Deltek: Contractors should be preparing for Trump administration now

Though contractors can't be certain of the next administration's policies and priorities, they should take steps now to ready for its arrival, a Deltek executive said Monday.

Deniece Peterson, director of federal market analysis at the market research firm, said at the company's FedFocus event that “federal contracting is not for the faint of heart.”

“There's a lot of uncertainty, but there's also a lot that contractors can be doing now,” she added.

First, companies should ensure their programs are well positioned by providing information that can validate and justify their work. Peterson said companies should consider a “plan B and even a plan C for programs,” meaning they should consider cost-saving strategies and map out the long-term implications of retaining or canceling a program.

Contractors should also identify what Peterson called “program evangelists,” or those who might serve as proponents for a given initiative. “Who's staying behind that could serve in that role as program champion?” she asked.

Additionally, Peterson recommended companies start to reevaluate their corporate strategy and consider areas they might want to move into. “It's an opportunity to really look at your footprint,” she said.

She said companies should keep an eye on new leadership, both in the administration and on congressional committees.

Finally, companies should position for the future, potentially by hiring experts that might be leaving government. Contractors should form relationships with the new leaders of key agencies and consider potential risk factors.