It's going to be an interesting few weeks here at GovWin. We're digging heavily into the new resources we can offer you, thanks to Deltek's acquisition of FedSources and the Washington Management Group.

As many of you know, it's the third in a string of acquisitions Deltek has made as it works to build the most powerful support service government contractors have ever had access to. Just five months ago, Deltek acquired FedSources' chief rival in the market research field, INPUT. And the first in that series? GovWin itself.

The combination is a powerful one. It brings together the contracting industry's only teaming platform and purpose-built networking tool with the two most advanced market research firms. Combined with Deltek's leading-edge project and program management capabilities, it gives us unmatched expertise in the government contracting market, from before an RFP is issued to after a contract is closed.

INPUT and FedSources were founded on similar ideas, but each will bring something unique to the team. FedScoop notes that "INPUT has the reputation of focusing broadly on the general government marketplace with its in-depth research while FedSources has the reputation for digging very deeply into certain areas such as DoD and the intelligence community."

The article also points out that the team "combines two of the best well-known industry analysts in Kevin Plexico and Ray Bjorklund."

They both see possibilities in teaming up. Plexico told Federal News Radio, "I think we both bring some unique sets of capabilities. INPUT has network of users and is strong in the state and local markets. FedSources has the consulting and analytics side that will bring power to both when combined."

Bjorklund, meanwhile, told Washington Technology, "It is going to be better when you consider we will be part of a much bigger enterprise and one that invests in research and new product development."

The two will also learn one of the major benefits of teaming – they no longer have to spend time and energy competing with one another.

Teaming, Cooperation, and "Co-ompetion"

Which brings me to my point – when was the last time you sat down with your major rivals to consider how you could cooperate, and both come out winners in the process? Yes, it's an unusual business strategy – but increasingly, it's one we all need to consider in the government contracting arena.

Our experts tell us the government has entered a long-term phase in which it will issue fewer, larger contracts. This new focus on so-called Multiple-Award, Task-Order Contracts (MATOCs) will allow a smaller, less-experienced government acquisitions workforce to manage the huge amount of buying the federal government does, and at the same time, may save taxpayers money by forcing competition for each individual task order.

But it puts new pressure on our industry. Your company is, quite simply, less likely to win a contract alone than it used to be – and less likely to be able to fulfill one alone.

Teaming is the future of government contracting. It doesn't have to mean mergers and acquisitions – it can be simple subcontracting and Contract Teaming Arrangements. But it's vital. If you don't start to focus on combining resources with potential partners now, you'll be left off of the teams, and out in the cold, when those rivals do it.

Get in touch with our Match Team today to find out about opportunities to form teams to win government business together. Or, if you're in the D.C. area, join us this week at our next teaming seminar in Tysons Corner on Thursday.

We have more powerful information than ever before with which to advise you, thanks to our own teaming efforts.

Jeff White is Deltek's VP, GovWin, the network that helps government contractors win new business every day. He can be reached at jeffwhite@govwin.com, or follow him on Twitter @Jeff_White1347.