What Small Businesses Can Learn from Texas State Football Incident: Ensuring Safety in Government Contracting Events

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The recent Texas State football game incident—where a parachutist got caught in the field goal netting and fell into the crowd—was a startling reminder of how unexpected risks can arise during public events. Fortunately, no severe injuries occurred, but the situation raises important lessons for small businesses engaged in federal contracting, especially those involved in government-sponsored events and public-facing contracts.

Here’s how your small business can apply these lessons to safeguard safety and compliance when working with government agencies:

1. Prioritize Risk Assessment and Safety Planning

Federal contracts involving events—whether sports, exhibitions, or training—carry inherent risks. The parachuting mishap underscores the critical need for comprehensive safety risk assessments well before execution. Small businesses should:

• Conduct thorough on-site risk evaluations.
• Collaborate with government agency safety officers or designated officials.
• Develop detailed safety plans tailored to the event’s logistics.
• Ensure contingency plans exist for emergencies.

Understanding and documenting such efforts not only minimize hazards but also demonstrate compliance with government safety standards—a major factor in winning and maintaining contracts.

2. Understand and Follow Government Safety Regulations

Government contracts, especially those under agencies like the Department of Defense or Homeland Security, require adherence to strict occupational and event safety protocols. This means:

• Familiarizing your team with relevant OSHA regulations and federal event safety mandates.
• Aligning subcontractor and vendor practices with these requirements.
• Maintaining records and documentation for audits or contract reviews.

Such compliance is often verified during contract performance evaluations, influencing future award opportunities.

3. Leverage GSA Schedules to Source Certified Vendors

If your event requires specialized services like parachuting demonstrations, aerial flyovers, or technical installations, use GSA Schedules to contract with vendors pre-vetted for compliance and safety standards. This reduces your risk exposure and assures government customers you meet procurement best practices.

4. Register and Update Your SAM.gov Profile Regularly

Your company’s System for Award Management (SAM) registration should reflect your capability in safety management and risk mitigation, especially if you handle events or hazardous activities. Include relevant NAICS codes and keywords such as “event safety,” “risk management,” or “contract compliance.” Keeping your profile comprehensive and up to date increases your visibility in searches for contracting officers seeking qualified contractors.

5. Stay Ahead of Procurement Trends by Highlighting Safety Expertise

Government procurement increasingly emphasizes risk prevention and resilience. Small businesses that can demonstrate expertise in event safety and risk management position themselves favorably. Consider:

• Training certifications for your team.
• Developing safety compliance documentation and procedures.
• Marketing your safety track record in capability statements and proposals.

Highlighting proactive safety management shows you are a reliable partner.

6. Plan for Crisis Response and Public Relations

Incidents at public events can immediately affect public perception—even in a government contracting context. Develop crisis communication plans and train your staff on responding swiftly to any event mishap. Being able to navigate such situations professionally protects your company’s reputation and maintains government confidence.

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In Conclusion

The Texas State football incident serves as a powerful cautionary tale. For small businesses entering federal contracts involving events or public interaction, safety is not just a regulatory checkbox—it is fundamental to successful contract performance and future opportunities.

Invest in safety planning, understand regulatory requirements, utilize GSA schedules, maintain an accurate SAM.gov profile, and proactively demonstrate your commitment to risk management. These strategic actions will set your business apart in the competitive federal marketplace and help you build long-term government partnerships.

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For more guidance on navigating government contracting as a small business, including SAM registration tips and GSA Schedule insights, visit SBA.gov or your local Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC).

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.