us through each step, keeping us informed along the way and quickly addressing any questions or updates that arose. Her professionalism, expertise, and commitment to customer service were evident from start to finish. We truly appreciate all of Ashley's hard work and support and would highly recommend her and Fedbiz to anyone needing assistance. Thank you, Ashley, for going above and beyond!

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to assist with your government contracting needs and registrations. Thank you for your repeat business and your detailed five star feedback for the FedBiz Access team specialist. Very much appreciated!

Al Hogan

4 months ago

I cannot say enough good things about Ashley Futral and the exceptional support she provided throughout my SBA and SDVOSB certification process. From start to finish, Ashley demonstrated an outstanding level of professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to customer service. Navigating the certification process can be overwhelming, but her knowledge, guidance, and responsiveness made the entire experience smooth and stress-free. Ashley took the time to thoroughly review every requirement, identify potential issues before they became problems, and ensure that all documentation was accurate and complete. Her meticulous attention to detail played a significant role in helping me successfully obtain both my SBA certification and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) certification. What impressed me most was her genuine dedication to her clients. She was always available to answer questions, provide updates, and offer expert advice throughout the process. Her communication was timely, clear, and professional, giving me confidence every step of the way. If you are seeking assistance with SBA certifications, SDVOSB certifications, or government contracting registrations, I highly recommend Ashley Futral. Her expertise, work ethic, and customer-focused approach are truly second to none. Thank you, Ashley, for your outstanding support and for helping me achieve this important milestone for my business. I also want to add I wouked with Mya Plant. Mya Plant exceeded every expectation and delivered a capability statement that truly elevated our organization's professional image and marketability. From our initial consultation through the final product, Mya demonstrated exceptional professionalism, attention to detail, and a genuine commitment to understanding our business. She took the time to learn about our organization's history, capabilities, certifications, differentiators, and long-term goals, then transformed that information into a polished, visually appealing, and highly effective capability statement. What impressed me most was her ability to take complex information and present it in a clear, concise, and compelling format that speaks directly to potential government agencies, contracting officers, and business partners. Her recommendations improved not only the document itself but also how we communicate our value proposition to prospective clients. Mya was responsive, patient, and incredibly easy to work with throughout the entire process. Every revision was completed quickly, and she consistently went above and beyond to ensure the final product exceeded our expectations. Thanks to her expertise, we now have a professional capability statement that accurately reflects our organization, strengthens our credibility, and positions us more effectively for government contracting and business development opportunities. If you are considering hiring Mya for capability statements, government contracting support, branding materials, or professional business documents, I recommend her without hesitation. Her expertise, customer service, and dedication to excellence are second to none. Thank you, Mya, for your outstanding work and commitment to our success. We look forward to working with you again in the future. — Professor Al Hogan Owner, Team Randori Martial Arts Retired U.S. Army CW4 | Veteran-Owned Business Owner

Response from the owner:Thank you for your business and your detailed five star review for the FedBiz Access team consultant; our pleasure to be of service as needed.

Rita Hibbard

4 months ago

Very good company.

Response from the owner:We appreciate your business and this five star google review for our FedBiz Access team. Thank you.

Allyson Collins

4 months ago

Elizabeth Whitaker was exceptional, very helpful and was always there whenever we need her, thank you Elizabeth for being the great person that you are. We at Collins Henry, LLC is very grateful to have her working on our behalf....

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to continue being of valuable service to your organization. Thank you for the recognition and the kind comments for our FedBiz Access specialist; We appreciate you.

Bryan Johnson

5 months ago

I had my own federal contracting consulting business for 25 years and I have to say Fed Biz Access is doing it right.

Michael Scanna

5 months ago

I cannot recommend the assistance Elizabeth and her team provided to me enough! The entire process was handled professionally, quickly, and with incredible attention to detail. What seemed overwhelming and confusing at first became simple and stress-free thanks to their guidance. They answered every question patiently, ensured all information was submitted correctly, and kept me informed every step of the way. Their knowledge of the SAM registration process saved me so much time and frustration. If you need reliable, efficient, and trustworthy help with SAM registration, this is absolutely the team to use!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your business and your time in leaving us this five star Google review for the FedBiz Access team specialist. We appreciate your recommendation and detailed feedback on your experience with our dedicated team. We remain at your service, as needed.

Stacy Hall

5 months ago

Trying to update anything with a govenrment agency is always a nightmare. After fighting with Sam.gov for weeks and getting nowhere, we reached out to Constance for help. She has made this SO much easier on us and gotten our account active again.

Response from the owner:Taking the frustration out of these somewhat cumbersome processes is at the center of our expertise. As changes continue within the government workplace, platforms and procedures, our team stays vigilant and current in our quest for a fruitful and pleasant customer experience. Thank you for the opportunity to assist.

Justin Moore

5 months ago

Elizabeth Whitaker with FedBiz Access has been great. She has taken her time with us to customize her services directly to what we need. She is very professional and knowledgeable. Further, she is very proactive and highly responsive in our communications. We enjoy our experience working with Elizabeth and her team. We would highly recommend using Elizabeth at FedBiz Access.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the opportunity to be of assistance as needed with your government contracting needs; very much appreciate your positive feedback and five star review for the FedBiz Access team specialist and your recommendation of our services.

Minerva Finishes

5 months ago

Elizabeth Whitaker has been so very helpful to us. We are a very small business attempting to navigate the Government Contracts process. Elizabeth is quite knowledgeable, easy to understand and patient.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your positive feedback for the FedBiz Access team specialist and this five star google review for our Company. Look forward to assisting you as needed in the future.

Lynn Tyler

5 months ago

Elizabeth Whitaker helped me get my recertification. She made the process painless. She also helped me update my SAM.

Response from the owner:We appreciate your continued business and positive feedback for the FedBiz Access team specialist. Congratulations on your recent recertification, and thank you for the opportunity to assist you in that process.

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