Best & Worst Gov Contracting Tools in 2025

After managing over $82 billion in federal contracts during my time as a government acquisitions officer, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful the right tools can be in this space. Now, through GovClose, I help businesses navigate the government contracting world more efficiently—and tech plays a big role in that. In this post, I want to walk you through the tools I personally use (and recommend), from AI to old-school platforms, and show you how to leverage each to increase your chances of success.

Let’s Start with Teaming Pro: A Tool for Strategic Partnerships

One of the biggest challenges small businesses face in government contracting is breaking in without past performance. That’s where teaming comes in—and Teaming Pro is designed to help with just that. I did a live walkthrough of it recently, and while my demo was exploratory, the concept is solid. It helps you identify other businesses you can partner with based on past performance, industry, and agency alignment.

Teaming is a must if you’re not on major contract vehicles or lack certain credentials. This tool makes that process more efficient.

Discover Hidden Opportunities with GVY

A lot of subcontracting work never makes it to SAM.gov. That’s where GVY comes in. It helps businesses already on government contract vehicles—like GSA Schedule or NASA SEWP—find exclusive opportunities. If you’re a subcontractor looking to partner with primes on these vehicles, GVY gives you a real edge.

This platform opens doors that most small businesses don’t even realize exist.

Whisper Flow: My Secret Productivity Weapon

Whisper Flow has been a game-changer for me. It’s a speech-to-text tool that lets me dictate directly into any platform—email, Word, web forms, you name it. It even does basic grammar correction. I use it for everything from writing proposals to crafting emails and content. If you hate typing or want to move faster, this is worth trying.

ChatGPT: Great for Drafting—With Some Caution

I also use ChatGPT to brainstorm proposal language, analyze spending data, or refine messaging. It’s fast and smart—but don’t blindly trust it. Always validate what it gives you. And never submit sensitive solicitations or proprietary info to an AI tool. Think of it as a helpful assistant, not a substitute for your judgment or compliance checks.

I tell all my clients: AI can help, but it can also hurt you if you misuse it.

Structure Proposals with Reviewers in Mind

Here’s something a lot of people miss—government proposals are rarely reviewed by one person. Often, sections are split across multiple reviewers. That means every section has to stand on its own. I use AI to tighten up my language, but the structure and clarity come first. Make sure you’re not hiding key value props in one section that other reviewers may never see.

CRM and Pipeline Discipline with GovClose

Tracking your pipeline is not optional—it’s essential. Inside GovClose, we use a purpose-built CRM that tracks value, close rates, submission steps, and follow-ups. You’d be surprised how many deals are lost because someone forgot to confirm receipt with the contracting officer.

In government sales, discipline wins.

Canva: Your Unexpected Government Contracting Ally

I know—it sounds odd, but Canva has become one of my favorite tools. From capability statements and proposals to social media graphics and LinkedIn banners, it helps you look polished and professional. No designer? No problem. Good branding matters, especially when you’re trying to earn trust with contracting officers.

Descript: The Video Tool I Recommend for Pitches

Video proposals are popping up more and more. I use Descript to create quick pitch videos—it transcribes my voice, removes filler words, and adds captions. It’s like having a mini production studio without the big costs. If you need to pitch yourself or your offer via video, this tool saves time and produces quality results.

Don’t Ignore the Classics: SAM.gov and USAspending.gov

No flashy AI here—just reliable, foundational data. SAM.gov is where you register your business and find solicitations. USAspending.gov is where you dig into spending trends and award history. They’re clunky, but free, and still critical for research and market intelligence.

I use them constantly when scoping opportunities or helping clients do market assessments.

For Serious Contractors: GovWin IQ and GovTribe

If you’re looking to really scale, tools like GovWin IQ and GovTribe are worth the investment. They give you competitive analysis, agency trends, upcoming opportunities, and deep insight into what’s happening inside the procurement ecosystem.

I wouldn’t recommend them to beginners, but if you’re starting to win contracts and want to get sharper, these tools offer a competitive edge.

Bonus: HireGov—One to Watch

A few of my students have started using HireGov, and it’s quickly gaining traction. It’s geared toward job seekers and contract consultants looking for federal opportunities. Still early days, but definitely one to keep your eye on.

Final Thoughts: Technology + Strategy = Results

Tools are only part of the equation. The real win comes from how you use them. You still need a strategy, a solid offer, good past performance, and strong follow-up. But when used correctly, the right tools can save you time, help you position better, and ultimately close more business.

If you’re serious about mastering this space, our GovClose training and community can guide you through every step—from setting up your business to landing your first (or next) government contract.

Let the tools support your process, not replace it. Combine them with smart execution, and you’ll be well on your way to winning.

Follow me on LinkedIn and hit the notification bell for more GovCon insights!