Shutdowns Are More Than Headlines: A Perspective From A Former Federal Employee
When the Government Shuts Down, the Ripple Effects Are Personal — and Far-Reaching
I still remember the unease of those days when a government shutdown loomed. As a federal employee with nearly 25 years of service, the word “shutdown” wasn’t just an abstract political headline — it was the knot in your stomach when wondering if your paycheck would come. It was watching colleagues try to plan their lives around uncertainty. And it was the frustration of knowing that critical work, whether in acquisition, healthcare, or national security, might be paused indefinitely.
For those of us who worked inside government, the impact was deeply personal. For those outside government — contractors, small businesses, and communities who depend on federal stability — the ripple effects were just as real.
The Acquisition Ripple Effect
As someone who has spent a career in acquisition, I’ve seen firsthand how shutdowns don’t just “pause” government operations — they send shockwaves through the entire acquisition ecosystem.
Frozen Contracts & Modifications: When new awards and modifications stall, small businesses in particular feel the pressure. Cash flow dries up. Hiring plans stall. And long-term growth strategies are put on hold while waiting for the government’s lights to turn back on.
Delayed Training & Oversight: From contracting officer representatives (CORs) to air traffic controllers, training pipelines freeze. Those delays don’t vanish when the government reopens — they compound, creating skill gaps and performance risks.
Inefficient Recovery: Once operations resume, there’s a scramble to catch up on backlogged solicitations, evaluations, and closeouts. That rush often leads to inefficiencies, missed opportunities, and, in some cases, higher costs to taxpayers.
Shutdowns don’t just delay work; they disrupt the very trust and predictability the acquisition system depends on.
Building Resilience Amid Uncertainty
At Contracting Intelligence Group (CIG), we recently shared some steps contractors can take to prepare for and manage through a shutdown (see our guidance here). But beyond strategies, what I want to offer is perspective.
Shutdowns are disruptive, but they are not permanent. Government reopens. Contracts flow again. Opportunities return. What carries us through is resilience — the same resilience I witnessed countless times from my former federal colleagues, and now from the businesses we advise and support.
So, to those furloughed or working without pay: your dedication doesn’t go unnoticed. To the small businesses holding their breath: your persistence matters. And to my fellow acquisition professionals: your work remains the backbone of government service, even in moments of pause.
The shutdown will end — as it always does. But the lessons in adaptability, patience, and resilience are what carry us forward.
