Government Contractors
What Happens When You Underprice a Proposal and How a Government Contracts CPA Can Help
There’s a dangerous myth in government contracting, especially among small to mid-sized contractors: “If we just come in lower than everyone else, we’ll win.” The truth is, low pricing doesn’t win high-performance contracts. It can often tank your margins, damage your past performance, and erode your credibility with government evaluators. If your proposal strategy revolves…
Read MoreWhy Your Forward Pricing Rates Are Costing You Contracts (and How to Fix Them)
Approved does not equal optimized in government contracting. That’s difficult news for people who think a green light from DCAA means their forward pricing rate proposals (FPRPs) are perfect. In reality, getting approval and winning contracts are two entirely different outcomes. If your business struggles to convert bids into awards or win low-margin work, burning…
Read MoreCompliance Readiness for Government Contractors: A Strategic Guide to Building Audit-Proof Systems for SF1408, ICE, and CAS
Stronger controls. Smarter systems. Confident compliance. Government contractors operate in a uniquely high-stakes financial environment. Whether you are executing on a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) award, a cost-reimbursable contract, or transitioning into Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) territory, regulatory compliance is both mandatory and foundational to long-term success. Without the proper systems in place, companies…
Read MoreHow a Government Contracts Accounting Expert Can Help You Get Your Proposal Across the Finish Line
The federal government awards more than $700 billion in contracts annually. Small and midsize businesses win contract awards when they can efficiently complete registration, certifications, teaming agreements, and build a compliant and persuasive proposal. With razor-thin profit margins and a highly regulated environment, a Government Contracts CPA can be the difference between proposal submission and…
Read MoreAudit Readiness: Essential Practices to Ensure Your Business is DCAA or IRS Audit-Ready
For government contractors, an audit is not a question of if, but when. Whether it is a DCAA audit tied to your indirect rate proposal or an IRS audit evaluating your tax filings, unpreparedness can lead to questioned costs, disallowed deductions, delayed payments, and even contract terminations. Audit readiness is not a one-time effort. It…
Read MoreWhy a Government Contracting CPA Is an Important Partner for Your Business
Federal contracting can be a highly rewarding market, but it is also one of the most complicated. With FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation) and DCAA (Defense Contract Audit Agency ) audits, indirect rate structures, and strict cost allowability rules, financial missteps are not just expensive; they are potentially business-threatening. That is why a specialized partner, a…
Read MoreMaximizing Cash Flow Management for Government Contractors
Government contracts may provide reliable revenue, but they are also known for long payment cycles, strict invoicing rules, and narrow cash margins. To succeed, contractors must think beyond compliance and focus on the financial planning strategies that support operational sustainability. That means proactively managing cash flow not just to survive, but to thrive. Strategic cash…
Read MoreWhat You Need to Prepare for GovCon Incurred Cost: A Guide from a Government Contracts CPA
When it comes to government contracting, one of the most misunderstood and anxiety-inducing responsibilities is the preparation and submission of the Incurred Cost Submission (ICS). Required by FAR 52.216-7, this detailed package must be submitted annually by contractors with cost-reimbursement contracts, and it forms the basis for settling final indirect rates and contract costs with…
Read MoreTax Implications of Government Contract Types: Choosing the Right Fit for Your Business
When it comes to government contracting, the type of contract you choose can significantly influence your business’s tax obligations, financial reporting, and overall profitability. When securing contracts, understanding the tax implications of each government contract type is critical. Making informed decisions about contract structures can optimize tax efficiency, minimize liabilities, and improve compliance with government…
Read MoreThe GovCon’s Guide to DCAA Incurred Cost Submissions
For government contractors operating under cost-reimbursable or time-and-material (T&M) contracts, DCAA Incurred Cost Submissions (ICS) are more than just an annual requirement—they’re a critical component of maintaining compliance and securing timely reimbursements. A well-prepared Incurred Cost Proposal (ICP) not only ensures adherence to Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 52.216-7, but also positions your company for…
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