That is the practical takeaway from SBA’s proposed 8(a) rule change published on June 11, 2026. The proposed rule would remove the rebuttable presumption of social disadvantage for individually owned 8(a) applicants, meaning applicants would no longer qualify as socially disadvantaged simply because they belong to a previously designated racial or ethnic group. Comments on the proposed rule are due July 13, 2026.

For small business contractors, this does not mean the 8(a) Business Development Program is going away. Far from it. The 8(a) program remains one of the most valuable federal contracting tools available to eligible small businesses, offering access to set-aside contracts, sole-source opportunities, business development support, and a stronger position in agency small business strategies.

What is changing is the burden of proof.

For contractors who have been waiting to apply, casually collecting documents, or assuming the 8(a) application is mostly a paperwork exercise, this is the moment to slow down and get serious. Eligibility has always mattered. Now, the way you demonstrate eligibility may matter even more.

What SBA Is Proposing

The proposed rule applies only to individually owned firms seeking 8(a) eligibility. SBA states that it does not change eligibility standards for entity-owned participants, such as businesses owned by tribes, Alaska Native Corporations, Native Hawaiian Organizations, or Community Development Corporations.

Historically, SBA regulations included a rebuttable presumption that members of certain designated groups were socially disadvantaged. After the 2023 Ultima decision, SBA stopped relying on that presumption and shifted toward individualized social disadvantage submissions. Now SBA is proposing to formally remove the presumption from its regulations and replace the current framework with a new test for individually owned applicants.

Under the proposed rule, an individual American citizen could establish social disadvantage by showing that, during their lifetime, a federal, state, or local government, university, corporation, or other private entity discriminated or was biased against a clearly definable racial, ethnic, or cultural group of which the applicant is a member, or favored another racial, ethnic, or cultural group, and that this caused material harm to the applicant.

SBA defines “material harm” in the proposed text as loss of access to or diminished opportunities related to economic advancement. The proposed rule also identifies examples of evidence that may support a claim, including government, university, or corporate policies, reports, audits, findings, court decisions, administrative rulings, official statements, and related documents.

That is a meaningful shift. A strong 8(a) application will need more than a sincere explanation. It will need a clear, well-supported record.

The 8(a) Program Is Still Powerful

It is easy for contractors to hear “rule change” and assume the program is suddenly too risky or too complicated to pursue. That would be the wrong lesson.

The 8(a) program still offers serious strategic value for qualified firms. SBA describes the 8(a) program as a nine-year business development program that provides counseling, training, management and technical guidance, and access to federal contracting opportunities. For the right company, 8(a) certification can help open doors that are difficult to access through full and open competition alone.

That said, 8(a) certification is not a magic badge. The firms that benefit most are usually the ones that enter with a plan. They understand their NAICS codes, target agencies, past performance story, teaming options, pricing posture, and contract vehicles. They know where 8(a) obligations are likely to appear and where their capabilities align with real agency buying behavior.

The proposed rule does not change that strategic reality. It simply raises the importance of getting the eligibility side right before you invest months of effort into an application.

Social Disadvantage May Become More Evidence-Driven

For many prospective applicants, the biggest adjustment will be how they think about social disadvantage.

Under the proposed standard, SBA is not asking only whether an applicant has experienced hardship in a general sense. The proposed rule focuses on group-based racial, ethnic, or cultural prejudice or bias, circumstances beyond the individual’s control, and a connection to material harm.

That means applicants should be prepared to organize their evidence around a logical chain:

What group-based bias or discrimination occurred?

What policy, practice, decision, or action supports that claim?

How was the applicant connected to the affected group at the relevant time?

What material harm did the applicant personally experience?

How did that harm affect economic advancement, access, opportunity, business formation, education, employment, capital, contracts, or professional growth?

This is not the place for vague statements. A sentence like “I faced discrimination throughout my career” may be true, but it is not enough by itself. A stronger application record may include dated events, supporting documents, specific institutions or entities, measurable impacts, and a clear explanation of how those experiences affected the owner’s ability to enter or advance in business.

In other words, the narrative still matters, even if the regulatory framework changes. The difference is that the narrative should be anchored to evidence.

Do Not Forget Economic Disadvantage

Social disadvantage gets most of the attention because of this proposed rule, but 8(a) eligibility has never been only about social disadvantage.

Applicants also need to satisfy economic disadvantage requirements, ownership and control requirements, small business size standards, potential for success, good character, and other SBA criteria. This is where many contractors get tripped up. They focus on the personal statement and overlook financial thresholds, tax return issues, ownership structure, operating agreements, outside employment, control concerns, affiliate relationships, or inconsistent SAM.gov and SBS information.

A company may have a compelling social disadvantage case and still run into problems if the owner does not clearly control the firm, if financial documentation does not support economic disadvantage, or if the company’s corporate records tell a different story than the application.

Before applying, contractors should review personal financials, adjusted net worth, income, assets, tax records, ownership documents, resumes, contracts, invoices, banking records, licenses, and management roles. The application needs to tell one consistent story across every document. SBA reviewers are not reading your application like a motivational essay. They are reviewing it like a file, and files need to reconcile.

Timing Matters More Than Contractors Think

The comment deadline is July 13, 2026, and the rule is still proposed. That means contractors should avoid acting as though every detail is final. SBA could revise the rule after reviewing public comments.

At the same time, waiting passively is rarely a good strategy.

If you are considering 8(a), use this period to assess your readiness. Do not rush an incomplete application just because the rules are moving. Do not sit on your hands either, especially if your firm is already positioned to benefit from 8(a) opportunities in the next one to three years.

The right timing depends on your business. A firm with strong past performance, clean ownership documents, stable financial records, and a clear agency target list may be in a very different position than a newer company still sorting out control issues, revenue concentration, or documentation gaps.

The goal is not simply to apply. The goal is to apply when your eligibility and market strategy are both strong enough to support approval and real opportunity pursuit.

What Contractors Should Do Now

Start with an eligibility review. Look at the owner, the company, and the market together. 8(a) should never be treated as a standalone certification project because certification without capture strategy can turn into an expensive trophy on the shelf.

Next, begin organizing documentation. If you may need to establish social disadvantage under a more evidence-driven standard, gather records now. That may include policies, decisions, correspondence, official records, employment history, education records, business formation challenges, financing denials, contracting barriers, or other documentation relevant to your situation.

Then review economic disadvantage. Make sure personal financial information is current, accurate, and consistent. Contractors sometimes underestimate this step because it feels less personal than the social disadvantage discussion, but it can be just as important.

Finally, evaluate your opportunity landscape. Which agencies buy what you sell? Are there existing 8(a) incumbents in your NAICS codes? Are there recompetes coming? Are contracting officers using 8(a) sole-source awards in your market? Are you better positioned as a prime, subcontractor, protégé, or joint venture partner?

That is where 8(a) becomes more than a certification. It becomes a business development strategy.

The Bottom Line

SBA’s proposed 8(a) rule change is a reminder that the federal marketplace rewards preparation. The 8(a) program remains powerful, but the path into the program is becoming more documentation-focused, more evidence-driven, and less forgiving of assumptions.

For eligible contractors, this is not a reason to back away. It is a reason to get organized.

If you are thinking about 8(a) certification, now is the time to understand your eligibility, strengthen your documentation, review economic disadvantage, and decide whether the timing is right for your business.

FedBiz Access can help you take that first step with confidence. Call us today: 844-628-8914 or book a call for a complimentary 8(a) eligibility review, and let’s look at where you stand before you apply.

The post SBA’s Proposed 8(a) Rule Change: Why Documentation Just Became More Important Than Ever appeared first on FedBiz Access.

For years, product suppliers and manufacturers have treated domestic sourcing language as a competitive advantage, especially when selling to federal buyers who prefer American-made products. That instinct is not wrong. Federal agencies do care about domestic supply chains, resilient manufacturing, and reliable sources of supply. But the June 12, 2026 action by the Small Business Administration and General Services Administration sent a much sharper message: if your GSA Advantage listing says or suggests “Made in America,” you had better be able to prove it.

SBA announced that, working with GSA, it removed 22 falsely labeled foreign-made flatware product offerings from GSA Advantage after concerns were raised that China-based companies were marketing products as “Made in America” even though the products were allegedly only partially assembled or finished in the United States. According to SBA, the concern was that federal agencies could purchase foreign-made goods under misleading domestic-origin claims, potentially violating the Buy American Act, Trade Agreements Act, and related country-of-origin requirements.

That should get the attention of any company selling products through a GSA Schedule, especially manufacturers, distributors, resellers, and firms trying to position themselves around domestic sourcing. The issue is not limited to flatware. The lesson applies across product categories where sourcing, assembly, components, country of origin, and catalog language can drift out of alignment over time.

Why This Matters for GSA Schedule Contractors

GSA Advantage is not a casual e-commerce storefront. It is a federal buying platform connected to contract terms, certifications, procurement rules, and agency trust. When a product appears there with a country-of-origin claim, buyers may reasonably rely on that information during market research and purchasing.

GSA has made clear that Multiple Award Schedule offerings are subject to the Trade Agreements Act, meaning contractors must generally provide only U.S.-made or designated-country end products and services. GSA also states that MAS contractors certify the country of origin for each product displayed on GSA Advantage, and U.S. products are highlighted with an American flag icon.

That little flag may look simple to a buyer scrolling through search results, but for the contractor behind the listing, it represents a serious compliance representation.

The Vendor Support Center reinforces the point: Schedule contractors are responsible for ensuring product information is accurately incorporated into the contract and displayed on GSA Advantage throughout the life of the contract. GSA also advises contractors to periodically review country of origin because manufacturers sometimes change production locations.

That last sentence is where many good contractors get into trouble. A product may have been compliant when it was added to the contract three years ago. Then the manufacturer moved production. A component changed. A distributor substituted an equivalent item. A private-label supplier adjusted final assembly. The catalog did not get updated. Suddenly, the listing that once passed a reasonable review is now a liability sitting in plain sight.

“Made in USA” Is Not the Same as “TAA Compliant”

One of the most common mistakes in this area is treating every domestic sourcing rule as if it means the same thing. It does not.

TAA compliance generally allows products that are made or substantially transformed in the United States or in a TAA-designated country. GSA’s Vendor Support Center explains that products may qualify if they are wholly the growth, product, or manufacture of the U.S. or a designated country, or if they are substantially transformed there into a new and different article of commerce with a distinct name, character, or use.

The Buy American Act uses a different framework. Under FAR 25.101, manufactured end products generally must be manufactured in the United States and meet a domestic component cost test. For most manufactured end products, the domestic content threshold is 65 percent for items delivered in calendar years 2024 through 2028, increasing to 75 percent for items delivered starting in 2029.

Then there is the Federal Trade Commission’s “Made in USA” standard, which is another standard again. The FTC says an unqualified Made in USA claim requires that the product be “all or virtually all” made in the United States, with final assembly or processing in the U.S., all significant processing in the U.S., and all or virtually all ingredients or components made and sourced in the U.S.

In plain English, a product might be TAA compliant without being properly advertised as Made in USA. It might satisfy a procurement rule in one context but still create risk if the catalog, packaging, website, or sales sheet overstates its U.S. origin.

That is why suppliers should stop asking only, “Can we sell this through GSA?” and start asking, “Does every sourcing claim we make match the rule that applies to that claim?”

The Risk Is Bigger Than Product Removal

Getting de-listed from GSA Advantage is painful enough. Losing visibility on the platform can interrupt sales, strain agency relationships, and create internal fire drills with contracting officers, manufacturers, and sales teams. But product removal is not the only risk.

A false or unsupported origin claim can raise questions about contract compliance, pricing representations, supplier due diligence, and whether agencies made purchases based on inaccurate information. In more serious cases, country-of-origin misrepresentations can attract scrutiny beyond GSA, including inspectors general, enforcement agencies, and competitors who know the market well enough to spot questionable claims.

The SBA announcement specifically noted continued coordination with GSA, the Department of Justice, and federal partners to identify impostors, enforce domestic sourcing requirements, and protect procurement integrity. It also stated that false Made in America claims in federal procurement can be reported to federal law enforcement.

Contractors should read that as a signal. Enforcement may not be limited to a one-time cleanup of a single product category. It may become part of a broader push to align federal buying platforms with domestic manufacturing policy.

What Product Suppliers Should Review Now

A practical compliance review does not have to begin with panic. It should begin with documentation.

Start with your GSA Advantage catalog. Pull every product that includes “Made in USA,” “Made in America,” “American-made,” “U.S.-made,” flag imagery, domestic sourcing language, or a U.S. country-of-origin field. Then compare each claim against your actual supplier documentation. Do not rely on memory, old spec sheets, or what a sales rep said two years ago.

Next, review manufacturer letters, certificates of origin, bills of materials, assembly locations, and any substantial transformation analysis. For resellers and distributors, this step is especially important because you may not control the manufacturing process, but you are still responsible for what appears on your GSA contract and Advantage listing.

Then look at your public-facing materials. Your website, product data sheets, Amazon listings, commercial catalogs, line cards, sell sheets, and email templates should not say one thing while GSA Advantage says another. Federal buyers do not evaluate your claims in a vacuum. They often compare multiple sources before purchasing.

Finally, check whether your domestic supply chain positioning is specific enough. “Made in USA” is a strong claim. “Assembled in USA with imported components,” “U.S. final assembly,” or “TAA compliant” may be more accurate in some cases, but those claims still need support. Precision is not weaker marketing. In government contracting, precision is often the thing that keeps your marketing from becoming evidence.

Domestic Manufacturers Have an Opportunity

This enforcement action is not only a warning. It is also an opportunity for legitimate U.S. manufacturers and suppliers with verified domestic production.

If your products are genuinely made in America, or if you have strong domestic supply chain advantages, now is the time to make that positioning clear, documented, and easy for federal buyers to understand. Agencies are under pressure to support domestic sources where the rules allow it. Buyers want confidence that the products they select will survive internal scrutiny. Contracting officers want fewer surprises after award.

That means your GSA strategy should connect three things: compliance, catalog accuracy, and market positioning.

A domestic manufacturer that can show verified U.S. production, clean country-of-origin documentation, accurate GSA Advantage listings, and competitive pricing is not just checking a box. It is reducing buyer risk. In a crowded product category, that can be a real differentiator.

Do Not Wait for GSA to Find the Problem First

The worst time to review your country-of-origin claims is after a buyer, competitor, agency, or enforcement official has already flagged them.

GSA Schedule contractors should treat the June 12 SBA and GSA action as a prompt to perform a sourcing and catalog audit now. For companies pursuing a new GSA Schedule, this is also a reminder that eligibility is not only about having sales history, fair pricing, and the right SINs. Your product sourcing and compliance posture matter before you ever submit the offer.

FedBiz Access helps businesses evaluate whether a GSA Schedule is the right path, identify potential compliance gaps, and better understand how their products may fit within federal buying channels.

Call FedBiz Access today: 844-628-8914 or book a call for a complimentary GSA Eligibility Review. We will help you take a clear-eyed look at your products, sourcing position, and GSA readiness before a small catalog issue turns into a much larger contracting problem.

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Allyson Collins

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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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1 week 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.

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

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Schimpf's Garage

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Cecilia and Sid go well above and beyond to assist me with registering my business with the VA and updating my profile with relevant business changes. Additionally, Frank is a master of contracting and has assisted us in navigating FedBiz's contracting databases and in reviewing proposed bids and contracts. I highly recommend this team to anyone seeking to register their business with the VA and applying for government contracts!

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1 month ago

Love working with FedBiz! They are so communicative and helpful. Constance is such a pleasure to work with in getting our SBA profile set up, Lou is amazing at setting us up in FedBiz, and Frank is very informative when training us on FedBiz365. I highly recommend FedBiz!

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We would highly recommend FedBiz Access.

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2 months ago

Mya works very accurately and delivers high-quality work in creating our Capability Statement for the GSA organization. Highly recommend her and her organization, FEDBIZACCESS.

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2 months ago

FedBiz makes renewals so easy and simple which is great as when doing it directly with the gov't is so much more complicated! It was great working with Ashley Futral on on our latest renewal - she saved me so much time! She also helped sort out issues that came up with SAM that I don't think we could have solved on our own. Thank you!

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3 months ago

Ashley Futral was extremely helpful with renewing our sam.gov entity registration. She was always prompt with responding to emails and made the process go smoothly.

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Ashley is on another level!!! Very knowledgeable and helpful. Great to work with year over year!! Thumbs Up!!!!!!!

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Jay Reyes

3 months ago

Ashley Futral and the team at FedBiz Access provided outstanding support throughout my certification process. As the owner of a disabled veteran-owned logistics company, navigating the requirements can be complex—but Ashley made it seamless. Her professionalism, responsiveness, and deep knowledge of the process helped position my company for success in the government contracting space. Highly recommended for any business looking to grow strategically.

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Torland Wingfield

3 months ago

I had the pleasure of working with FedBiz on my SBA Disabled Veteran Owned Company Certification. Ashley was simply amazing, using her knowledge and professional approach to get the job done. She checked on me constantly providing weekly updates and worked all issues that came up during the process. I even received a call from her when the certification was approved. This is a great company that I give my strongest recommendation.

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Ice King LLC

3 months ago

Elizabeth Whitaker made our SAM renewal process quick and easy! We enjoyed working with her and the entire FedBiz Team. They have been great folks to work with and took sooooo much drama out of the process. Quick to respond to all our questions and we truly feel they want our business to succeed. Highly recommend !!!

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John Foster

3 months ago

Mya was great with communications throughout the project. She has outstanding graphics and document creation ability.

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Heridel Guadarrama

4 months ago

thanks Cassie for everything !!

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Jim Dragon

4 months ago

While working with FedBiz Access to update our cage code was an extremely easy worry-free process. Elizabeth was great to work with.

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Jon Urban

4 months ago

2025/2026 UPDATE: Cassie and her team at FedBizAccess continue to provide us with professional and reliable support for SAM registration and other government contracting needs.

2024 UPDATE: We continue to rely on FedBizAccess to help us stay on top of our SAM registration. Thanks again for making this an easy process for us, Cassie!

Original Review: We hired FedBizAccess several years ago to help us manage our federal contractor profile through the SAM database. Throughout the years they have been quick to respond to our requests. The past few years more of our focus has been outside the federal contracting arena and we hadn’t required their help. This year, though, we hit a snag renewing our SAM profile since we had a slight change in our company name. We reached out to FBA for help, and Cassie Elbanay responded immediately. She has been critical in helping us navigate the process. She is very knowledgeable, personable, and an overall professional. We are confident work will be done correctly and successfully when Cassie and her team are on the case. It has been a pleasure working with her, and I look forward to continuing our firm’s partnership with her and her team at FBA.

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4 months ago

Cassie Elbanay at FedBizAccess was extremely helpful in resolving my issue in SAM. Her knowledge and expertise with the SAM system made the process smooth and efficient—it was handled within minutes. It’s truly a pleasure working with such a knowledgeable and responsive team at FedBizAccess. I greatly appreciate the support and professionalism.

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4 months ago

Cassie Elbanay was extremely valuable and I could not ask for an easier process. The amount of time and frustration she saved me was priceless. Amazing!

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Joyce Kamau

4 months ago

Working with Cassie at FedBiz on our SAM registration renewal was a great experience. She was patient, thorough, and proactive in addressing potential issues before submission. Cassie expertise helped us avoid delays and ensured our registration was completed efficiently. Cassie is not only highly competent but also wonderful to work with throughout the process.

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Brennan Champion

4 months ago

Cassie Elbanay and the FedBiz Access team were exceptional throughout our SAM registration process. Cassie went above and beyond at every step, providing clear guidance that made what can be a complex process feel straightforward. We would absolutely recommend Cassie and FedBiz Access to anyone navigating SAM registrations.

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5 months ago

I had the pleasure of working with Mya, she brought my vision to life and we could not be happier with her work.

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5 months ago

I had a positive experience working with FedBiz and appreciated the guidance and communication provided during the process. Sidney was responsive and supportive, and I’m grateful for the assistance and encouragement along the way.

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Cami Allen

5 months ago

Ashley was super helpful, professional and timely. The support we receive from FebBiz Access is so helpful in helping us keep current and updated in a sometimes difficult to navigate government world.

Chris Merrill

6 months ago

Cassie and Fedbiz were incredibly helpful, knowledgeable, and responsive throughout the entire process from our initial inquiry through the submission. They made the renewal process easy and fast for us to get through.

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Jeff Lindsey

6 months ago

I've been working with FedBiz Access for years now. Cassie does a wonderful job of making the process easy and quick. She is the best! Thanks, Cassie!!

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Tommy Bohler

6 months ago

Cassie was very helpful throughout the whole renewal process with our municipality and also followed up with assistance on a change in our bank accounts. She was super responsive and took care of our problem almost immediately.

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to provide efficient and valuable guidance as needed. Looking forward to maintaing this level of service at your direction. Thank you for your five star feedback for our team.

John Anderson

6 months ago

Mya did a great job. We completed the capabilities statement in two attempts. On the second attempt, I provided her with some of our pictures, and she embedded them in our statement.

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to assist and create a compelling and appealing visual representation of your govcon capabilities. Thank you for the opportunity to be of service.

Rifles Only

6 months ago

Cassie made renewing our SAMS registration quick and efficient, and maintained great communication with us.

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7 months ago

This team is highly professional and truly knows how to get things done. I am very pleased to have achieved my objective thanks to their support.

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Harold Quinones

7 months ago

Very easy to work with, knowledgeable, and absolutely handled on your behalf. Recommended.

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George Boza

7 months ago

Mrs. Elbanay continues to be consistently efficient and proficient concerning all all SAM matters. We have worked with her for several years and always go back to her with any SAM or government agency matters. She is pleasant person who listens and resolves any situation and/or subject brought to her attention. Summarizing, she is second to none and we look great forward to working her again.

Once again we have the opportunity to work with Cassie Elbany and as expected she surpassed our expectation with her efficient and professional approach and completion of our new registration. It becuase of Cassie above average support that we work with FEDBIZACCESS and will continue to do so.

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Julia Perez

7 months ago

SAM Register (Fedbizz Access) has been a great help every step of the way, Thank you Cassie E. for updating me and checking up on the process every step of the way. You have been a great help.

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cathy deLeon

7 months ago

Ashley was very helpful as always! Easy to register with FedBiz. Ashley took care of our address cheange fast and efficiently. Thank you!

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7 months ago

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7 months ago

Cassie assisted in making our SAM renewal fast and EASY!!

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7 months ago

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There is a quiet shift happening in federal contracting that small businesses should not ignore. The Simplified Acquisition Threshold has moved from $250,000 to $350,000, and while that may sound like a dry regulatory update, it changes the size of the “realistic first win” for many contractors. More work can now be bought using simplified acquisition procedures. More buys can move faster. More opportunities can fall into a range where small businesses have a stronger built-in advantage.

For contractors trying to break into the federal market, or move beyond the occasional micro-purchase, this is one of the more practical changes to pay attention to in 2026.

Not because every $350,000 requirement will be easy.

It will not.

But because the government just expanded a zone where buyers are encouraged to reduce administrative burden, move efficiently, and reserve a meaningful share of purchases for small businesses. That creates room for contractors who know how to position before the solicitation appears, respond quickly when it does, and make the contracting officer’s job easier.

What the $350K Threshold Actually Means

The Simplified Acquisition Threshold, often shortened to SAT, is the dollar ceiling under which federal agencies can generally use simplified acquisition procedures for many purchases of supplies and services.

Before October 1, 2025, the general threshold was $250,000. It is now $350,000.

That means a requirement that might have previously sat above the simplified acquisition range may now fit inside it. A $310,000 service project. A $275,000 equipment buy. A $340,000 facility support requirement. These are no longer automatically pushed into a more formal acquisition process simply because they exceed $250,000.

In practice, simplified acquisitions are designed to reduce friction. The government can often use shorter solicitations, fewer formal proposal requirements, streamlined evaluations, requests for quotations, purchase orders, blanket purchase agreement calls, and other simplified buying methods. The goal is not to eliminate competition. The goal is to buy intelligently without burying everyone in process.

That distinction matters.

A simplified acquisition is not a shortcut around the rules. Contracting officers still need fair and reasonable pricing. They still need competition to the maximum extent practicable. They still need to document the file. They still need responsible vendors. But they are not always forced into the same heavy machinery used for larger, more complex procurements.

For small businesses, that can make the difference between a bid that takes three weeks to assemble and a quote that can be built in a day or two because the company already knows the requirement, the buyer, the pricing, and the competitive field.

Why This Is a Small Business Opportunity

The most important part of the SAT increase is not just the higher number. It is the small business preference built into this acquisition range.

For buys above the micro-purchase threshold and at or below the simplified acquisition threshold, agencies are generally expected to set the work aside for small businesses unless the contracting officer cannot reasonably expect offers from at least two responsible small businesses at fair market prices. That is the classic “Rule of Two” logic, and it is one of the strongest structural advantages small contractors have.

With the SAT now at $350,000, the automatic small business set-aside zone has effectively expanded.

That does not mean every opportunity under $350,000 will be posted publicly on SAM.gov with a neat label that says “easy win.” Some will be competed among known vendors. Some will move through existing contracts. Some will be handled through GSA Schedule, agency BPAs, IDIQ task orders, or other established buying channels. Some will be competed very quickly, with short response windows and limited back-and-forth.

That is exactly why this matters.

The contractors who benefit most from simplified acquisitions are usually not the ones who wait until the RFQ is public and then scramble. They are the companies already visible to the buyer, already registered correctly, already aligned to the right NAICS and PSC codes, already able to show relevant past performance, and already prepared with pricing that makes sense.

Simplified does not mean passive. It rewards readiness.

The Real Sweet Spot: Big Enough to Matter, Small Enough to Move

A $350,000 contract is not a token award. For a small business, it can fund staff, validate past performance, support bonding or financing conversations, and create an agency relationship that leads to follow-on work.

