New Fiscal Year, New Contracts
Why July 1st Matters for Local Government Bids
Note: This post was originally published in July 2025. The strategies and insights presented here are applicable year-round to help your business stay prepared for government contracting opportunities.
Help 4 LA Subs blog launches July 8th. Check back for new posts, tools, and step-by-step guidance for subcontractors and small businesses preparing for government contracts.
New Fiscal Year, New Contracts: Why July 1st Matters for Local Government Bids
Looking to capture government contracts this year? Here’s why July 1st—and the months that follow—are important milestones on your business calendar.
Each July, a new fiscal year begins for many California government agencies. This reset means new budgets, fresh opportunities, and a year full of chances to win contracts for your business.
What is a Fiscal Year? A fiscal year is the government’s official accounting period. For many local agencies, like the State of California or Los Angeles County, the fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30. Understanding this cycle gives your business a competitive edge by helping you anticipate opportunities before they are made public.
Key Fiscal Year Dates to Know for Southern California Businesses:
State of California: July 1st – June 30th
Los Angeles County: July 1st – June 30th
City of Los Angeles: July 1st – June 30th
Orange County: July 1st – June 30th
City of Irvine: July 1st – June 30th
Notice a pattern? In California, many state and local entities share this July-to-June fiscal year. Fresh budgets open up opportunities throughout the year!
Why These Dates Are Important for Your Business:
Fresh Funds, Ongoing Opportunities
Budget Reset: As of July 1st, agencies have new budget allocations fueling projects and procurements. But, even if you’re reading this later in the year, opportunities continue to roll out in cycles as agencies launch new initiatives or adjust spending.
💡Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for early solicitations. Some agencies release bids for services like facilities maintenance shortly after the new fiscal year begins—even if many projects roll out later. Staying prepared can help you get ahead of the competition.
Proactive Planning and Research
The start of the fiscal year is when agencies begin solidifying spending plans. This is a great time to:
Identify upcoming needs in your target agencies.
Position your business as the solution.
Build relationships with decision-makers.
The groundwork you lay now shapes the opportunities you’ll be able to bid on in the months ahead.
The “Use-It-or-Lose-It” Rush (Spring/Summer):
Many departments spend cautiously early in the fiscal year and often increase spending as the year progresses. Even if it’s not July anymore, there’s huge value in positioning yourself early, so agencies remember you during the “use-it-or-lose-it” spending push in spring and early summer.
Predictable Procurement Cycles Throughout the Year:
Early Year Engagement (July–September):
Agencies assess needs and develop specifications during the pre-solicitation phase.Peak Solicitation Periods (Fall–Spring):
Budgets are active, and opportunities flow steadily.Research Past Purchases:
Review awarded contracts to identify recurring bids.
Unlock More Opportunities with Local Fiscal Year Insights
Knowing when public agencies spend gives your business a strategic edge. While California, Los Angeles, and Orange Counties—and cities like Los Angeles and Irvine—start their fiscal year on July 1st, other local governments follow different schedules.
My free guide, ‘When Agencies Spend: Fiscal Year Start Dates for Los Angeles & Orange Counties,’ breaks down start and end dates, budget links, and key notes for 10 major cities, plus Los Angeles and Orange Counties.
You’ll find this guide—and other practical resources—on our Resources Page to help you plan exactly when to act and seize new opportunities.
Strategic Positioning and Local Connections:
Targeted Outreach:
Send your emails and capability statements to agencies or departments with new funding or project goals.Leverage Certifications:
Tap into small business set-aside programs (SB/DVBE, LSBE, MBE, WBE) to help agencies meet their goals.Attend Local Events:
Many agencies or departments host “meet the buyer” or “how to do business with” sessions tied to new fiscal year planning. Show up early and consistently.
Moving Forward
The new fiscal year marks a reset—and a major opportunity for your business. Even if July has passed, opportunities continue unfolding all year long. By understanding how and when government agencies plan their budgets, you’re not chasing contracts—you’re anticipating them.
Whether it’s July or any other month, it’s the perfect time to explore which agencies buy your products and services. And don’t forget — you’ll find the FREE Fiscal Year Guide for Los Angeles and Orange Counties, plus other helpful resources, on our Resources Page to keep this crucial information at your fingertips.
Let’s get your house in order—because readiness is your best strategy!
Stephanie
About Stephanie:
Stephanie Clark-Ochoa is a Government Procurement Strategist and founder of Clark-Ochoa Business Services. Through Help 4 LA Subs, she provides practical tools and insights to help micro and small businesses in the Greater Los Angeles area become government-ready and thrive in public contracting.
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