A guide from Arrative Consulting

Each year, the Unanet Champions Conference 2026 brings together leaders, innovators, and professionals from across the government contracting and project-based business community. It’s more than just a conference—it’s an opportunity to connect with peers, learn from experts, and discover new ways to maximize the value of Unanet within your organization.

If you’re planning to attend Champions this year, a little preparation can go a long way in helping you get the most out of the experience. Here are a few tips from the team at Arrative Consulting to help you make the most of your time at the conference.

1. Plan Your Sessions Ahead of Time

Champions offers a wide range of breakout sessions, workshops, and product discussions. With so many options available, reviewing the agenda ahead of time can help ensure you attend the sessions that align best with your role and your organization’s goals.

Consider prioritizing sessions that focus on:

• Improving financial and operational visibility
• Enhancing project management workflows
• Leveraging reporting and analytics tools
• Learning about new product features and updates

By mapping out your schedule early, you can make sure you’re spending your time where it will have the greatest impact.

2. Bring Your Biggest Challenges

One of the greatest advantages of attending Champions is the access you’ll have to experts—from product specialists to implementation partners.

Before you arrive, think about the challenges your organization is facing. Are you trying to:

• Improve reporting or dashboards?
• Streamline processes across departments?
• Scale operations as your company grows?
• Better utilize your existing system features?

Bringing specific questions or challenges to the conference can lead to valuable conversations and solutions you might not discover otherwise.

3. Network with Other Unanet Users

Some of the most valuable insights at Champions don’t come from formal presentations—they come from conversations with other attendees.

Connecting with fellow users can give you practical insights into how other organizations are using Unanet, solving common challenges, and improving their processes. These real-world perspectives can spark ideas you can take back to your team.

Take advantage of networking events, informal meetups, and discussions between sessions to expand your professional network.

4. Visit the Partner Expo

The expo floor is another great opportunity to discover tools, integrations, and consulting expertise that can help your organization get even more value from Unanet.

Partners play an important role in helping organizations optimize their systems, improve reporting capabilities, and align their operational processes with business goals.

Exploring the partner booths can introduce you to solutions you may not have considered before—and give you access to specialists who work with Unanet every day.

5. Take Action When You Get Back

The Champions Conference is full of ideas and inspiration—but the real value comes from what you do after the event.

When you return to the office, take time to:

• Share key takeaways with your team
• Identify improvements you want to implement
• Follow up with new connections
• Prioritize changes that will drive the most impact

Turning what you learn at Champions into actionable improvements can help your organization continue to grow and operate more efficiently.

Meet Arrative Consulting at Champions

If you’re attending the Unanet Champions Conference 2026, be sure to stop by the Arrative Consulting booth to meet our team.

At Arrative Consulting, we help organizations build stronger operational foundations by improving processes, reporting, and back-office systems. Our team works closely with companies using Unanet to help them streamline operations, gain better visibility into their data, and support sustainable growth.

Whether you have specific questions about your system, want to explore ways to improve reporting, or simply want to connect with other members of the Unanet community, we’d love to meet you.

Stop by the Arrative booth and say hello—we look forward to seeing you at Champions!

Government contractors operate under constant pressure—from tight margins to strict compliance and audit readiness. The February 2026 Unanet GovCon ERP 26.1 release is designed to address these challenges with enhancements focused on billing accuracy, compliance visibility, automation, and integration.

Below are the key highlights and why they matter.

Stronger Analytics for Billing & Compliance

A major addition in 26.1 is the Aging of Un-Billed Records report, which replaces manual Excel tracking with a standardized, in-system view of unbilled revenue.

The report breaks aging into clear buckets (<30, 31–60, 61–90, 91–180, 181+ days), giving finance teams faster insight into billing delays and revenue risk while supporting month-end and quarter-end compliance—all without spreadsheets.

Seamless Payroll Integration with Workday

The new Unanet Payroll Connect with Workday eliminates data silos by automatically syncing people, timesheets, expenses, payroll inputs, and general ledger entries.