At the same time, it is still small enough that the government often wants to avoid a long acquisition cycle. Many requirements in this range are operationally urgent but not massive: maintenance, training, staffing support, IT services, supplies, repairs, consulting, professional services, equipment, inspections, logistics, facility work, and niche technical support.

These are the kinds of buys that keep agencies running.

They may not make headlines, but they are the bread-and-butter opportunities that help small businesses build a federal track record. A contractor that wins a $75,000 task, performs well, then wins a $220,000 follow-on, then competes for a $340,000 related requirement is building the kind of past performance story that buyers trust.

That progression is far more realistic than chasing a $20 million full-and-open contract with no federal history.

The $350K range is where many small businesses can stop thinking only in terms of “big contract or nothing” and start building a repeatable early-win strategy.

How Agencies Are Likely to Use This Flexibility

Contracting offices are under constant pressure to buy faster, meet mission needs, support small business goals, and reduce administrative drag. When the rules allow a simpler path, many buyers will use it.

That does not mean agencies will suddenly abandon larger vehicles or formal competitions. They will not. Existing IDIQs, GSA Schedule contracts, governmentwide acquisition contracts, and agency-specific vehicles still matter. In fact, they may matter even more when simplified buys are placed as orders through established channels.

But the higher threshold gives contracting officers more room to choose streamlined procedures for requirements that fit.

Expect to see more activity in a few areas:

Shorter RFQs for commercial products and routine services.

More small business set-asides between $15,000 and $350,000.

More use of purchase orders for defined, lower-risk requirements.

More BPA calls where agencies already have trusted vendors in place.

More quick-turn competitions among a limited pool of capable small businesses.

More pressure on contractors to respond fast, clean, and complete.

The practical takeaway is simple: agencies may have more flexibility, but contractors have less time to get ready after the fact.

Where Small Contractors Should Look First

Do not start by searching only for “simplified acquisition” as a keyword. Many opportunities will not use that exact phrase in the title.

Instead, build a search strategy around buying behavior.

Look at prior awards between $15,000 and $350,000 in your NAICS codes. Study the agencies buying your category of work. Identify contracting offices that repeatedly purchase the same type of service or supply. Look for recurring vendors, recurring descriptions, recurring PSC codes, and recurring award dates.

That last piece is often overlooked.

If an agency bought grounds maintenance, cybersecurity support, document scanning, medical supplies, HVAC repairs, training, janitorial services, or professional support last March, there may be a recompete or related buy coming around the same cycle. Simplified acquisitions often move quickly because the requirement is familiar. The agency has bought it before. They know what they need. They may already have a preferred acquisition path.

Your job is to see it before the market sees it.

SAM.gov is still important, especially for posted RFQs and notices. But contract award data, agency procurement forecasts, small business office outreach, GSA eBuy activity, past award research, and direct engagement with contracting offices all matter. The best simplified acquisition strategy combines public opportunity tracking with buyer intelligence.

Get Your Small Business Profile Tight

For simplified acquisitions, vendor discovery matters.

Contracting officers and specialists may use SAM.gov, SBA’s Small Business Search, internal source lists, past vendor lists, market research responses, and recommendations from small business specialists. If your profile is thin, outdated, or misaligned, you may never make the first cut.

This is where too many contractors hurt themselves.

They are technically registered, but their SAM profile does not clearly reflect what they sell. Their NAICS codes are too broad, too narrow, or missing obvious categories. Their capability statement reads like a brochure instead of a buyer-facing procurement document. Their differentiators are vague. Their past performance is buried. Their contact information is incomplete. Their socioeconomic certifications are not clearly connected to the work they want.

That is a problem in any acquisition.

It is a bigger problem in simplified acquisitions because buyers may not have time to interpret your business.

Make it obvious.

What do you do? Who have you done it for? Where can you perform? What contract vehicles do you hold? What certifications apply? What size jobs can you handle? What makes you low-risk?

A buyer should be able to answer those questions in less than a minute.

Price Like a Contractor Who Understands the Range

Simplified acquisitions often move faster, but price still matters. A contracting officer needs to determine that the price is fair and reasonable. If your quote is confusing, padded, or difficult to evaluate, you are creating work for the buyer.

That is not a good strategy.

Build pricing templates for the types of requirements you want to pursue. Know your labor categories. Know your material costs. Know your travel assumptions. Know your margin. Know when a firm-fixed-price quote makes sense and when you need to clarify assumptions.

For many simplified buys, the government prefers a clean, low-drama award. That often means firm-fixed-price or clearly structured unit pricing. If you can provide transparent pricing, a concise technical approach, and relevant proof that you can perform, you give the buyer a reason to keep you in the competitive range.

Do not confuse “simplified” with “cheap.”

The goal is not to race to the bottom. The goal is to remove uncertainty. The small business that can explain its price clearly and defend it with practical logic is often stronger than the one that throws out a low number and hopes nobody asks questions.

Respond Faster Than Your Competitors

Speed is one of the hidden rules of simplified acquisitions.

Some RFQs have short deadlines. Some market research requests close quickly. Some buyers are trying to award before funds expire, before a mission date, or before an internal deadline. A contractor that needs two weeks to decide whether an opportunity is worth pursuing may miss the entire window.

This is why preparation matters more than hustle.

Have your core documents ready before the opportunity drops: capability statement, past performance summaries, insurance details, certifications, pricing sheets, resumes, product sheets, and standard technical language. Know who on your team can approve pricing. Know who writes the quote. Know who submits. Know what your no-bid criteria are.

A simplified acquisition strategy should include discipline.

Do not bid everything under $350,000. Bid the work where you are credible, responsive, properly registered, competitively priced, and able to perform without drama. The goal is not activity. The goal is winnable activity.

Use Market Research Responses as a Sales Channel

Many small businesses treat sources sought notices and requests for information as optional paperwork.

That is a mistake.

For simplified acquisitions, market research can shape the acquisition path. If the contracting officer is trying to determine whether two or more small businesses can perform, your response can help support a set-aside. If the agency is deciding between a broad competition and a narrower buying path, your response can influence how the requirement is packaged.

A strong market research response is not a generic capability statement. It is a direct answer to the government’s question.

Can you perform the work? Have you done similar work? Under which NAICS? At what scale? In what locations? With what certifications? Are you interested as a prime? Can you meet the timeline? Do you have relevant contract numbers or customer references?

This is also where market intelligence becomes a real advantage.

Tools like FedBiz365 can help contractors spot these early-stage opportunities before they become fully formed solicitations. As an AI-powered market intelligence platform, FedBiz365 helps small businesses track relevant sources sought notices, RFIs, expiring contracts, agency buying patterns, buyer contacts, NAICS and PSC alignment, and opportunity matches based on what the company actually does. That matters because simplified acquisition wins often start before the RFQ is released. By the time the quote request is public, the agency may already have a strong sense of which vendors are capable.

The advantage is not just finding more opportunities. It is finding the right ones earlier.

If you know an agency has purchased similar work before, understand who the incumbent was, see the likely buying office, and can match the requirement to your capabilities, your market research response becomes sharper. You are no longer sending a broad “we can help” message. You are giving the contracting officer useful evidence that your company belongs in the acquisition file.

Keep it tight. Keep it specific. Make it easy for the contracting officer to document that your company is a capable small business source.

That one response may not win you the contract. But it can put you on the radar before the RFQ is released. And in the simplified acquisition space, being on the radar early can be the difference between competing with confidence and finding out about the opportunity too late.

The Follow-On Value May Be Bigger Than the First Award

The first simplified acquisition win is rarely just about the dollars.

It is about becoming known.

If you perform well on a $90,000 project, the agency now has evidence. If you deliver on a $225,000 purchase order, the buyer now has confidence. If you solve a problem cleanly at $340,000, you may be better positioned when the agency has a larger requirement, a recompete, an emergency need, or an adjacent office looking for the same solution.

Federal buyers remember vendors who make their lives easier.

That means communication, documentation, invoice accuracy, on-time delivery, contract compliance, and responsiveness all become part of your business development strategy. Performance is marketing. A clean closeout is marketing. A buyer who trusts you enough to include you in the next market research effort is marketing.

Small contracts create large signals.

Build a 2026 Simplified Acquisition Plan

The companies that win in this range usually do a few things consistently.

They identify agencies that already buy what they sell.

They study prior awards between $15,000 and $350,000.

They keep their SAM and SBA profiles current.

They respond to sources sought notices before the solicitation stage.

They build relationships with small business specialists and contracting offices.

They prepare quote templates before opportunities are released.

They pursue the right vehicles, including GSA Schedule when their market demands it.

They track recompete cycles and expiring purchase orders.

They treat small awards as strategic past performance, not one-off transactions.

That is the mindset shift.

The SAT increase is not just a compliance update. It is a signal to revisit your pipeline. If your federal strategy is built around waiting for large posted solicitations, you may be ignoring the part of the market where your company has the best chance to gain traction.

The $350K sweet spot is practical, repeatable, and often less crowded than the headline opportunities everyone else is chasing.

And for many small contractors, that is exactly where the next win should come from.

If you are not sure which simplified acquisition opportunities your business is actually qualified to pursue, that is where a second set of experienced eyes can save you months of wasted effort. FedBiz Access has spent 25 years helping thousands of businesses understand where they fit in the government marketplace, find realistic opportunities, and position before the bid hits the street. If you want help identifying the agencies, buyers, NAICS codes, set-asides, and contracts that make sense for your business, call us now: 844-628-8914 or book a quick call. The opportunity window under $350,000 is wider than it was last year, but it still rewards the contractors who are ready before everyone else starts looking.

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Allyson Collins

1 week 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.

Al Hogan

1 week 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.

Bryan Johnson

2 weeks 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

3 weeks 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

3 weeks 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

4 weeks 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

4 weeks 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

4 weeks 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.

Schimpf's Garage

4 weeks ago

Cecilia and Sid go well above and beyond to assist me with registering my business with the VA and updating my profile with relevant business changes. Additionally, Frank is a master of contracting and has assisted us in navigating FedBiz's contracting databases and in reviewing proposed bids and contracts. I highly recommend this team to anyone seeking to register their business with the VA and applying for government contracts!

Response from the owner:Congratulations on your recent bid award, we appreciate the recognition of the FedBiz Access services and consultants in assisting you in that endeavor. More importantly, thank you for your service to our country! We value your recommendation, as always, a pleasure to assist with your government contracting goals, registrations and awards.

Jordan Erwin

1 month ago

Super easy to work with and always very friendly. Highly recommend.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your continued business and your trust in the FedBiz Access team; Looking forward to being of valuable service as needed with your marketing and government contracting goals.

Ray Gould

1 month ago

Elizabeth Whittaker
handled our request for SDVOSB very efficiently
and we are most grateful for her assistance.
sincerely, ray gould Marine & Valve Supply

Response from the owner:Congratulations on your SDVOSB Award and thank you for the opportunity to assist in that endeavor on your behalf. We are excited for your success!

Kati Gibbs

1 month ago

Love working with FedBiz! They are so communicative and helpful. Constance is such a pleasure to work with in getting our SBA profile set up, Lou is amazing at setting us up in FedBiz, and Frank is very informative when training us on FedBiz365. I highly recommend FedBiz!

Response from the owner:Love the Love! Thank you for sharing your positive experiences with the FedBiz Access team via this five star google review. More importantly, thank you for the opportunity to share value and assist with your government contracting needs.

george bianchi

1 month ago

Since we’ve had such a positive experience with the team at FedBiz Access in the past, we decided to seek their guidance and support for our nonprofit’s latest project involving government and canine-related initiatives.

Once again, the FedBiz Access team did not disappoint. They directed us to the most effective and efficient way to move forward through the appropriate channels.

We want to thank Frank and the entire FedBiz Access team for providing clear, comprehensive, and valuable information during our consultation.

We would highly recommend FedBiz Access.

Response from the owner:We appreciate your continued business and feedback for the FedBiz Access team. Thank you for your recommendation, we look forward to assisting you in the future.

John Diaz

2 months ago

Mya works very accurately and delivers high-quality work in creating our Capability Statement for the GSA organization. Highly recommend her and her organization, FEDBIZACCESS.

Response from the owner:We appreciate your feedback; Thank you for your recommendation and five star google review for the FedBiz Access team and specialist. Our pleasure to assist! Thank you for your business.

Sandra Chen

2 months ago

Ashley Futral is exceptionally helpful, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to collaborate with. Her efficiency and swift communication have been invaluable, and I greatly appreciate her guidance throughout the process.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the opportunity to assist; our pleasure to be of service as needed.

Jacqueline Winter

2 months ago

FedBiz makes renewals so easy and simple which is great as when doing it directly with the gov't is so much more complicated! It was great working with Ashley Futral on on our latest renewal - she saved me so much time! She also helped sort out issues that came up with SAM that I don't think we could have solved on our own. Thank you!

Response from the owner:Very Much Appreciated. We value your loyalty and repeat business over the years. Thank you for allowing us to assist; Fed Biz Access is at your service for all your government contracting needs, from registration to award.

Tara Goldsby

3 months ago

Ashley Futral was extremely helpful with renewing our sam.gov entity registration. She was always prompt with responding to emails and made the process go smoothly.

Response from the owner:Thank you. We appreciate your feedback and repeat business with our agency year after year. Our FedBiz Access government contracting assistance team aims high for your satisfaction and results. Thank you for the opportunity to be of service.

Chris Ramey

3 months ago

Ashley is on another level!!! Very knowledgeable and helpful. Great to work with year over year!! Thumbs Up!!!!!!!

Response from the owner:We appreciate your comments and thank you for your repeat business and the thumbs up for our FedBiz Access government contracting consultants.

Jay Reyes

3 months ago

Ashley Futral and the team at FedBiz Access provided outstanding support throughout my certification process. As the owner of a disabled veteran-owned logistics company, navigating the requirements can be complex—but Ashley made it seamless. Her professionalism, responsiveness, and deep knowledge of the process helped position my company for success in the government contracting space. Highly recommended for any business looking to grow strategically.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your service to our country. Our pleasure to assist and be of value to your organization in your government contracting goals.

Torland Wingfield

3 months ago

I had the pleasure of working with FedBiz on my SBA Disabled Veteran Owned Company Certification. Ashley was simply amazing, using her knowledge and professional approach to get the job done. She checked on me constantly providing weekly updates and worked all issues that came up during the process. I even received a call from her when the certification was approved. This is a great company that I give my strongest recommendation.

Response from the owner:Thank you for recognizing our FedBiz Access team's efforts on your behalf with this five star review and your positive feedback. We value your business and satisfaction.

Ice King LLC

3 months ago

Elizabeth Whitaker made our SAM renewal process quick and easy! We enjoyed working with her and the entire FedBiz Team. They have been great folks to work with and took sooooo much drama out of the process. Quick to respond to all our questions and we truly feel they want our business to succeed. Highly recommend !!!

Response from the owner:Thank you very much for the opportunity to assist. We value your recommendation and google five star review and feedback for the FedBiz Access team!!!

John Foster

3 months ago

Mya was great with communications throughout the project. She has outstanding graphics and document creation ability.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the opportunity to assist with your design and marketing needs; we appreciate your business and five star review feedback for the FedBiz Access team specialist.

Heridel Guadarrama

4 months ago

thanks Cassie for everything !!

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to assist!

Jim Dragon

4 months ago

While working with FedBiz Access to update our cage code was an extremely easy worry-free process. Elizabeth was great to work with.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the opportunity to be of service; we appreciate your business and your five star google review and feedback for the FedBiz Access team specialist.

Jon Urban

4 months ago

2025/2026 UPDATE: Cassie and her team at FedBizAccess continue to provide us with professional and reliable support for SAM registration and other government contracting needs.

2024 UPDATE: We continue to rely on FedBizAccess to help us stay on top of our SAM registration. Thanks again for making this an easy process for us, Cassie!

Original Review: We hired FedBizAccess several years ago to help us manage our federal contractor profile through the SAM database. Throughout the years they have been quick to respond to our requests. The past few years more of our focus has been outside the federal contracting arena and we hadn’t required their help. This year, though, we hit a snag renewing our SAM profile since we had a slight change in our company name. We reached out to FBA for help, and Cassie Elbanay responded immediately. She has been critical in helping us navigate the process. She is very knowledgeable, personable, and an overall professional. We are confident work will be done correctly and successfully when Cassie and her team are on the case. It has been a pleasure working with her, and I look forward to continuing our firm’s partnership with her and her team at FBA.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your time and effort in detailing your successful business relationship with our company and staff. Always here to assist as you need us. Thank you for your repeat business and this five star review for FedBiz Access, our amazing staff and your dedicated specialist. We appreciate your vote of confidence and the recognition of our expertise and long standing experience in the government contracting industry.

Alfonso Betts

4 months ago

Cassie Elbanay at FedBizAccess was extremely helpful in resolving my issue in SAM. Her knowledge and expertise with the SAM system made the process smooth and efficient—it was handled within minutes. It’s truly a pleasure working with such a knowledgeable and responsive team at FedBizAccess. I greatly appreciate the support and professionalism.

Response from the owner:We are thankful for your repeat business and loyalty to the FedBiz Access team and specialist(s). Its important for us to hear your five star google confirmation of the excellent support and professionalism we strive to maintain. Thank you again for your time in posting this review.

Milissa Fowler

4 months ago

Cassie Elbanay was extremely valuable and I could not ask for an easier process. The amount of time and frustration she saved me was priceless. Amazing!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your amazing review and feedback. We aim for an easy and seamless process as much as possible. Thank you for your business and recognition of our FedBiz Access team specialist's efforts on your behalf. We appreciate it.

Joyce Kamau

4 months ago

Working with Cassie at FedBiz on our SAM registration renewal was a great experience. She was patient, thorough, and proactive in addressing potential issues before submission. Cassie expertise helped us avoid delays and ensured our registration was completed efficiently. Cassie is not only highly competent but also wonderful to work with throughout the process.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the detailed account of your great experience with the FedBiz Access team specialist and thank you for your repeat business. We value your feedback and strive to maintain this proactive approach for best and consistent results. We appreciate your recognition.

Brennan Champion

4 months ago

Cassie Elbanay and the FedBiz Access team were exceptional throughout our SAM registration process. Cassie went above and beyond at every step, providing clear guidance that made what can be a complex process feel straightforward. We would absolutely recommend Cassie and FedBiz Access to anyone navigating SAM registrations.

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to be of service year after year. We appreciate your feedback and recognition for the FedBiz Access team and consultant and look forward to continue providing exceptional service and clear guidance.

Thomas Esposito

5 months ago

I had the pleasure of working with Mya, she brought my vision to life and we could not be happier with her work.

Response from the owner:Always a pleasure to be able to bring your vision to life. Thank you for the opportunity to provide marketing and design support for your government contracting needs. Thank you for this five star review for the FedBiz Access team specialist as well.

Tamarah

5 months ago

I had a positive experience working with FedBiz and appreciated the guidance and communication provided during the process. Sidney was responsive and supportive, and I’m grateful for the assistance and encouragement along the way.

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to continue being of service as needed. Thank you for the opportunity to assist with your government contacting goals.

Cami Allen

5 months ago

Ashley was super helpful, professional and timely. The support we receive from FebBiz Access is so helpful in helping us keep current and updated in a sometimes difficult to navigate government world.

Chris Merrill

6 months ago

Cassie and Fedbiz were incredibly helpful, knowledgeable, and responsive throughout the entire process from our initial inquiry through the submission. They made the renewal process easy and fast for us to get through.

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to keep up the good work:) thank you for the opportunity to assist; we appreciate your business and your positive feedback via this five star google review for our FedBiz team specialist.

Jeff Lindsey

6 months ago

I've been working with FedBiz Access for years now. Cassie does a wonderful job of making the process easy and quick. She is the best! Thanks, Cassie!!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your business and this five star google review for the FedBiz Access team and specialist. Our pleasure to be of consistent and valuable service to your organization.

Tommy Bohler

6 months ago

Cassie was very helpful throughout the whole renewal process with our municipality and also followed up with assistance on a change in our bank accounts. She was super responsive and took care of our problem almost immediately.

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to provide efficient and valuable guidance as needed. Looking forward to maintaing this level of service at your direction. Thank you for your five star feedback for our team.

John Anderson

6 months ago

Mya did a great job. We completed the capabilities statement in two attempts. On the second attempt, I provided her with some of our pictures, and she embedded them in our statement.

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to assist and create a compelling and appealing visual representation of your govcon capabilities. Thank you for the opportunity to be of service.

Rifles Only

6 months ago

Cassie made renewing our SAMS registration quick and efficient, and maintained great communication with us.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your repeat business and your five star google review for the FedBiz Access team consultant. Here as you need us!

arnoldo renteria

7 months ago

This team is highly professional and truly knows how to get things done. I am very pleased to have achieved my objective thanks to their support.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your business and this five star google review for the FedBiz Access team; looking forward to continuing working with your objectives and goals for government contracting success.

Harold Quinones

7 months ago

Very easy to work with, knowledgeable, and absolutely handled on your behalf. Recommended.

Response from the owner:Appreciate your business and your recommendation. Thank you very much for this five star Google review for the FedBiz Access team.

George Boza

7 months ago

Mrs. Elbanay continues to be consistently efficient and proficient concerning all all SAM matters. We have worked with her for several years and always go back to her with any SAM or government agency matters. She is pleasant person who listens and resolves any situation and/or subject brought to her attention. Summarizing, she is second to none and we look great forward to working her again.

Once again we have the opportunity to work with Cassie Elbany and as expected she surpassed our expectation with her efficient and professional approach and completion of our new registration. It becuase of Cassie above average support that we work with FEDBIZACCESS and will continue to do so.

Response from the owner:We appreciate the opportunity to continue being of service, as needed, from registration to award. Thank you for your repeat business and your positive feedback for our Fed Biz Access government contracting, dedicated team member.

Julia Perez

7 months ago

SAM Register (Fedbizz Access) has been a great help every step of the way, Thank you Cassie E. for updating me and checking up on the process every step of the way. You have been a great help.

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to assist. Thank you for this five star review for our FedBiz Access dedicated consultant and thank you for your business.

cathy deLeon

7 months ago

Ashley was very helpful as always! Easy to register with FedBiz. Ashley took care of our address cheange fast and efficiently. Thank you!

Response from the owner:Thank you; We appreciate your repeat business and opportunity for FedBiz Access professionals to assist with your government contracting needs.

Meghan Ruth

7 months ago

Cassie has been amazing!!

She is so helpful and such a breeze to work with. I always look forward to talking with her.

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to be of service every step of the way; thank you for your business and your five star feedback!

Jessica Sumner

7 months ago

Cassie assisted in making our SAM renewal fast and EASY!!

Response from the owner:Always here to answer any of your government contracting questions and keep the process "fast and easy!". Thank you for your feedback!

Joe Rementer

7 months ago

Cassie was patient and professional in updating my FedBiz account information.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the opportunity to assist. We appreciate your five star google review for the FedBiz Access team specialist.

The post The $350K Sweet Spot: Why Small Contractors Should Rethink Simplified Acquisitions in 2026 appeared first on FedBiz Access.

They search public portals. They check SAM.gov. They scan state procurement sites. They wait for opportunities to be posted, then rush to decide whether to bid.

That is the “normal” way to do it.

It is also one of the reasons so many contractors stay stuck in reactive mode.

By the time an opportunity becomes a public solicitation, a lot has already happened. The need has been discussed. The budget has likely been planned. The scope may already be shaped. In some cases, buyers have already talked with vendors, reviewed options, and started forming opinions about what they need.

That does not mean the opportunity is already decided. But it does mean the contractors who show up only after the solicitation is posted are usually entering late.

This is where the hidden pipeline comes in.

The companies that win consistently are not just searching for active bids. They are using government contract forecasting tools, budget intelligence, agency planning data, and early procurement signals to identify opportunities before they go live.

That early visibility can be a major advantage, especially in the SLED market, where state, local, and education agencies often discuss projects publicly months before a formal solicitation is released.

What Is the Hidden Pipeline?

The hidden pipeline is not hidden because it is secret.

It is hidden because most contractors are not looking for it.

Before a contract becomes an RFP, RFQ, or bid notice, it often appears in earlier forms, such as:

• Budget requests
• Capital improvement plans
• City council agendas
• School board meeting notes
• Grant awards
• Public works planning documents
• Agency forecasts
• Infrastructure plans
• Technology modernization initiatives

These documents and discussions can reveal what agencies are preparing to buy long before the procurement office publishes a solicitation.

For example, a city may approve funding for fleet upgrades. A school district may discuss campus security improvements. A county may include road resurfacing in a capital improvement plan. A state agency may receive grant funding for broadband, emergency response, cybersecurity, or transportation improvements.

Each one of those signals may eventually become a contracting opportunity.

The question is whether you see it early enough to act.

Why Waiting for Posted Opportunities Puts You Behind

A lot of small businesses treat posted opportunities as the starting point.

They find a bid, download the documents, review the requirements, and decide whether to respond.

That process is familiar, but it has limits.

Once an opportunity is posted, the clock is already running. You may only have a few weeks to understand the scope, research the buyer, review past awards, gather pricing, assign internal resources, and build a response.

That is a lot to do under pressure.

Even worse, you may be competing against companies that were aware of the need earlier. They may have attended public meetings, contacted the agency, researched the incumbent, or positioned themselves before the opportunity was officially released.

That is why early intelligence matters.

It gives you time to prepare before the bid window opens.

Why SLED Forecasting Is Becoming More Important

SLED contracting includes state agencies, local governments, school districts, colleges, universities, and other public entities outside the federal market.

For small businesses, SLED can be a strong growth channel because buyers are often more accessible, contract sizes can be more manageable, and opportunities exist across nearly every industry.

But SLED also has a major challenge.

It is fragmented.

There is no single portal that captures every state, county, city, school district, and public authority opportunity across the country. Each entity may have its own process, timeline, procurement system, and budget cycle.

