Winning a government contract is a huge milestone. But the work doesn’t stop at the award notice—it actually begins there.
In this post, we’re breaking down the five essential steps that separate successful contractors from the ones who lose control after a win.
Watch the full video here: 5 Things To Do After Winning a Government Contract
1. Read Before You Celebrate
Winning feels great, but don’t rush to sign. Read the contract front to back—every clause, deliverable, and payment term.
If something looks unclear, don’t assume—ask. Schedule a review with your contracting officer or have legal counsel review it. Confirm that everything you negotiated made it into the final version. Surprises later can cost you.
2. Tighten Your Post-Award Administration
Once your award is official:
- Keep your SAM registration current—no payment happens without it.
- Register in the agency’s invoicing portal (IPP, WAWF, or others).
- Prepare updated W-9s, NDAs, insurance, and performance bonds if required.
These steps prevent invoicing delays and keep your project on schedule.
3. Prepare Financially—Before It’s Too Late
Every agency pays differently. Some are quick; others pay after milestones. Understand your payment schedule and plan your cash flow accordingly.
Pro tip:
- Expect 30–60 days of delay.
- Open a dedicated bank account for the contract.
- Track every expense and line item meticulously—especially if it’s a fixed-price agreement.
That discipline keeps you profitable and audit-ready.
4. Rally Your Team and Subcontractors
Government contracts are never solo projects. Assign your project manager immediately—they’re your daily oversight lead.
Define clear roles:
- Who’s handling compliance?
- Who’s managing invoices and reporting?
- Who’s communicating with the client?
If you’re working with subcontractors, finalize their agreements, confirm they understand federal flow-down clauses, and schedule your kickoff meeting with the agency. Set the tone early for collaboration and trust.
5. Communicate and Stay Compliant
The fastest way to lose future awards? Poor communication.
Start strong with a kickoff call and agree on how often you’ll meet—weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. Keep your contracting officer informed of progress, risks, or delays before they escalate.
And above all: document everything.
- Deliverables
- Reports
- Financial and security documentation
If an agency asks for something outside your scope, pause and request a contract modification before proceeding. Never perform unfunded work.
Strong communication + strict compliance = trust and repeat business.
Bonus: Don’t Go It Alone
You don’t have to manage the post-award chaos and keep your business development activities going alone.
At SAS-GPS, we help contractors:
- Build pipelines while executing existing awards
- Prepare for future bids while managing today’s obligations
We’ve helped clients secure over $45 billion in government contracts—and we can help you turn one win into a winning streak.
Watch the video and explore more resources at sas-gps.com.