Key benefits include:

• Reduced manual data entry
• Improved data integrity across HR, payroll, and accounting
• Faster, more efficient payroll processing

The result is a cleaner single source of truth and more time for higher-value analysis.

Vendor Invoice Automation Improvements

Unanet added a comments field to the Vendor Invoice Automation Overview tab, enabling AP teams to capture notes and context directly in the system.

This small change delivers meaningful gains by improving visibility, reducing side emails, and keeping invoice-related communication centralized.

Expanded Audit Logging

To support year-round audit readiness, Unanet expanded EGAM and project audit logs to track changes across:

• Units of Measure and Wage Determinations
• Items, Budgets, Posting Options, and Skills
• Expense/ODC Cost Elements for borrowed resources (MLE setups)

These enhancements improve traceability and simplify audit responses.

What’s Coming Next: Beta Highlights

Unanet also previewed upcoming beta features focused on automation and scalability:

• Native AIM ↔ ERP Integration (FedRAMP-ready) for near real-time data sync
• New Timesheet Experience to improve usability and adoption
• Bank Feed Automation to accelerate reconciliations
• Wage Determination & SCA Recosting for automated labor cost adjustments

Turning Updates into Operational Advantage

The Unanet GovCon ERP 26.1 release reduces manual effort and improves financial visibility—but the real value comes from adopting these updates strategically.

At Arrative Consulting, we help GovCons turn new Unanet functionality into measurable results through:

• Unanet Health & Optimization Assessments
• Targeted feature walkthroughs and webinar follow-ups
• Strategic advisory for billing, compliance, and integrations

Ready to make the most of Unanet GovCon ERP 26.1? Connect with Arrative Consulting to schedule an assessment and align these updates with your growth goals.

Every government contractor has a story.
Some are growth stories. Some are comeback stories. Others are about winning bigger, more complex contracts than ever before.

But the truth is, the story your business tells in 2026 won’t be written by your wins alone. It will be written by what’s happening behind the scenes—your back office.

As regulations tighten, technology evolves, and competition increases, the companies that thrive are the ones with a strong operational foundation. Because when your back office works, everything else moves faster.

The Back Office Is the Plot, Not the Footnote

Winning contracts may be the headline, but your back office is what makes those wins sustainable.

In 2026, spreadsheets, manual processes, and disconnected systems won’t just slow you down—they’ll hold you back. Growing GovCons need systems that work together seamlessly, providing real-time visibility and audit-ready confidence.

Modern ERP solutions like Unanet give you a single source of truth across projects, accounting, and resources. That clarity allows leadership to stop reacting and start planning. When the noise fades, your story gets clearer.

Compliance Is Part of the Narrative

In government contracting, compliance isn’t optional—it’s part of the deal.

DCAA requirements, cybersecurity standards, and evolving regulations mean your systems must be secure and audit-ready at all times. The strongest back offices embed compliance directly into everyday workflows, instead of treating it as a last-minute scramble.

When compliance is built in, your team moves faster, audits feel manageable, and your reputation stays intact. That’s a story worth telling.

Financial Visibility Changes the Ending

The difference between surviving and scaling often comes down to visibility.

In 2026, successful GovCons will know—at a glance—how their projects are performing, where margins stand, and what cash flow looks like. Automated reporting and real-time dashboards replace guesswork with confidence.

When finance leaders have clear insight into indirect rates, budget vs. actuals, and profitability, they can make smarter bids, allocate resources effectively, and pursue growth opportunities with clarity.

Your People Carry the Story Forward

No story moves forward without strong characters—and in your business, that’s your people.

A well-run back office supports your team instead of slowing them down. Streamlined payroll, timekeeping, and HR systems reduce frustration and free employees to focus on meaningful work. When your people feel supported, they stay engaged—and your story gets stronger with every chapter.

Arrative Helps You Write Your Narrative

Every GovCon has a story. Arrative helps you write yours.