That makes forecasting more difficult, but also more valuable.

If you can identify early signals across multiple jurisdictions, you can find opportunities before they become crowded. You can also focus your time on agencies that are already showing signs of future demand.

That is where government contract forecasting tools become especially useful.

The Early Signals Contractors Should Watch

Forecasting is not guessing.

Good forecasting is based on patterns and signals. In government contracting, those signals are often available if you know where to look.

Budget Schedules

Budgets reveal priorities.

When an agency allocates money toward a project, program, or department, that can be an early indicator of future purchasing activity.

For example, if a city increases funding for parks maintenance, public safety technology, facilities upgrades, or IT modernization, vendors in those categories should pay attention.

Budget schedules also help you understand timing. If a city or state is entering a new fiscal year with approved funding, related procurement activity may follow.

Capital Improvement Plans

Capital improvement plans, often called CIPs, are one of the most valuable sources of early opportunity intelligence.

These plans outline major projects that governments expect to fund over multiple years. They often include infrastructure, facilities, utilities, roads, drainage, public safety buildings, parks, and technology investments.

For contractors in construction, engineering, environmental services, security, equipment, IT, transportation, and related fields, CIPs can be a roadmap to future demand.

If a project appears in a capital improvement plan this year, it may become a bid later.

Grant Disbursements

Grant funding is another powerful signal.

When federal or state grant money flows to a local government, school district, transportation authority, or public agency, that funding often has to be spent on specific programs or projects.

That can lead to contracting opportunities for vendors that support:

• Infrastructure
• Broadband
• Cybersecurity
• Emergency management
• Public health
• Workforce development
• Transportation
• Education technology
• Environmental services

The key is connecting funding to future procurement activity.

If an agency receives money, the next question is simple: what will they need to buy in order to execute the program?

Public Meetings and Agendas

Many SLED opportunities begin in public meetings.

A city council may discuss replacing outdated software. A school board may debate facility improvements. A county commission may approve a public works project. A transit authority may review equipment needs.

These conversations can happen months before a formal bid appears.

For contractors, public meetings can provide valuable context. You can learn what problem the agency is trying to solve, which stakeholders are involved, what concerns are being raised, and how urgent the need may be.

That information can shape your outreach and positioning.

Prior Awards and Expiring Contracts

Past awards are also part of forecasting.

If an agency awarded a contract three or five years ago, there may be a recompete coming soon. If a contract has option years ending, the agency may need to rebid, extend, or restructure the requirement.

This matters because recompetes are often more predictable than brand-new opportunities.

By tracking expiring contracts, you can see where future bids may emerge and begin preparing before the public notice appears.

What Smart Contractors Do With Early Signals

Finding early signals is only useful if you act on them.

Smart contractors use early opportunity intelligence to make better decisions before everyone else is rushing.

They research the agency. They review past awards. They identify likely decision-makers. They prepare capability materials that match the agency’s need. They start conversations when appropriate.

This does not mean hard selling.

It means showing up as a helpful, informed vendor before the buying process becomes formal.

For example, if you know a county is planning facility upgrades, you can introduce your company, explain relevant experience, and ask how vendors should best stay informed about upcoming procurement activity.

If a school district is discussing campus security improvements, you can prepare examples of similar work and monitor when the project moves from discussion to funding to solicitation.

The goal is not to pressure the buyer. The goal is to be visible, relevant, and prepared.

Forecasting Helps You Decide What Not to Chase

One underrated benefit of forecasting is focus.

Most contractors do not lose because they lack effort. They lose because they spend too much time chasing weak-fit opportunities.

Early intelligence helps you avoid that.

When you understand agency plans, budgets, and timelines, you can decide which opportunities deserve attention and which ones do not.

That improves your go/no-go decisions.

Instead of asking, “Can we technically bid this?” you can ask better questions:

• Does this agency actually buy what we sell?
• Is there funding behind the need?
• Do we have time to position before the solicitation?
• Is this a realistic fit for our past performance?
• Are there signs an incumbent is strongly positioned?

Better information leads to better pursuit decisions.

How Forecasting Strengthens Buyer Outreach

Cold outreach is difficult when you do not have a reason to contact the buyer.

Forecasting changes that.

When you have a real signal, your outreach becomes more relevant.

Instead of saying, “We provide IT services,” you can say something more specific: “We noticed the city is planning investments in system modernization this fiscal year, and we have supported similar public-sector environments.”

That kind of message is stronger because it is tied to something the agency is already discussing.

It shows that you have done your homework.

For small businesses, that matters. Buyers receive a lot of generic vendor messages. Relevant outreach is far more likely to earn attention.

Why Government Contract Forecasting Tools Matter

Contractors can manually research budgets, public meetings, grant awards, procurement portals, and capital plans.

But doing that across hundreds or thousands of agencies is not realistic for most small businesses.

That is why government contract forecasting tools are becoming more important.

The right tools can help contractors:

• Track early-stage opportunities
• Monitor agency buying behavior
• Identify future projects
• Find expiring contracts
• Connect grant funding to potential procurement
• Build a more predictable pipeline

This is especially valuable in SLED, where opportunities are spread across many different systems and jurisdictions.

The goal is not just to find more bids.

The goal is to find better opportunities earlier.

The Competitive Advantage of Seeing Opportunities Months Earlier

Think about the difference between finding an opportunity two weeks before it is due and finding signs of that opportunity three months earlier.

With two weeks, you are reacting.

With three months, you can prepare.

You can research the agency. You can review similar awards. You can refine your pricing. You can update your capability statement. You can identify teaming partners. You can reach out before the process becomes restricted.

That is a different level of readiness.

And in government contracting, readiness often separates serious contenders from everyone else.

How FedBiz365 Helps Contractors Find the Hidden Pipeline

FedBiz365, the AI-Powered Market Intelligence Platform, was built to help contractors move beyond reactive bidding.

For SLED opportunities, FedBiz365 leverages artificial intelligence to track early procurement signals, such as budget schedules, capital improvement plans, grant disbursements, procurement activity, and other planning indicators.

The platform uses AI to surface upcoming government contract opportunities months before they are formally posted as solicitations.

That means contractors can identify potential opportunities earlier, understand where agencies may be heading, and begin positioning before the rest of the market catches up.

For small businesses trying to grow in the SLED market, that kind of visibility can be a real advantage.

Instead of waiting for opportunities to go live, you can start building a pipeline based on where spending is likely to happen.

Final Thoughts

The contractors who win consistently are not always the biggest companies or the lowest-priced bidders.

Often, they are the ones who see the opportunity earlier.

They understand where demand is forming. They pay attention to budgets, plans, funding, and agency priorities. They build relationships before the solicitation is released. They prepare while others are still waiting.

That is the hidden pipeline.

And for small businesses, it may be one of the most important competitive advantages available in 2026.

Want to See How FedBiz365 Can Help You Win Faster in SLED?

If you are ready to stop waiting for opportunities and start finding them earlier, FedBiz365 can help.

The platform uses AI-powered market intelligence to uncover early SLED procurement signals, track upcoming opportunities, and help contractors build a stronger pipeline before solicitations are formally posted.

Schedule a complimentary custom demo today to see how FedBiz365 can help your business identify better opportunities, position earlier, and win faster in the SLED market.

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Allyson Collins

1 week 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.

Al Hogan

1 week 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.

Bryan Johnson

2 weeks 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

3 weeks 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

3 weeks 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

4 weeks 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

4 weeks 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

4 weeks 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.

Schimpf's Garage

4 weeks ago

Cecilia and Sid go well above and beyond to assist me with registering my business with the VA and updating my profile with relevant business changes. Additionally, Frank is a master of contracting and has assisted us in navigating FedBiz's contracting databases and in reviewing proposed bids and contracts. I highly recommend this team to anyone seeking to register their business with the VA and applying for government contracts!

Response from the owner:Congratulations on your recent bid award, we appreciate the recognition of the FedBiz Access services and consultants in assisting you in that endeavor. More importantly, thank you for your service to our country! We value your recommendation, as always, a pleasure to assist with your government contracting goals, registrations and awards.

Jordan Erwin

1 month ago

Super easy to work with and always very friendly. Highly recommend.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your continued business and your trust in the FedBiz Access team; Looking forward to being of valuable service as needed with your marketing and government contracting goals.

Ray Gould

1 month ago

Elizabeth Whittaker
handled our request for SDVOSB very efficiently
and we are most grateful for her assistance.
sincerely, ray gould Marine & Valve Supply

Response from the owner:Congratulations on your SDVOSB Award and thank you for the opportunity to assist in that endeavor on your behalf. We are excited for your success!

Kati Gibbs

1 month ago

Love working with FedBiz! They are so communicative and helpful. Constance is such a pleasure to work with in getting our SBA profile set up, Lou is amazing at setting us up in FedBiz, and Frank is very informative when training us on FedBiz365. I highly recommend FedBiz!

Response from the owner:Love the Love! Thank you for sharing your positive experiences with the FedBiz Access team via this five star google review. More importantly, thank you for the opportunity to share value and assist with your government contracting needs.

george bianchi

1 month ago

Since we’ve had such a positive experience with the team at FedBiz Access in the past, we decided to seek their guidance and support for our nonprofit’s latest project involving government and canine-related initiatives.

Once again, the FedBiz Access team did not disappoint. They directed us to the most effective and efficient way to move forward through the appropriate channels.

We want to thank Frank and the entire FedBiz Access team for providing clear, comprehensive, and valuable information during our consultation.

We would highly recommend FedBiz Access.

Response from the owner:We appreciate your continued business and feedback for the FedBiz Access team. Thank you for your recommendation, we look forward to assisting you in the future.

John Diaz

2 months ago

Mya works very accurately and delivers high-quality work in creating our Capability Statement for the GSA organization. Highly recommend her and her organization, FEDBIZACCESS.

Response from the owner:We appreciate your feedback; Thank you for your recommendation and five star google review for the FedBiz Access team and specialist. Our pleasure to assist! Thank you for your business.

Sandra Chen

2 months ago

Ashley Futral is exceptionally helpful, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to collaborate with. Her efficiency and swift communication have been invaluable, and I greatly appreciate her guidance throughout the process.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the opportunity to assist; our pleasure to be of service as needed.

Jacqueline Winter

2 months ago

FedBiz makes renewals so easy and simple which is great as when doing it directly with the gov't is so much more complicated! It was great working with Ashley Futral on on our latest renewal - she saved me so much time! She also helped sort out issues that came up with SAM that I don't think we could have solved on our own. Thank you!

Response from the owner:Very Much Appreciated. We value your loyalty and repeat business over the years. Thank you for allowing us to assist; Fed Biz Access is at your service for all your government contracting needs, from registration to award.

Tara Goldsby

3 months ago

Ashley Futral was extremely helpful with renewing our sam.gov entity registration. She was always prompt with responding to emails and made the process go smoothly.

Response from the owner:Thank you. We appreciate your feedback and repeat business with our agency year after year. Our FedBiz Access government contracting assistance team aims high for your satisfaction and results. Thank you for the opportunity to be of service.

Chris Ramey

3 months ago

Ashley is on another level!!! Very knowledgeable and helpful. Great to work with year over year!! Thumbs Up!!!!!!!

Response from the owner:We appreciate your comments and thank you for your repeat business and the thumbs up for our FedBiz Access government contracting consultants.

Jay Reyes

3 months ago

Ashley Futral and the team at FedBiz Access provided outstanding support throughout my certification process. As the owner of a disabled veteran-owned logistics company, navigating the requirements can be complex—but Ashley made it seamless. Her professionalism, responsiveness, and deep knowledge of the process helped position my company for success in the government contracting space. Highly recommended for any business looking to grow strategically.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your service to our country. Our pleasure to assist and be of value to your organization in your government contracting goals.

Torland Wingfield

3 months ago

I had the pleasure of working with FedBiz on my SBA Disabled Veteran Owned Company Certification. Ashley was simply amazing, using her knowledge and professional approach to get the job done. She checked on me constantly providing weekly updates and worked all issues that came up during the process. I even received a call from her when the certification was approved. This is a great company that I give my strongest recommendation.

Response from the owner:Thank you for recognizing our FedBiz Access team's efforts on your behalf with this five star review and your positive feedback. We value your business and satisfaction.

Ice King LLC

3 months ago

Elizabeth Whitaker made our SAM renewal process quick and easy! We enjoyed working with her and the entire FedBiz Team. They have been great folks to work with and took sooooo much drama out of the process. Quick to respond to all our questions and we truly feel they want our business to succeed. Highly recommend !!!

Response from the owner:Thank you very much for the opportunity to assist. We value your recommendation and google five star review and feedback for the FedBiz Access team!!!

John Foster

3 months ago

Mya was great with communications throughout the project. She has outstanding graphics and document creation ability.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the opportunity to assist with your design and marketing needs; we appreciate your business and five star review feedback for the FedBiz Access team specialist.

Heridel Guadarrama

4 months ago

thanks Cassie for everything !!

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to assist!

Jim Dragon

4 months ago

While working with FedBiz Access to update our cage code was an extremely easy worry-free process. Elizabeth was great to work with.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the opportunity to be of service; we appreciate your business and your five star google review and feedback for the FedBiz Access team specialist.

Jon Urban

4 months ago

2025/2026 UPDATE: Cassie and her team at FedBizAccess continue to provide us with professional and reliable support for SAM registration and other government contracting needs.

2024 UPDATE: We continue to rely on FedBizAccess to help us stay on top of our SAM registration. Thanks again for making this an easy process for us, Cassie!

Original Review: We hired FedBizAccess several years ago to help us manage our federal contractor profile through the SAM database. Throughout the years they have been quick to respond to our requests. The past few years more of our focus has been outside the federal contracting arena and we hadn’t required their help. This year, though, we hit a snag renewing our SAM profile since we had a slight change in our company name. We reached out to FBA for help, and Cassie Elbanay responded immediately. She has been critical in helping us navigate the process. She is very knowledgeable, personable, and an overall professional. We are confident work will be done correctly and successfully when Cassie and her team are on the case. It has been a pleasure working with her, and I look forward to continuing our firm’s partnership with her and her team at FBA.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your time and effort in detailing your successful business relationship with our company and staff. Always here to assist as you need us. Thank you for your repeat business and this five star review for FedBiz Access, our amazing staff and your dedicated specialist. We appreciate your vote of confidence and the recognition of our expertise and long standing experience in the government contracting industry.

Alfonso Betts

4 months ago

Cassie Elbanay at FedBizAccess was extremely helpful in resolving my issue in SAM. Her knowledge and expertise with the SAM system made the process smooth and efficient—it was handled within minutes. It’s truly a pleasure working with such a knowledgeable and responsive team at FedBizAccess. I greatly appreciate the support and professionalism.

Response from the owner:We are thankful for your repeat business and loyalty to the FedBiz Access team and specialist(s). Its important for us to hear your five star google confirmation of the excellent support and professionalism we strive to maintain. Thank you again for your time in posting this review.

Milissa Fowler

4 months ago

Cassie Elbanay was extremely valuable and I could not ask for an easier process. The amount of time and frustration she saved me was priceless. Amazing!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your amazing review and feedback. We aim for an easy and seamless process as much as possible. Thank you for your business and recognition of our FedBiz Access team specialist's efforts on your behalf. We appreciate it.

Joyce Kamau

4 months ago

Working with Cassie at FedBiz on our SAM registration renewal was a great experience. She was patient, thorough, and proactive in addressing potential issues before submission. Cassie expertise helped us avoid delays and ensured our registration was completed efficiently. Cassie is not only highly competent but also wonderful to work with throughout the process.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the detailed account of your great experience with the FedBiz Access team specialist and thank you for your repeat business. We value your feedback and strive to maintain this proactive approach for best and consistent results. We appreciate your recognition.

Brennan Champion

4 months ago

Cassie Elbanay and the FedBiz Access team were exceptional throughout our SAM registration process. Cassie went above and beyond at every step, providing clear guidance that made what can be a complex process feel straightforward. We would absolutely recommend Cassie and FedBiz Access to anyone navigating SAM registrations.

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to be of service year after year. We appreciate your feedback and recognition for the FedBiz Access team and consultant and look forward to continue providing exceptional service and clear guidance.

Thomas Esposito

5 months ago

I had the pleasure of working with Mya, she brought my vision to life and we could not be happier with her work.

Response from the owner:Always a pleasure to be able to bring your vision to life. Thank you for the opportunity to provide marketing and design support for your government contracting needs. Thank you for this five star review for the FedBiz Access team specialist as well.

Tamarah

5 months ago

I had a positive experience working with FedBiz and appreciated the guidance and communication provided during the process. Sidney was responsive and supportive, and I’m grateful for the assistance and encouragement along the way.

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to continue being of service as needed. Thank you for the opportunity to assist with your government contacting goals.

Cami Allen

5 months ago

Ashley was super helpful, professional and timely. The support we receive from FebBiz Access is so helpful in helping us keep current and updated in a sometimes difficult to navigate government world.

Chris Merrill

6 months ago

Cassie and Fedbiz were incredibly helpful, knowledgeable, and responsive throughout the entire process from our initial inquiry through the submission. They made the renewal process easy and fast for us to get through.

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to keep up the good work:) thank you for the opportunity to assist; we appreciate your business and your positive feedback via this five star google review for our FedBiz team specialist.

Jeff Lindsey

6 months ago

I've been working with FedBiz Access for years now. Cassie does a wonderful job of making the process easy and quick. She is the best! Thanks, Cassie!!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your business and this five star google review for the FedBiz Access team and specialist. Our pleasure to be of consistent and valuable service to your organization.

Tommy Bohler

6 months ago

Cassie was very helpful throughout the whole renewal process with our municipality and also followed up with assistance on a change in our bank accounts. She was super responsive and took care of our problem almost immediately.

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to provide efficient and valuable guidance as needed. Looking forward to maintaing this level of service at your direction. Thank you for your five star feedback for our team.

John Anderson

6 months ago

Mya did a great job. We completed the capabilities statement in two attempts. On the second attempt, I provided her with some of our pictures, and she embedded them in our statement.

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to assist and create a compelling and appealing visual representation of your govcon capabilities. Thank you for the opportunity to be of service.

Rifles Only

6 months ago

Cassie made renewing our SAMS registration quick and efficient, and maintained great communication with us.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your repeat business and your five star google review for the FedBiz Access team consultant. Here as you need us!

arnoldo renteria

7 months ago

This team is highly professional and truly knows how to get things done. I am very pleased to have achieved my objective thanks to their support.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your business and this five star google review for the FedBiz Access team; looking forward to continuing working with your objectives and goals for government contracting success.

Harold Quinones

7 months ago

Very easy to work with, knowledgeable, and absolutely handled on your behalf. Recommended.

Response from the owner:Appreciate your business and your recommendation. Thank you very much for this five star Google review for the FedBiz Access team.

George Boza

7 months ago

Mrs. Elbanay continues to be consistently efficient and proficient concerning all all SAM matters. We have worked with her for several years and always go back to her with any SAM or government agency matters. She is pleasant person who listens and resolves any situation and/or subject brought to her attention. Summarizing, she is second to none and we look great forward to working her again.

Once again we have the opportunity to work with Cassie Elbany and as expected she surpassed our expectation with her efficient and professional approach and completion of our new registration. It becuase of Cassie above average support that we work with FEDBIZACCESS and will continue to do so.

Response from the owner:We appreciate the opportunity to continue being of service, as needed, from registration to award. Thank you for your repeat business and your positive feedback for our Fed Biz Access government contracting, dedicated team member.

Julia Perez

7 months ago

SAM Register (Fedbizz Access) has been a great help every step of the way, Thank you Cassie E. for updating me and checking up on the process every step of the way. You have been a great help.

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to assist. Thank you for this five star review for our FedBiz Access dedicated consultant and thank you for your business.

cathy deLeon

7 months ago

Ashley was very helpful as always! Easy to register with FedBiz. Ashley took care of our address cheange fast and efficiently. Thank you!

Response from the owner:Thank you; We appreciate your repeat business and opportunity for FedBiz Access professionals to assist with your government contracting needs.

Meghan Ruth

7 months ago

Cassie has been amazing!!

She is so helpful and such a breeze to work with. I always look forward to talking with her.

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to be of service every step of the way; thank you for your business and your five star feedback!

Jessica Sumner

7 months ago

Cassie assisted in making our SAM renewal fast and EASY!!

Response from the owner:Always here to answer any of your government contracting questions and keep the process "fast and easy!". Thank you for your feedback!

Joe Rementer

7 months ago

Cassie was patient and professional in updating my FedBiz account information.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the opportunity to assist. We appreciate your five star google review for the FedBiz Access team specialist.

The post The Hidden Pipeline: How Smart Contractors Find Opportunities Before They Go Live appeared first on FedBiz Access.

Teaming can be one of the smartest ways for a small business to grow in government contracting.

A good teaming relationship can help you break into a new agency, strengthen your proposal, cover gaps in your past performance, add technical depth, and get experience on contracts that may be too large to chase alone.

But teaming also has a sharp edge.

If the relationship is structured poorly, the Small Business Administration may decide that your company is not truly independent from your partner. That is where affiliation risk comes in. And for small business contractors pursuing set-asides, affiliation is not a paperwork issue. It can be the difference between being eligible for award and being knocked out of the competition.

The goal is not to avoid teaming. The goal is to team intelligently.

What Affiliation Risk Really Means

Under SBA’s size rules in 13 CFR § 121.103, affiliation generally exists when one company controls, has the power to control, or is controlled by another company. Control does not have to be exercised. The power to control can be enough.

That is the part many contractors miss.

Affiliation is not limited to ownership on paper. SBA can look at ownership, management, contractual relationships, family relationships, previous business ties, economic dependence, and the totality of the relationship. If SBA finds affiliation, it may combine the revenue or employees of the affiliated companies when determining size.

For a small business set-aside, that can be fatal.

Imagine a small business pursuing a contract under a revenue-based NAICS code. On its own, the company is safely under the size standard. But if SBA determines it is affiliated with a large subcontractor or related business, SBA may aggregate the companies’ receipts. Suddenly, the “small” business may no longer be small for that procurement.

That is why affiliation risk matters so much. It is not just about legal structure. It is about whether the small business is actually functioning as the small business prime, with real independence, real control, and real performance responsibility.

FAR Encourages Teaming, But SBA Still Watches the Relationship

FAR Subpart 9.6 recognizes contractor team arrangements as legitimate and often beneficial. FAR 9.601 describes teaming arrangements in two broad ways: companies may form a partnership or joint venture to act as a potential prime contractor, or a potential prime may agree with other companies to act as subcontractors for a specific government contract or acquisition program.

FAR 9.602 even says these arrangements may be desirable because they allow companies to complement one another’s capabilities and offer the government a better combination of performance, cost, and delivery.

So teaming is not suspicious by itself.

The issue is what the arrangement actually does.

If a small business prime is simply lending its name, socioeconomic status, or set-aside eligibility while a larger company performs the heart of the work, manages the customer, controls the proposal, supplies the key personnel, and carries the contract, SBA may see the relationship very differently than the contractor intended.

On paper, it may look like prime-sub teaming.

In substance, it may look like the large business is using the small business as a pass-through.

That is the trouble zone.

Teaming Behaviors That Can Trigger Affiliation Findings

Affiliation findings are fact-specific, but there are several patterns small businesses should treat as warning signs.

The subcontractor performs the primary and vital work

This is the classic ostensible subcontractor problem. If the subcontractor is performing the core requirements of the contract, especially when that subcontractor is not similarly situated, SBA may decide the prime is not really the prime.

For example, if a contract is set aside for an SDVOSB to provide cybersecurity operations support, but the proposed subcontractor provides the project manager, senior cyber staff, technical methodology, past performance, transition plan, and most of the labor hours, that is a problem. The SDVOSB may be listed as prime, but the subcontractor appears to be carrying the work.

The small business is unusually reliant on the subcontractor

SBA does not only ask who performs the biggest portion of work. It also looks at reliance.

Unusual reliance can show up in several ways: the subcontractor is the incumbent contractor, the subcontractor provides most of the key personnel, the prime lacks relevant experience without the subcontractor, the subcontractor wrote or controlled major parts of the proposal, or the subcontractor will manage essential contract functions.

None of those facts automatically guarantees an affiliation finding on its own. But together, they can paint a risky picture.

Common management or ownership blurs independence

If the same individuals manage both companies, own meaningful interests in both companies, or have the power to block ordinary business decisions, SBA may find affiliation based on control.

This matters in family-owned companies, spin-offs, mentor-related entities, and businesses that share executives, back-office infrastructure, or decision-making authority.

A small business should be able to show that it controls its own pricing, hiring, contract decisions, finances, customer relationships, and corporate governance.

Economic dependence creates leverage

Economic dependence can also become an affiliation issue. If most of a small business’s revenue comes from one company, or if the small business depends on one partner for bonding, equipment, financing, work, office space, personnel, and pipeline, SBA may question whether that business is truly independent.

A subcontractor relationship is normal.

A dependency relationship is risky.

If losing one partner would effectively collapse your company, that is a sign to take a harder look at the arrangement.

Workshare Is Not Just a Percentage Problem

Workshare matters for two separate reasons.

First, it affects compliance with the limitations on subcontracting. Under 13 CFR § 125.6, for many small business set-aside service contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold, the small business prime generally cannot pay more than 50% of the amount paid by the government to firms that are not similarly situated. Similar rules apply to supplies, construction, and specialty trade construction, with different percentages.

Second, workshare affects affiliation risk, especially under the ostensible subcontractor rule.

A common mistake is thinking, “As long as we meet the 50% rule, we are safe.”

Not necessarily.

Meeting the limitations on subcontracting is important, and SBA’s current rules provide helpful protection where the small business prime, together with similarly situated subcontractors, meets the required performance levels. But the work also has to make sense. The small business should perform meaningful, substantive work tied to the primary purpose of the contract.

If the small business performs administrative oversight while the large subcontractor performs the mission-critical work, the percentage may not save the deal.

