Sep 6 (edited) • 📢 Announcements
🌞 Sunday Morning Thought: Every Opportunity Is Different & Replay
Good morning, everyone!
I was thinking about yesterday's government contracting call and one point I really want our community to understand.
We briefly discussed the FAR — Federal Acquisition Regulation.
Yes, if you're pursuing federal contracts, you should understand what the FAR is. You should learn the rules, understand the clauses that apply to your opportunity, and continue educating yourself.
But here's something equally important:
Understanding the FAR does NOT replace understanding the solicitation in front of you.
Every opportunity can be different.
One solicitation may require a simple quote.
Another may require a technical proposal.
One may require past performance.
Another may not.
One may allow subcontractors.
Another may have specific limitations on subcontracting.
One may require a manufacturer authorization letter.
Another may require product literature, certifications, key personnel, a site visit, bonding, insurance, or very specific delivery requirements.
And sometimes an amendment changes something you thought you already understood.
That's why I tell our community:
Don't just learn government contracting. Learn the opportunity you're bidding.
When an opportunity comes across my desk, I want to know:
What exactly are they buying?
What are the specifications?
Can my company perform it?
What documents do they require?
How do they want the bid submitted?
When is it due—and at what exact time?
Are there amendments?
Are there special clauses or requirements I need to understand?
Do I need a supplier, subcontractor, or teaming partner?
Can I price it competitively and still make money?
Those answers can change every single time you bid.
The FAR provides the framework.
The solicitation gives you the instructions for that particular opportunity.
So yes—learn the FAR.
Read it.
Research the clauses you don't understand.
Ask questions.
Use the resources available to you.
But don't get so caught up trying to memorize every regulation that you become afraid to bid.
And don't assume because you've successfully submitted one government bid that the next one will require the same thing.
Read every opportunity for itself.
Read the solicitation.
Read the Scope of Work.
Read the attachments.
Read the amendments.
Understand what they're asking YOU to submit.
Then determine whether your company can successfully perform it.
Government contracting requires education—but it also requires ACTION.
You don't have to know everything.
You do need to understand what you're agreeing to before you submit your bid.
My grandmother used to say:
“Don't forget the bridge that carried you across. You may have to cross that same bridge again.”
Education, relationships, mentors, resources, and communities can all become bridges.
But the opportunity sitting in front of you today still requires you to walk across it.
Keep learning. Keep asking questions. Keep building relationships.
And most importantly—
Keep showing up. 🙏🏾
Have a blessed and productive Sunday!
-Tara and the CFS Team
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🌞 Sunday Morning Thought: Every Opportunity Is Different & Replay
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