We provide the comprehensive back-office support government contractors need to scale confidently. From ERP optimization and managed accounting to compliance-ready processes, we handle the operational complexity—so you can focus on writing your success story.

As a Unanet Partner of the Year (2022–2025), Arrative Consulting helps ensure your 2026 story is one of clarity, confidence, and growth.

So—what will your GovCon’s story say in 2026?
Let’s write it together.

www.arrative.com

As we head into the heart of 2025, I find myself reflecting on where we’ve been and where we’re going. There’s something about pausing to look back that helps you see the road ahead more clearly. This year has been full of growth—not just for Arrative Consulting, but for the clients we’ve had the privilege to support.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that progress doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of hard work, asking the right questions, and refusing to settle for “good enough.” And when I look at what our clients have accomplished, I’m reminded why we do what we do.

Hard Work Pays Off

Over the past year, we’ve watched our clients tackle some serious challenges. Whether it was upgrading legacy systems, improving data visibility, or preparing for rigorous audits, the commitment to doing things right has been inspiring.

Take one client who came to us struggling with disparate systems that made reporting a nightmare. Their finance team was spending hours manually reconciling data, and leadership had little visibility into real-time project performance. We worked together to implement an integrated solution that brought everything into one platform. Now, they have dashboards that update in real time, and their team can focus on strategic decisions instead of chasing down spreadsheets.

That’s the kind of progress worth celebrating.

Asking Better Questions

Far too often, we all ask questions just to get an answer so we can move on to the next task. But I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is when teams pause and dig deeper. Your question probably has questions. Getting the full picture isn’t about checking boxes—it’s about understanding the real challenge so you can solve it effectively.

One of our clients recently went through a major compliance review. Instead of simply asking “Are we compliant?” they took the time to understand what DCAA compliance really meant for their operations. They asked about workflows, documentation, and internal controls. That curiosity didn’t just help them pass the audit—it positioned them to win new contracts because they could demonstrate a culture of accountability and readiness.

Looking Ahead with Optimism

I see 2025 as a positive place for our business. We’ve worked hard to refine our approach, improve our delivery, and deepen our partnerships with clients who share our commitment to excellence. As we continue forward, I’m excited about the possibilities.

For those of you outgrowing current systems or navigating new compliance requirements, know that you’re not alone. We’re here to help you see around the corner, ask the right questions, and build solutions that work for your unique needs.

Progress is never just about technology. It’s about people—teams willing to take risks, leaders asking tough questions, and partners committed to doing what’s right. Thank you for trusting us to be part of your story. Here’s to continued growth and success in the months ahead.

Government contractors face unique challenges that commercial businesses rarely encounter. Complex compliance requirements, lengthy procurement cycles, and intense competition for contracts create operational hurdles that traditional business tools can’t address. This is where specialized Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems become essential for success.

Government contracting firms need more than standard CRM functionality. They require platforms that understand DCAA compliance, security protocols, and the intricacies of federal procurement processes. The right CRM system transforms how contractors manage relationships, pursue opportunities, and deliver projects.

Why Government Contractors Need Specialized CRM

Government contracting operates under strict regulatory frameworks that commercial businesses don’t face. Contractors must maintain detailed documentation for audits, track compliance across multiple projects, and manage complex approval processes. Traditional CRM systems lack the specialized features needed to navigate these requirements effectively.

The procurement cycle for government contracts extends far beyond typical sales processes. Contractors must track opportunities for months or years, managing multiple stakeholders and decision-makers throughout lengthy evaluation periods. Without proper relationship management tools, valuable opportunities slip through the cracks.

Competition for government contracts intensifies each year. Successful contractors differentiate themselves through superior project delivery, compliance track records, and strong relationships with government personnel. A specialized CRM system provides the foundation for maintaining these competitive advantages.

Unanet CRM: Purpose-Built for Government Contractors

Unanet CRM stands out as a solution specifically designed for the government contracting environment. Unlike generic CRM platforms, Unanet integrates seamlessly with project management, accounting, and compliance systems that contractors already use.

