The SBA and other agencies have set a goal of awarding 23% of all federal government contracts to small businesses. In 2022, the Biden Administration increased the Small-Disadvantaged Business goal from 5% to 11% in hopes of encouraging small businesses to do business with the federal government. In 2020, that equated to $145 billion dollars awarded according to the SBA, exceeding their goal of 23%. 

2023 is a great year for small and medium businesses to engage with the federal government. Larger prime contractors are seeking suppliers and subcontractors to help with their larger contracts.   

In this 1.5-day Forum, we will discuss a number of topics that will help answer questions and make navigation of federal contracting less daunting as a small or medium business.  

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Below is the 2022 Agenda... please check back for an updated agenda!

AGENDA

Day 1
Key Note Address

Market & Policy Briefing by Professional Services Council
An industry favorite, this discussion gives executive-level insights into the state of the government contracting industry as well as trends in buying and policy within agencies. 

Audit/Accounting & Financial Considerations for Small Businesses
As small and medium-sized businesses grow, it is evitable a financial statement audit will be required. These audits address accounting rules under U.S. GAAP and can be complex, especially for government contractors.

During this session will provide a financial accounting update focused on the most pressing U.S. GAAP rule changes affecting government contractors as well as address considerations and best practices government contractors can incorporate to prepare for their external financial statement audit. Issues and topics Nick and Bill will address and discuss, as well as answer participants' questions. Topics include:

• Significant accounting challenges small and medium-sized government contractors face as organizations grow in both size and complexity
• Impacts of new accounting standards and best practices for successfully preparing for financial statement audits
• Revenue recognition challenges and the impact by type of contract
• Documentation of business processes and internal controls in the financial statement audit
• Importance of general IT controls on the financial statement audit
• Understanding required financial statement disclosures 
• Audit testing examples  

Working with the Defense Contract Management Agency for the First Time 
This session will provide small and medium-sized federal contractors, especially compliance and contract professionals, with insight to working with the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) and Administrative Contracting Officers (ACOs). As federal contractors grow their business with the Department of Defense (DOD), the progression from engaging with only the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) will shift to working more with an ACO at DCMA. This change in oversight can be confusing and difficult for an organization as it tries to understand how and when it should be interacting with each agency. 

During this session, D.J., who worked for DCMA for over 12 years, will share his experience working with small and medium businesses during this transition.  Krista, a current contracting officer with DCMA, will provide an overview of DCMA including who they are, what they do, and how they work with DCAA to provide contract management for DoD.  Both D.J. and Krista will discuss and provide their perspectives of how to build relationships with contracting officers and their teams, minimize confusion, and help companies thrive through this transition so that contractors can continue to deliver world-class products and services.

Executive Orders and Small Business New/Proposed Changes Impacting Contractors
Though POTUS seems like many layers away from your business, policies and decisions made affect how you conduct your business.  It could be minimum wages to cybersecurity requirements. 

CyberSecurity vulnerabilities and CMMC for Small Business 
This description will be slightly updated shortly. Please check back soon.  In the past few years, focus on cyber has been a priority for the federal government and its agencies, especially agencies with critical infrastructure vulnerable to cyber attacks.  CMMC has had its issues in implementation but is moving forward.  However, vulnerable contractors, large and small, must comply.   Baker Tilly, along with a  cyber-firm will discuss both the needs and requirements for contractors in this session. 

Mentor Protégé’ / Teaming / Partnering
The SBA has a number of programs to help small businesses break into the federal contracts market.  With goals of up to 5% of all contracting funds going to small and/or disadvantaged businesses, the government is serious about getting products and services from the marketplace.  This session will talk about some opportunities for small businesses as well as updates to these programs for 2022 and beyond. 

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Day 2
DCAA’s Focus on Small Busines 
This session will continue the discussion started at last year’s conference in the session “Becoming a Blip on DCAA’s Radar Screen” and build on this year’s Keystone address from DCAA’s Deputy Director.

• We'll examine the DCAA’s recent initiatives and its expectations for growing companies regarding their compliance and audit requirements.
• We will explore the triggers for increased government compliance for growing businesses and how best to comply with them.
• In addition, we will also discuss the most significant compliance topics and emerging issues that many growing companies are either dealing with or will likely face in the near future.

