FY2025 is Here: How Government Contractors Can Win More Contracts

As the calendar rolls into October, the federal government officially enters its 2025 fiscal year (FY2025). For government contractors, this marks a pivotal opportunity to align their strategies, revamp their approaches, and position themselves for success in the coming months. Winning government contracts requires a blend of preparation, strategic marketing, and knowledge of the ever-evolving landscape. Let’s dive into the keys to hitting the ground running in FY2025.

Understanding the Federal Budget Cycle

Before diving into specific strategies, it’s essential to understand how the federal budget cycle operates. The U.S. government’s fiscal year runs from October 1 to September 30 of the following year. The FY2024 budget has been allocated across government agencies, and they are now actively sourcing contractors to fulfill a wide range of needs.

Historically, contractors see an uptick in opportunities during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year as agencies rush to allocate funds before they expire. However, the early months of the fiscal year are equally important for positioning your business. Agencies are assessing new needs, forming procurement plans, and preparing to release Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and Requests for Information (RFIs). Now is the time to ensure you are ready to take advantage of early FY2025 opportunities and lay the groundwork for sustained success throughout the year.

Top Strategies for Winning More Contracts in FY25

1. Fine-Tune Your SAM and DSBS Profiles

The System for Award Management (SAM) is your business’s entry point into the federal marketplace. Your SAM profile is the first place contracting officers look when considering your business for a contract. It’s not enough to simply register in SAM; your profile needs to be up to date, optimized, and reflective of your capabilities.

Additionally, the Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS) tool is where federal buyers search for small businesses that meet specific criteria. A strong presence in DSBS ensures you are more visible to government buyers. If you haven’t updated your SAM or DSBS profiles recently, now is the time to make sure all your information is current and optimized.

FedBiz Access Solution: At FedBiz Access, we offer SAM Registration/Renewal and DSBS/SAM Optimization services, ensuring your profiles are complete, accurate, and visible to government buyers​. By refining your SAM and DSBS profiles, you’re positioning your business for greater visibility and increasing your chances of being selected for contracts.

2. Develop a Winning Capability Statement

Your Capability Statement is like your business’s résumé in the government contracting world. It should clearly outline your core competencies, differentiators, past performance, and the value you offer. A well-crafted Capability Statement can make all the difference in capturing the attention of contracting officers and prime contractors.

Government buyers often have specific needs and challenges they’re looking to address. Tailoring your Capability Statement to align with these needs will help you stand out from the competition.

FedBiz Access Solution: We specialize in creating professional, high-impact Capability Statements that highlight your unique strengths and past performance​. Whether you need to create one from scratch or enhance an existing document, our experts will ensure you have a winning Capability Statement that makes an impression.

3. Leverage Market Research and Intelligence

To be competitive, you need to know what’s happening in your industry and who’s buying what you sell. Market research helps you identify agencies that are actively procuring your goods or services and understand their procurement cycles and methods.

Market intelligence also informs your decision-making, helping you focus your time and resources on the right opportunities. For instance, understanding which agencies are increasing their budgets for specific projects can help you target your marketing and sales efforts effectively.

FedBiz Access Solution: Our Market Intel Database provides you with actionable insights, including buyer contact information, daily email alerts for open solicitations, RFPs, and RFIs​​. With this data at your fingertips, you can confidently pursue opportunities and make strategic decisions about where to invest your efforts.

4. Build Relationships with Contracting Officers

Success in government contracting often hinges on relationships. Government buyers want to work with businesses they trust to deliver quality services and products. Building strong relationships with contracting officers is key to winning repeat business and gaining access to future opportunities.

In addition to networking, engaging in consistent marketing to these decision-makers can keep your business top-of-mind. Personalized email campaigns, capability briefings, and one-on-one meetings are all effective ways to nurture these relationships.

FedBiz Access Solution: Our MatchMaker service helps you connect directly with government buyers through personalized email campaigns, engagement coaching, and strategic market research​. We work with you to craft a targeted approach to building relationships and increasing your chances of winning contracts.

