Government Contracting
Understanding the Federal Acquisition Process
Federal contracting follows the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). The process typically flows from requirement identification by the agency, through solicitation (RFP/RFQ/IFB), proposal submission, evaluation, award, performance, and closeout. PrimeContractorOS maps to each stage of this lifecycle to keep you organized and compliant.
Set-Aside Programs
The federal government reserves certain contracts for small businesses through set-aside programs. These include 8(a) Business Development, HUBZone, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB), and general small business set-asides. PrimeContractorOS helps you track which certifications you hold and filter opportunities accordingly.
Compliance Requirements
Government contracts come with extensive compliance requirements. These include FAR clauses, DFARS supplements (for DoD contracts), Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), and agency-specific regulations. PrimeContractorOS maintains a compliance library and alerts you to required representations, certifications, and reporting deadlines.
Contract Types
Federal contracts come in several types: Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP), Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF), Time-and-Materials (T&M), and Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ). Each type has different risk profiles, invoicing requirements, and management needs. PrimeContractorOS adapts its tracking and reporting based on your contract type.
Past Performance & CPARS
The Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) is how the government evaluates your performance. Ratings in CPARS directly impact your ability to win future contracts. PrimeContractorOS helps you track deliverables and performance metrics so you can proactively manage your CPARS ratings and address issues before they become negative evaluations.