The panel presenters will offer their perspectives and prognostications on these emerging issues as well as some practical solutions and best-in-class practices to help the small and medium business community achieve mission success.


The FAR Panel – Rules, Relevancy & Requirements 
This description will be slightly updated shortly. Please check back soon. The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) provides contractors with a significant amount of regulatory guidance and clauses to comply with.  At the same time, understanding and implementing Executive Orders (EOs) and the continuous proposed and new changes to guidance, regulations, and programs impacting federal contractors can be complicated, daunting, and risky if not properly incorporated into running the business. During this session, our panel of legal and compliance experts will help decipher some of the most important issues in the FAR and discuss the latest EOs and program changes every business should know.  


Pricing to Win – Proposals and Responding to RFPs.  
You received an RFP.  So, how do your price and put your best offer in play?  See what our panelists say as they discuss strategies and give tips to better prepare a proposal.  

Closing Remarks 

FPS is offering a Day 1 Federal Government Contracting Forum on Monday, March 11, 2024, in Tampa, FL. The full day session will include keynote speakers, roundtable discussions, networking time, lunch and a post program reception.

This virtual course is being broadcast simultaneously from the FPS classroom/in-person version of this course.

Welcome to the 2024 Tampa Federal Government Contracting Forum, held within the 2024 Tampa Government Contracting Weeklong Conference. 

This special 1 day forum will cover the latest developments impacting all aspects of federal government contracting. Topics may include updates to M&A Activity, Cybersecurity, Supply Chain, Audits, Accounting and Regulatory Compliance. The full day session will include keynote speakers, roundtable discussions, lunch and networking time.

More details will be posted shortly. Please check back for an updated agenda.


This live virtual course is eligible for both CLE and CPE credit.
Have questions on how to participate in an FPS Virtual Course? Click here for more information.

This virtual course is being broadcast simultaneously from the FPS classroom/in-person version of this course.
 

Welcome to the 2025 Tampa Federal Government Contracting Forum, an exclusive one-day event held as part of the 2025 Tampa Government Contracts Weeklong Conference.

This dynamic forum is designed to provide federal contracting professionals with the latest insights and updates impacting all facets of government contracting. The day will feature keynote speakers, interactive roundtable discussions, a luncheon and valuable networking opportunities.

Key Topics Covered:

• DCAA and Audits: Learn about the latest audit trends and compliance updates.
• Small/Medium Business Outlook: Discover opportunities and challenges facing small and medium-sized contractors.
• Partnerships & Teaming Agreements: Explore effective strategies for teaming and forming partnerships in the federal space.
• Agency and Policy Trends: Stay ahead of emerging trends and policies affecting civilian and DoD contractors.
• Cybersecurity Update: Gain critical updates on cybersecurity regulations and practices essential for government contractors.

Why Attend?

• Stay Informed: Receive the most up-to-date information on federal contracting and industry trends.
• Engage with Experts: Hear from leading organizations and expert speakers specializing in tracking and analyzing the federal marketplace.
• Expand Your Network: Connect with peers, ask questions, and share experiences in an interactive setting.
• Enhance Your Knowledge: Supplement your forum experience by attending additional FPS classroom programs led by highly regarded instructors from Monday through Friday.
• Meet Industry Leaders: Engage with key industry figures who closely monitor and influence policies, regulations, and developments across civilian and defense agency contracting.

Please check back frequently for an updated agenda.


This live virtual course is eligible for both CLE and CPE credit.
Have questions on how to participate in an FPS Virtual Course? Click here for more information.

Government contracting success isn’t just about winning the bid — it starts there.

Join us on March 18 in Arlington, VA, for a complimentary interactive conversation with Nia Mahallati (Shipley) and Jeff White (JA White & Associates) as they break down what’s happening now in winning work, delivering on contract expectations, and staying compliant in an ever-changing federal marketplace. This session will combine expert insights with real-world examples and audience participation, so bring your questions and ideas!
 
A networking reception will follow, providing an opportunity to connect with peers and continue the conversation.

Space is limited - register now to secure your spot!