Reopening After the Shutdown: How Contractors Can Seize the New Era of Federal Acquisition

After the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, the federal acquisition landscape is shifting — and this time, the change may be permanent. Former Assistant Secretary of Defense David Berteau joins the show to unpack what government contractors can expect when agencies reopen and how they can turn disruption into opportunity.

Berteau, now an independent consultant, explains why contractors shouldn’t expect business as usual when the lights come back on. He discusses the logistical and operational challenges that accompany a post-shutdown restart — from expired PIV cards and delayed solicitations to the ripple effects of a continuing resolution. But amid the uncertainty, Berteau points to a promising trend: a growing willingness inside government to listen to industry — including innovative, non-traditional partners — about how to get work done better and faster.

You'll learn how the FAR overhaul could transform how government buys for years to come, the changing role of small businesses, and why companies should prepare now to help agencies focus on results instead of inputs. Berteau also warns of deeper, long-term effects on the federal industrial base if trust in government payments continues to erode.

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