Research
      Back to home
      1. Federal Compass Help Center
      2. Research

      Best Practices for Using Historical Award Data in Federal Compass

      Discover how to use historical award data on Federal Compass for strategic insights and successful federal contracting.

      Step-by-Step Guide to Utilizing Federal Compass Features

      1. Search and Filter for Relevant Awards:
        1. Keyword Search: Use specific terms related to your products or services.
        2. NAICS/PSC Codes: Refine searches with relevant codes to align with core capabilities.
        3. Agency Filters: Focus on agencies likely to procure your offerings to understand their buying habits.
        4. Contract Vehicle: Identify procurement methods like GSA Schedules or BPAs.
        5. Awardee Filters: Investigate competitors by filtering by awardee name to examine past performance.

      2.  Analyze Award Details:

        1. Contract Value and Length: Understand the scale and typical lifecycle of contracts.
        2. Incumbent Identification: Recognize past contract holders for insights into recompetes.
        3. Set-Aside Information: Identify opportunities with competitive advantages (e.g., small business).
        4. Place of Performance: Consider logistical planning and regional opportunities.
        5. Modifications and Extensions: Note changes and extensions as indicators of satisfaction or scope changes.

      3. Identify Trends and Patterns:

        1. Spending Trends Over Time: Analyze whether spending is increasing, decreasing, or stable.
        2. Agency Preferences: Detect patterns in agency awards and contractor preferences.
        3. Competitive Landscape: Identify dominant players or market fragmentation.
        4. Recompete Opportunities: Track contract end dates for early engagement.

      4. Leverage Reporting and Analytics:

        1. Visualization Tools: Use charts and graphs for trends, market share, and analysis.
        2. Export Data: Consider external tools for detailed statistical modeling.

      Tips and Best Practices

      • Define Your Research Objectives: Clarify whether you're seeking new opportunities or analyzing competitors.
      • Combine Filters Effectively: Use a combination of keywords, codes, and filters for relevant data.
      • Look Beyond the Numbers: Explore the Statement of Work (SOW) for context.
      • Track Incumbents Proactively: Assess incumbent performance for recompete strategies.
      • Identify Teaming Partners: Find potential partners from similar contract awards.
      • Stay Up-to-Date: Regularly review data to stay informed about changes.

      Common Mistakes or Misunderstandings

      • Over-reliance on Broad Searches: Use specific terms and filters to avoid irrelevant data.
      • Ignoring the "Why" Behind the Award: Investigate the context and conditions of awards.
      • Failing to Account for Data Limitations: Supplement Federal Compass data with other intelligence.

      Need Additional Help?

      If you have any questions, please reach out to the CSM team for further assistance, support@federalcompass.com.