What happens when the government stops, but your business can’t?
In this episode of Spilling the Tea on GovCon, Teresa Moon talks with Evan J. Henris, CEO at Parabilis, about how small businesses can prepare for and survive a government shutdown. With years of experience navigating federal contracts, Evan breaks down how to protect cash flow, communicate with contracting officers, and turn uncertainty into a competitive advantage when the lights go out in D.C.
Here’s a quick rundown:
When shutdowns hit, fear spreads faster than facts, and Evan’s advice starts with staying calm and strategic.
- Hit pause, not panic. The first move is to assess. Check your funding status, contract clauses, and current task orders before you start cutting or spending. Many activities continue under “excepted” work, and knowing what qualifies is the key to avoiding overreaction.
- Preserve cash and communication. Evan stresses the importance of watching cash flow daily and having an open line with your contracting officer. Keep deliverables moving when possible, but don’t front costs you can’t absorb. If you anticipate a delay in payments, start the conversation early.
- Support your team. Be transparent about what’s happening, and prepare your workforce for possible slowdowns. Uncertainty kills morale faster than the shutdown itself; steady leadership keeps good talent in place.
- Play the long game. While competitors freeze, use downtime to shore up your pipeline, strengthen relationships, and review your positioning for post-shutdown opportunities. Agencies will rush to spend once funding returns, and being ready on day one can make the difference between recovery and record growth.
Bottom line: government shutdowns are temporary, but your reputation and readiness aren’t. A calm, informed, and proactive response not only protects your business, it can set you apart when the market restarts.
Listen to the full conversation here: https://youtu.be/eykCA4cj8bE