Winning a government contract is only half the battle — delivering what you promised, on time and by the rules, is where long-term success lies.

Whether you're a prime contractor or a subcontractor, the way you execute a contract will determine whether you get more contracts in the future — or get flagged for non-compliance.

In this article, we’ll cover:

• Your responsibilities after winning a contract
• Key compliance areas to watch
• Tips to ensure you meet deadlines and expectations
• Why performance matters just as much as price

What Does It Mean to Be Compliant?

Compliance means following all the rules and requirements set by the agency and federal contracting law.

That includes:

• Delivering the correct goods or services
• Following timelines and scope
• Reporting progress, issues, and invoices properly
• Meeting labor, safety, and data protection laws
• Keeping detailed records for auditing purposes

📌 If you don’t comply, you risk:

• Termination of the contract
• Loss of future awards
• Legal penalties or suspension from bidding

Top 5 Areas Where Contractors Get in Trouble

1. ❌ Late Deliveries

   Missed deadlines are one of the biggest red flags. Always communicate delays early.

2. ❌ Overbilling or Inaccurate Invoicing

   Only bill for what’s been approved — and keep your math clean.

3. ❌ Non-Responsive Communication

   Contracting officers expect updates, not silence. Respond quickly.

4. ❌ Unauthorized Substitutions or Changes

   Don’t change the product or service without written approval.

5. ❌ Poor Documentation

   Keep clear records of your work, communications, and billing.

Tips to Deliver Value and Earn Repeat Contracts

✅ Read the entire award and contract document

• Know your obligations inside and out

✅ Assign a project manager (even for small contracts)

• One point of contact reduces confusion and delays

✅ Check in regularly with the contracting officer

• Build trust through proactive communication

✅ Deliver a little more than expected

• Agencies remember vendors who go above and beyond

✅ Ask for a CPARS review

• The government’s Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) documents your performance. A good review helps with future bids.

What If Something Goes Wrong?

Problems happen — the key is transparency.
If you hit a roadblock:

1. Notify the agency early
2. Offer a solution or workaround
3. Keep communication open and professional

Many contracts are saved by good vendor relationships — not perfection.

How GovTenders Helps After You Win

Most bid platforms disappear after you win the contract. GovTenders stays with you.

• 📁 Track due dates, deliverables, and agency contacts
• 🧾 Manage your submissions and invoices
• 🔁 Stay updated on renewal or recompete opportunities
• 🧠 Learn from agency behavior to improve future bids

GovTenders isn’t just about winning — it’s about helping you build a government contracting business that lasts.