The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton Federal agency business forecasts have gone dark, and companies are struggling to plan without them
Nov 25, 2025
Stephanie Kostro, President of the Professional Services Council, discusses the critical role accurate federal forecasts play for companies in bidding and staffing. She reveals the troubling trend of agencies allowing these forecasts to lapse, linked to efficiency initiatives and staffing cuts. Kostro explains the impact on small business offices and previews the PSC’s Vision Federal Market Forecast, emphasizing its importance for contractors and government officials seeking valuable market insights.
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Forecasts Went Dark In 2025
- Many agency procurement forecasts went dark in 2025, leaving companies unable to plan bidding and staffing effectively.
- Stephanie Kostro warns the absence of forecasts undermines reliable business strategy for 2026 and beyond.
Companies Faced Major De-Scoping
- Companies experienced massive de-scoping and contract terminations across agencies in 2025.
- Kostro notes agencies like USAID, Education, and HHS saw significant reductions in planned objectives.
Policy Mandate Met With Silence
- The Office of Federal Procurement Policy encouraged agencies to publish web-based forecasts to attract and inform vendors.
- Kostro says many sites went dark during efficiency initiatives and have not been restored, reducing market transparency.