For years, government contractors have understood that uncertainty comes with the territory.

Budgets change. Awards get delayed. Procurements get protested. Continuing resolutions disrupt timelines. Priorities shift.

But the environment contractors are navigating today feels different—not because federal contracting has disappeared, but because several forms of disruption are happening at once.

Federal agencies have experienced significant workforce reductions. Contracts have been reviewed, modified and terminated. Funding uncertainty continues to affect procurement timelines. Agencies are operating with fewer people in some areas while still being responsible for carrying out complex missions.

And government contractors are being asked to make workforce decisions inside that uncertainty.