Akia Hardnett

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How to Stand Out And Win Government Contracts

The government contracting space is a battlefield—filled with opportunities, but also fierce competition. As a mid-level business owner, you may find yourself competing against well-established primes or struggling to break through agency barriers. The key to winning isn’t just about submitting more bids; it’s about standing out and aligning with the government’s mission-critical goals.

If you’re ready to take your contracting strategy to the next level, here’s what you need to focus on:

1. Target the Right Opportunities

Not all contracts are created equal. Chasing every solicitation can spread your resources thin and lead to wasted efforts. Instead, be strategic—focus on agencies and contracts where your past performance, capabilities, and certifications give you a competitive edge. Use platforms like SAM.gov, GovWin, and FPDS.gov to analyze procurement trends and position yourself for upcoming opportunities.

2. Build Strategic Relationships

Government contracting is built on trust. If an agency has never worked with you, they need confidence that you can deliver. This is where relationships matter. Attend industry days, join agency-specific networking events, and build rapport with contracting officers and small business advocates. Position yourself as a trusted solution provider, not just another vendor.

3. Strengthen Your Proposal Game

A solid proposal is more than just a response to an RFP—it’s your ticket to standing out. Contracting officers are looking for businesses that understand their mission, mitigate risk, and provide measurable value.

4. Leverage Set-Asides and Teaming Agreements

If you’re a mid-sized business, you may not always qualify for small business set-asides—but that doesn’t mean you can’t win. Strategic partnerships with 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB-certified firms can help you access restricted opportunities.

Winning government contracts isn’t just about bidding—it’s about strategic positioning. If you want to secure more wins, don’t wait until an opportunity goes public. Do the groundwork ahead of time, align with agency priorities, and build relationships with decision-makers.  When the bid finally drops, you’ll already be ahead of the competition.

The companies that dominate in federal contracting aren’t just responding to opportunities—they’re creating them.

Ready to Position Your Business for More Wins?

Want to develop a strategy that ensures your business is at the forefront of government contracting opportunities? Book a call today, and let’s craft a plan to position your company for success. Government contracting success is about more than just bidding—it’s about strategy, relationships, and execution. If you want to develop a winning approach tailored to your business, let’s talk. Book a call today and let’s map out your path to sustainable government contracting success.