Throughout the last decade, the Federal government endeavored to more closely align its contracting practices with the commercial world by streamlining its procurement processes. Then, in response to the tragedies of the September 11 attacks, our Country began placing greater emphasis on public and homeland security. As a result, government contractors are finding new opportunities in the Federal marketplace. To maximize these opportunities, government contractors will need to have a solid understanding of the ways that the Federal government is doing business.