How Tom Bergeron’s Involvement in Shark Week Can Inspire Small Businesses to Capitalize on Government Contract Opportunities

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Tom Bergeron’s recent feature on FOX 5 DC’s Good Day at 10a spotlighting Shark Week is an unexpected but powerful analogy for small businesses aiming to break into federal contracting. While Tom’s role may be limited to entertainment and awareness, the enthusiasm, strategic collaboration, and timing inherent in Shark Week offer valuable lessons for SMBs looking to navigate the complex waters of government procurement.

Here’s how small businesses can draw inspiration from Tom Bergeron’s Shark Week involvement to sharpen their federal contracting approach:

1. Leverage High-Visibility Platforms Like Shark Week

Tom Bergeron’s association with Shark Week taps into a widely watched, culturally relevant event, offering maximum engagement. Similarly, small businesses should identify key “visibility platforms” within federal contracting, such as:

• GSA Schedules: Registering on a GSA Schedule can dramatically increase visibility to federal buyers searching for pre-vetted vendors.
• SAM.gov: Regular engagement on SAM.gov, the primary portal for federal contract opportunities, puts your business on the radar for agencies seeking suppliers.

By positioning your business where federal buyers naturally look, you increase opportunities for contract awards.

2. Understand Your Audience and Timing

Just as Shark Week airs strategically to capture maximum audience attention, timing and knowing your contracting audience is critical:

• Identify fiscal year timelines, budget cycles, and forecasted contract releases through resources like the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS).
• Tailor your marketing and proposal efforts to align with these windows to increase your chances of success.

3. Embrace Collaborative Storytelling and Branding

Tom Bergeron’s role embodies charisma and trustworthiness, helping bring Shark Week’s story alive. Small businesses should craft clear and compelling narratives around their capabilities:

• Develop a concise capability statement and maintain an updated SAM.gov profile showcasing your strengths.
• Communicate your unique value proposition aligned with mission-critical federal needs.

Strong branding builds confidence with Contracting Officers and primes you for selection.

4. Navigate Compliance as a Critical Stage

Behind Shark Week’s entertainment is considerable planning and compliance with broadcast standards. Similarly, government contracting demands rigorous compliance:

• Understand FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation) requirements.
• Ensure your business meets size standards, certifications (such as 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB if applicable), and cybersecurity expectations (like CMMC for DoD contracts).

Compliance builds credibility and reduces risks of disqualification.

5. Stay Agile and Ready to Pivot

Tom Bergeron’s multi-decade media career illustrates the value of adapting while maintaining core strengths. Small businesses in federal contracting face evolving regulations and priorities:

• Stay informed on procurement trends through agencies’ forecast portals.
• Use tools like beta.SAM.gov for emergent opportunities.
• Consider teaming or subcontracting to enter new sectors.

Agility lets your business respond rapidly to lucrative contracts, just as media personalities adapt to audience trends.

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Conclusion

Tom Bergeron’s Shark Week presence is more than entertainment—it exemplifies strategic visibility, audience engagement, compliance, and adaptability. Small businesses can channel these principles to navigate federal contracting landscapes effectively: get seen by the right buyers, build trust through clear communications, meet stringent compliance standards, and remain agile as procurement priorities evolve.

By doing so, your business can “swim with the sharks” confidently—turning government contract opportunities into sustainable growth and success. Take advantage of tools like SAM.gov and GSA schedules, monitor procurement trends closely, and tell your business story with clarity and impact. The federal marketplace is vast and rewarding for those prepared to dive in.

GovScout helps small businesses break into federal contracting. We simplify SAM.gov, surface winnable contracts, and give you the insights to grow in the public sector. Learn more at govscout.io.