Look at the substance:

Who manages the contract?

Who interfaces with the contracting officer and program office?

Who provides the project manager?

Who performs the complex technical tasks?

Who owns the solution?

Who controls staffing?

Who bears real performance responsibility?

Those answers often matter more than a clean spreadsheet.

The Ostensible Subcontractor Rule: Where Good Teaming Goes Bad

The ostensible subcontractor rule is one of the most important affiliation traps in small business contracting.

Under 13 CFR § 121.103, an ostensible subcontractor is a subcontractor that is not similarly situated and either performs the primary and vital requirements of the contract or is a subcontractor upon which the prime contractor is unusually reliant. If SBA finds an ostensible subcontractor relationship, the small business prime can be treated as affiliated with the subcontractor for that procurement.

Here is where it bites contractors.

A small business finds a great opportunity, but the requirement is bigger than anything it has performed before. It teams with a large incumbent. The incumbent knows the agency, knows the work, has the past performance, and has the people. The small business is excited because the team looks strong.

But then the proposal leans heavily on the incumbent’s experience. The incumbent provides the key personnel. The incumbent drafts the technical approach. The incumbent is assigned the most complex work. The small business is responsible for contract administration, invoicing, and a smaller portion of delivery.

That may be a competitive proposal.

It may also be a size protest waiting to happen.

A safer structure looks different. The small business prime should lead the solution, manage contract performance, provide key leadership where possible, perform primary and vital tasks, and be able to explain why it—not the subcontractor—is responsible for successful performance.

The subcontractor can still bring value. It can provide specialized support, surge capacity, niche technical expertise, or past performance that strengthens the proposal. SBA allows primes to use subcontractor experience and past performance to enhance an offer. The line is crossed when the subcontractor becomes the real engine of the contract.

Mentor-Protégé: The Protected Path, If You Do It Correctly

The SBA Mentor-Protégé Program gives small businesses a more structured way to team with larger or more experienced companies.

Through SBA’s program, an approved mentor can provide business development assistance, technical assistance, management guidance, financial support, contracting help, trade education, and other developmental support to the protégé. The program is designed to help small businesses build capacity, not merely help large businesses access set-aside contracts.

That distinction matters.

SBA-approved mentor-protégé firms may form a joint venture and pursue small business contracts, including set-asides for which the protégé qualifies, provided the protégé is small for the applicable NAICS code and the joint venture follows SBA’s requirements.

But the approval has to come first.

For the affiliation exclusion to work, the mentor-protégé agreement must be approved before the mentor and protégé submit an offer as a joint venture on a small business contract. The joint venture also needs to comply with the applicable joint venture rules in 13 CFR § 125.8 and related socioeconomic program rules.

One key requirement: in a mentor-protégé joint venture, the small business protégé must perform at least 40% of the work performed by the joint venture. And that work cannot be empty administrative work. SBA expects the protégé to gain substantive experience.

This is where the program can be powerful. A protégé can pursue larger opportunities with a mentor while building past performance, capabilities, systems, and agency relationships. But it has to be a real development relationship, not a workaround.

Before You Sign a Teaming Agreement, Slow Down

A teaming agreement should not be treated as a casual handshake with legal formatting.

Before signing, small businesses should ask several practical questions.

Can we clearly explain why we are the prime?

If the answer is only “because the contract is set aside for our certification,” that is not enough. You should be able to explain your technical role, management role, customer-facing role, and performance responsibility.

Are we performing the primary and vital work?

Read the statement of work carefully. Identify the core purpose of the contract. Then map your company’s tasks directly to that core purpose. Do not settle for vague language like “program support” or “oversight.” Be specific.

Are the workshare percentages realistic?

Do not create a workshare chart that looks compliant but cannot be performed in real life. If the proposal says your company will perform 51% of the work, make sure you have the staff, systems, licenses, facilities, equipment, and management capacity to actually do it.

Who controls the customer relationship?

The prime should be the primary interface with the government. Subcontractors can attend meetings and provide technical support, but the small business prime should not disappear after award.

Who provides key personnel?

If the subcontractor provides all or most of the key personnel, especially the program manager or technical lead, that can increase reliance concerns. Where possible, the small business should provide meaningful contract leadership.

Does the agreement limit subcontractor control?

The teaming agreement and resulting subcontract should make clear that the prime controls contract management, communications with the government, staffing approvals, performance oversight, and final decision-making.

Are we relying too much on one partner?

A strong partner is good. A partner you cannot function without is different. Build a pipeline that reduces economic dependence over time.

Do we need a mentor-protégé structure instead?

If the relationship is truly developmental and the partner is providing broad support beyond one pursuit, the SBA Mentor-Protégé Program may be a better structure than ordinary prime-sub teaming.

Smart Teaming Builds Capacity, Not Just Proposals

The best teaming arrangements do more than help a small business chase one contract.

They help the small business become more capable.

That is the standard small businesses should use when evaluating partners. Will this relationship help you build past performance? Will it help you understand an agency? Will it give you experience managing people, deliverables, compliance, and customer expectations? Will it position you to prime more work in the future?

Or will it make you dependent on another company?

There is a big difference.

Teaming is not something small businesses should fear. The government recognizes that teams can deliver stronger solutions, and many small businesses grow faster because they partner well. But the structure has to match the rules, and the business relationship has to reflect reality.

A small business prime should look, act, and perform like the prime.

That means real control. Real workshare. Real management. Real value.

If you need help finding teaming and subcontracting partners that are the best fit for your small business, call today: 844-628-8914 or book a call at your convenience. We can show you how FedBiz365 can help you find the right partners to get you on the fast track to government contracts and building past performance.

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Allyson Collins

1 week 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.

Al Hogan

1 week 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.

Bryan Johnson

2 weeks 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

3 weeks 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

3 weeks 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

4 weeks 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

4 weeks 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

4 weeks 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.

Schimpf's Garage

4 weeks ago

Cecilia and Sid go well above and beyond to assist me with registering my business with the VA and updating my profile with relevant business changes. Additionally, Frank is a master of contracting and has assisted us in navigating FedBiz's contracting databases and in reviewing proposed bids and contracts. I highly recommend this team to anyone seeking to register their business with the VA and applying for government contracts!

Response from the owner:Congratulations on your recent bid award, we appreciate the recognition of the FedBiz Access services and consultants in assisting you in that endeavor. More importantly, thank you for your service to our country! We value your recommendation, as always, a pleasure to assist with your government contracting goals, registrations and awards.

Jordan Erwin

1 month ago

Super easy to work with and always very friendly. Highly recommend.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your continued business and your trust in the FedBiz Access team; Looking forward to being of valuable service as needed with your marketing and government contracting goals.

Ray Gould

1 month ago

Elizabeth Whittaker
handled our request for SDVOSB very efficiently
and we are most grateful for her assistance.
sincerely, ray gould Marine & Valve Supply

Response from the owner:Congratulations on your SDVOSB Award and thank you for the opportunity to assist in that endeavor on your behalf. We are excited for your success!

Kati Gibbs

1 month ago

Love working with FedBiz! They are so communicative and helpful. Constance is such a pleasure to work with in getting our SBA profile set up, Lou is amazing at setting us up in FedBiz, and Frank is very informative when training us on FedBiz365. I highly recommend FedBiz!

Response from the owner:Love the Love! Thank you for sharing your positive experiences with the FedBiz Access team via this five star google review. More importantly, thank you for the opportunity to share value and assist with your government contracting needs.

george bianchi

1 month ago

Since we’ve had such a positive experience with the team at FedBiz Access in the past, we decided to seek their guidance and support for our nonprofit’s latest project involving government and canine-related initiatives.

Once again, the FedBiz Access team did not disappoint. They directed us to the most effective and efficient way to move forward through the appropriate channels.

We want to thank Frank and the entire FedBiz Access team for providing clear, comprehensive, and valuable information during our consultation.

We would highly recommend FedBiz Access.

Response from the owner:We appreciate your continued business and feedback for the FedBiz Access team. Thank you for your recommendation, we look forward to assisting you in the future.

John Diaz

2 months ago

Mya works very accurately and delivers high-quality work in creating our Capability Statement for the GSA organization. Highly recommend her and her organization, FEDBIZACCESS.

Response from the owner:We appreciate your feedback; Thank you for your recommendation and five star google review for the FedBiz Access team and specialist. Our pleasure to assist! Thank you for your business.

Sandra Chen

2 months ago

Ashley Futral is exceptionally helpful, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to collaborate with. Her efficiency and swift communication have been invaluable, and I greatly appreciate her guidance throughout the process.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the opportunity to assist; our pleasure to be of service as needed.

Jacqueline Winter

2 months ago

FedBiz makes renewals so easy and simple which is great as when doing it directly with the gov't is so much more complicated! It was great working with Ashley Futral on on our latest renewal - she saved me so much time! She also helped sort out issues that came up with SAM that I don't think we could have solved on our own. Thank you!

Response from the owner:Very Much Appreciated. We value your loyalty and repeat business over the years. Thank you for allowing us to assist; Fed Biz Access is at your service for all your government contracting needs, from registration to award.

Tara Goldsby

3 months ago

Ashley Futral was extremely helpful with renewing our sam.gov entity registration. She was always prompt with responding to emails and made the process go smoothly.

Response from the owner:Thank you. We appreciate your feedback and repeat business with our agency year after year. Our FedBiz Access government contracting assistance team aims high for your satisfaction and results. Thank you for the opportunity to be of service.

Chris Ramey

3 months ago

Ashley is on another level!!! Very knowledgeable and helpful. Great to work with year over year!! Thumbs Up!!!!!!!

Response from the owner:We appreciate your comments and thank you for your repeat business and the thumbs up for our FedBiz Access government contracting consultants.

Jay Reyes

3 months ago

Ashley Futral and the team at FedBiz Access provided outstanding support throughout my certification process. As the owner of a disabled veteran-owned logistics company, navigating the requirements can be complex—but Ashley made it seamless. Her professionalism, responsiveness, and deep knowledge of the process helped position my company for success in the government contracting space. Highly recommended for any business looking to grow strategically.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your service to our country. Our pleasure to assist and be of value to your organization in your government contracting goals.

Torland Wingfield

3 months ago

I had the pleasure of working with FedBiz on my SBA Disabled Veteran Owned Company Certification. Ashley was simply amazing, using her knowledge and professional approach to get the job done. She checked on me constantly providing weekly updates and worked all issues that came up during the process. I even received a call from her when the certification was approved. This is a great company that I give my strongest recommendation.

Response from the owner:Thank you for recognizing our FedBiz Access team's efforts on your behalf with this five star review and your positive feedback. We value your business and satisfaction.

Ice King LLC

3 months ago

Elizabeth Whitaker made our SAM renewal process quick and easy! We enjoyed working with her and the entire FedBiz Team. They have been great folks to work with and took sooooo much drama out of the process. Quick to respond to all our questions and we truly feel they want our business to succeed. Highly recommend !!!

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3 months ago

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4 months ago

thanks Cassie for everything !!

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4 months ago

While working with FedBiz Access to update our cage code was an extremely easy worry-free process. Elizabeth was great to work with.

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4 months ago

2025/2026 UPDATE: Cassie and her team at FedBizAccess continue to provide us with professional and reliable support for SAM registration and other government contracting needs.

2024 UPDATE: We continue to rely on FedBizAccess to help us stay on top of our SAM registration. Thanks again for making this an easy process for us, Cassie!

Original Review: We hired FedBizAccess several years ago to help us manage our federal contractor profile through the SAM database. Throughout the years they have been quick to respond to our requests. The past few years more of our focus has been outside the federal contracting arena and we hadn’t required their help. This year, though, we hit a snag renewing our SAM profile since we had a slight change in our company name. We reached out to FBA for help, and Cassie Elbanay responded immediately. She has been critical in helping us navigate the process. She is very knowledgeable, personable, and an overall professional. We are confident work will be done correctly and successfully when Cassie and her team are on the case. It has been a pleasure working with her, and I look forward to continuing our firm’s partnership with her and her team at FBA.

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4 months ago

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4 months ago

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4 months ago

Working with Cassie at FedBiz on our SAM registration renewal was a great experience. She was patient, thorough, and proactive in addressing potential issues before submission. Cassie expertise helped us avoid delays and ensured our registration was completed efficiently. Cassie is not only highly competent but also wonderful to work with throughout the process.

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4 months ago

Cassie Elbanay and the FedBiz Access team were exceptional throughout our SAM registration process. Cassie went above and beyond at every step, providing clear guidance that made what can be a complex process feel straightforward. We would absolutely recommend Cassie and FedBiz Access to anyone navigating SAM registrations.

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Thomas Esposito

5 months ago

I had the pleasure of working with Mya, she brought my vision to life and we could not be happier with her work.

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Tamarah

5 months ago

I had a positive experience working with FedBiz and appreciated the guidance and communication provided during the process. Sidney was responsive and supportive, and I’m grateful for the assistance and encouragement along the way.

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5 months ago

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6 months ago

Cassie and Fedbiz were incredibly helpful, knowledgeable, and responsive throughout the entire process from our initial inquiry through the submission. They made the renewal process easy and fast for us to get through.

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6 months ago

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6 months ago

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6 months ago

Mya did a great job. We completed the capabilities statement in two attempts. On the second attempt, I provided her with some of our pictures, and she embedded them in our statement.

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Rifles Only

6 months ago

Cassie made renewing our SAMS registration quick and efficient, and maintained great communication with us.

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7 months ago

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7 months ago

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7 months ago

Mrs. Elbanay continues to be consistently efficient and proficient concerning all all SAM matters. We have worked with her for several years and always go back to her with any SAM or government agency matters. She is pleasant person who listens and resolves any situation and/or subject brought to her attention. Summarizing, she is second to none and we look great forward to working her again.

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For defense contractors, it is the line where several long-standing compliance thresholds change at once. The FY 2026 NDAA authorizes roughly $900 billion in defense and national security spending, but buried inside that massive policy bill are procurement changes that may matter more to your next proposal than the topline number itself.

The rules around certified cost or pricing data, Cost Accounting Standards, and even incumbent bid protests are being reshaped in ways that could alter pricing strategy, teaming decisions, subcontract negotiations, and protest risk for years to come.

For small and midsize businesses trying to grow in the defense market, this is not just a compliance update.

It is a competitive positioning moment.

The Big Changes Taking Effect After June 30, 2026

Several key acquisition thresholds are changing for defense contractors after June 30, 2026:

TINA threshold: increases from $2.5 million to $10 million

CAS full coverage threshold: increases from $50 million to $100 million

CAS per-contract applicability threshold: increases from $2.5 million to $35 million

There is also another major change in the pipeline: the so-called “loser pays” protest rule under Section 875, which could allow contracting officers to withhold up to 5% of payments from certain incumbent contractors who file GAO protests that are later found to lack a reasonable legal or factual basis.

Each of these changes matters on its own.

Together, they may change how small businesses price defense work, pursue larger opportunities, team with primes, and decide whether to challenge an award.

TINA: What It Is and Why the $10 Million Threshold Matters

Let’s start with TINA, because this is the change many contractors will feel first.

TINA is the old name most contractors still use for what is now called the Truthful Cost or Pricing Data Act. In plain English, it is the rule that can require a contractor to submit certified cost or pricing data when the government does not have enough competition or other reliable information to determine whether a negotiated price is fair and reasonable.

FAR 15.403-4 is the familiar place contractors look for the certified cost or pricing data threshold. The related clauses, including FAR 52.215-10, FAR 52.215-11, FAR 52.215-12, and FAR 52.215-13, are where the risk often shows up in actual contract administration.

What Certified Cost or Pricing Data Really Means

Certified cost or pricing data is not just “backup.”

It is a formal representation that the data submitted to the government is accurate, complete, and current as of the date of agreement on price. That certification can create defective pricing exposure if the government later determines that the contractor failed to disclose relevant cost or pricing information.

That is why TINA has always carried more weight than an ordinary pricing discussion.

A contractor might be able to explain a labor rate, vendor quote, material cost, indirect rate, or escalation assumption during negotiations. But once certified cost or pricing data is required, those details become part of a higher-risk compliance package.

What Changes After June 30, 2026

After June 30, 2026, the threshold for defense contracts and subcontracts moves to $10 million.

That is a major jump from the $2.5 million threshold contractors have been tracking since the October 2025 inflation adjustment. The new $10 million threshold applies to qualifying prime contracts and subcontracts entered into after June 30, 2026.

Practically, this means many negotiated defense opportunities in the $2.5 million to $10 million range may no longer require certified cost or pricing data, assuming no other rule or contract-specific requirement pulls the obligation back in.

That can reduce proposal burden, speed up negotiations, and make certain mid-sized opportunities more approachable for companies that do not have a deep pricing, finance, or DCAA-facing back office.

For many small businesses, this is the practical headline: more negotiated defense work may become reachable without triggering the full certified cost or pricing data process.

Less Certification Does Not Mean Less Pricing Discipline

Here is the part contractors should not miss: fewer certifications does not mean weaker pricing support.

Contracting officers still have to determine price reasonableness. Primes still have to justify subcontractor pricing. Agencies can still ask for data other than certified cost or pricing data. And if your pricing looks unsupported, inconsistent, or overly aggressive, the absence of a formal certification requirement will not save the deal.

The smart move is to treat this as a reduction in certification risk, not a permission slip to wing your pricing.

Contractors should still maintain clean support for:

• Basis-of-estimate files
• Labor rate assumptions
• Vendor quotes
• Indirect rate calculations
• Escalation logic
• Subcontractor pricing documentation

Commerciality and competition support, where applicable

The difference is that for many awards below $10 million, you may be able to negotiate without making the formal certification that creates defective pricing exposure.

That is a big deal.

How the TINA Change May Affect Pricing and Negotiations

The threshold jump may change how companies pursue sole-source work, negotiated task orders, and subcontract packages.

A small business that previously hesitated to chase a $5 million or $7 million negotiated defense award because of TINA burden may now see a more manageable path. A prime may also be more willing to bring in a capable small business subcontractor when the subcontract is below $10 million and does not trigger certified cost or pricing data.

That can make specialized small businesses more attractive in areas such as:

• Engineering support
• IT modernization
• Cybersecurity
• Logistics
• Professional services
• Maintenance and sustainment
• Training and technical support

For primes, the change may reduce the administrative drag associated with gathering, reviewing, and flowing certified data from subcontractors. For small businesses, it may remove one of the barriers that made negotiated defense work feel heavier than the contract value justified.

The Timing Gotcha

Do not assume the new threshold applies simply because a proposal is being discussed near the deadline.

Award date, negotiation date, subcontract agreement date, modification timing, and the exact clause language in the contract can matter. Older contracts and subcontracts may still contain older clause versions that do not automatically capture later threshold changes.

Before assuming the $10 million number applies, review the clauses in the contract or subcontract.

That may sound basic, but this is exactly where contractors get tripped up. They read about a new threshold, assume it applies everywhere, and then discover that an older clause, an existing IDIQ, or a specific subcontract flow-down tells a different story.

CAS: The Other Major Threshold Shift

Cost Accounting Standards, or CAS, are a different animal.

TINA is about the data you submit to support a negotiated price. CAS is about the accounting rules you must follow once covered work enters your contract base.

CAS lives in 48 CFR Chapter 99, with CAS applicability rules in 48 CFR 9903.201-1. When CAS applies, it can affect how you estimate, accumulate, allocate, and report costs across contracts.

For companies used to commercial accounting or simpler government work, CAS can feel like crossing into a more mature and more expensive compliance environment.

What CAS Is Designed to Do

CAS is meant to promote consistency and uniformity in how contractors account for costs on covered government contracts.

That may sound harmless enough.

But in practice, CAS can affect major parts of your business, including:

• How indirect costs are allocated
• How home office expenses are treated
• How labor costs are accumulated
• How accounting changes are disclosed
• How cost impacts are calculated
• How audit risk is managed

For a growing contractor, CAS coverage can require more sophisticated accounting policies, stronger internal controls, and better documentation across the organization.

That is why these threshold changes matter.

The Two CAS Threshold Changes Contractors Need to Understand

The FY 2026 NDAA makes two major CAS threshold changes.

First, the full CAS coverage threshold increases from $50 million to $100 million.

Second, the contract-level CAS applicability threshold increases from $2.5 million to $35 million.

The Cost Accounting Standards Board has also proposed implementing changes to 48 CFR 9903.201-1, including decoupling the basic CAS threshold from the Truthful Cost or Pricing Data threshold and raising the basic CAS monetary threshold to $35 million.

Why the $35 Million Contract-Level Threshold Matters

For small businesses, the $35 million contract-level number may be the more immediate relief.

Under the old framework, a contractor could find itself dealing with CAS much earlier than expected, especially as it moved from smaller set-asides into larger negotiated defense work.

With the new $35 million contract-level threshold, a broader band of contracts may stay outside CAS coverage altogether.

That can lower accounting-system pressure and make larger defense opportunities less intimidating for companies growing out of the small-business stage.

This does not make accounting maturity optional. It does make the jump into CAS coverage less immediate for many contractors.

Why the $100 Million Full Coverage Threshold Matters

The full coverage increase to $100 million matters for a different group: successful mid-tier contractors that have started stacking up CAS-covered work and were approaching the old $50 million line.

For those companies, the change may delay the jump into full CAS coverage and the added disclosure, consistency, and administrative burdens that come with it.

This is not just paperwork relief.

CAS compliance can influence how a company builds its indirect rate structure, how it allocates home office expenses, how it treats uncompensated overtime, how it handles changes in accounting practice, and how it supports costs during audit.

Avoiding unnecessary CAS coverage can preserve flexibility at a critical growth stage.

CAS Relief Does Not Mean CAS Can Be Ignored

Do not read these changes as “CAS no longer matters.”

If you are already performing CAS-covered contracts, you need to know how the new rules affect existing coverage, future awards, and disclosure obligations.

If you are bidding as a subcontractor under a large defense prime, the prime may still impose accounting and documentation requirements that feel CAS-like, even when CAS technically does not apply to your subcontract.

And if you are moving toward larger cost-reimbursement, incentive, or negotiated defense work, your accounting maturity still matters.

This is where experienced contractors can gain an edge.

A company that understands when CAS applies, when it does not, and how to explain its accounting structure clearly can move faster in negotiations. A company that simply says, “We are under the threshold, so we are fine,” may still get slowed down by a contracting officer, a prime contractor, or an audit request.

The “Loser Pays” Protest Rule: A New Risk for Incumbents

The most controversial change in the pipeline may be Section 875, the so-called “loser pays” protest rule.

Section 875 directs DoD to revise the DFARS so contracting officers may withhold up to 5% of payments from certain incumbent contractors that file GAO protests involving follow-on defense work.

If GAO determines the protest lacks any reasonable legal or factual basis, the withheld amount may be forfeited.

The rule is not aimed at every protester. It is focused on incumbent DoD contractors protesting at GAO, and implementation depends on DFARS rulemaking.

What the Rule Is Intended to Do

The intent is easy to understand.

Congress and DoD have long been frustrated with protests viewed as tactical delay tools, especially when an incumbent receives a bridge or extension while the protest is pending.

Section 875 is designed to discourage weak protests that preserve incumbent revenue without a serious legal or factual basis.

That is the policy argument behind it.

But the practical effect could be much broader.

How This Could Chill Legitimate Protests

Incumbents are often the companies best positioned to spot evaluation problems.

They know the requirement. They know the operational realities. They may recognize when an agency misunderstood staffing, transition risk, technical approach, past performance, or pricing assumptions.

If those companies become reluctant to file because a protest could put 5% of payments at risk, legitimate procurement errors may go unchallenged.

For small businesses, the cash-flow issue is real.

A large defense contractor may be able to absorb a temporary withholding while a protest runs its course. A small incumbent performing a services contract may not have that cushion.

Payroll, subcontractor payments, insurance, and working capital do not pause because a protest is pending.

Losing a Protest Is Not the Same as Filing a Baseless Protest

The key phrase will be “lacks any reasonable legal or factual basis.”

That is not the same as losing a protest.

Contractors lose protests all the time even when the protest was serious, well-supported, and reasonable. The danger is uncertainty: until DFARS rulemaking clarifies the mechanics, incumbents will have to think carefully about how GAO dismissal standards, payment withholding, bridge performance, and forfeiture risk interact.

The practical advice is simple: protest strategy needs to become more disciplined.

Before filing, incumbents should pressure-test the protest grounds.

Ask:

• Is there a clear evaluation error?
• Is there record support?
• Was there unequal treatment?
• Did the agency ignore the solicitation’s stated evaluation criteria?
• Was the price realism or technical evaluation unreasonable?
• Is the protest based on procurement law and facts, or mostly frustration that the agency picked someone else?

That distinction has always mattered.

Under Section 875, it may matter financially.

How These Changes May Shift Competitive Positioning

These threshold changes create openings for small businesses that are prepared.

The $10 million TINA threshold could make negotiated defense work below that line more attractive. The $35 million CAS threshold could allow more companies to pursue meaningful defense contracts without immediately stepping into CAS coverage. The $100 million full CAS threshold may give growing firms more runway before the next compliance tier.

That can change teaming dynamics.

Primes may have more flexibility to structure subcontract packages below the TINA and CAS trigger points. Small businesses may become more attractive teammates where they can bring specialized capability without creating unnecessary pricing or accounting burden.

On the other side, small businesses bidding as primes may be able to compete more confidently for larger set-aside or sole-source defense opportunities if the compliance load is lighter than it would have been under the old thresholds.

Where Small Businesses May See Opportunity

These changes may create practical openings in several areas:

• Larger small business set-aside pursuits
• Negotiated defense work below $10 million
• Subcontract packages structured below key compliance thresholds
• Prime-sub teaming arrangements with less pricing friction
• Growth-stage defense work below the new CAS applicability line
• Incumbent recompete strategy, especially where protest risk must be weighed carefully

But strategy matters.

Do not let the thresholds become the whole plan.