5. Take Advantage of Set-Asides and Certifications

The federal government sets aside a portion of its contracts specifically for small businesses, as well as for businesses in certain socio-economic categories, such as 8(a), HUBZone, and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB). If your business qualifies for one of these set-aside programs, it’s crucial to pursue the relevant certifications.

Not only do these certifications increase your chances of winning contracts, but they also open doors to exclusive opportunities not available to larger competitors.

FedBiz Access Solution: We assist businesses with obtaining the federal certifications they qualify for, including 8(a), HUBZone, VOSB/SDVOSB, WOSB, MBE, and others​. Our team helps you navigate the application process and ensures that you meet all the requirements for these valuable programs.

6. Enhance Your Commercial Visibility with a Professional Website

In the digital age, your online presence plays a critical role in your success as a government contractor. One of the first places a contracting officer or potential teaming partner will go is your business’s website. They’re looking to gauge your professionalism, commercial success, and the overall quality of your operations. A poorly designed or outdated website can hurt your chances of winning contracts, while a polished, professional website can significantly enhance your credibility.

Your website should not only reflect your commercial success but also showcase your ability to perform government contracts. Highlighting your past performance, certifications, capabilities, and business information will demonstrate that you are a serious player in the government contracting space.

FedBiz Access Solution: We offer two powerful website designs to help boost your commercial visibility:

• Showcase Website: A professionally designed website tailored to the needs of government contractors. This website includes all the key elements to present your business in the best light—capability highlights, past performance, certifications, and more​.
• Showcase Plus Website: A more robust option for businesses that want a comprehensive online presence. This package includes additional features, such as advanced functionality, enhanced design options, and the integration of federal marketing elements that directly align with your contracting goals​.

Both of these website packages ensure your business presents itself professionally to government buyers and teaming partners, increasing your chances of success in FY2025.

7. Stay on Top of GSA Schedule Opportunities

The General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule is a popular procurement vehicle for federal agencies. Being on the GSA Schedule makes your business a pre-approved vendor, streamlining the procurement process for government buyers. GSA contracts can be long-term and lucrative, but the application process is rigorous.

If you’re not already on the GSA Schedule, FY2025 could be the perfect time to pursue this opportunity. If you’re already on the GSA Schedule, now is the time to review and update your offering to stay competitive.

FedBiz Access Solution: Our GSA Schedule Processing & Negotiation and GSA Contract Management services guide you through the application process and ensure that your pricing and offerings are competitive​. We also assist with ongoing contract management to help you maintain compliance and maximize your GSA opportunities.

The Road to Winning More Contracts in FY25

Winning government contracts in FY2025 isn’t just about being prepared—it’s about staying ahead of the competition by leveraging all available resources and expertise. Whether you’re new to government contracting or looking to expand your footprint, this year brings a wealth of opportunities for businesses willing to put in the effort and make strategic decisions.

By fine-tuning your profiles, engaging with the right decision-makers, and crafting a professional online presence, you can increase your odds of success. Remember, building strong relationships and leveraging market intelligence are crucial steps that can help you win more contracts this fiscal year.

How FedBiz Access Can Help You Succeed in FY25

For over 23 years, FedBiz Access has been the leading business development firm in the federal marketplace, assisting businesses of all sizes in navigating the complexities of government contracting. Our proven track record of helping clients secure over $35.8 billion in government awards speaks to our expertise and commitment to your success​.

Whether you need help with SAM registration, capability statements, certifications, or developing a professional website, FedBiz Access offers a comprehensive suite of services to position your business for success. Our dedicated team of experts is here to guide you through every step of the process, from market research to website design and GSA Schedule support.

Schedule Your Complimentary Consultation

If you’re ready to take your government contracting efforts to the next level in FY2025, schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our FedBiz Specialists today. We’ll review your current position, discuss your goals, and develop a tailored strategy to help you win more contracts this fiscal year. Don’t wait—make FY2025 your most successful year yet!