The platform combines traditional CRM functionality with government contracting expertise. Users can track opportunities from initial market research through contract award and project delivery. Built-in compliance features ensure all activities meet DCAA requirements and security protocols.

Unanet’s integrated approach eliminates data silos between business development, project management, and finance teams. This unified view enables better decision-making and more accurate project forecasting.

Key Benefits of Using Unanet CRM

• Improved Business Development

Unanet CRM transforms how contractors identify and pursue opportunities. The platform provides comprehensive tracking of government buyers, past procurement patterns, and upcoming requirements. Sales teams can prioritize high-value opportunities and allocate resources more effectively.

The system maintains detailed contact histories and relationship maps within government agencies. This intelligence helps contractors position themselves strategically for future opportunities and build stronger relationships with key decision-makers.

• Enhanced Compliance Management

Compliance requirements create significant administrative overhead for government contractors. Unanet CRM automates many compliance-related tasks, reducing the risk of violations and streamlining audit preparations.

The platform maintains audit trails for all business development activities, ensuring contractors can demonstrate proper procedures during DCAA audits. Built-in approval workflows prevent non-compliant activities before they occur.

• Better Project Integration

Unlike standalone CRM systems, Unanet integrates business development activities with project execution and financial management. This integration provides complete visibility into the contractor’s performance pipeline.

Teams can track contract modifications, change orders, and project performance metrics within the same system used for opportunity management. This unified approach improves project delivery and strengthens client relationships.

• Tips for Maximizing Unanet CRM Benefits

Start with clean data migration and establish clear data entry standards from day one. Consistent data quality ensures accurate reporting and reliable forecasting throughout the system.

Customize the platform to match your organization’s specific processes and terminology. Government contractors operate differently than commercial businesses, and your CRM should reflect these unique requirements.

Train users on both basic CRM functionality and government contracting best practices. The most powerful system delivers limited value without proper user adoption and understanding.

Integrate Unanet CRM with your existing project management and accounting systems. This integration eliminates duplicate data entry and provides comprehensive visibility across all business functions.

• Streamlining Success in Government Contracting

Unanet CRM provides government contractors with the specialized tools needed to compete effectively in complex procurement environments. The platform’s integrated approach to relationship management, compliance tracking, and project integration creates operational efficiencies that directly impact bottom-line results.

Success in government contracting requires more than technical expertise and competitive pricing. Contractors need systems that support long-term relationship building, ensure compliance adherence, and provide visibility into performance metrics. Unanet CRM delivers these capabilities within a single, unified platform designed specifically for the government contracting community.

Measuring profitability in the GovCon space requires a multifaceted approach due to the nuanced nature of government contracting. Profitability by employee serves as a good starting point, but to gain a holistic understanding, firms need to look beyond this single metric. Incorporating metrics such as revenue per employee and gross margin per project can shed light on revenue generation and project profitability. Labor utilization rates and cost per billable hour provide additional clarity on operational efficiency, revealing how well a firm is leveraging its workforce and managing costs. Contract profit margins, on the other hand, offer a direct view of how each agreement contributes to overall financial goals.

These metrics are particularly crucial in the GovCon industry, where indirect costs, compliance requirements, and multiple contract types—ranging from fixed-price to cost-plus—add layers of complexity. Without a broad, integrated view of these indicators, it becomes difficult to ensure the optimal allocation of resources or precise execution of contracts. A data-driven approach to measuring and analyzing profitability enables government contractors to identify areas of opportunity, streamline processes, and stay financially competitive in an increasingly demanding marketplace.

Technological tools like Unanet GovCon ERP play a critical role in this process. By providing an all-in-one platform tailored for government contractors, these tools simplify the management of complex metrics, enhance forecasting accuracy, and support compliance with federal regulations. Through accurate tracking and reporting of profitability metrics, firms can gain actionable insights that drive strategic growth. Leveraging such technologies not only enables better decision-making but also ensures that contractors remain agile and resilient, meeting the demands of today’s competitive environment with confidence.