If you are a small business trying to break into defense work, you still need a clear NAICS and PSC strategy, strong SAM and Small Business Search visibility, a credible capability statement, relevant past performance, and a plan for finding buyers, primes, and recompetes before the solicitation drops.

Threshold relief helps most when you are already positioned to be found and taken seriously.

Teaming and Subcontracting Dynamics Will Matter More

For teaming, the details matter.

A subcontract below $10 million may not require certified cost or pricing data, but the prime may still need enough support to defend the overall price. A subcontract below CAS thresholds may still carry cost, billing, cybersecurity, quality, and performance reporting obligations.

That means small businesses should get specific early.

Before signing a teaming agreement or subcontract, clarify:

• Who owns each part of the technical solution
• How workshare will be divided
• Who is responsible for pricing support
• Which clauses will flow down
• Whether cost or pricing data will still be requested
• Whether accounting-system expectations exceed the formal CAS requirement
• How audit support will be handled
• How protest, transition, and recompete decisions will be managed

The companies that handle these conversations early will look more mature to primes and contracting officers.

The companies that avoid the uncomfortable details may find themselves boxed into obligations they did not price, staff, or prepare for.

Real Risk Areas and Gotchas Contractors Should Watch

The biggest mistake contractors can make is treating these changes as a blanket exemption from discipline.

They are not.

Watch the Date

Contracts entered into on or before June 30, 2026 may be treated differently than contracts entered into after that date.

Subcontracts and modifications can have their own timing questions.

Do not rely on the headline date alone. Look at the actual agreement, clause language, and effective timing.

Watch the Clauses

Older FAR and DFARS clause versions may not automatically update threshold treatment the way you expect.

Clause review is not glamorous, but it can prevent a pricing fight later.

Watch the Flow-Downs

Primes may continue using conservative subcontract templates until their legal and contracts teams update internal policies.

Do not assume a prime’s first draft is correct.

If a subcontract requires certified cost or pricing data when the threshold does not appear to require it, ask why. If CAS-like obligations appear in a subcontract below the applicability threshold, understand whether the prime is imposing them as a business requirement, not a regulatory one.

Watch the Difference Between “Not Certified” and “Not Supported”

The government can still ask for data other than certified cost or pricing data.

Your pricing file still needs to make sense.

No certification does not mean no documentation.

Watch CAS Edge Cases

IDIQ structures, task order values, contract ceilings, exemptions, and mixed contract types can create applicability questions that are not obvious from the headline threshold.

If you are pursuing larger defense work, do not wait until award to think about CAS.

Watch Protest Cash Flow

If you are an incumbent considering a GAO protest on a DoD follow-on procurement, the protest decision now needs a financial risk discussion, not just a legal merits discussion.

That does not mean legitimate protests should disappear.

It does mean they should be more carefully documented, more strategically evaluated, and more clearly tied to facts and procurement law.

The Contractors Who Move Early Will Have the Advantage

The best contractors will not wait for every agency, prime, and contracting office to catch up.

They will update their bid/no-bid criteria.

They will revisit pricing templates.

They will review subcontract language.

They will talk to contracting officers and primes with confidence.

They will look at opportunities between $2.5 million and $10 million differently.

They will look at opportunities below $35 million differently.

And they will treat protest decisions with more rigor than emotion.

That is where the opportunity sits.

The 2026 NDAA does not remove complexity from defense contracting. Nothing ever really does. But it does move some of the lines.

For small businesses, moved lines can mean new room to compete.

If you are trying to position your company for defense contracts, identify the right teaming partners, or find subcontracting opportunities before everyone else is chasing the same solicitation, this is the time to get serious about your market strategy.

FedBiz Access has helped thousands of businesses find the right opportunities over more than 25 years in government contracting. If defense work is part of your growth plan, call us now: 844-628-8914 or book a call so we can help you find where you fit, who you should be talking to, and which opportunities are actually worth pursuing.

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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.

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4 weeks 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

4 weeks 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

4 weeks 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.

Schimpf's Garage

4 weeks ago

Cecilia and Sid go well above and beyond to assist me with registering my business with the VA and updating my profile with relevant business changes. Additionally, Frank is a master of contracting and has assisted us in navigating FedBiz's contracting databases and in reviewing proposed bids and contracts. I highly recommend this team to anyone seeking to register their business with the VA and applying for government contracts!

Response from the owner:Congratulations on your recent bid award, we appreciate the recognition of the FedBiz Access services and consultants in assisting you in that endeavor. More importantly, thank you for your service to our country! We value your recommendation, as always, a pleasure to assist with your government contracting goals, registrations and awards.

Jordan Erwin

1 month ago

Super easy to work with and always very friendly. Highly recommend.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your continued business and your trust in the FedBiz Access team; Looking forward to being of valuable service as needed with your marketing and government contracting goals.

Ray Gould

1 month ago

Elizabeth Whittaker
handled our request for SDVOSB very efficiently
and we are most grateful for her assistance.
sincerely, ray gould Marine & Valve Supply

Response from the owner:Congratulations on your SDVOSB Award and thank you for the opportunity to assist in that endeavor on your behalf. We are excited for your success!

Kati Gibbs

1 month ago

Love working with FedBiz! They are so communicative and helpful. Constance is such a pleasure to work with in getting our SBA profile set up, Lou is amazing at setting us up in FedBiz, and Frank is very informative when training us on FedBiz365. I highly recommend FedBiz!

Response from the owner:Love the Love! Thank you for sharing your positive experiences with the FedBiz Access team via this five star google review. More importantly, thank you for the opportunity to share value and assist with your government contracting needs.

george bianchi

1 month ago

Since we’ve had such a positive experience with the team at FedBiz Access in the past, we decided to seek their guidance and support for our nonprofit’s latest project involving government and canine-related initiatives.

Once again, the FedBiz Access team did not disappoint. They directed us to the most effective and efficient way to move forward through the appropriate channels.

We want to thank Frank and the entire FedBiz Access team for providing clear, comprehensive, and valuable information during our consultation.

We would highly recommend FedBiz Access.

Response from the owner:We appreciate your continued business and feedback for the FedBiz Access team. Thank you for your recommendation, we look forward to assisting you in the future.

John Diaz

2 months ago

Mya works very accurately and delivers high-quality work in creating our Capability Statement for the GSA organization. Highly recommend her and her organization, FEDBIZACCESS.

Response from the owner:We appreciate your feedback; Thank you for your recommendation and five star google review for the FedBiz Access team and specialist. Our pleasure to assist! Thank you for your business.

Sandra Chen

2 months ago

Ashley Futral is exceptionally helpful, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to collaborate with. Her efficiency and swift communication have been invaluable, and I greatly appreciate her guidance throughout the process.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the opportunity to assist; our pleasure to be of service as needed.

Jacqueline Winter

2 months ago

FedBiz makes renewals so easy and simple which is great as when doing it directly with the gov't is so much more complicated! It was great working with Ashley Futral on on our latest renewal - she saved me so much time! She also helped sort out issues that came up with SAM that I don't think we could have solved on our own. Thank you!

Response from the owner:Very Much Appreciated. We value your loyalty and repeat business over the years. Thank you for allowing us to assist; Fed Biz Access is at your service for all your government contracting needs, from registration to award.

Tara Goldsby

3 months ago

Ashley Futral was extremely helpful with renewing our sam.gov entity registration. She was always prompt with responding to emails and made the process go smoothly.

Response from the owner:Thank you. We appreciate your feedback and repeat business with our agency year after year. Our FedBiz Access government contracting assistance team aims high for your satisfaction and results. Thank you for the opportunity to be of service.

Chris Ramey

3 months ago

Ashley is on another level!!! Very knowledgeable and helpful. Great to work with year over year!! Thumbs Up!!!!!!!

Response from the owner:We appreciate your comments and thank you for your repeat business and the thumbs up for our FedBiz Access government contracting consultants.

Jay Reyes

3 months ago

Ashley Futral and the team at FedBiz Access provided outstanding support throughout my certification process. As the owner of a disabled veteran-owned logistics company, navigating the requirements can be complex—but Ashley made it seamless. Her professionalism, responsiveness, and deep knowledge of the process helped position my company for success in the government contracting space. Highly recommended for any business looking to grow strategically.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your service to our country. Our pleasure to assist and be of value to your organization in your government contracting goals.

Torland Wingfield

3 months ago

I had the pleasure of working with FedBiz on my SBA Disabled Veteran Owned Company Certification. Ashley was simply amazing, using her knowledge and professional approach to get the job done. She checked on me constantly providing weekly updates and worked all issues that came up during the process. I even received a call from her when the certification was approved. This is a great company that I give my strongest recommendation.

Response from the owner:Thank you for recognizing our FedBiz Access team's efforts on your behalf with this five star review and your positive feedback. We value your business and satisfaction.

Ice King LLC

3 months ago

Elizabeth Whitaker made our SAM renewal process quick and easy! We enjoyed working with her and the entire FedBiz Team. They have been great folks to work with and took sooooo much drama out of the process. Quick to respond to all our questions and we truly feel they want our business to succeed. Highly recommend !!!

Response from the owner:Thank you very much for the opportunity to assist. We value your recommendation and google five star review and feedback for the FedBiz Access team!!!

John Foster

3 months ago

Mya was great with communications throughout the project. She has outstanding graphics and document creation ability.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the opportunity to assist with your design and marketing needs; we appreciate your business and five star review feedback for the FedBiz Access team specialist.

Heridel Guadarrama

4 months ago

thanks Cassie for everything !!

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to assist!

Jim Dragon

4 months ago

While working with FedBiz Access to update our cage code was an extremely easy worry-free process. Elizabeth was great to work with.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the opportunity to be of service; we appreciate your business and your five star google review and feedback for the FedBiz Access team specialist.

Jon Urban

4 months ago

2025/2026 UPDATE: Cassie and her team at FedBizAccess continue to provide us with professional and reliable support for SAM registration and other government contracting needs.

2024 UPDATE: We continue to rely on FedBizAccess to help us stay on top of our SAM registration. Thanks again for making this an easy process for us, Cassie!

Original Review: We hired FedBizAccess several years ago to help us manage our federal contractor profile through the SAM database. Throughout the years they have been quick to respond to our requests. The past few years more of our focus has been outside the federal contracting arena and we hadn’t required their help. This year, though, we hit a snag renewing our SAM profile since we had a slight change in our company name. We reached out to FBA for help, and Cassie Elbanay responded immediately. She has been critical in helping us navigate the process. She is very knowledgeable, personable, and an overall professional. We are confident work will be done correctly and successfully when Cassie and her team are on the case. It has been a pleasure working with her, and I look forward to continuing our firm’s partnership with her and her team at FBA.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your time and effort in detailing your successful business relationship with our company and staff. Always here to assist as you need us. Thank you for your repeat business and this five star review for FedBiz Access, our amazing staff and your dedicated specialist. We appreciate your vote of confidence and the recognition of our expertise and long standing experience in the government contracting industry.

Alfonso Betts

4 months ago

Cassie Elbanay at FedBizAccess was extremely helpful in resolving my issue in SAM. Her knowledge and expertise with the SAM system made the process smooth and efficient—it was handled within minutes. It’s truly a pleasure working with such a knowledgeable and responsive team at FedBizAccess. I greatly appreciate the support and professionalism.

Response from the owner:We are thankful for your repeat business and loyalty to the FedBiz Access team and specialist(s). Its important for us to hear your five star google confirmation of the excellent support and professionalism we strive to maintain. Thank you again for your time in posting this review.

Milissa Fowler

4 months ago

Cassie Elbanay was extremely valuable and I could not ask for an easier process. The amount of time and frustration she saved me was priceless. Amazing!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your amazing review and feedback. We aim for an easy and seamless process as much as possible. Thank you for your business and recognition of our FedBiz Access team specialist's efforts on your behalf. We appreciate it.

Joyce Kamau

4 months ago

Working with Cassie at FedBiz on our SAM registration renewal was a great experience. She was patient, thorough, and proactive in addressing potential issues before submission. Cassie expertise helped us avoid delays and ensured our registration was completed efficiently. Cassie is not only highly competent but also wonderful to work with throughout the process.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the detailed account of your great experience with the FedBiz Access team specialist and thank you for your repeat business. We value your feedback and strive to maintain this proactive approach for best and consistent results. We appreciate your recognition.

Brennan Champion

4 months ago

Cassie Elbanay and the FedBiz Access team were exceptional throughout our SAM registration process. Cassie went above and beyond at every step, providing clear guidance that made what can be a complex process feel straightforward. We would absolutely recommend Cassie and FedBiz Access to anyone navigating SAM registrations.

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to be of service year after year. We appreciate your feedback and recognition for the FedBiz Access team and consultant and look forward to continue providing exceptional service and clear guidance.

Thomas Esposito

5 months ago

I had the pleasure of working with Mya, she brought my vision to life and we could not be happier with her work.

Response from the owner:Always a pleasure to be able to bring your vision to life. Thank you for the opportunity to provide marketing and design support for your government contracting needs. Thank you for this five star review for the FedBiz Access team specialist as well.

Tamarah

5 months ago

I had a positive experience working with FedBiz and appreciated the guidance and communication provided during the process. Sidney was responsive and supportive, and I’m grateful for the assistance and encouragement along the way.

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to continue being of service as needed. Thank you for the opportunity to assist with your government contacting goals.

Cami Allen

5 months ago

Ashley was super helpful, professional and timely. The support we receive from FebBiz Access is so helpful in helping us keep current and updated in a sometimes difficult to navigate government world.

Chris Merrill

6 months ago

Cassie and Fedbiz were incredibly helpful, knowledgeable, and responsive throughout the entire process from our initial inquiry through the submission. They made the renewal process easy and fast for us to get through.

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to keep up the good work:) thank you for the opportunity to assist; we appreciate your business and your positive feedback via this five star google review for our FedBiz team specialist.

Jeff Lindsey

6 months ago

I've been working with FedBiz Access for years now. Cassie does a wonderful job of making the process easy and quick. She is the best! Thanks, Cassie!!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your business and this five star google review for the FedBiz Access team and specialist. Our pleasure to be of consistent and valuable service to your organization.

Tommy Bohler

6 months ago

Cassie was very helpful throughout the whole renewal process with our municipality and also followed up with assistance on a change in our bank accounts. She was super responsive and took care of our problem almost immediately.

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to provide efficient and valuable guidance as needed. Looking forward to maintaing this level of service at your direction. Thank you for your five star feedback for our team.

John Anderson

6 months ago

Mya did a great job. We completed the capabilities statement in two attempts. On the second attempt, I provided her with some of our pictures, and she embedded them in our statement.

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to assist and create a compelling and appealing visual representation of your govcon capabilities. Thank you for the opportunity to be of service.

Rifles Only

6 months ago

Cassie made renewing our SAMS registration quick and efficient, and maintained great communication with us.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your repeat business and your five star google review for the FedBiz Access team consultant. Here as you need us!

arnoldo renteria

7 months ago

This team is highly professional and truly knows how to get things done. I am very pleased to have achieved my objective thanks to their support.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your business and this five star google review for the FedBiz Access team; looking forward to continuing working with your objectives and goals for government contracting success.

Harold Quinones

7 months ago

Very easy to work with, knowledgeable, and absolutely handled on your behalf. Recommended.

Response from the owner:Appreciate your business and your recommendation. Thank you very much for this five star Google review for the FedBiz Access team.

George Boza

7 months ago

Mrs. Elbanay continues to be consistently efficient and proficient concerning all all SAM matters. We have worked with her for several years and always go back to her with any SAM or government agency matters. She is pleasant person who listens and resolves any situation and/or subject brought to her attention. Summarizing, she is second to none and we look great forward to working her again.

Once again we have the opportunity to work with Cassie Elbany and as expected she surpassed our expectation with her efficient and professional approach and completion of our new registration. It becuase of Cassie above average support that we work with FEDBIZACCESS and will continue to do so.

Response from the owner:We appreciate the opportunity to continue being of service, as needed, from registration to award. Thank you for your repeat business and your positive feedback for our Fed Biz Access government contracting, dedicated team member.

Julia Perez

7 months ago

SAM Register (Fedbizz Access) has been a great help every step of the way, Thank you Cassie E. for updating me and checking up on the process every step of the way. You have been a great help.

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to assist. Thank you for this five star review for our FedBiz Access dedicated consultant and thank you for your business.

cathy deLeon

7 months ago

Ashley was very helpful as always! Easy to register with FedBiz. Ashley took care of our address cheange fast and efficiently. Thank you!

Response from the owner:Thank you; We appreciate your repeat business and opportunity for FedBiz Access professionals to assist with your government contracting needs.

Meghan Ruth

7 months ago

Cassie has been amazing!!

She is so helpful and such a breeze to work with. I always look forward to talking with her.

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to be of service every step of the way; thank you for your business and your five star feedback!

Jessica Sumner

7 months ago

Cassie assisted in making our SAM renewal fast and EASY!!

Response from the owner:Always here to answer any of your government contracting questions and keep the process "fast and easy!". Thank you for your feedback!

Joe Rementer

7 months ago

Cassie was patient and professional in updating my FedBiz account information.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the opportunity to assist. We appreciate your five star google review for the FedBiz Access team specialist.

The post The June 30 Defense Contracting Line: What the 2026 NDAA Threshold Changes Mean for Small Businesses appeared first on FedBiz Access.

That is a mistake.

Your NAICS codes do more than describe what your company does. In federal contracting, they are tied directly to SBA size standards, which means they can determine whether you are considered “small” for a specific opportunity. That affects small business set-asides, socioeconomic certifications, subcontracting opportunities, teaming decisions, proposal strategy, and even your eligibility to win certain awards.

This is where many contractors get tripped up. They assume that being a “small business” is a fixed status. It is not. In government contracting, your small business status depends on the NAICS code assigned to the opportunity and the SBA size standard attached to that code.

That one detail can change everything.

What NAICS Codes Actually Do in Government Contracting

NAICS stands for the North American Industry Classification System. It is the standard federal agencies use to classify businesses and industries by the type of work performed. The U.S. Census Bureau describes NAICS as the system federal statistical agencies use to classify business establishments for collecting, analyzing, and publishing economic data.

In normal business conversation, a NAICS code might simply identify your industry. In federal contracting, it becomes more powerful because every solicitation must be tied to a NAICS code and a corresponding small business size standard.

The FAR states that contracting officers assign a NAICS code and size standard to solicitations, contracts, task orders, and delivery orders. The code should reflect the principal purpose of the product or service being acquired.

That phrase, “principal purpose,” matters.

A company may perform several types of work. You might provide IT consulting, cybersecurity, program management, staffing, training, logistics support, and administrative services. But the government opportunity itself should be classified under the industry that best describes the main work being procured.

So while your SAM.gov profile may include multiple NAICS codes, the solicitation will usually have one NAICS code that governs that specific opportunity.

That is the code that determines whether you qualify as small for that contract.

Why NAICS Codes and Size Standards Are Connected

The SBA does not use one universal definition of small business. Instead, it establishes size standards by industry. Those standards are matched to NAICS codes.

Some industries are measured by average annual receipts. Others are measured by number of employees. SBA’s size regulations explain that size standards are expressed either in millions of dollars in annual receipts or number of employees, unless otherwise specified, and that the number represents the maximum size a business and its affiliates can have while still being considered small.

This is why two companies with the same revenue can have very different eligibility outcomes.

A contractor with $25 million in average annual receipts might be small under one NAICS code but other-than-small under another. A manufacturer with 900 employees might qualify as small under one manufacturing code but not under a different industry code with a lower employee threshold.

The danger is assuming your company is simply “small” because it is privately held, locally owned, or smaller than the major primes. Federal contracting does not work that way.

Small is defined by the size standard attached to the NAICS code.

The Real Risk: You May Be Small for One Opportunity and Not Small for Another

This is where things get practical.

Let’s say your company performs both management consulting and administrative support. Those may fall under different NAICS codes, and those codes may have different SBA size standards. If you are pursuing a small business set-aside, your eligibility depends on the NAICS code assigned to that specific solicitation.

That means you need to ask a very direct question before you bid:

“Are we small under the NAICS code assigned to this opportunity?”

Not “Are we small in general?”

Not “Are we registered as small in SAM?”

Not “Have we won small business contracts before?”

The question is tied to the solicitation.

The FAR also makes clear that solicitations involving set-asides, reserves, or partial set-asides must specify the NAICS code and corresponding size standard. That gives contractors the information they need, but only if they review it carefully and compare it against their actual size.

Experienced contractors know this is not a box-checking exercise. It is an eligibility issue.

Your SAM.gov Profile Matters, But It Does Not Override the Solicitation

Your SAM.gov registration includes your entity information, assertions, representations and certifications, and NAICS codes. SAM.gov’s entity registration checklist specifically directs entities to use Census NAICS resources to look up codes for their organization and ties small business-related responses to size metrics entered in the registration.

That makes your SAM profile important. Buyers, contracting officers, prime contractors, and agency small business specialists may review it to understand what your company does.

But your SAM.gov profile does not give you blanket eligibility for every small business opportunity under every NAICS code you selected.

This is a common misunderstanding.

Adding a NAICS code to SAM.gov tells the marketplace that your company performs work in that category. It does not automatically mean you qualify as small under that code. It also does not mean every opportunity connected to that code is a good fit.

Your profile needs to be accurate, but your bid decision still needs to be made opportunity by opportunity.

The Wrong NAICS Code Can Create Problems Fast

A wrong NAICS choice can cause trouble in two directions.

First, if your SAM.gov profile is missing relevant NAICS codes, your business may be harder to find. Agency buyers and prime contractors often search by NAICS when looking for vendors. If your profile does not reflect your real capabilities, you may miss visibility before an opportunity ever reaches the public bid stage.

Second, if you pursue work under a code where you do not qualify as small, you may expose yourself to eligibility problems.

This is especially important for set-aside contracts and socioeconomic programs. For example, FAR provisions for WOSB contracting require a WOSB or EDWOSB offeror to qualify as small under the size standard corresponding to the NAICS code assigned to the contract. The same principle appears across small business programs because the underlying issue is always size eligibility.

A company can have the right certification and still fail the size requirement for a specific procurement.

That is the part many contractors do not expect.

How Contracting Officers Assign NAICS Codes

Contracting officers are responsible for assigning the NAICS code that best matches the principal purpose of the acquisition. That does not mean contractors have no voice. If the NAICS code appears incorrect, there are procedures to challenge it.

Under FAR Part 19, an appeal of a contracting officer’s NAICS code designation and applicable size standard generally must be filed within 10 calendar days after the issuance of the initial solicitation or an amendment affecting the NAICS code or size standard. SBA may file an appeal before offers are due.

That deadline is short.

If you believe an agency has assigned the wrong NAICS code, waiting until proposal week is usually too late. You need to review the solicitation early, compare the scope of work against the assigned code, and decide quickly whether the classification is worth questioning.

This is not about trying to game the system. It is about making sure the code accurately reflects the work.

The assigned code can affect competition, eligibility, pricing strategy, and whether the opportunity is realistically available to your business.

Size Status Is Not Just About Your Company Alone

Another area that can surprise contractors is affiliation.

SBA size standards generally look at the concern whose size is at issue and its affiliates. SBA’s rules state that, in determining a concern’s size, SBA counts the receipts, employees, or other measure of size of the business and all of its affiliates.

This matters for companies with related ownership, common management, joint ventures, investment relationships, subcontracting arrangements, or other business ties that may raise affiliation questions.

A contractor may look small on its own books but become other-than-small when affiliates are included.

That does not mean every partnership creates a problem. Teaming and subcontracting are normal parts of government contracting. But contractors need to understand how their structure, relationships, and agreements could affect size calculations before they represent themselves as small.

This is especially important when pursuing set-asides, large multi-year opportunities, or socioeconomic program work.

When Is Size Determined?

Timing also matters.

SBA’s regulations address when size status is determined for federal contracting programs. For many procurements, size is determined as of the date the concern submits its initial offer, including price. There are additional rules for multiple-award contracts, orders, and recertification situations.

In plain English, you should not assume your eligibility is frozen forever because you were small when you registered in SAM.gov or when you first entered the federal market.

Growth is good. Winning contracts is good. Expanding your team is good.

But as your revenue or employee count changes, your size status may change too. Contractors that are growing quickly need to watch this closely. A company can move from small to other-than-small under certain NAICS codes without realizing it until a bid, certification, or award is at risk.

How to Confirm Whether You Qualify as Small

The process does not have to be mysterious.

Start with the opportunity. Identify the NAICS code and size standard listed in the solicitation. Then compare that size standard against your company’s current size calculation, using the correct SBA methodology for receipts or employees.

If the size standard is based on receipts, do not simply use last year’s revenue. SBA has specific rules for calculating average annual receipts. If the size standard is based on employees, do not guess based on your current headcount. SBA has rules for employee-based calculations too.

Next, consider whether affiliates must be included. This is where many contractors should slow down and get help if the ownership or business structure is not straightforward.

Then review your and optimize your SAM.gov registration. Make sure your NAICS codes are accurate, your assertions align with your business, and your profile reflects the work you actually want to pursue.

Finally, repeat this process regularly. Your eligibility picture can change as your company grows, as SBA updates size standards, or as agencies classify opportunities differently.

This is not a one-time setup task. It is an ongoing compliance and positioning discipline.

Do Not Treat NAICS Selection Like a Keyword Strategy

There is a temptation to add every possible NAICS code that sounds remotely related to your business.

That can backfire.

Yes, you want buyers to find you. Yes, your SAM.gov profile should reflect the full range of work your company can legitimately perform. But NAICS selection should be grounded in real capabilities, past performance, staffing, equipment, licensing, and delivery capacity.

If your profile lists too many unrelated codes, it can make your business look unfocused. Worse, it can create confusion when your capability statement, website, SAM.gov profile, and proposals do not tell the same story.

The strongest contractors are usually not the ones claiming they can do everything. They are the ones that clearly understand where they fit, which agencies buy what they sell, which NAICS codes align with their strongest capabilities, and which size standards affect their eligibility.

