So FY26 is here and I'm still very much the new kid in federal contracting. But I'm paying attention, and a few things are already jumping out at me.
First, agencies seem really focused on hitting their small-business goals this year. I'm seeing more SDVOSB, WOSB, and 8(a) set-asides than I expected — and more sole-source awards under the simplified acquisition threshold. If your certifications are current, that feels like real opportunity.
Then there's all these pre-competed schedules. GSA MAS, OASIS+, Polaris — honestly I'm still learning what each one does, but the pattern is clear: a lot of money is moving through these channels. Getting aligned with the right one feels less like a nice-to-have and more like a must.
And compliance? It's not just paperwork anymore. CMMC 2.0, SAM.gov stuff, supply chain requirements — agencies are actually checking. I'm building it into my process now so I'm not scrambling later. Better to be ready than sorry.
One thing about teaming that's starting to click: past performance mapped to a specific NAICS code matters way more than a generic capability statement. I'm trying to match vetted subs to real opportunities, not just build a roster for the sake of it.
If you're figuring this out too, hit me up. I'm happy to compare notes — we're all learning here.