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How Non-Tech Vendors Can Use Technology to Win More Federal Contracts

In today’s federal market, technology isn’t just for IT firms—it’s a competitive edge for any contractor.

Whether you provide staffing, logistics, training, or facilities management, integrating the right tech partnerships can expand your offerings, boost your visibility, and make your proposals stand out.

You don’t have to become a tech company to think—and win—like one.

But where do you start?

With so many tools and platforms available, it’s not about chasing trends—it’s about choosing tech solutions that align with your core services, client needs, and long-term goals. The right strategic partnership can help you modernize your delivery, open doors to new contract vehicles, and increase your chances of winning.

Here are three practical tech integration paths non-tech vendors can explore today to strengthen their federal market position.

Incubators & Accelerators

Incubator

A startup incubator helps an organization develop and refine high-potential startup ideas. Incubators often operate locally and provide a host of resources, like physical workspace, that can be accessed as needed. The benefits of joining an incubator include assistance in running experiments to prove product-market fit, legal consultation, and guidance on product development.

 

Accelerator

Startup accelerators are short, intensive programs that provide education, resources, and mentorship if you’re an early- or mid-stage founder. Often cohort-based, accelerators are more structured than incubators and outline specific tracks to turn your startup into a scalable business. Some accelerators offer programs targeted toward different industries or venture stages.

Whereas incubators provide the environments and resources to help your ideas succeed, accelerators compress years of learning and growth into a few months. The benefits of an accelerator include education on fundraising, access to alum networks and investor connections, and sometimes, funding in return for a stake in your company

Incubator Examples

  • TechNexus
  • Capital Factory
  • Harvard Innovation Labs (i-lab)
  • Idealab

 

Accelerator Examples

  • DCode
  • AWS Build
  • Techstars
  • AngelPad
  • YCombinator
  • Microsoft Accelerator

Federal Regional Tech & Innovation Hubs

Whether through a start-up studio, innovation hub, or other means, the federal government offers various resources to bolster your organization. Collaborating with expert external entities, the government facilitates the delivery of tech solutions tailored for every kind of business.

Federal Tech Hubs

As part of President Biden’s CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, the Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs program designated the inaugural 31 Tech Hubs and 29 Tech Hubs Strategy Development Grant recipients. The statute authorized $10 billion for the program over five years.

The program brings together diverse public, private, and academic partners into collaborative consortia focused on driving inclusive regional growth. With their existing innovation assets as a foundation, these Tech Hubs build a future-ready workforce and enable businesses to start, scale, deploy, and deliver critical and emerging technologies.

“WERX” Universe

Federal “WERX” organizations are collaborative platforms established by the federal government to foster innovation and address specific industry challenges.

Each “WERX” is focused on a particular domain or sector, such as defense, energy, or healthcare. They often provide resources, funding opportunities, mentorship, and access to specialized facilities or expertise to support the development and commercialization of innovative technologies.

Digital Marketplaces

Digital marketplaces like the Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace help lower the barrier to entry for those hoping to bring their technology to the Pentagon. By leveraging a video pitch and peer review model, defense entities and customers can search through the platform and find firms they want to work with while problem-solving with industry, academic partners, and individuals.

Start-Up Studio Examples

  • Homeland Security Startup Studios
  • DOE/NNSA Emerging Tech Studio
  • NASA FedTech Startup Studio

 

“WERX” Universe Examples

  • ERDCWERX
  • DISAWERX
  • SPACEWERX
  • AFWERX
  • NavalX
  • SOFWERX
  • ARCWERX

 

Marketplace Examples

  • Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace
  • GSA Commercial Platforms Program
  • Challenge.gov
  • Defense Innovation Marketplace
  • FedMall

System Integrators

When it comes to working with technology products, there are groups available that can help your business access essential services and platforms. Use the following resources to ensure your business offers the most up-to-date tech possible.

Cloud Service Providers (CSPs)

CSPs provide access to cutting-edge cloud technologies, infrastructure, and resources. These partnerships enable contractors to offer their clients cloud-based solutions, migration, and managed services.

Managed Service Providers (MSPs)

MSPs extend their service offerings and provide clients with comprehensive IT management services and support solutions. MSPs typically offer remote monitoring, help desk support, cybersecurity, data backup, and disaster recovery.

Value-Added Resellers (VARs)

VARs resell hardware, software, and services bundled with their offerings. VAR partnerships provide access to a broader range of products and solutions, enabling contractors to meet diverse client needs and preferences.

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)

OEMs are a company whose goods are used as components in a VAR’s products. VARs work closely with an OEM, which often customizes designs based on the VAR’s needs and specifications. OEMs usually focus on business-to-business sales, while VARs sell to the public or other end users.

Original Design Manufacturer (ODM)

ODMs takes another company’s or individual’s original specifications and builds the design to the product specifications.

SI Partnership Examples

  • Amazon Web Services (AWS)
  • Microsoft Azure
  • Red Hat
  • Google Cloud
  • Office 365
  • MuleSoft
  • Salesforce
  • HubSpot

You don’t have to be a tech company to leverage technology in powerful ways. Whether you’re a small business looking to scale or a large integrator aiming to sharpen your edge, integrating smart, strategic tech into your federal offerings can unlock new opportunities, improve delivery, and drive growth.

Choosing the right partnerships, tools, and approaches aligned with your mission and capabilities can strengthen your value to federal buyers and stand out in a crowded market.

Start small, stay strategic, and remember: in today’s federal landscape, tech isn’t just a differentiator—it’s a multiplier.