That is a much better strategy than loading up a profile with codes and hoping something sticks.

NAICS Codes Also Affect Market Research

For contractors serious about business development, NAICS codes are not just compliance data. They are market research tools.

They help you identify which agencies buy your type of work, which competitors are winning, what contract vehicles are being used, how opportunities are being classified, and whether certain buying offices consistently use specific NAICS codes.

This is where experienced contractors gain an edge.

If you only look at open solicitations, you are late. If you study award history by NAICS code, you can start seeing patterns. Which agencies repeatedly buy under your primary codes? Which incumbents are coming up for recompete? Which small businesses are winning? Which codes are being used for work that looks similar to yours?

That intelligence helps you decide where to focus, how to position your company, and whether your profile needs to be tightened before buyers start looking.

Keep Your Documentation Clean

If your small business status is ever questioned, vague answers will not help.

You need documentation that supports your position. That includes revenue or employee calculations, ownership information, affiliate considerations, SAM.gov records, capability alignment, and any relevant certifications.

Good documentation also helps internally. It keeps your sales team, proposal team, leadership, and compliance contacts aligned. Everyone should understand which NAICS codes matter most to the business, where the company qualifies as small, and where eligibility may be close or changing.

This becomes even more important as companies grow.

A contractor that was comfortably small three years ago may now be approaching the ceiling under certain codes. That does not mean the company should stop pursuing federal work. It means the strategy needs to mature.

Maybe the business shifts toward full and open competition. Maybe it strengthens teaming relationships. Maybe it pursues different NAICS areas where it still qualifies. Maybe it focuses more heavily on past performance, contract vehicles, and agency relationships.

But those decisions should be made intentionally, not after a disqualification scare.

The Bottom Line for Contractors

NAICS codes for government contracting are not just administrative labels. They connect your business to SBA size standards, determine whether you qualify as small for specific opportunities, influence how buyers find you, and shape your federal market strategy.

The contractors who stay out of trouble are the ones who treat NAICS and size standards as part of their business development discipline.

They keep their SAM.gov profiles accurate. They check the assigned NAICS code on every solicitation. They confirm whether they qualify as small before submitting an offer. They understand how affiliates may affect size. They document their position. And when something looks wrong, they address it early.

That may not sound glamorous, but it can protect your eligibility, improve your visibility, and keep your business focused on opportunities you can actually win.

As requirements change and competition gets sharper, FedBiz Access gives businesses a clearer path to stronger documentation, better market positioning, and a more competitive government contracting strategy. If you need help navigating NAICS codes, size standards, SAM.gov optimization, or the broader government marketplace, call today: 844-628-8914 or book a call at your convenience.

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Allyson Collins

1 week 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.

Al Hogan

1 week 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.

Bryan Johnson

2 weeks 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

3 weeks 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

3 weeks 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

4 weeks 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

4 weeks 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

4 weeks 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.

Schimpf's Garage

4 weeks ago

Cecilia and Sid go well above and beyond to assist me with registering my business with the VA and updating my profile with relevant business changes. Additionally, Frank is a master of contracting and has assisted us in navigating FedBiz's contracting databases and in reviewing proposed bids and contracts. I highly recommend this team to anyone seeking to register their business with the VA and applying for government contracts!

Response from the owner:Congratulations on your recent bid award, we appreciate the recognition of the FedBiz Access services and consultants in assisting you in that endeavor. More importantly, thank you for your service to our country! We value your recommendation, as always, a pleasure to assist with your government contracting goals, registrations and awards.

Jordan Erwin

1 month ago

Super easy to work with and always very friendly. Highly recommend.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your continued business and your trust in the FedBiz Access team; Looking forward to being of valuable service as needed with your marketing and government contracting goals.

Ray Gould

1 month ago

Elizabeth Whittaker
handled our request for SDVOSB very efficiently
and we are most grateful for her assistance.
sincerely, ray gould Marine & Valve Supply

Response from the owner:Congratulations on your SDVOSB Award and thank you for the opportunity to assist in that endeavor on your behalf. We are excited for your success!

Kati Gibbs

1 month ago

Love working with FedBiz! They are so communicative and helpful. Constance is such a pleasure to work with in getting our SBA profile set up, Lou is amazing at setting us up in FedBiz, and Frank is very informative when training us on FedBiz365. I highly recommend FedBiz!

Response from the owner:Love the Love! Thank you for sharing your positive experiences with the FedBiz Access team via this five star google review. More importantly, thank you for the opportunity to share value and assist with your government contracting needs.

george bianchi

1 month ago

Since we’ve had such a positive experience with the team at FedBiz Access in the past, we decided to seek their guidance and support for our nonprofit’s latest project involving government and canine-related initiatives.

Once again, the FedBiz Access team did not disappoint. They directed us to the most effective and efficient way to move forward through the appropriate channels.

We want to thank Frank and the entire FedBiz Access team for providing clear, comprehensive, and valuable information during our consultation.

We would highly recommend FedBiz Access.

Response from the owner:We appreciate your continued business and feedback for the FedBiz Access team. Thank you for your recommendation, we look forward to assisting you in the future.

John Diaz

2 months ago

Mya works very accurately and delivers high-quality work in creating our Capability Statement for the GSA organization. Highly recommend her and her organization, FEDBIZACCESS.

Response from the owner:We appreciate your feedback; Thank you for your recommendation and five star google review for the FedBiz Access team and specialist. Our pleasure to assist! Thank you for your business.

Sandra Chen

2 months ago

Ashley Futral is exceptionally helpful, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to collaborate with. Her efficiency and swift communication have been invaluable, and I greatly appreciate her guidance throughout the process.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the opportunity to assist; our pleasure to be of service as needed.

Jacqueline Winter

2 months ago

FedBiz makes renewals so easy and simple which is great as when doing it directly with the gov't is so much more complicated! It was great working with Ashley Futral on on our latest renewal - she saved me so much time! She also helped sort out issues that came up with SAM that I don't think we could have solved on our own. Thank you!

Response from the owner:Very Much Appreciated. We value your loyalty and repeat business over the years. Thank you for allowing us to assist; Fed Biz Access is at your service for all your government contracting needs, from registration to award.

Tara Goldsby

3 months ago

Ashley Futral was extremely helpful with renewing our sam.gov entity registration. She was always prompt with responding to emails and made the process go smoothly.

Response from the owner:Thank you. We appreciate your feedback and repeat business with our agency year after year. Our FedBiz Access government contracting assistance team aims high for your satisfaction and results. Thank you for the opportunity to be of service.

Chris Ramey

3 months ago

Ashley is on another level!!! Very knowledgeable and helpful. Great to work with year over year!! Thumbs Up!!!!!!!

Response from the owner:We appreciate your comments and thank you for your repeat business and the thumbs up for our FedBiz Access government contracting consultants.

Jay Reyes

3 months ago

Ashley Futral and the team at FedBiz Access provided outstanding support throughout my certification process. As the owner of a disabled veteran-owned logistics company, navigating the requirements can be complex—but Ashley made it seamless. Her professionalism, responsiveness, and deep knowledge of the process helped position my company for success in the government contracting space. Highly recommended for any business looking to grow strategically.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your service to our country. Our pleasure to assist and be of value to your organization in your government contracting goals.

Torland Wingfield

3 months ago

I had the pleasure of working with FedBiz on my SBA Disabled Veteran Owned Company Certification. Ashley was simply amazing, using her knowledge and professional approach to get the job done. She checked on me constantly providing weekly updates and worked all issues that came up during the process. I even received a call from her when the certification was approved. This is a great company that I give my strongest recommendation.

Response from the owner:Thank you for recognizing our FedBiz Access team's efforts on your behalf with this five star review and your positive feedback. We value your business and satisfaction.

Ice King LLC

3 months ago

Elizabeth Whitaker made our SAM renewal process quick and easy! We enjoyed working with her and the entire FedBiz Team. They have been great folks to work with and took sooooo much drama out of the process. Quick to respond to all our questions and we truly feel they want our business to succeed. Highly recommend !!!

Response from the owner:Thank you very much for the opportunity to assist. We value your recommendation and google five star review and feedback for the FedBiz Access team!!!

John Foster

3 months ago

Mya was great with communications throughout the project. She has outstanding graphics and document creation ability.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the opportunity to assist with your design and marketing needs; we appreciate your business and five star review feedback for the FedBiz Access team specialist.

Heridel Guadarrama

4 months ago

thanks Cassie for everything !!

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to assist!

Jim Dragon

4 months ago

While working with FedBiz Access to update our cage code was an extremely easy worry-free process. Elizabeth was great to work with.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the opportunity to be of service; we appreciate your business and your five star google review and feedback for the FedBiz Access team specialist.

Jon Urban

4 months ago

2025/2026 UPDATE: Cassie and her team at FedBizAccess continue to provide us with professional and reliable support for SAM registration and other government contracting needs.

2024 UPDATE: We continue to rely on FedBizAccess to help us stay on top of our SAM registration. Thanks again for making this an easy process for us, Cassie!

Original Review: We hired FedBizAccess several years ago to help us manage our federal contractor profile through the SAM database. Throughout the years they have been quick to respond to our requests. The past few years more of our focus has been outside the federal contracting arena and we hadn’t required their help. This year, though, we hit a snag renewing our SAM profile since we had a slight change in our company name. We reached out to FBA for help, and Cassie Elbanay responded immediately. She has been critical in helping us navigate the process. She is very knowledgeable, personable, and an overall professional. We are confident work will be done correctly and successfully when Cassie and her team are on the case. It has been a pleasure working with her, and I look forward to continuing our firm’s partnership with her and her team at FBA.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your time and effort in detailing your successful business relationship with our company and staff. Always here to assist as you need us. Thank you for your repeat business and this five star review for FedBiz Access, our amazing staff and your dedicated specialist. We appreciate your vote of confidence and the recognition of our expertise and long standing experience in the government contracting industry.

Alfonso Betts

4 months ago

Cassie Elbanay at FedBizAccess was extremely helpful in resolving my issue in SAM. Her knowledge and expertise with the SAM system made the process smooth and efficient—it was handled within minutes. It’s truly a pleasure working with such a knowledgeable and responsive team at FedBizAccess. I greatly appreciate the support and professionalism.

Response from the owner:We are thankful for your repeat business and loyalty to the FedBiz Access team and specialist(s). Its important for us to hear your five star google confirmation of the excellent support and professionalism we strive to maintain. Thank you again for your time in posting this review.

Milissa Fowler

4 months ago

Cassie Elbanay was extremely valuable and I could not ask for an easier process. The amount of time and frustration she saved me was priceless. Amazing!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your amazing review and feedback. We aim for an easy and seamless process as much as possible. Thank you for your business and recognition of our FedBiz Access team specialist's efforts on your behalf. We appreciate it.

Joyce Kamau

4 months ago

Working with Cassie at FedBiz on our SAM registration renewal was a great experience. She was patient, thorough, and proactive in addressing potential issues before submission. Cassie expertise helped us avoid delays and ensured our registration was completed efficiently. Cassie is not only highly competent but also wonderful to work with throughout the process.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the detailed account of your great experience with the FedBiz Access team specialist and thank you for your repeat business. We value your feedback and strive to maintain this proactive approach for best and consistent results. We appreciate your recognition.

Brennan Champion

4 months ago

Cassie Elbanay and the FedBiz Access team were exceptional throughout our SAM registration process. Cassie went above and beyond at every step, providing clear guidance that made what can be a complex process feel straightforward. We would absolutely recommend Cassie and FedBiz Access to anyone navigating SAM registrations.

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to be of service year after year. We appreciate your feedback and recognition for the FedBiz Access team and consultant and look forward to continue providing exceptional service and clear guidance.

Thomas Esposito

5 months ago

I had the pleasure of working with Mya, she brought my vision to life and we could not be happier with her work.

Response from the owner:Always a pleasure to be able to bring your vision to life. Thank you for the opportunity to provide marketing and design support for your government contracting needs. Thank you for this five star review for the FedBiz Access team specialist as well.

Tamarah

5 months ago

I had a positive experience working with FedBiz and appreciated the guidance and communication provided during the process. Sidney was responsive and supportive, and I’m grateful for the assistance and encouragement along the way.

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to continue being of service as needed. Thank you for the opportunity to assist with your government contacting goals.

Cami Allen

5 months ago

Ashley was super helpful, professional and timely. The support we receive from FebBiz Access is so helpful in helping us keep current and updated in a sometimes difficult to navigate government world.

Chris Merrill

6 months ago

Cassie and Fedbiz were incredibly helpful, knowledgeable, and responsive throughout the entire process from our initial inquiry through the submission. They made the renewal process easy and fast for us to get through.

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to keep up the good work:) thank you for the opportunity to assist; we appreciate your business and your positive feedback via this five star google review for our FedBiz team specialist.

Jeff Lindsey

6 months ago

I've been working with FedBiz Access for years now. Cassie does a wonderful job of making the process easy and quick. She is the best! Thanks, Cassie!!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your business and this five star google review for the FedBiz Access team and specialist. Our pleasure to be of consistent and valuable service to your organization.

Tommy Bohler

6 months ago

Cassie was very helpful throughout the whole renewal process with our municipality and also followed up with assistance on a change in our bank accounts. She was super responsive and took care of our problem almost immediately.

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to provide efficient and valuable guidance as needed. Looking forward to maintaing this level of service at your direction. Thank you for your five star feedback for our team.

John Anderson

6 months ago

Mya did a great job. We completed the capabilities statement in two attempts. On the second attempt, I provided her with some of our pictures, and she embedded them in our statement.

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to assist and create a compelling and appealing visual representation of your govcon capabilities. Thank you for the opportunity to be of service.

Rifles Only

6 months ago

Cassie made renewing our SAMS registration quick and efficient, and maintained great communication with us.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your repeat business and your five star google review for the FedBiz Access team consultant. Here as you need us!

arnoldo renteria

7 months ago

This team is highly professional and truly knows how to get things done. I am very pleased to have achieved my objective thanks to their support.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your business and this five star google review for the FedBiz Access team; looking forward to continuing working with your objectives and goals for government contracting success.

Harold Quinones

7 months ago

Very easy to work with, knowledgeable, and absolutely handled on your behalf. Recommended.

Response from the owner:Appreciate your business and your recommendation. Thank you very much for this five star Google review for the FedBiz Access team.

George Boza

7 months ago

Mrs. Elbanay continues to be consistently efficient and proficient concerning all all SAM matters. We have worked with her for several years and always go back to her with any SAM or government agency matters. She is pleasant person who listens and resolves any situation and/or subject brought to her attention. Summarizing, she is second to none and we look great forward to working her again.

Once again we have the opportunity to work with Cassie Elbany and as expected she surpassed our expectation with her efficient and professional approach and completion of our new registration. It becuase of Cassie above average support that we work with FEDBIZACCESS and will continue to do so.

Response from the owner:We appreciate the opportunity to continue being of service, as needed, from registration to award. Thank you for your repeat business and your positive feedback for our Fed Biz Access government contracting, dedicated team member.

Julia Perez

7 months ago

SAM Register (Fedbizz Access) has been a great help every step of the way, Thank you Cassie E. for updating me and checking up on the process every step of the way. You have been a great help.

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to assist. Thank you for this five star review for our FedBiz Access dedicated consultant and thank you for your business.

cathy deLeon

7 months ago

Ashley was very helpful as always! Easy to register with FedBiz. Ashley took care of our address cheange fast and efficiently. Thank you!

Response from the owner:Thank you; We appreciate your repeat business and opportunity for FedBiz Access professionals to assist with your government contracting needs.

Meghan Ruth

7 months ago

Cassie has been amazing!!

She is so helpful and such a breeze to work with. I always look forward to talking with her.

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to be of service every step of the way; thank you for your business and your five star feedback!

Jessica Sumner

7 months ago

Cassie assisted in making our SAM renewal fast and EASY!!

Response from the owner:Always here to answer any of your government contracting questions and keep the process "fast and easy!". Thank you for your feedback!

Joe Rementer

7 months ago

Cassie was patient and professional in updating my FedBiz account information.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the opportunity to assist. We appreciate your five star google review for the FedBiz Access team specialist.

The post NAICS Codes and Size Standards for Federal Contracting: How to Stay Eligible (and Avoid Disqualification) appeared first on FedBiz Access.

That is not wrong.

It is also not enough.

By the time an opportunity shows up publicly, a lot has already happened. The requirement has been shaped. The acquisition strategy has been discussed. Market research has been conducted. Incumbent performance has been reviewed. Internal stakeholders have likely formed opinions about risk, price, schedule, capability, and vendor familiarity.

In other words, the race often starts long before the starting gun.

That does not mean the system is rigged. It means the system rewards contractors who understand how federal buying actually works.

The contractors who consistently win are not just better at reacting. They are better at being known, being understood, and being positioned before the opportunity becomes a public solicitation.

That is the part many small businesses miss.

“Fair and Open” Has Never Meant “Everyone Starts Equal”

Federal procurement is built around competition, transparency, and stewardship of taxpayer dollars. Those principles matter. Contracting officers cannot simply hand work to a favorite vendor because they like them.

But “fair and open competition” does not mean every contractor has the same awareness, same credibility, or same influence before a requirement is posted.

The government is allowed, and often required, to conduct market research. Program managers talk to industry. Contracting teams look at acquisition history. Agencies review incumbent performance. Buyers examine whether there are enough capable small businesses. They consider whether the requirement should be competed, set aside, placed under an existing vehicle, issued as a task order, or in certain cases, awarded on a sole-source basis.

That is not backroom dealing. That is acquisition planning.

The problem for reactive contractors is simple: if you first learn about the requirement when the solicitation drops, you are entering a conversation that may have started months earlier.

The contractors already “in the room” may have helped the agency understand the problem better. They may have educated the buyer on technical risks. They may have shown past performance in a specific environment. They may have helped define what a successful solution should include.

They are not cheating.

They are positioning.

How Agencies Legitimately Narrow the Field

Government buyers do not wake up one morning and write solicitations out of thin air.

Requirements are built from pain points, mission needs, operational constraints, budget realities, and risk tolerance. Before anything becomes public, agencies often ask questions like:

Who has done this before?

Which vendors understand our environment?

Is this a commercial service, a specialized service, or something custom?

Can small businesses perform it?

Is there an incumbent?

Did the incumbent perform well?

Would switching vendors create delay, duplication, or unacceptable risk?

Is there a contract vehicle already available?

Can this be set aside?

Is there a socioeconomic program that applies?

That process naturally narrows the field.

A contractor with relevant past performance, direct buyer familiarity, documented capabilities, and a clear understanding of the agency’s mission has an advantage. Not because the agency is ignoring the rules, but because the contractor has reduced uncertainty.

And uncertainty is one of the biggest enemies inside federal procurement.

If a buyer is facing a mission-critical requirement, they are not just thinking, “Who can technically do this?” They are thinking, “Who can do this without creating a mess?”

That distinction matters.

Sole Source Is Not a Dirty Phrase

Some contractors hear “sole source” and assume something questionable is happening.

That is usually a misunderstanding.

Sole-source awards are legitimate procurement tools when used properly. The FAR recognizes circumstances where full and open competition is not required because only one responsible source can satisfy the agency’s needs, or because statutory small business programs authorize sole-source awards under specific conditions.

The key phrase is “properly justified.”

A sole-source award is not supposed to be based on convenience. It has to be supported by facts. The government must be able to explain why the requirement can only be met by one source, or why a specific statutory authority applies.

Under FAR 6.302-1, for example, agencies may use other than full and open competition when only one responsible source, and no other supplies or services, will satisfy agency requirements. That can include unique capabilities, limited rights in data, follow-on work involving highly specialized services, or situations where switching sources would create substantial duplication of cost or unacceptable delay.

Small business programs also have their own sole-source pathways. Under the 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, and WOSB programs, agencies may be able to make sole-source awards when the regulatory conditions are met, including dollar thresholds, responsibility determinations, fair and reasonable pricing, and lack of a reasonable expectation of offers from multiple qualified firms where applicable.

Again, this is not a loophole.

It is part of the system.

But here is the strategic point: agencies cannot justify what they do not understand.

If your company has a legitimate differentiator, you have to make it visible before the acquisition strategy is locked in.

Differentiation Is the Real Game

Most contractors say they are different.

Few can document it in a way that helps a government buyer build a requirement around it.

That is where savvy contractors separate themselves.

A meaningful differentiator is not “great customer service” or “high-quality work.” Everyone says that. A meaningful differentiator is something specific, relevant, and defensible.

It might be a specialized team with rare credentials.

It might be direct experience with a specific agency system.

It might be a bundled service model that reduces handoffs and lowers operational risk.

It might be proprietary methodology.

It might be unique access to technical personnel, equipment, licensing, geographic coverage, or response capability.

It might be past performance in a highly similar environment where transition risk matters.

The goal is not to manipulate the buyer. The goal is to help the buyer understand the actual requirement.

For example, a janitorial contractor might not win by saying, “We clean buildings.” But if that contractor specializes in secure federal facilities, has cleared personnel, experience with biohazard protocols, after-hours surge capacity, and documented work in occupied government spaces, that is a different conversation.

A construction firm might not win by saying, “We perform renovations.” But if it can self-perform critical trades, meet aggressive phasing schedules in active facilities, manage infection control barriers in VA environments, and document prior performance under similar constraints, that can shape how the government thinks about risk.

A cybersecurity contractor might not win by listing every framework on its capability statement. But if it has a narrow specialty helping a certain type of agency meet a specific compliance burden under compressed timelines, that expertise can become part of the requirement.

The smart contractor teaches the buyer what matters.

Not with a sales pitch.

With evidence.

A Real-World Example of Documented Continuity

One useful example comes from the Naval Research Laboratory’s Modeling, Analysis, Research, and Simulation multiple-award IDIQ. The original vehicle was awarded as a total small business set-aside to five small businesses supporting highly specialized electronic warfare modeling, simulation, systems engineering, federation infrastructure, and technical support work.

When the government later justified increasing the scope of the IDIQ, the documentation cited FAR 6.302-1 and explained that continued provision of highly specialized services was necessary to avoid unacceptable delays in fulfilling NRL requirements. The justification also noted that task orders were competed among the small business awardees, and that the vehicle included on-ramp/off-ramp procedures to sustain the competitive environment.

That is not the same as a single contractor being handed work indefinitely. It is more useful than that as a lesson.

It shows how documented specialization, acquisition history, mission continuity, and performance structure can shape future procurement decisions. The government did not simply say, “We like these vendors.” It documented why the work, timing, and mission requirements supported the acquisition approach.

That is what contractors need to understand.

The paper trail matters.

Your differentiators must be specific enough to survive scrutiny.

What Happened Last Time Usually Tells You What Happens Next Time

Federal buyers are creatures of pattern because agencies are creatures of mission.

If an agency bought a service one way last time, there is a reason. Maybe it used a GSA Schedule. Maybe it competed under a small business set-aside. Maybe it issued a task order under an agency-specific IDIQ. Maybe it used an 8(a) sole source. Maybe it released a sources sought notice, received limited responses, and then shaped the acquisition accordingly.

Contract history gives you clues.

Who won?

What vehicle was used?

Was it competed?

Was it a set-aside?

Was it sole source?

Was there an incumbent?

How long was the period of performance?

Were options exercised?

Did the scope expand?

Were modifications issued?

Did the same office buy similar services more than once?

Did the buyer favor certain NAICS codes?

Did the agency consolidate requirements?

Did the procurement move from open market to a contract vehicle?

These data points are not trivia. They are strategy.

If you can see the pattern early enough, you can start positioning before the next requirement appears. You can introduce your company to the right buyer. You can tailor your capability statement to the actual purchasing office. You can identify the incumbent’s strengths and weaknesses. You can prepare teaming options. You can respond to sources sought notices with substance instead of generic boilerplate.

Most contractors wait for the bid.

Better contractors study the buying behavior.

Relationship-Building Is Not Optional

This is where some contractors get uncomfortable.

They think relationship-building sounds too salesy, too political, or too close to the line.

It is not.

Government buyers need industry input. They need to understand what the market can provide. They need contractors to explain capabilities, constraints, innovations, and risks. They need to know who is out there before they make acquisition decisions.

The key is to approach the relationship professionally.

Do not call a contracting officer and ask, “Do you have anything for me?”

That is not strategy.

Instead, bring something useful.

Share a brief capability statement tailored to their mission. Reference similar work your company has performed. Ask intelligent questions about recurring needs. Respond to RFIs and sources sought notices with thoughtful, specific information. Request capability briefings where appropriate. Follow up with relevant updates, not spam.

Your job is to become a credible known source before the requirement is urgent.

Because when the requirement becomes urgent, buyers tend to lean toward lower-risk paths.

Known, relevant, documented, and responsive beats unknown almost every time.

The Roadmap: How to Start Capturing Earlier

If you want to move from reactive bidding to proactive positioning, start with five practical steps.

First, analyze your strongest NAICS codes and service lines. Do not chase everything. Pick the areas where you can prove meaningful differentiation.

Second, study contract history. Look for agencies that repeatedly buy what you sell. Pay attention to incumbent contractors, acquisition methods, contract vehicles, option years, modifications, and recompete timing.

Third, identify the actual buying offices. “The Department of Homeland Security” is too broad. Find the component, office, contracting shop, program buyer, and end-user environment.

Fourth, build a differentiation narrative that is specific enough to matter. Your capability statement should not read like every other contractor’s. It should make it easy for a buyer to understand where you reduce risk.

Fifth, get in front of buyers before the solicitation. That includes direct outreach, capability briefings, RFI responses, sources sought responses, subcontracting conversations, and strategic teaming.

This is not instant gratification work.

It is pipeline work.

But it is exactly how serious contractors become part of the acquisition conversation early enough to matter.

Data Speeds Up the Process

The hard part is not understanding the strategy.

The hard part is getting the intelligence quickly enough to act.

