What is Government Invoice Factoring?
Government invoice factoring is a financing option where a business sells unpaid invoices to a factoring company or Factor at a discounted rate. It’s a form of accounts receivable financing. You may also see this listed as government receivables factoring or simply government factoring.
The company that purchased the invoice sends a cash advance for a percentage of the invoice amount. The Factor then collects payment and issues the remaining amount. This alternative funding solution allows businesses to access the value of government invoices before they’re paid.
Why do companies use Government Contract Factoring?
Government contractors often experience lengthy payment cycles, which can take anywhere from 30 to 90 days or longer. These extended government payment cycles can cause significant cash flow issues, particularly for small and mid-sized contractors that require steady working capital to sustain daily operating expenses.
That’s where government contract factoring services step in. Instead of waiting months to receive payment from a federal, state, or municipal agency, contractors can leverage accounts receivable factoring to access immediate funds and reduce cash flow shortages. By selling their outstanding invoices to a factoring company, businesses can get up to 90% of the invoice value upfront, with the remainder paid (minus a small fee) once the government agency remits payment.
This form of government receivables financing is a practical and flexible funding solution. Invoice factoring allows contractors to cover operational expenses, pay employees, and invest in growth without waiting for payment. It’s especially beneficial for businesses taking on new contracts, expanding their teams, or purchasing equipment and materials.
Using government contractor factoring can also improve budgeting and long-term planning by providing a predictable source of cash. Many businesses prefer this form of government contract financing because approval is based primarily on the creditworthiness of the government agency, not the contractor’s personal or business credit. This makes factoring accessible to newer businesses or those with limited borrowing history.
Ultimately, government contract factoring enables businesses to cover expenses quickly and efficiently, converting slow-paying invoices into reliable working capital.
What is a Government Contract Factoring Company?
A government contract factoring company is a specialized financial institution that helps government contractors turn unpaid invoices into immediate working capital. These companies offer financing solutions by purchasing accounts receivable tied to government clients, typically at a discount, and advancing a large percentage of the invoice value upfront.
When you work with government factoring companies, the process begins after you’ve completed the work or delivered the goods under a government contract. Instead of waiting for the government agency to pay—often 30, 60, or even 90+ days later—you submit the invoice to the government factoring company. In return, the factoring company advances up to 90% of the invoice’s value. Then it forwards the remaining balance (minus a small factoring fee) once the agency has paid the invoice in full.
This process is known as factoring government contracts, and it’s particularly useful for small to midsize contractors who can’t afford long waits between project completion and payment. Since approval is based primarily on the creditworthiness of the government—not your business—factoring offers a more accessible and flexible alternative to traditional loans.
In short, government factoring companies provide contractors with faster access to cash by leveraging the reliability of government clients, enabling them to operate, grow, and take on new projects without being hindered by delayed payments.
How does Government Contract Factoring work?
Government contract factoring is a straightforward process that helps contractors improve cash flow by turning unpaid government invoices into working capital. It’s designed to provide a financial solution for businesses that face long wait times between submitting an invoice and receiving payment.
Here’s how the funding process works:
Step 1 – Complete the Work or Deliver the Product
You fulfill your obligations under a government contract—such as delivering goods, completing services, or reaching a milestone—and issue an invoice to the government agency.
Step 2 – Submit the Invoice to a Factoring Company
Instead of waiting 30, 60, or even 90 days or more for the agency to pay, you sell the invoice to a government factoring company. This is where the accounts receivable process shifts. The factoring company purchases your invoice and takes over responsibility for collecting payment.
Step 3 – Get an Advance on Your Invoice
Once the invoice is verified, the factoring company provides immediate cash, usually between 80% to 90% of the total invoice value. This advance helps you manage day-to-day operating costs, meet employee payroll obligations, and continue taking on new contracts without interruption to your cash flow.
Step 4 – The Government Agency pays the invoice
When the government agency pays the invoice, the factoring company receives the funds. After deducting a small factoring fee, they release the remaining balance—known as the reserve—back to your business.
This financial solution provides you with access to capital when you need it, without incurring additional debt or waiting for invoices to be paid months later. It’s a flexible option for contractors who want to stabilize cash flow, grow operations, and avoid the bottlenecks caused by delayed payments in the accounts receivable process.
Factoring Example
ABC Construction won a bid for a new federal government building. It invoices the government and records the amount owed in its accounts receivable ledger.
The company has a factoring agreement with the following terms:
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3% factor rate per 30 days.
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90% advance rate.
ABC submits an invoice for $75,000 due in 30 days. The factoring company purchases it with a 3% discount rate for a total of $72,750, but doesn’t send the full amount.
Instead, the amount the factoring company sends comes from the advance rate, which in this case, is 90% of $72,750. So, the actual cash advance is $65,475. The remaining funds are deposited into a reserve account.
Once the government agency pays the invoice, the factoring company sends the remaining $7,275 minus any additional fees.
What are the qualifications for Factoring Government Invoices?
Approved businesses we work with here at UCS typically meet the following minimum qualifications:
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Annual Revenue: $250k+
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Credit Score: 550+
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Time in Business: 1+ years.
Qualifying for government contract factoring is typically easier than applying for a traditional business loan. That’s because most government factoring companies prioritize the creditworthiness of the government entities rather than the contractor’s credit history. This makes invoice factoring a viable solution for newer businesses, startups, or contractors with limited or challenged credit histories.
