NEWS
What federal agencies are buying this spring and how small businesses can prepare
March 11, 2026
Spring is often an active period in federal contracting. During the middle of the federal fiscal year, agencies may post pre-solicitations, solicitations, and other procurement notices as they work toward program and budget goals.
For small businesses interested in government contracting, this is a good time to review your business’s SAM.gov registrations and Small Business Search (SBS, formerly DSBS) profiles, monitor upcoming opportunities, and confirm key materials such as capability statements are current.
Several sectors continue to see strong federal demand this year.
1. Technology and cybersecurity modernization
Federal agencies continue investing in technology modernization, cybersecurity, and cloud-based systems. Federal IT budget materials from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget highlight ongoing government-wide emphasis on strengthening digital infrastructure and protecting federal systems.
Small businesses providing services such as the following may find opportunities across civilian and defense agencies:
- Managed IT services
- Cloud migration and support
- Cybersecurity assessments
- Software development
- Network modernization
Businesses interested in this work should confirm their SAM.gov registration is active, review the NAICS codes associated with their services, and become familiar with cybersecurity frameworks such as NIST SP 800-171, which many federal contractors must follow.
2. Government Request for Innovation from Small Business
Innovation with the federal government generally refers to how new technologies, products, processes, or business models are developed and introduced to support government missions such as national defense, infrastructure, healthcare, energy, cybersecurity, and space exploration. For small businesses—especially those working with programs like your APEX Accelerator—innovation is often encouraged through specialized programs and contracting pathways.
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) & Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)
These are the largest federal innovation programs for small businesses.
What they are:
- Competitive programs that provide non-dilutive funding (no equity required) for research and development.
- Agencies with large R&D budgets must set aside funds for small businesses.
Key agencies involved:
- U.S. Department of Defense
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- National Institutes of Health
- National Science Foundation
- U.S. Department of Energy
Typical phases
- Phase I: Feasibility study (~$50K–$275K)
- Phase II: Prototype development (~$750K–$2M+)
- Phase III: Commercialization with government or private sector
This pathway is very important for defense innovation and emerging technology companies.
Positioning your business
Across industries, businesses that prepare early are often better positioned when solicitations are released. A few practical steps can help companies get ready:
- Review your SAM.gov registration to ensure business information and NAICS codes are current
- Update your capability statement so it clearly describes your services and past performance
- Monitor contract opportunities and procurement forecasts on SAM.gov and agency websites
- Respond to RFIs or Sources Sought notices when appropriate
Taking these steps can help businesses better understand the federal marketplace and prepare for opportunities as they arise throughout the year.
Learn more through the APEX Accelerator at UCEDC
UCEDC’s APEX Accelerator offers workshops and counseling to help businesses understand federal registrations, develop capability statements, and respond to government solicitations. Eligible businesses can also receive confidential, one-on-one counseling from APEX advisors at no cost.
Businesses interested in government contracting can explore upcoming training opportunities or connect with an APEX counselor to discuss their specific goals.
Disclaimer
This APEX Accelerator program is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the Department of Defense and partially funded by the County of Union, New Jersey. The information provided is for educational purposes only and does not guarantee contracting opportunities or awards.
Sources
- U.S. Office of Management and Budget – Federal IT Budget
https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/ - SAM.gov Contract Opportunities
https://sam.gov - USAspending.gov – Federal spending data
https://www.usaspending.gov - SBA Small Business Search https://web.sba.gov/pro-net/search/dsp_dsbs.cfm