Federal agencies may have more to spend on government acquisition than ever before once Congress does pass FY’2024 spending bills.  Bloomberg Government estimated last week that total FY’24 procurement could exceed $762 billion and perhaps be higher than $800 billion.  Not all of that total would go toward war fighter support, either.  Total IT spending would be about $80.5 billion, with security and protection coming in at $11.3 billion.  Professional Service spending may hit $113 billion, while R&D would claim another $74 billion.  Even smaller spending areas, such as office management (projected to be $2.4 billion) would also grow.  Bloomberg Government estimates that federal spending in all of those markets could grow by more than 5.5% from fiscal 2023 to fiscal 2024.  This is good news for contractors seeking expanded business opportunities.  Although the current Bloomberg report didn’t include information on how agencies would acquire all of their needs, it is a good bet that various multiple award IDIQ contracts, including GSA Schedule contracts, GWAC’s, and similar vehicles will see significant use, especially with the new GSA OASIS+ contract forecast to stand up before the end of the year.  In addition, companies should expect to see the trend toward awarding more business to small, disadvantaged businesses continue.  All of these acquisitions will have to take place in a very compressed time period unless Congress can reach an agreement on FY’24 spending levels prior to Christmas recess.  While there has been substantial action in both the House and Senate on that front, it still appears likely that contractors should expect a new CR into calendar year 2024.  Regardless, companies can start discussions with customers expected to receive funding now and have all preliminary work completed so that actual acquisitions can be made once money is officially available.