On today’s Daily Windup, I’m breaking down one of the biggest misconceptions in government contracting—what it really means to be considered a “small business.” You might think $20 million in annual revenue makes you a big player, but under federal rules, you’re still classified as small. In fact, construction companies don’t lose that “small business” label until they pass $36.5 million a year in revenue. I also walk through how IDIQ numbers are built, why every contract over $3,500 must be posted, and how you can use FedBizOpps for smarter market research.

I also share insights from agencies like the VA, where projects start at $100 million and up, showing just how different “small” looks in the federal space. More importantly, I cover the practical strategies small businesses can use to compete—mentor-protégé programs, teaming agreements, and partnering with larger firms to help them hit subcontracting goals. If you’re trying to figure out how your $20 million business fits into a $100 million marketplace, this episode is for you.