In government contracting, capturing incumbent work means more than just securing a contract; it requires ensuring continuity of service, retaining institutional knowledge, and strengthening the mission. Transitioning a program smoothly requires more than simply onboarding existing employees; it demands a strategic approach that prioritizes relationships, alignment with mission objectives, and long-term value.
Why Capturing Incumbent Work Matters
Taking over a contract can present challenges—resistance from incumbent employees, knowledge loss, and operational disruption. One of the biggest concerns for contracting officers and program managers is not just transitioning work but ensuring that workforce stability, engagement, and mission continuity remain intact.
Engage Early for a Smooth Transition
One of the most effective strategies in capturing incumbent work is building relationships before the contract is finalized. A proactive approach helps reduce uncertainty and ensures a smoother handover. Early engagement allows companies to:
- Establish trust with existing employees.
- Understand workforce challenges and employee retention concerns.
- Develop transition plans that ensure continuity of service.
If employees feel uncertain about their future, they are more likely to leave, creating unnecessary staffing gaps. Clear communication and transparency from the start can significantly improve retention.
Beyond Salary: Connecting Employees to the Mission
A common mistake companies make is assuming employees will stay solely for a paycheck. While compensation matters, many professionals in cybersecurity, IT, and defense are motivated by a sense of purpose. Companies that clearly communicate how employees can continue serving the mission will have an easier time retaining them.
Strategies to Make This Work:
- Articulate the bigger mission—help employees see how their role contributes to national security or defense capabilities.
- Offer mentorship programs or transition support to make integration easier.
- Communicate a clear career path beyond the contract to provide long-term stability.
Networking and Industry Engagement Matters
Successful talent acquisition starts long before positions need to be filled. Companies that rely solely on HR-driven outreach often struggle to connect with incumbent employees, who may be wary of change.
A better approach involves active industry engagement through recruitment events, social gatherings, and industry days. These events help companies:
- Meet potential candidates in comfortable settings.
- Foster personal connections to ease transitions.
- Understand employee concerns beyond job descriptions.
Offer More Than Just Salary: Benefits & Workplace Culture
While salary is a factor, many companies underestimate the role of benefits and workplace culture in employee retention. Employees undergoing a contract transition want to feel secure in their future. A strong value proposition beyond salary can make all the difference.
Competitive benefits that attract and retain incumbents include:
- Comprehensive healthcare coverage.
- Competitive 401(k) matching.
- Immediate PTO accrual and flexible work policies.
When employees feel valued and supported, they are far more likely to stay.
Best Practices for Capturing Incumbent Work
Successful contract transitions require a strategic, empathetic, and mission-driven approach. Companies that focus solely on logistics and compliance may struggle with retention, while those that prioritize employee engagement see higher success rates.
Key Takeaways:
- Engage early – Start conversations before the contract is awarded to build trust and gather insights.
- Focus on mission alignment – Help employees see their role in the bigger picture, not just the job description.
- Invest in networking – Build relationships through industry events and one-on-one conversations.
- Offer a strong value proposition – Competitive benefits and a mission-driven culture can outweigh minor salary differences.
- Communicate transparently – Employees need clarity, reassurance, and open dialogue during the transition process. ** **
Are you Preparing to Capture Incumbent Work on An Upcoming Contract?
Understanding these best practices can help ensure a seamless transition, maintain operational effectiveness, and keep critical talent engaged.
Capturing incumbent work isn’t just about maintaining workforce numbers—it’s about preserving expertise, ensuring stability, and reinforcing mission continuity. Contract transitions don’t have to be disruptive if companies take a thoughtful, people-first approach.