Government Contracting Guides
Plain-English guides to FAR, DFARS, and government contracting compliance. Every claim cites the specific regulation section so you can verify it yourself.
New to Government Contracting? 90-Day Compliance Checklist for IT Companies
Step-by-step checklist for IT companies entering federal contracting: SAM.gov, accounting systems, cybersecurity, GSA Schedule, and CMMC readiness.
Read guideFundamentalsFAR vs DFARS: What IT Services Contractors Need to Know
Side-by-side comparison of FAR and DFARS. Covers when each applies, cybersecurity differences (15 vs 110 controls), and NAICS 541512 implications.
Read guideFundamentalsSimplified Acquisition Threshold 2026: All FAR Thresholds Explained
Every FAR acquisition threshold in one table: SAT, micro-purchase, TINA, CAS, subcontracting plan, and sealed bidding with plain-English explanations.
Read guideFundamentalsThe 2026 FAR Overhaul: Complete Clause Renumbering Guide
Old-to-new clause number crosswalk for the FAR rewrite. 15+ clause mappings, timeline, and what IT contractors need to update.
Read guideCybersecurityDFARS 252.204-7012 Explained: Cybersecurity for IT Contractors
110 NIST 800-171 controls, 72-hour incident reporting, CUI handling, cloud requirements, and CMMC relationship.
Read guideCybersecurityCMMC Level 2 Requirements: Compliance Roadmap for Small IT Contractors
The 110 controls, C3PAO assessment process, cost estimates ($30K-$100K), POA&M rules, and a 12-month implementation timeline.
Read guideCybersecurityFAR 52.204-21 vs DFARS 7012: Which Cybersecurity Standard Applies?
Decision tree: FCI = 15 controls, CUI = 110 controls. Side-by-side comparison across all 14 NIST families.
Read guideCost AccountingFAR Part 31: Allowable vs Unallowable Costs Quick Reference
21-category cost allowability table with FAR citations. Covers the four tests, always-unallowable costs, and DCAA audit implications.
Read guideSubcontractingWhich FAR Clauses Flow Down to Subcontractors? Complete Guide
15+ mandatory flowdown clauses, DFARS-specific DoD flowdowns, contract type effects, and common mistakes.
Read guideSubcontractingFAR Subcontracting Plan Requirements: Thresholds and Obligations
Dollar thresholds ($750K/$1.5M), required plan elements, goals, reporting, limitations on subcontracting, and penalties.
Read guideGetting StartedSAM.gov Registration: Step-by-Step Guide for New Contractors
Complete walkthrough of SAM.gov entity registration. Every field explained: Login.gov, UEI, CAGE code, NAICS selection, reps and certs.
Read guideCybersecurityCMMC for Solopreneurs: A Realistic Compliance Guide
Practical CMMC compliance for 1-person IT shops. Weekend implementations, realistic SPRS scoring, and which controls to prioritize.
Read guideCost AccountingGovernment Contractor Accounting Basics: DCAA Guide
DCAA-adequate accounting setup: chart of accounts, job costing, timesheets, allowable vs unallowable costs, and QuickBooks configuration.
Read guideGetting StartedHow to Land Your First Government Contract
Five paths from zero to your first federal contract: micro-purchases, GSA Schedule, subcontracting, SBIR, and competitive proposals.
Read guideHave a specific compliance question?
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These guides are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal or compliance advice. Regulation citations are current as of the publication date. Always verify against the current eCFR at ecfr.gov before acting.