If you’ve ever been through a federal government shutdown, you know how disruptive it can be to contract performance, payments, and day-to-day operations. Whether it’s delayed invoices, stop-work orders, or uncertainty about access to federal sites, the impacts can quickly pile up—especially for small businesses and subcontractors.

I have faced several Federal Government Shutdowns during my career. There are some steps you can take to mitigate the impact on your business. To help you survive the chaos of the Shutdown, I’ve put together a free downloadable checklist:
“Government Contractor Shutdown Checklist: Before, During, and After.”

This resource is designed to give you practical, step-by-step best practices to minimize disruptions and protect your business during a funding lapse.

What’s Inside the Checklist

• Before a Shutdown: How to review contracts, identify risks, and secure funding.
• During a Shutdown: What to do about stop-work orders, furloughed contracting officers, and cash-flow planning.
• After a Shutdown: Tips for resuming work, submitting claims, and documenting lessons learned.

Why You Need This

Government shutdowns are stressful—but they don’t have to catch you off guard. With a plan in place, you can:

• Protect your cash flow.
• Avoid costly mistakes.
• Document impacts for reimbursement later.
• Keep your team informed and prepared.
• Show your customer that you are the prepared and dedicated to the mission (This is for those DoD contracts).

Download the free checklist now

Pro tip: Even if a shutdown never happens during your contract, agencies love to see contractors who are proactive and organized. Having a shutdown plan shows professionalism and foresight—qualities that build trust with Contracting Officers.