To qualify for factoring, your business must:
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Have an active contract or purchase order with a government entity (federal, state, or municipal).
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Provide proof that the goods or services were delivered, or that the work has been completed according to the contract terms.
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Have outstanding invoices that are unencumbered (i.e., not pledged as collateral elsewhere).
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Be free of serious legal or tax issues that could interfere with the collection of payment.
Because the government payment process involves multiple levels of review and approval, extending time before payment is issued, factoring companies assess the legitimacy of the contract and the reliability of the paying agency. These lengthy approval processes are standard in public-sector billing, but factoring helps bridge the gap by providing funds upfront.
While every factoring company has slightly different criteria, they’re generally more concerned with the strength and terms of your government contract than with your business’s financial background. This makes factoring government invoices a flexible and accessible funding option for small businesses that need steady cash flow.
How to apply for Invoice Factoring:
You can apply for invoice factoring for government contracts through United Capital Source by following these steps.
Step 1: Make sure your customer is reliable.
Factoring invoices only works when your customers pay their invoices on time and in full. Ensure you’re sure your customers will pay before contacting a factoring company. This typically isn’t an issue when dealing with government contracts.
Step 2: Gather your documentation.
When you apply, the factoring company needs to review the following documents:
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Driver’s license
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Voided business check
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Bank statements from the previous three months
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Business tax return
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Accounts receivable aging report, Accounts payable report, and debt schedule
Step 3: Apply.
You can complete our one-page application or call us to apply. Either way, you’ll need to provide the information above and the invoice amount you want to sell.
Step 4: Speak to a representative.
Once you apply, one of our representatives will contact you to discuss the factoring fee, factoring rate, and terms associated with the sale. You’ll get an upfront breakdown of all costs, so you don’t have to worry about hidden fees.
Step 5: Receive approval.
The entire process takes about two weeks to finalize. Funds will appear in your bank account 1-2 days after completing the application.
What are the benefits of factoring?
Invoice factoring converts outstanding invoices into cash sooner than waiting for payment. The influx of working capital support serves as a lifeline for businesses experiencing cash flow gaps.
It’s much easier to get approved for factoring than traditional business loans. Factoring companies must know whether they’ll get paid. When you factor invoices from a government contract, payment is essentially guaranteed.
The factoring company handles billing and payment processing since it owns the invoice. This can save some small businesses time and money.
What are the drawbacks of factoring?
The most significant downside to factoring is the cost. While approval for factoring is easier than a traditional business loan, the rates are higher.
The exact rate you get depends on how long the government agency takes to pay its invoice. If you have a contract for a net 30 invoice, you’ll receive a lower rate than for 60- or 90-day invoices.
Factoring Pros & Cons:
Pros:
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Your business accesses the cash it’s owed sooner.
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Establish a predictable cash flow.
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Approval is easier than traditional business loans.
Cons:
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Factoring costs are higher than traditional loans.
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Rates depend on how quickly the agency pays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most common questions about factoring government receivables.
Which industries use Factoring for Government Contracts?
Factoring is available for businesses in any industry that provides goods or services to a government agency. However, factoring government invoices is primarily used in the following sectors:
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Distribution
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IT services
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Manufacturing
Can I Get Government Contract Factoring with Bad Credit?
Yes, government contract factoring is one of the few financing options available to business owners with less-than-perfect credit. One of the primary benefits of factoring is that it’s typically available to business owners with bad credit because the approval is based primarily on the creditworthiness of your government client, not your personal or business credit history.
Factoring companies are primarily concerned with the reliability of the government agency that owes the payment. Since government entities are known for being stable and trustworthy payers (even if slow), factoring companies feel confident advancing funds based on those receivables. That’s why even startups, businesses with limited financial history, or those recovering from credit challenges, can often qualify for government contract factoring.
So, if you’ve struggled to get approved for a traditional loan or line of credit due to your credit score, factoring may offer a practical and accessible way to maintain cash flow, fund payroll, and grow your business despite previous financial setbacks.
What Are the Alternatives to Government Contract Factoring?
While government contract factoring is a powerful tool for improving cash flow, it’s not the only option available to government contractors. United Capital Source offers a variety of small business loan programs that can also help meet financial needs.
Here are some common alternatives:
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Business Term Loans: A business term loan is repaid over a fixed period with regular payments. Ideal for businesses looking to invest in equipment, hire staff, or expand operations.
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Business Lines of Credit: A flexible financing solution that gives you access to a revolving credit limit, similar to a credit card. A business line of credit is perfect for managing cash flow or unexpected expenses.
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SBA Loans: Backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA loans offer competitive rates and long terms for qualified businesses. These are great for larger projects or debt refinancing.
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Revenue-Based Financing: Ideal for businesses with consistent revenue but weaker credit, this option lets you borrow based on your revenues and repay with a percentage of future earnings.
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Working Capital Loans: Short-term loans designed to help businesses cover day-to-day operational expenses like payroll, inventory, or rent.
If factoring doesn’t fit your situation, for example, if you need funding for upfront costs before invoicing, these loan products may offer a more tailored solution. At United Capital Source, we help government contractors select the best option tailored to their unique goals, revenue, and funding timeline.
Government Contract Factoring – Final Thoughts
Invoice factoring is ideal for small businesses that need working capital and are unable to obtain a traditional loan. Small business owners with solid credit can find less expensive small business loans.
You can contact us to discuss invoice factoring for your government contract. Our loan experts will provide you with the best options for your business needs.