To do this well, contractors need visibility into who their real competitors are and where they have performed. They need historical purchasing data that shows how opportunities evolved over time. They need direct access to government buyers in their category. And they need guidance from someone who understands the difference between activity and actual positioning.

That is where FedBiz365 can help.

FedBiz365 gives contractors the market intelligence needed to identify the right agencies, track relevant buying patterns, understand competitor activity, locate buyer contacts, and prioritize opportunities before they become public bid-chasing exercises. It also includes monthly pipeline reviews with a former contracting officer, giving contractors a practical second set of eyes on where to focus and how to approach the market.

Because the goal is not more noise.

The goal is better positioning.

Stop Waiting for the Bid to Tell You What to Do

Public bid sites matter. SAM.gov matters. Solicitations matter.

But they are not the whole game.

If your strategy begins when the opportunity posts, you are already late to the conversation. The contractors who win consistently are often the ones who understood the buyer, the requirement, the history, and the acquisition path before the market saw the solicitation.

That is not unfair.

That is federal contracting.

The opportunity is not just to bid better. It is to position earlier, document your differentiation, build legitimate relationships, and make your company the logical choice when the need becomes real.

If you want help identifying where those opportunities are forming, who is buying, who is winning, and how to position before the bid hits the street, contact FedBiz Access or book a FedBiz365 demo.

The contractors who wait will keep refreshing bid boards.

The contractors who understand the system will already be in the conversation.

Book a Free Consultation

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Allyson Collins

1 week 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.

Al Hogan

1 week 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.

Bryan Johnson

2 weeks 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

3 weeks 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

3 weeks 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

4 weeks 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

4 weeks 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

4 weeks 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.

Schimpf's Garage

4 weeks ago

Cecilia and Sid go well above and beyond to assist me with registering my business with the VA and updating my profile with relevant business changes. Additionally, Frank is a master of contracting and has assisted us in navigating FedBiz's contracting databases and in reviewing proposed bids and contracts. I highly recommend this team to anyone seeking to register their business with the VA and applying for government contracts!

Response from the owner:Congratulations on your recent bid award, we appreciate the recognition of the FedBiz Access services and consultants in assisting you in that endeavor. More importantly, thank you for your service to our country! We value your recommendation, as always, a pleasure to assist with your government contracting goals, registrations and awards.

Jordan Erwin

1 month ago

Super easy to work with and always very friendly. Highly recommend.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your continued business and your trust in the FedBiz Access team; Looking forward to being of valuable service as needed with your marketing and government contracting goals.

Ray Gould

1 month ago

Elizabeth Whittaker
handled our request for SDVOSB very efficiently
and we are most grateful for her assistance.
sincerely, ray gould Marine & Valve Supply

Response from the owner:Congratulations on your SDVOSB Award and thank you for the opportunity to assist in that endeavor on your behalf. We are excited for your success!

Kati Gibbs

1 month ago

Love working with FedBiz! They are so communicative and helpful. Constance is such a pleasure to work with in getting our SBA profile set up, Lou is amazing at setting us up in FedBiz, and Frank is very informative when training us on FedBiz365. I highly recommend FedBiz!

Response from the owner:Love the Love! Thank you for sharing your positive experiences with the FedBiz Access team via this five star google review. More importantly, thank you for the opportunity to share value and assist with your government contracting needs.

george bianchi

1 month ago

Since we’ve had such a positive experience with the team at FedBiz Access in the past, we decided to seek their guidance and support for our nonprofit’s latest project involving government and canine-related initiatives.

Once again, the FedBiz Access team did not disappoint. They directed us to the most effective and efficient way to move forward through the appropriate channels.

We want to thank Frank and the entire FedBiz Access team for providing clear, comprehensive, and valuable information during our consultation.

We would highly recommend FedBiz Access.

Response from the owner:We appreciate your continued business and feedback for the FedBiz Access team. Thank you for your recommendation, we look forward to assisting you in the future.

John Diaz

2 months ago

Mya works very accurately and delivers high-quality work in creating our Capability Statement for the GSA organization. Highly recommend her and her organization, FEDBIZACCESS.

Response from the owner:We appreciate your feedback; Thank you for your recommendation and five star google review for the FedBiz Access team and specialist. Our pleasure to assist! Thank you for your business.

Sandra Chen

2 months ago

Ashley Futral is exceptionally helpful, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to collaborate with. Her efficiency and swift communication have been invaluable, and I greatly appreciate her guidance throughout the process.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the opportunity to assist; our pleasure to be of service as needed.

Jacqueline Winter

2 months ago

FedBiz makes renewals so easy and simple which is great as when doing it directly with the gov't is so much more complicated! It was great working with Ashley Futral on on our latest renewal - she saved me so much time! She also helped sort out issues that came up with SAM that I don't think we could have solved on our own. Thank you!

Response from the owner:Very Much Appreciated. We value your loyalty and repeat business over the years. Thank you for allowing us to assist; Fed Biz Access is at your service for all your government contracting needs, from registration to award.

Tara Goldsby

3 months ago

Ashley Futral was extremely helpful with renewing our sam.gov entity registration. She was always prompt with responding to emails and made the process go smoothly.

Response from the owner:Thank you. We appreciate your feedback and repeat business with our agency year after year. Our FedBiz Access government contracting assistance team aims high for your satisfaction and results. Thank you for the opportunity to be of service.

Chris Ramey

3 months ago

Ashley is on another level!!! Very knowledgeable and helpful. Great to work with year over year!! Thumbs Up!!!!!!!

Response from the owner:We appreciate your comments and thank you for your repeat business and the thumbs up for our FedBiz Access government contracting consultants.

Jay Reyes

3 months ago

Ashley Futral and the team at FedBiz Access provided outstanding support throughout my certification process. As the owner of a disabled veteran-owned logistics company, navigating the requirements can be complex—but Ashley made it seamless. Her professionalism, responsiveness, and deep knowledge of the process helped position my company for success in the government contracting space. Highly recommended for any business looking to grow strategically.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your service to our country. Our pleasure to assist and be of value to your organization in your government contracting goals.

Torland Wingfield

3 months ago

I had the pleasure of working with FedBiz on my SBA Disabled Veteran Owned Company Certification. Ashley was simply amazing, using her knowledge and professional approach to get the job done. She checked on me constantly providing weekly updates and worked all issues that came up during the process. I even received a call from her when the certification was approved. This is a great company that I give my strongest recommendation.

Response from the owner:Thank you for recognizing our FedBiz Access team's efforts on your behalf with this five star review and your positive feedback. We value your business and satisfaction.

Ice King LLC

3 months ago

Elizabeth Whitaker made our SAM renewal process quick and easy! We enjoyed working with her and the entire FedBiz Team. They have been great folks to work with and took sooooo much drama out of the process. Quick to respond to all our questions and we truly feel they want our business to succeed. Highly recommend !!!

Response from the owner:Thank you very much for the opportunity to assist. We value your recommendation and google five star review and feedback for the FedBiz Access team!!!

John Foster

3 months ago

Mya was great with communications throughout the project. She has outstanding graphics and document creation ability.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the opportunity to assist with your design and marketing needs; we appreciate your business and five star review feedback for the FedBiz Access team specialist.

Heridel Guadarrama

4 months ago

thanks Cassie for everything !!

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to assist!

Jim Dragon

4 months ago

While working with FedBiz Access to update our cage code was an extremely easy worry-free process. Elizabeth was great to work with.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the opportunity to be of service; we appreciate your business and your five star google review and feedback for the FedBiz Access team specialist.

Jon Urban

4 months ago

2025/2026 UPDATE: Cassie and her team at FedBizAccess continue to provide us with professional and reliable support for SAM registration and other government contracting needs.

2024 UPDATE: We continue to rely on FedBizAccess to help us stay on top of our SAM registration. Thanks again for making this an easy process for us, Cassie!

Original Review: We hired FedBizAccess several years ago to help us manage our federal contractor profile through the SAM database. Throughout the years they have been quick to respond to our requests. The past few years more of our focus has been outside the federal contracting arena and we hadn’t required their help. This year, though, we hit a snag renewing our SAM profile since we had a slight change in our company name. We reached out to FBA for help, and Cassie Elbanay responded immediately. She has been critical in helping us navigate the process. She is very knowledgeable, personable, and an overall professional. We are confident work will be done correctly and successfully when Cassie and her team are on the case. It has been a pleasure working with her, and I look forward to continuing our firm’s partnership with her and her team at FBA.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your time and effort in detailing your successful business relationship with our company and staff. Always here to assist as you need us. Thank you for your repeat business and this five star review for FedBiz Access, our amazing staff and your dedicated specialist. We appreciate your vote of confidence and the recognition of our expertise and long standing experience in the government contracting industry.

Alfonso Betts

4 months ago

Cassie Elbanay at FedBizAccess was extremely helpful in resolving my issue in SAM. Her knowledge and expertise with the SAM system made the process smooth and efficient—it was handled within minutes. It’s truly a pleasure working with such a knowledgeable and responsive team at FedBizAccess. I greatly appreciate the support and professionalism.

Response from the owner:We are thankful for your repeat business and loyalty to the FedBiz Access team and specialist(s). Its important for us to hear your five star google confirmation of the excellent support and professionalism we strive to maintain. Thank you again for your time in posting this review.

Milissa Fowler

4 months ago

Cassie Elbanay was extremely valuable and I could not ask for an easier process. The amount of time and frustration she saved me was priceless. Amazing!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your amazing review and feedback. We aim for an easy and seamless process as much as possible. Thank you for your business and recognition of our FedBiz Access team specialist's efforts on your behalf. We appreciate it.

Joyce Kamau

4 months ago

Working with Cassie at FedBiz on our SAM registration renewal was a great experience. She was patient, thorough, and proactive in addressing potential issues before submission. Cassie expertise helped us avoid delays and ensured our registration was completed efficiently. Cassie is not only highly competent but also wonderful to work with throughout the process.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the detailed account of your great experience with the FedBiz Access team specialist and thank you for your repeat business. We value your feedback and strive to maintain this proactive approach for best and consistent results. We appreciate your recognition.

Brennan Champion

4 months ago

Cassie Elbanay and the FedBiz Access team were exceptional throughout our SAM registration process. Cassie went above and beyond at every step, providing clear guidance that made what can be a complex process feel straightforward. We would absolutely recommend Cassie and FedBiz Access to anyone navigating SAM registrations.

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to be of service year after year. We appreciate your feedback and recognition for the FedBiz Access team and consultant and look forward to continue providing exceptional service and clear guidance.

Thomas Esposito

5 months ago

I had the pleasure of working with Mya, she brought my vision to life and we could not be happier with her work.

Response from the owner:Always a pleasure to be able to bring your vision to life. Thank you for the opportunity to provide marketing and design support for your government contracting needs. Thank you for this five star review for the FedBiz Access team specialist as well.

Tamarah

5 months ago

I had a positive experience working with FedBiz and appreciated the guidance and communication provided during the process. Sidney was responsive and supportive, and I’m grateful for the assistance and encouragement along the way.

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to continue being of service as needed. Thank you for the opportunity to assist with your government contacting goals.

Cami Allen

5 months ago

Ashley was super helpful, professional and timely. The support we receive from FebBiz Access is so helpful in helping us keep current and updated in a sometimes difficult to navigate government world.

Chris Merrill

6 months ago

Cassie and Fedbiz were incredibly helpful, knowledgeable, and responsive throughout the entire process from our initial inquiry through the submission. They made the renewal process easy and fast for us to get through.

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to keep up the good work:) thank you for the opportunity to assist; we appreciate your business and your positive feedback via this five star google review for our FedBiz team specialist.

Jeff Lindsey

6 months ago

I've been working with FedBiz Access for years now. Cassie does a wonderful job of making the process easy and quick. She is the best! Thanks, Cassie!!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your business and this five star google review for the FedBiz Access team and specialist. Our pleasure to be of consistent and valuable service to your organization.

Tommy Bohler

6 months ago

Cassie was very helpful throughout the whole renewal process with our municipality and also followed up with assistance on a change in our bank accounts. She was super responsive and took care of our problem almost immediately.

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to provide efficient and valuable guidance as needed. Looking forward to maintaing this level of service at your direction. Thank you for your five star feedback for our team.

John Anderson

6 months ago

Mya did a great job. We completed the capabilities statement in two attempts. On the second attempt, I provided her with some of our pictures, and she embedded them in our statement.

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to assist and create a compelling and appealing visual representation of your govcon capabilities. Thank you for the opportunity to be of service.

Rifles Only

6 months ago

Cassie made renewing our SAMS registration quick and efficient, and maintained great communication with us.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your repeat business and your five star google review for the FedBiz Access team consultant. Here as you need us!

arnoldo renteria

7 months ago

This team is highly professional and truly knows how to get things done. I am very pleased to have achieved my objective thanks to their support.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your business and this five star google review for the FedBiz Access team; looking forward to continuing working with your objectives and goals for government contracting success.

Harold Quinones

7 months ago

Very easy to work with, knowledgeable, and absolutely handled on your behalf. Recommended.

Response from the owner:Appreciate your business and your recommendation. Thank you very much for this five star Google review for the FedBiz Access team.

George Boza

7 months ago

Mrs. Elbanay continues to be consistently efficient and proficient concerning all all SAM matters. We have worked with her for several years and always go back to her with any SAM or government agency matters. She is pleasant person who listens and resolves any situation and/or subject brought to her attention. Summarizing, she is second to none and we look great forward to working her again.

Once again we have the opportunity to work with Cassie Elbany and as expected she surpassed our expectation with her efficient and professional approach and completion of our new registration. It becuase of Cassie above average support that we work with FEDBIZACCESS and will continue to do so.

Response from the owner:We appreciate the opportunity to continue being of service, as needed, from registration to award. Thank you for your repeat business and your positive feedback for our Fed Biz Access government contracting, dedicated team member.

Julia Perez

7 months ago

SAM Register (Fedbizz Access) has been a great help every step of the way, Thank you Cassie E. for updating me and checking up on the process every step of the way. You have been a great help.

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to assist. Thank you for this five star review for our FedBiz Access dedicated consultant and thank you for your business.

cathy deLeon

7 months ago

Ashley was very helpful as always! Easy to register with FedBiz. Ashley took care of our address cheange fast and efficiently. Thank you!

Response from the owner:Thank you; We appreciate your repeat business and opportunity for FedBiz Access professionals to assist with your government contracting needs.

Meghan Ruth

7 months ago

Cassie has been amazing!!

She is so helpful and such a breeze to work with. I always look forward to talking with her.

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to be of service every step of the way; thank you for your business and your five star feedback!

Jessica Sumner

7 months ago

Cassie assisted in making our SAM renewal fast and EASY!!

Response from the owner:Always here to answer any of your government contracting questions and keep the process "fast and easy!". Thank you for your feedback!

Joe Rementer

7 months ago

Cassie was patient and professional in updating my FedBiz account information.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the opportunity to assist. We appreciate your five star google review for the FedBiz Access team specialist.

The post How Smart Government Contractors Capture Opportunities Before They Hit Public Bid Sites appeared first on FedBiz Access.

That advice is not wrong.

It is just incomplete.

The Department of Defense is continuing to push acquisition reform in a direction that favors speed, commercial capability, flexible buying methods, and faster access to innovation. That means the old “wait for a perfectly packaged FAR-based solicitation and then respond” approach is not enough anymore.

DoD buyers still use traditional contracts. They still follow procurement rules. They still care about compliance, documentation, pricing, cybersecurity, past performance, and vendor responsibility.

But the buying environment is changing.

More emphasis is being placed on commercial solutions, Other Transaction Authorities, Commercial Solutions Openings, software acquisition pathways, and procurement strategies designed to get useful capability into the hands of the mission faster. Defense.gov described recent software acquisition reform as a move toward flexible tools like Commercial Solutions Openings and Other Transactions to cut red tape and tap commercial innovation. The FAR remains the primary regulation for federal executive agency acquisitions, but the broader reform effort is clearly focused on faster acquisitions, greater competition, and better results.

For agile small businesses and nontraditional contractors, that matters.

It means the door is not just cracked open. In some areas, DoD is actively looking for companies that can solve problems quickly, bring commercial best practices to defense missions, and work with enough flexibility to keep pace with changing requirements.

The question is whether your business is positioned to be found, trusted, and brought into the right conversations.

What DoD Is Really Trying to Fix

Let’s be honest. Traditional defense acquisition can be slow.

Painfully slow.

That does not mean the rules are pointless. The FAR exists for a reason. It creates consistency, accountability, competition, and guardrails for spending public money. The problem is that not every urgent defense need fits neatly into a long, rigid procurement timeline.

Technology changes too quickly. Threats change too quickly. Software, cyber, autonomy, logistics, sensors, communications, data tools, and other mission-critical capabilities cannot always wait years to move from idea to award to deployment.

That is why DoD has been leaning harder into acquisition pathways and authorities that allow the government to evaluate and acquire commercial or innovative solutions faster.

Commercial Solutions Openings, for example, are designed to help agencies seek innovative commercial items, technologies, or services in a more streamlined way. Recent SAM.gov notices show CSOs being used in areas where awards may result in an OTA or FAR-based contract, depending on the requirement and acquisition strategy.

Other Transaction Authorities are another major piece of the puzzle. DoD’s Other Transactions Guide explains that OTs are not traditional procurement contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements, and they are often used for research, prototypes, and production follow-on opportunities when statutory conditions are met.

Plainly put, DoD wants more ways to get to the right solution without forcing every need through the same long hallway.

Why This Can Favor Small Businesses

Large defense primes are not going anywhere. They have infrastructure, contract vehicles, compliance teams, relationships, and decades of past performance.

But speed is not always their advantage.

Small businesses are often closer to the actual innovation. They can make decisions faster. They can adjust faster. They can specialize in narrow technical or operational problems that larger companies may not prioritize unless the opportunity is already mature.

That is exactly where acquisition reform can create opportunity.

When DoD buyers are encouraged to consider commercial solutions, they are not always looking for the biggest company in the room. They may be looking for the company that already solved a similar problem in the private sector. Or the company that can prototype quickly. Or the firm with a niche capability that can plug into a larger mission need.

This is especially relevant for companies in areas like:

• Cybersecurity
• Software development
• AI and data analytics
• Advanced manufacturing
• Logistics technology
• Training and simulation
• Communications systems
• Unmanned systems
• Facilities technology
• Professional and technical services
• Supply chain resilience

The opportunity is not limited to “tech startups,” either. A small business that provides a commercial service faster, cleaner, or more efficiently than the traditional market may be better positioned than it realizes.

The trick is knowing where your capability fits.

OTAs Are Not a Shortcut Around Being Prepared

There is a common misunderstanding about OTAs.

Some contractors hear “not FAR-based” and assume it means “easy.”

Not quite.

OTAs can be more flexible than traditional procurement contracts, but they are not casual arrangements. The government still needs to know who it is working with. It still needs confidence in your technical capability, pricing logic, delivery approach, cybersecurity posture, and ability to perform.

In some ways, flexible acquisition pathways place even more pressure on your messaging.

Why?

Because buyers may be evaluating your solution earlier in the process, with less hand-holding, less boilerplate, and less patience for vague claims.

You need to be able to explain:

What problem you solve
Who you solve it for
Why your solution is different
Where it has worked before
How quickly it can be implemented
What risks the buyer should consider
How your company supports the mission

That is not just proposal language. That is positioning.

And in a faster procurement environment, positioning has to happen before the solicitation drops.

Commercial Does Not Mean “Unregulated”

Another mistake is assuming that because DoD wants commercial solutions, the government is suddenly buying like a private company.

It is not.

Commercial buying still has rules. FAR Part 12 addresses the acquisition of commercial products and commercial services, and the FAR continues to define the core procurement framework federal agencies use.

DoD may want more commercial speed, but it still operates in a government environment. That means contractors must be ready for requirements tied to cybersecurity, supply chain, domestic sourcing, labor rules, reps and certs, pricing, invoicing, and performance documentation.

So yes, the government may be more open to your commercial solution.

But you still need to translate that solution into government language.

That is where many businesses struggle. They know their product or service is strong, but they do not present it in a way that makes sense to a DoD buyer, prime contractor, program office, or acquisition team.

Commercial success is helpful. It can be powerful. But it has to be connected to mission relevance.

The Fastest Path In May Be Through Teaming

For small businesses trying to get their foot in the door with DoD, subcontracting and teaming opportunities should be taken seriously.

In many cases, they are the fastest way to build past performance, understand the buying environment, and earn trust.

Prime contracting gets most of the attention, but subcontracting can be the practical bridge. The SBA explains that prime contractors work directly with the government and manage subcontractors, while subcontracting allows smaller firms to perform part of the work under a larger contract structure. The SBA also maintains resources to help small businesses identify prime contractors with subcontracting plans, specifically for firms seeking subcontracting possibilities.

That matters because DoD opportunities often move through relationships, vehicles, consortia, primes, integrators, and established vendor networks.

A small business may not be ready to win a major DoD prime contract on day one. But it may be perfectly positioned to support a prime that needs a specialized capability, a faster technical solution, a certified small business partner, or a niche commercial provider that fills a gap.

This is where many small contractors need to shift their thinking.

Do not only ask, “What contracts can I bid on?”

Also ask:

Who is already winning work in my lane?
Which primes need small business partners?
Which agencies or commands buy what I sell?
Which upcoming requirements align with my capabilities?
Where can I build relevant past performance?
Which relationships should I start building before the opportunity is public?

That is how small businesses move from chasing bids to building a pipeline.

Why Market Intelligence Matters More Now

Faster acquisition does not mean contractors can be less strategic.

It means they have to become more strategic earlier.

If DoD is using flexible pathways, commercial solution scouting, OTAs, CSOs, and teaming structures, you cannot rely only on public bid boards at the final stage. By then, the buyer may already understand the market. Primes may already be shaping teams. Program offices may already know which vendors can solve the problem.

Small businesses need better visibility into the market before the formal opportunity appears.

That includes knowing:

Which agencies are buying similar solutions
Which companies are winning related contracts
Which primes have relevant vehicles
Which opportunities are recompetes
Which buyers are tied to your NAICS codes and capabilities
Which contacts may be worth engaging
Which teaming partners could help you enter the market

This is where FedBiz365 becomes especially useful.

FedBiz365 is an AI-powered market intelligence solution designed for small business contractors. It can help locate the right partners, identify relevant buyers, analyze opportunities, and provide contact information so businesses can start building the right relationships instead of waiting passively for solicitations to appear.

Just as important, FedBiz365 includes monthly coaching and pipeline review with a former contracting officer. That matters because data by itself is not enough. Contractors need help interpreting what they are seeing, prioritizing the right opportunities, and understanding how a buyer may view their positioning.

In a faster DoD acquisition environment, that kind of guidance can be the difference between activity and actual traction.

What Small Businesses Should Do Now

This trend is not something to watch from the sidelines.

Small businesses should start adjusting now.

First, tighten your capability messaging. Your capability statement, website, government profiles, and outreach should clearly explain what you do, who you serve, and why your solution matters to the mission. Do not bury the buyer in fluff. Make it easy to understand your value quickly.

Second, research where your commercial solution fits inside DoD. Look beyond open solicitations. Study awarded contracts, agency buying patterns, expiring contracts, primes, subcontracting plans, and related program activity.

Third, look for teaming paths. If you lack DoD past performance, find companies that already have it and may need what you provide. A strong teaming relationship can help you build credibility faster than trying to force your way into the market alone.

Fourth, prepare for faster conversations. If a buyer, prime, or program contact asks for a summary of your solution, you should not need two weeks to figure out what to say. Have your narrative ready. Have proof points ready. Have differentiators ready.

Fifth, stay compliant. Faster does not mean careless. Make sure your SAM registration, SBS profile, certifications, cybersecurity posture, and core documentation are accurate and aligned.

Finally, stop treating market research as a one-time task. In this environment, market research is business development. It should guide who you contact, what you pursue, where you team, and how you position your company.

The Bottom Line

DoD acquisition reform is not eliminating traditional contracting.

But it is changing the way smart contractors should think about the market.

The Department wants access to commercial innovation. It wants faster procurement pathways. It wants solutions that can move at the speed of the mission. And in many cases, that creates real opportunity for agile small businesses and nontraditional contractors.

The businesses that benefit most will not be the ones waiting around for perfect solicitations.

They will be the ones doing the work early.

They will know where they fit. They will build relationships before the requirement is public. They will pursue teaming and subcontracting where it makes sense. They will present their capabilities clearly. And they will use market intelligence to make better decisions with less wasted motion.

The government may be trying to move faster.

Small businesses need to be ready to move with it.

As requirements change, FedBiz Access gives businesses a clearer path to stronger documentation practices and a more competitive performance position. If you need help navigating these changes or need assistance winning in the government marketplace, call today: 844-628-8914 or book a call at your convenience.

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Allyson Collins

1 week 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.

Al Hogan

1 week 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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Bryan Johnson

2 weeks ago

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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3 weeks 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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3 weeks 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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4 weeks ago

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Minerva Finishes

4 weeks 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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4 weeks ago

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

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Schimpf's Garage

4 weeks ago

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1 month ago

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Elizabeth Whittaker
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george bianchi

1 month ago

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2 months ago

Mya works very accurately and delivers high-quality work in creating our Capability Statement for the GSA organization. Highly recommend her and her organization, FEDBIZACCESS.

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2 months ago

FedBiz makes renewals so easy and simple which is great as when doing it directly with the gov't is so much more complicated! It was great working with Ashley Futral on on our latest renewal - she saved me so much time! She also helped sort out issues that came up with SAM that I don't think we could have solved on our own. Thank you!

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Tara Goldsby

3 months ago

Ashley Futral was extremely helpful with renewing our sam.gov entity registration. She was always prompt with responding to emails and made the process go smoothly.

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3 months ago

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3 months ago

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Response from the owner:Thank you for your service to our country. Our pleasure to assist and be of value to your organization in your government contracting goals.

