FY Updates: Key Contract Wins, Election Insights & Industry Trends

As we're well into the second month of the fiscal year, there's plenty of activity across the board. Here’s a quick update on recent contract awards, upcoming opportunities, and our latest insights on the election’s impact on marketing firms.

Recent Contract Awards

  • VML continued its 70+ year legacy with the Marine Corps by retaining the $1.9B Recruitment Contract.

  • ICF secured an $8.1M engagement and outreach support contract with the Department of Labor.

  • District Communications Group won a $639K social media support task order at SBA and a $750K media and presentation training contract with the Millennium Challenge Corporation.

  • IQ Solutions landed a $1.1M task order with the National Oral Health Information Center under PICS II.

PICS III Awards Expected Soon

The highly anticipated PICS III IDIQ at HHS/NIH is nearing its award. With unsuccessful offerors recently notified and financial questions sent to potential awardees, we expect announcements in the coming weeks.

Election Impact for Marketing Firms

Ahead of the election, we released our Election 2024 Report detailing potential shifts in the marketing landscape. With a Trump victory, here are some key points:

  • Potential Spending Reductions: During Biden’s administration, federal marketing communications spending increased by 42%, particularly in sectors like healthcare, social programs, and education. A second Trump term, however, could reverse this trend, with potential reductions in funding for education, housing, and energy, while departments like DoD, VA, and DHS may see budget increases as priorities shift toward defense and national security.

  • Executive Order on DE&I: Trump's final term included an Executive Order impacting DE&I efforts in federal agencies, restricting funding for related initiatives. If reinstated, this could lead to significant changes in the focus of federal contracts, potentially reducing DE&I-driven messaging and programming in favor of priorities like defense and national security.

  • Regulatory Shift and Agency Flexibility: Deregulation is likely in areas like advertising and media, offering agencies more latitude in content, targeting, and campaign spending. However, agencies will need to navigate the associated risks, especially with heightened public scrutiny in a polarized market.

Additionally, we were recently featured in Ad Age in an article surveying industry predictions on the Trump administration’s impact on marketing. You can read the full article here: Ad Age article link.

Mike KapetanovicMarketing Communications, Professional Services