Small businesses thirst for success

Is the glass half full or half empty? For small IT businesses working the government market, the answer isn't always clear. Many see dwindling opportunities as agencies send higher percentages of prime contracts to the large integrators. At the same time, the recent push by commercial vendors to get into the government market has created a crowded playing field. But other small businesses see the government glass as a dynamic market that is continually refreshed with new opportunities. These are the companies that have distinguished themselves as members of s Fast 50 small businesses and Top 25 8(a) companies. Senior Editor Nick Wakeman oversaw our annual ranking of these companies, which provides a who's who list of the up and comers in the government arena.Staff Writer Gail Emery spoke with executives from many of these companies to get their views on the opportunities and challenges they see ahead. While none of them denied the difficulties of competing in the government market, they nevertheless expressed optimism that competent small businesses can succeed. And if you want to know what it takes to be "competent," read our special small-business report in this issue.