Myth Busters

Reality: Many government agencies continue to hire, although at a slower pace, prioritizing critical roles.

Source: OPM - Hiring Stats

Reality: Most rule changes go through a formal notice and comment process, impacting implementation timelines.

Source: Federal Register for Rule Changes

Reality: While contractors face some uncertainties, the government has implemented measures to ensure continued collaboration.

Source: GAO Report on Contracting

Reality:  This myth is unfounded and does not reflect the broad and diverse policies surrounding federal procurement. The Trump administration, like any other administration, adhered to established procurement rules and regulations that provided multiple avenues for federal contracting. While there may have been efforts to streamline and increase efficiencies in government procurement, such measures did not mandate that all contracting be funneled exclusively through the GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS).

A good resource for going to work for or back to work for the Federal Government is OPM USAJOBS:  Federal hiring myths

CONTRACTING: Government Executive

In late May, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth issued a series of directives aimed at driving greater discipline and efficiency and eliminating redundancies and waste in Defense contracts. At a high level, the directives require a secretariat-level approval and/or a DOGE review prior to the award of any IT or professional services contracts with a value of over $10 million and all advisory and assistance services contracts valued at over $1 million. Additionally, the directives require that, prior to awarding an advisory and assistance services contract, components scour all alternative internal governmental sources, including GSA contracts, and wherever possible, “insource” work that would otherwise be contracted for.

Federal Contracting Myths from Federal Contracting Registry:  6 Myths About Government Contractor Jobs – Debunked