Torland Wingfield

3 months ago

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Ice King LLC

3 months ago

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3 months ago

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Heridel Guadarrama

4 months ago

thanks Cassie for everything !!

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Jim Dragon

4 months ago

While working with FedBiz Access to update our cage code was an extremely easy worry-free process. Elizabeth was great to work with.

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Jon Urban

4 months ago

2025/2026 UPDATE: Cassie and her team at FedBizAccess continue to provide us with professional and reliable support for SAM registration and other government contracting needs.

2024 UPDATE: We continue to rely on FedBizAccess to help us stay on top of our SAM registration. Thanks again for making this an easy process for us, Cassie!

Original Review: We hired FedBizAccess several years ago to help us manage our federal contractor profile through the SAM database. Throughout the years they have been quick to respond to our requests. The past few years more of our focus has been outside the federal contracting arena and we hadn’t required their help. This year, though, we hit a snag renewing our SAM profile since we had a slight change in our company name. We reached out to FBA for help, and Cassie Elbanay responded immediately. She has been critical in helping us navigate the process. She is very knowledgeable, personable, and an overall professional. We are confident work will be done correctly and successfully when Cassie and her team are on the case. It has been a pleasure working with her, and I look forward to continuing our firm’s partnership with her and her team at FBA.

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4 months ago

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4 months ago

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4 months ago

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4 months ago

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Thomas Esposito

5 months ago

I had the pleasure of working with Mya, she brought my vision to life and we could not be happier with her work.

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5 months ago

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5 months ago

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6 months ago

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6 months ago

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6 months ago

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John Anderson

6 months ago

Mya did a great job. We completed the capabilities statement in two attempts. On the second attempt, I provided her with some of our pictures, and she embedded them in our statement.

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Rifles Only

6 months ago

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7 months ago

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Mrs. Elbanay continues to be consistently efficient and proficient concerning all all SAM matters. We have worked with her for several years and always go back to her with any SAM or government agency matters. She is pleasant person who listens and resolves any situation and/or subject brought to her attention. Summarizing, she is second to none and we look great forward to working her again.

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The post DoD Acquisition Reform Is Moving Faster. Small Businesses Should Be Paying Attention. appeared first on FedBiz Access.

On May 21, 2026, the House Committee on Small Business announced that it had reported nine bills favorably to the full House. One of those bills, H.R. 2804, the “Protecting Small Business Competitions Act of 2025,” would amend the Small Business Act to codify the small business “Rule of Two.” The bill passed out of committee unanimously, 23-0.

That may sound like another inside-the-Beltway procurement update. It is not.

For small business government contractors, this is one of those policy developments that could have a direct impact on future opportunity flow, especially for acquisitions above the simplified acquisition threshold, commonly referred to as the SAT.

The short version: this bill is designed to make sure agencies cannot quietly move away from one of the most important small business protections in federal contracting.

And that matters.

First, What Is the Rule of Two?

The Rule of Two is one of the foundational principles behind small business set-asides.

In plain English, it says that when a contracting officer has a reasonable expectation that at least two responsible small businesses can submit competitive offers at fair market prices, the opportunity should generally be set aside for small business competition.

That is the practical heart of it.

It does not mean every federal contract automatically goes to a small business. It does not mean agencies are required to ignore price, quality, delivery, past performance, or capability. It means the government should not default to full-and-open competition with large businesses when the small business marketplace is capable of meeting the need.

That one concept has shaped billions of dollars in federal small business awards over the years.

For contractors, the Rule of Two is not some abstract procurement theory. It is often the difference between a realistic shot at winning and being forced into a competition against much larger incumbents with deeper pricing flexibility, larger capture teams, more past performance, and established agency relationships.

When the Rule of Two is applied properly, small businesses get a protected lane to compete. They still have to earn the award. But they get a fairer field.

The Important Detail: Statute vs. Regulation

Here is where things get a little technical, but stick with it because this is the whole reason the bill matters.

Under the Small Business Act, the Rule of Two is already required for certain acquisitions above the micro-purchase threshold and at or below the simplified acquisition threshold. Historically, the general SAT has been the line between smaller purchases and more formal acquisition procedures, although threshold amounts can change over time.

Above the SAT, the Rule of Two has also been built into the Federal Acquisition Regulation, particularly FAR Part 19. The current FAR framework directs contracting officers to consider small business socioeconomic programs first for acquisitions above the SAT, then consider a general small business set-aside when the Rule of Two is met.

That sounds solid. But there is a catch.

For acquisitions above the SAT, the Rule of Two has largely existed as a regulatory requirement, not a permanent statutory requirement. In other words, it has been protected by the FAR, not fully locked into the Small Business Act for those larger acquisitions.

That distinction may sound like lawyer language, but it is not minor.

Statutes are passed by Congress and signed into law. Regulations are written and maintained by agencies or regulatory councils under statutory authority. Regulations can be revised, narrowed, removed, or reinterpreted more easily than statutes.

So while the Rule of Two has been treated as a cornerstone of small business contracting, its protection above the SAT has not been as permanent as many contractors probably assumed.

Why This Became Urgent Now

The urgency comes from the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul, often called the RFO.

The RFO is a governmentwide effort led by the Office of Federal Procurement Policy and the FAR Council to streamline, simplify, and rewrite the Federal Acquisition Regulation. The initiative is intended to return the FAR to its statutory roots, rewrite it in plain language, and remove many non-statutory rules.

There are parts of that goal contractors may welcome. The FAR can be dense, repetitive, and difficult to navigate. A clearer acquisition rulebook is not a bad thing.

But simplification can cut both ways.

If a provision is important but not clearly required by statute, it may become vulnerable during a rewrite focused on removing non-statutory material. That is the concern here.

The recent FAR overhaul activity preserved the Rule of Two above the SAT for now. That is good. But contractors should not confuse “preserved for now” with “protected permanently.”

Under the RFO, non-statutory FAR provisions are scheduled to sunset in 2029. That means certain provisions not grounded in statute could eventually expire, be removed, or require additional action to remain in place.

That is why codification matters.

If Congress writes the Rule of Two above the SAT directly into the Small Business Act, the protection becomes far more durable. It would no longer depend on whether a future FAR rewrite, regulatory council, or administration decides to keep it in place.

What H.R. 2804 Would Do

H.R. 2804, the Protecting Small Business Competitions Act of 2025, is designed to codify the Rule of Two into the Small Business Act.

As reported by the House Committee on Small Business, the bill would amend the Small Business Act to codify the Rule of Two and was adopted and reported favorably to the House by a 23-0 vote.

That unanimous vote is worth paying attention to.

In today’s political environment, unanimous committee votes are not exactly routine. A 23-0 vote signals that members on both sides of the aisle understand the role small businesses play in federal procurement.

That does not mean the bill is law yet. It still needs to pass the full House and continue through the legislative process. But the unanimous committee vote gives it real momentum.

And for small business contractors, the message is encouraging: Congress appears to recognize that small business competition needs more than good intentions. It needs enforceable protection.

What Was at Risk Without This Bill?

Without codification, the risk was not necessarily that the Rule of Two would disappear overnight.

That is not how most procurement changes happen.

The more realistic risk was gradual erosion.

A regulatory rewrite could narrow the language. Agencies could receive more discretion. Contracting officers could face less pressure to conduct meaningful market research. More acquisitions could move forward as unrestricted competitions, bundled requirements, or large contract vehicles where small businesses struggle to gain traction.

Small businesses know how this usually plays out.

Once an opportunity is shaped for large-business competition, it can be very difficult to reverse the momentum. By the time a solicitation hits the street, the scope, structure, evaluation criteria, contract vehicle, and acquisition strategy may already favor larger firms.

The Rule of Two is important because it pushes the small business question earlier in the process.

Are there at least two capable small businesses?

Can they perform at fair market prices?

Can this requirement be competed among small firms?

Those questions force agencies to look at the small business marketplace before simply opening the door to everyone.

Without that discipline, small businesses could lose opportunities not because they are incapable, but because the acquisition strategy never gave them a fair shot in the first place.

Why This Is a Win for Small Businesses

This bill is a win because it would create more certainty.

Small business contractors already deal with plenty of uncertainty. Agency priorities shift. Budgets change. Contract vehicles consolidate. Incumbents expand. Category management evolves. FAR reform moves quickly. Solicitation timelines compress.

The last thing small businesses need is uncertainty around whether one of their core competitive protections will survive the next regulatory rewrite.

By codifying the Rule of Two above the SAT, Congress would be saying clearly that small business set-aside consideration is not optional policy decoration. It is part of how the federal marketplace is supposed to function.

That matters for several reasons.

First, it helps protect small business access to larger opportunities. Contracts above the SAT are often where meaningful growth happens. These are the opportunities that can move a company from occasional federal work to a serious government contracting pipeline.

Second, it helps preserve competition. When small businesses are shut out too early, agencies may end up relying on a smaller pool of larger vendors. That can reduce innovation, increase dependency on incumbents, and limit pricing pressure.

Third, it gives contractors a stronger basis to monitor acquisition decisions. When the Rule of Two is statutory, small businesses have firmer ground to question whether agencies properly considered the small business marketplace.

Fourth, it reinforces the importance of market research. Contracting officers cannot apply the Rule of Two in a vacuum. They need evidence that capable small businesses exist. That means your visibility, documentation, past performance, SAM profile, SBS profile, capability statement, and outreach still matter. If those pieces are incomplete, outdated, or misaligned, your business may not show up as strongly as it should when buyers are conducting market research. FedBiz Access helps businesses strengthen these critical areas, from SAM and SBS profile optimization to capability statement development, market research, and direct outreach to government buyers. If you need help making sure your business is properly positioned, contact us today.

A stronger rule does not help much if agencies cannot find you.

What Contractors Should Do Now

This bill is good news, but it is not a reason to sit back.

If anything, it is a reminder that visibility and readiness matter more than ever.

When agencies evaluate whether two or more responsible small businesses can compete, they are looking for signs of capability. They want to know who can do the work, who has relevant experience, who understands the requirement, and who can perform at a fair and reasonable price.

That means small businesses should treat this moment as a good time to tighten up the basics.

Make sure your SAM.gov registration is accurate and aligned with what you actually sell. Review your NAICS codes. Check your SBS profile. Make sure your capability statement is current, focused, and written in the language buyers understand. Track agencies that buy what you sell. Watch expiring contracts. Identify incumbents. Study set-aside history. Build relationships before the solicitation drops.

The Rule of Two creates opportunity only when the government can reasonably identify capable small businesses.

Your job is to make that conclusion easy.

If your profile is thin, your capability statement is outdated, or your target agency has never heard of you, you may still miss the opportunity even when the policy environment is favorable.

The Bigger Picture

This development also says something larger about where small business contracting stands right now.

The federal marketplace is changing quickly. FAR reform, acquisition streamlining, category management, contract consolidation, and evolving agency priorities are all reshaping how opportunities are planned and competed.

Some changes may help contractors. Others may create new barriers.

That is why small business protections cannot live only in assumptions. They need to be clearly written, consistently applied, and understood by both agencies and industry.

The Rule of Two has worked for decades because it reflects a simple truth: small businesses can and do perform critical work for the federal government. They bring specialization, responsiveness, innovation, local knowledge, and competitive pricing to the marketplace.

But they often need the acquisition process to recognize their role before the competition is structured in a way that leaves them behind.

H.R. 2804 is an effort to preserve that recognition.

It does not guarantee awards. It does not remove competition. It does not lower the bar.

It simply helps ensure that when capable small businesses exist, they get a fair opportunity to compete.

That is not special treatment.

That is smart procurement.

Final Thoughts

The House Committee on Small Business advancing this bill unanimously is an encouraging sign for small business contractors.

It tells us that lawmakers understand the Rule of Two is not just another procurement clause. It is one of the main mechanisms that keeps the federal marketplace accessible to small firms.

If the bill passes the full House and continues through the legislative process, it would help turn a long-standing regulatory protection into a more permanent statutory safeguard above the simplified acquisition threshold.

For small businesses, that means more stability, more confidence, and potentially stronger protection against future regulatory rollbacks.

But the opportunity still belongs to the contractors who are prepared.

The government cannot set aside work for small businesses it cannot find, cannot validate, or does not believe are ready. So while this bill is good news, the practical takeaway is clear: stay visible, stay aligned, and make sure your documentation supports the work you want to win.

As requirements change, FedBiz Access gives businesses a clearer path to stronger documentation practices and a more competitive performance position. If you need help navigating these changes or need assistance winning in the government marketplace, call today: 844-628-8914 or book a call at your convenience.

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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.

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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.

Bryan Johnson

2 weeks 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

3 weeks 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

3 weeks 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

4 weeks 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

4 weeks 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

4 weeks 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.

Schimpf's Garage

4 weeks ago

Cecilia and Sid go well above and beyond to assist me with registering my business with the VA and updating my profile with relevant business changes. Additionally, Frank is a master of contracting and has assisted us in navigating FedBiz's contracting databases and in reviewing proposed bids and contracts. I highly recommend this team to anyone seeking to register their business with the VA and applying for government contracts!

Response from the owner:Congratulations on your recent bid award, we appreciate the recognition of the FedBiz Access services and consultants in assisting you in that endeavor. More importantly, thank you for your service to our country! We value your recommendation, as always, a pleasure to assist with your government contracting goals, registrations and awards.

Jordan Erwin

1 month ago

Super easy to work with and always very friendly. Highly recommend.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your continued business and your trust in the FedBiz Access team; Looking forward to being of valuable service as needed with your marketing and government contracting goals.

Ray Gould

1 month ago

Elizabeth Whittaker
handled our request for SDVOSB very efficiently
and we are most grateful for her assistance.
sincerely, ray gould Marine & Valve Supply

Response from the owner:Congratulations on your SDVOSB Award and thank you for the opportunity to assist in that endeavor on your behalf. We are excited for your success!

Kati Gibbs

1 month ago

Love working with FedBiz! They are so communicative and helpful. Constance is such a pleasure to work with in getting our SBA profile set up, Lou is amazing at setting us up in FedBiz, and Frank is very informative when training us on FedBiz365. I highly recommend FedBiz!

Response from the owner:Love the Love! Thank you for sharing your positive experiences with the FedBiz Access team via this five star google review. More importantly, thank you for the opportunity to share value and assist with your government contracting needs.

george bianchi

1 month ago

Since we’ve had such a positive experience with the team at FedBiz Access in the past, we decided to seek their guidance and support for our nonprofit’s latest project involving government and canine-related initiatives.

Once again, the FedBiz Access team did not disappoint. They directed us to the most effective and efficient way to move forward through the appropriate channels.

We want to thank Frank and the entire FedBiz Access team for providing clear, comprehensive, and valuable information during our consultation.

We would highly recommend FedBiz Access.

Response from the owner:We appreciate your continued business and feedback for the FedBiz Access team. Thank you for your recommendation, we look forward to assisting you in the future.

John Diaz

2 months ago

Mya works very accurately and delivers high-quality work in creating our Capability Statement for the GSA organization. Highly recommend her and her organization, FEDBIZACCESS.

Response from the owner:We appreciate your feedback; Thank you for your recommendation and five star google review for the FedBiz Access team and specialist. Our pleasure to assist! Thank you for your business.

Sandra Chen

2 months ago

Ashley Futral is exceptionally helpful, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to collaborate with. Her efficiency and swift communication have been invaluable, and I greatly appreciate her guidance throughout the process.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the opportunity to assist; our pleasure to be of service as needed.

Jacqueline Winter

2 months ago

FedBiz makes renewals so easy and simple which is great as when doing it directly with the gov't is so much more complicated! It was great working with Ashley Futral on on our latest renewal - she saved me so much time! She also helped sort out issues that came up with SAM that I don't think we could have solved on our own. Thank you!

Response from the owner:Very Much Appreciated. We value your loyalty and repeat business over the years. Thank you for allowing us to assist; Fed Biz Access is at your service for all your government contracting needs, from registration to award.

Tara Goldsby

3 months ago

Ashley Futral was extremely helpful with renewing our sam.gov entity registration. She was always prompt with responding to emails and made the process go smoothly.

Response from the owner:Thank you. We appreciate your feedback and repeat business with our agency year after year. Our FedBiz Access government contracting assistance team aims high for your satisfaction and results. Thank you for the opportunity to be of service.

Chris Ramey

3 months ago

Ashley is on another level!!! Very knowledgeable and helpful. Great to work with year over year!! Thumbs Up!!!!!!!

Response from the owner:We appreciate your comments and thank you for your repeat business and the thumbs up for our FedBiz Access government contracting consultants.

Jay Reyes

3 months ago

Ashley Futral and the team at FedBiz Access provided outstanding support throughout my certification process. As the owner of a disabled veteran-owned logistics company, navigating the requirements can be complex—but Ashley made it seamless. Her professionalism, responsiveness, and deep knowledge of the process helped position my company for success in the government contracting space. Highly recommended for any business looking to grow strategically.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your service to our country. Our pleasure to assist and be of value to your organization in your government contracting goals.

Torland Wingfield

3 months ago

I had the pleasure of working with FedBiz on my SBA Disabled Veteran Owned Company Certification. Ashley was simply amazing, using her knowledge and professional approach to get the job done. She checked on me constantly providing weekly updates and worked all issues that came up during the process. I even received a call from her when the certification was approved. This is a great company that I give my strongest recommendation.

Response from the owner:Thank you for recognizing our FedBiz Access team's efforts on your behalf with this five star review and your positive feedback. We value your business and satisfaction.

Ice King LLC

3 months ago

Elizabeth Whitaker made our SAM renewal process quick and easy! We enjoyed working with her and the entire FedBiz Team. They have been great folks to work with and took sooooo much drama out of the process. Quick to respond to all our questions and we truly feel they want our business to succeed. Highly recommend !!!

Response from the owner:Thank you very much for the opportunity to assist. We value your recommendation and google five star review and feedback for the FedBiz Access team!!!

John Foster

3 months ago

Mya was great with communications throughout the project. She has outstanding graphics and document creation ability.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the opportunity to assist with your design and marketing needs; we appreciate your business and five star review feedback for the FedBiz Access team specialist.

Heridel Guadarrama

4 months ago

thanks Cassie for everything !!

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to assist!

Jim Dragon

4 months ago

While working with FedBiz Access to update our cage code was an extremely easy worry-free process. Elizabeth was great to work with.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the opportunity to be of service; we appreciate your business and your five star google review and feedback for the FedBiz Access team specialist.

Jon Urban

4 months ago

2025/2026 UPDATE: Cassie and her team at FedBizAccess continue to provide us with professional and reliable support for SAM registration and other government contracting needs.

2024 UPDATE: We continue to rely on FedBizAccess to help us stay on top of our SAM registration. Thanks again for making this an easy process for us, Cassie!

Original Review: We hired FedBizAccess several years ago to help us manage our federal contractor profile through the SAM database. Throughout the years they have been quick to respond to our requests. The past few years more of our focus has been outside the federal contracting arena and we hadn’t required their help. This year, though, we hit a snag renewing our SAM profile since we had a slight change in our company name. We reached out to FBA for help, and Cassie Elbanay responded immediately. She has been critical in helping us navigate the process. She is very knowledgeable, personable, and an overall professional. We are confident work will be done correctly and successfully when Cassie and her team are on the case. It has been a pleasure working with her, and I look forward to continuing our firm’s partnership with her and her team at FBA.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your time and effort in detailing your successful business relationship with our company and staff. Always here to assist as you need us. Thank you for your repeat business and this five star review for FedBiz Access, our amazing staff and your dedicated specialist. We appreciate your vote of confidence and the recognition of our expertise and long standing experience in the government contracting industry.

Alfonso Betts

4 months ago

Cassie Elbanay at FedBizAccess was extremely helpful in resolving my issue in SAM. Her knowledge and expertise with the SAM system made the process smooth and efficient—it was handled within minutes. It’s truly a pleasure working with such a knowledgeable and responsive team at FedBizAccess. I greatly appreciate the support and professionalism.

Response from the owner:We are thankful for your repeat business and loyalty to the FedBiz Access team and specialist(s). Its important for us to hear your five star google confirmation of the excellent support and professionalism we strive to maintain. Thank you again for your time in posting this review.

Milissa Fowler

4 months ago

Cassie Elbanay was extremely valuable and I could not ask for an easier process. The amount of time and frustration she saved me was priceless. Amazing!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your amazing review and feedback. We aim for an easy and seamless process as much as possible. Thank you for your business and recognition of our FedBiz Access team specialist's efforts on your behalf. We appreciate it.

Joyce Kamau

4 months ago

Working with Cassie at FedBiz on our SAM registration renewal was a great experience. She was patient, thorough, and proactive in addressing potential issues before submission. Cassie expertise helped us avoid delays and ensured our registration was completed efficiently. Cassie is not only highly competent but also wonderful to work with throughout the process.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the detailed account of your great experience with the FedBiz Access team specialist and thank you for your repeat business. We value your feedback and strive to maintain this proactive approach for best and consistent results. We appreciate your recognition.

Brennan Champion

4 months ago

Cassie Elbanay and the FedBiz Access team were exceptional throughout our SAM registration process. Cassie went above and beyond at every step, providing clear guidance that made what can be a complex process feel straightforward. We would absolutely recommend Cassie and FedBiz Access to anyone navigating SAM registrations.

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to be of service year after year. We appreciate your feedback and recognition for the FedBiz Access team and consultant and look forward to continue providing exceptional service and clear guidance.

Thomas Esposito

5 months ago

I had the pleasure of working with Mya, she brought my vision to life and we could not be happier with her work.

Response from the owner:Always a pleasure to be able to bring your vision to life. Thank you for the opportunity to provide marketing and design support for your government contracting needs. Thank you for this five star review for the FedBiz Access team specialist as well.

Tamarah

5 months ago

I had a positive experience working with FedBiz and appreciated the guidance and communication provided during the process. Sidney was responsive and supportive, and I’m grateful for the assistance and encouragement along the way.

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to continue being of service as needed. Thank you for the opportunity to assist with your government contacting goals.

Cami Allen

5 months ago

Ashley was super helpful, professional and timely. The support we receive from FebBiz Access is so helpful in helping us keep current and updated in a sometimes difficult to navigate government world.

Chris Merrill

6 months ago

Cassie and Fedbiz were incredibly helpful, knowledgeable, and responsive throughout the entire process from our initial inquiry through the submission. They made the renewal process easy and fast for us to get through.

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to keep up the good work:) thank you for the opportunity to assist; we appreciate your business and your positive feedback via this five star google review for our FedBiz team specialist.

Jeff Lindsey

6 months ago

I've been working with FedBiz Access for years now. Cassie does a wonderful job of making the process easy and quick. She is the best! Thanks, Cassie!!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your business and this five star google review for the FedBiz Access team and specialist. Our pleasure to be of consistent and valuable service to your organization.

Tommy Bohler

6 months ago

Cassie was very helpful throughout the whole renewal process with our municipality and also followed up with assistance on a change in our bank accounts. She was super responsive and took care of our problem almost immediately.

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to provide efficient and valuable guidance as needed. Looking forward to maintaing this level of service at your direction. Thank you for your five star feedback for our team.

John Anderson

6 months ago

Mya did a great job. We completed the capabilities statement in two attempts. On the second attempt, I provided her with some of our pictures, and she embedded them in our statement.

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to assist and create a compelling and appealing visual representation of your govcon capabilities. Thank you for the opportunity to be of service.

Rifles Only

6 months ago

Cassie made renewing our SAMS registration quick and efficient, and maintained great communication with us.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your repeat business and your five star google review for the FedBiz Access team consultant. Here as you need us!

arnoldo renteria

7 months ago

This team is highly professional and truly knows how to get things done. I am very pleased to have achieved my objective thanks to their support.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your business and this five star google review for the FedBiz Access team; looking forward to continuing working with your objectives and goals for government contracting success.

Harold Quinones

7 months ago

Very easy to work with, knowledgeable, and absolutely handled on your behalf. Recommended.

Response from the owner:Appreciate your business and your recommendation. Thank you very much for this five star Google review for the FedBiz Access team.

George Boza

7 months ago

Mrs. Elbanay continues to be consistently efficient and proficient concerning all all SAM matters. We have worked with her for several years and always go back to her with any SAM or government agency matters. She is pleasant person who listens and resolves any situation and/or subject brought to her attention. Summarizing, she is second to none and we look great forward to working her again.

Once again we have the opportunity to work with Cassie Elbany and as expected she surpassed our expectation with her efficient and professional approach and completion of our new registration. It becuase of Cassie above average support that we work with FEDBIZACCESS and will continue to do so.

Response from the owner:We appreciate the opportunity to continue being of service, as needed, from registration to award. Thank you for your repeat business and your positive feedback for our Fed Biz Access government contracting, dedicated team member.

Julia Perez

7 months ago

SAM Register (Fedbizz Access) has been a great help every step of the way, Thank you Cassie E. for updating me and checking up on the process every step of the way. You have been a great help.

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to assist. Thank you for this five star review for our FedBiz Access dedicated consultant and thank you for your business.

cathy deLeon

7 months ago

Ashley was very helpful as always! Easy to register with FedBiz. Ashley took care of our address cheange fast and efficiently. Thank you!

Response from the owner:Thank you; We appreciate your repeat business and opportunity for FedBiz Access professionals to assist with your government contracting needs.

Meghan Ruth

7 months ago

Cassie has been amazing!!

She is so helpful and such a breeze to work with. I always look forward to talking with her.

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to be of service every step of the way; thank you for your business and your five star feedback!

Jessica Sumner

7 months ago

Cassie assisted in making our SAM renewal fast and EASY!!

Response from the owner:Always here to answer any of your government contracting questions and keep the process "fast and easy!". Thank you for your feedback!

Joe Rementer

7 months ago

Cassie was patient and professional in updating my FedBiz account information.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the opportunity to assist. We appreciate your five star google review for the FedBiz Access team specialist.

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