Is SAM.gov Finished?
Big news just dropped in the federal contracting world. A new Executive Order (EO) is making waves, and it could change how small businesses like yours compete for contracts.
What’s Happening?
The EO focuses on centralizing federal procurement through GSA, meaning that more contracts could move away from individual agencies buying on their own and instead be funneled through GSA schedules. This shift is intended to streamline procurement and increase oversight, but it’s raising a lot of questions, especially for small businesses.
What Does This Mean for SAM.gov?
Here’s where it gets interesting:
Since GSA operates SAM.gov, it’s possible that even more contract opportunities could end up there. While some believe that centralization could push contracts toward GSA schedules, others argue that SAM.gov could become an even bigger hub for open-market opportunities.
We’re standing at a crossroads where either outcome is possible, and this is where government contractors need to stay sharp.
Agencies Won’t Give Up Autonomy Easily
Federal agencies enjoy the autonomy to purchase what they need, how they need it. With GSA taking over more of that control, expect pushback and a lot of back-and-forth before any of this fully takes effect. This is not something that’s going to happen overnight...procurement changes at this scale take time.
What Should You Do Now?
Stay Focused on Busy Season: Don’t lose sight of the opportunities coming up in Q3 and Q4. This is when agencies spend the bulk of their budgets. Stay focused on bidding and winning contracts in the immediate future.
Be Ready to Adapt Later: As changes play out over the next year, stay flexible and be prepared to pivot your strategy, whether that means getting on a GSA schedule or doubling down on open-market contracts.
My Take:
I don’t see this as the end of SAM.gov, but it does mean the landscape is shifting. Whether more contracts go to GSA schedules or SAM.gov expands, one thing is certain: opportunity will still be there for businesses that stay ready.
Keep an eye on these changes, but don’t let uncertainty distract you from the contracts that are available now. Stay aggressive through busy season, and then we’ll reassess when the dust settles.
-Derek James
P.S. You can read the Whitehouse Fact Sheet here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/03/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-eliminates-waste-and-saves-taxpayer-dollars-by-consolidating-procurement/