A major policy shift in federal small business contracting took effect this week that every government contractor should understand, whether or not you participate in the 8(a) Business Development Program. On January 22, 2026, the Small Business Administration announced it is eliminating race-based presumptions of social disadvantage in its 8(a) Program, fundamentally changing how the program evaluates applicants and awards contracts. Understanding the 8(a) Program The 8(a) B

Navigating the realm of government contracting can be challenging for small businesses. The numerous rules and regulations, bidding processes, and compliance requirements often seem daunting. However, armed with effective tools and resources, small business owners can greatly enhance their chances of securing government contracts. This post will highlight key tools and vital resources that can empower small businesses to excel in this competitive field. Getting a Grip on Gove

Government contracting can be a game-changer for small businesses seeking to expand their client base and boost revenue. The potential is significant, with federal contracts exceeding $600 billion annually. However, the process can feel overwhelming at first. This guide breaks down essential steps for small business owners to begin their journey into government contracting, focusing on understanding requirements and making the most of available resources. Understanding Gover

Every January, small business owners are fired up about government contracting. They've made it their New Year's resolution. They're ready to win contracts. They've heard the stories about the billions of dollars government agencies spend annually, and they want their piece. Then when you ask them about their goals for the first quarter. "I want to win a million-dollar contract." "I'm going to get three federal contracts by March." "I'll replace half my commercial revenue wi

As the year ends, it is the perfect time to take stock of your bidding efforts. Whether you submitted one proposal or twenty, there is value in stepping back to review what worked, what did not, and what can be improved next year. Bidding is not just about the wins. It is about learning what builds visibility, strengthens proposals, and increases your chances over time. Key Questions to Ask Yourself 1. How many bids did you submit this year? Tracking total volume helps identi

Most small businesses experience a revenue slowdown in late December. Client projects wrap up before the holidays. Decision-makers are out of office. New business development stalls until January. This slow period frustrates business owners who see it as lost revenue time. I see it differently. After 20 years in procurement, including VP of Supply Chain roles, I recognize this downtime as your biggest strategic advantage for entering government contracting. Here's how to use

Most small business owners think December is the worst time to start pursuing government contracts. They're wrong. I've spent 20 years on the buyer side of procurement, I've planned solicitations, reviewed proposals, and managed vendor relationships through countless fiscal year cycles. Here's what I know that most consultants don't: December is actually one of the smartest times to position yourself for government contracting success. The Myth of "After the Holidays" Every

When the State of Illinois needed to extend its contract with Gartner, a global research and advisory firm, they posted the opportunity publicly as required. The contract was worth millions of dollars and represented a significant opportunity for qualified businesses. Yet when the submission deadline arrived, not a single small business had responded. Zero. Not one proposal. This wasn't an obscure opportunity buried in some forgotten corner of the internet. It was posted on t

It's a fair question. The SBA offers free resources. SAM.gov is free to search. YouTube has endless tutorials. So why would you invest in a service like Total Optim Bid?   Here's the truth: information is free, but your time isn't.  The Real Cost of "Free" Resources   Yes, you can absolutely learn government contracting on your own. You can spend hours navigating SAM.gov , decoding solicitation requirements, researching agencies, and trying to figure out which opportunities

Let me tell you something most consultants won't admit: not every business is in high demand with government agencies. I learned this lesson personally. After 20 years in procurement and supply chain management, I started Total Optim Solutions because that's my area of expertise. It's what I know. It's what I'm good at. I figured if anyone could win government contracts for procurement consulting, it would be someone who spent two decades managing procurement operations. Here

Winning contracts and growing your business often depends on how well you navigate the complex world of procurement. For small and mid-sized businesses, mastering the RFP process is a critical skill. It can open doors to government and corporate contracts that might otherwise seem out of reach. This guide will walk you through practical steps to improve your bid readiness, sharpen your proposal strategy, and ultimately increase your chances of success. Understanding the RFP

Winning government contracts can transform your business. It opens doors to steady revenue, credibility, and growth opportunities. However, navigating the complex world of government procurement requires more than just submitting bids. You need a clear strategy, thorough preparation, and expert guidance. This post shares essential small business contracting tips to help you succeed in government contracting. Understanding the Government Contracting Landscape Government contra

Responding to bids takes time, especially if you are rewriting each response from the ground up. Most small and mid-sized businesses do not have full proposal teams, which means the owner, or one team member ends up juggling research, pricing, formatting, and compliance under pressure. Automation can change that. Why RFx Automation Matters RFx refers to formal procurement requests like RFPs (Request for Proposal), RFQs (Request for Quote), and RFIs (Request for Information).

Bidding on contracts can feel overwhelming. Many small businesses lose bids, not due to price or capability, but because of preventable...

Most small businesses treat proposal submissions like paperwork, fill out the forms, attach the quote, hit submit, and hope for the best....

Submitting a proposal for a contract or RFP opportunity is not just about showing interest. It is your chance to prove capability, fit,...

Most small businesses think of bidding as a win-or-nothing effort. But the smartest vendors treat it as a long game. Submitting a strong...

Small businesses often shy away from bidding on RFPs because they think winning is the only goal. That mindset leaves money and...

I know that as a Supplier if you’ve ever submitted a bid proposal in response to a Request for Proposal (RFP), it can be a daunting task. As a former VP of Supply Chain I've reviewed countless RFP responses from numerous vendors and while there were some really great, professional and slick proposals, the amount of bids that were not properly submitted, or submitted late or not in alignment with the instructions was alarming. Behind the scenes, procurement professionals ar