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If you're a small or mid-size government contractor, even if you're just handling basic Federal Contract Information (FCI) like contract numbers, delivery schedules, or invoices, the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program is no longer "coming soon." It's here, and non-compliance could quietly knock you out of the running for DoD contracts. Phase 1 of the CMMC rollout kicked off on November 10, 2025 , and as we move through 2026 (with Phase 1 active until No

Most small businesses I talk to don't struggle with whether set-asides exist. They struggle with finding the right ones before the deadline is too close to do a good bid. I'm a service-disabled veteran and I run Allen Solutions Ltd here in Loveland, so I spend a lot of my week looking for this work for my own company and for the contractors I help. Here's the routine I actually use. What a Set-Aside Is A set-aside is a contract the government limits to a certain group of busi

If you want to bid on federal work or get paid on a federal contract, you need an active SAM.gov registration. This guide pulls together everything we have written about registering, keeping your record current, and finding opportunities on SAM.gov. 1. Registering your entity Registration is free. You will need your legal business name and physical address exactly as they appear with the IRS, your EIN/TIN, banking details for electronic payment, and your NAICS codes. SAM.gov

Service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) status opens doors to federal set-aside and sole-source contracts. SDVOSB certification is handled by the SBA through the Veteran Small Business Certification program (VetCert). This guide consolidates our earlier SDVOSB articles into one up-to-date walkthrough. Who is eligible The firm must be a small business under the size standard for its primary NAICS code, and one or more service-disabled veterans must own at least

A good workshop can save months of trial and error. This post brings together our earlier articles on online federal contracting workshops and workshop pricing. What a solid workshop should cover SAM.gov registration and maintenance, NAICS codes and size standards, finding and reading solicitations, set-aside programs (SDVOSB, 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB), pricing and proposal basics, and compliance topics such as FAR clauses and CMMC Level 1. Online vs. in-person Online workshops ar

This guide consolidates our earlier posts on bidding for federal, state and local contracts into one checklist you can use on your next pursuit. 1. Get registered and positioned Active SAM.gov registration, the right NAICS codes, any certifications you qualify for (such as SDVOSB), and a one-page capability statement. 2. Decide bid or no-bid Before you spend estimating time, check the scope against your capabilities, the schedule, bonding and insurance requirements, liquidate

If you want to bid on federal construction work — or get paid on a federal contract —SAM.gov registration is required. For general contractors in Northern Colorado and Southeastern Wyoming, this is one of the first systems you need in place before pursuing federal projects. The good news: registration is free. The challenge is getting it right and keeping it current. At Allen Solutions Ltd, we regularly help construction companies avoid the delays and mistakes that stall

If you are a general contractor in Northern Colorado or Southeastern Wyoming, this is a strong window to position your company for public infrastructure work. Water, transportation, airport, and community facility projects are moving from planning into design and construction across the Front Range and into Wyoming. At Allen Solutions Ltd, we help contractors identify which opportunities actually fit their capabilities — and prepare to bid before the market gets crowded.

One of the biggest risks on construction projects is discovering unexpected site conditions after work begins. Government contracts typically include a Differing Site Conditions clause designed to allocate this risk fairly between the contractor and the owner. For general contractors working on federal, state, or local projects in Northern Colorado and Southeastern Wyoming, understanding this clause can protect your schedule, budget, and profit. What Are Differing Site Co

State and local construction projects in Northern Colorado and Southeastern Wyoming often move faster than federal work and can be an excellent way for general contractors to build consistent government revenue. These opportunities appear regularly on BidNet and through individual city, county, school district, and state agency solicitations. At Allen Solutions Ltd, we help general contractors prepare competitive, compliant bids that stand a real chance of winning. Here’s a

For general contractors in Northern Colorado and Southeastern Wyoming, winning government work is only half the battle. Once you get the contract, you still need to meet strict bonding and insurance requirements. Failing to secure the right coverage can prevent you from executing the project or expose your company to serious risk. At Allen Solutions Ltd, we help contractors understand and prepare for these requirements so they can pursue government projects with confidence.

As a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) ourselves, Allen Solutions Ltd knows firsthand how powerful this certification can be, especially for general contractors in Northern Colorado and Southeastern Wyoming looking to grow their government contracting business. SDVOSB status isn’t just a “nice to have.” For many federal and some state-funded projects, it can be a significant competitive advantage. What is SDVOSB Certification? The Service-Disabled V

Federal construction projects often come with strong paychecks, but they also come with strict wage rules. For general contractors in Northern Colorado and Southeastern Wyoming, understanding the Davis-Bacon Act is essential if you want to bid on federally funded or assisted construction work. At Allen Solutions Ltd, we regularly help general contractors navigate Davis-Bacon compliance so they can win projects without risking penalties, back wages, or debarment. Here’s a

For general contractors in Northern Colorado and Southeastern Wyoming, federal construction projects, whether at military installations, national parks, VA facilities, or other government sites, can provide stable, high-value work. However, these projects come with their own rulebook: the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). One of the most important sections for construction companies is FAR Part 36 – Construction and Architect-Engineer Contracts. At Allen Solutions Ltd,

If you’re a general contractor in Northern Colorado or Southeastern Wyoming, BidNet (Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System) is one of your most important tools for finding construction, renovation, and infrastructure projects. State agencies, universities, cities, and counties post hundreds of opportunities here every year. However, many capable contractors miss out on profitable bids, not because they lack the skills, but because of simple, avoidable mistakes on BidNet. At Al

If you're a small business owner, especially a service-disabled veteran, stepping into the world of federal contracting can feel overwhelming. The good news is that SAM.gov is designed to be your gateway to government opportunities. However, understanding how to use it effectively is key to unlocking those doors. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the essentials of navigating SAM.gov for beginners with clear, practical advice to help you get started confidently. Understandi

General contractors in Northern Colorado (Fort Collins, Greeley, Loveland, and surrounding areas) and Southern Wyoming have access to a steady pipeline of public projects, from infrastructure and facility renovations to roadwork and maintenance. However, finding the right bids, understanding complex rules, and submitting winning proposals takes significant time and expertise that many small to mid-sized firms simply don’t have in-house. Allen Solutions Ltd, a Service-Disabled

Navigating the world of federal contracting can feel overwhelming, especially if you are a small business owner or a service-disabled veteran entrepreneur. The good news is that there are many resources designed to help you understand the process, prepare your bids, and win government contracts. One of the best ways to gain this knowledge is through federal contracting workshops. These workshops provide practical insights, step-by-step guidance, and the confidence you need to

If you are a small business owner, especially a service-disabled veteran, diving into federal contracting can feel overwhelming. The good news is that mastering SAM.gov is a crucial step toward unlocking government project opportunities. I want to share with you a clear, friendly guide to help you confidently navigate this platform and set your business up for success. SAM.gov is the official website where businesses register to do business with the federal government. It is

Starting a small business as a service-disabled veteran is a proud achievement. But to truly unlock opportunities, especially in federal contracting, securing your Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) certification is essential. This certification opens doors to government projects designed to support veterans like you. I want to guide you through the steps to secure your SDVOSB certification process with clear, practical advice. Understanding the SDVOSB Cer