Redstone Government Consulting Blog | Unanet

Project health depends on more than customer satisfaction and technical performance. Government contractors also need healthy margins, efficient reporting, reliable billing support, and clear contract closeout documentation. Strong alignment between the project structure and the Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) structure improves reporting, visibility into key metrics such as remaining funding, billing support, and contract closeout effectiveness. These elements help support audit readiness and more efficient project management processes.

Issues related to the disconnect between contracts management, project management, and accounting teams have been a topic I’ve needed to address recently with many of the customers I work with. Partially caused by disconnected systems and partially by siloed teams, issues between these teams cause significant breakdowns in maintaining an acceptable profit margin, accurate reporting for incurred cost submissions and contract close-out, and ultimately, healthy cash flow for the organization.

Unanet implementation does not end at go live. The transition into live processing often reveals workflow issues, training gaps, and process risks that can affect billing, reporting, and overall system adoption. Ongoing support during this period helps organizations stabilize operations, reduce rework, and strengthen long term system results.

Have you heard that Unanet recently released a new add-on called AIM? AIM is Unanet’s Asset, Inventory and Manufacturing add-on to their powerful GovCon ERP. AIM has been in the marketplace for many years and was recently incorporated into Unanet’s offerings to support GovCon customers, particularly for audit readiness in the Materials Management & Accounting System (MMAS). This article answers the 5 Ws to help organizations determine whether AIM meets their operational needs.

Custom reporting is something that every organization wants, but the investment can be overwhelming. It requires significant resources, including staff time and an administrative budget. Not only does the investment feel like a lot, but it can also be overwhelming just to consider what your organization really needs from a custom reporting environment. Typically, an organization using Unanet would consult a professional specializing in Power BI reporting or Analytics Studio. But does it have to be so complicated and so expensive?

Are you interested in learning how to set up and manage labor categories in Unanet to improve project management, timekeeping, and labor cost compliance for government contractors? Labor categories are critical for organizing and tracking work performed on contracts, especially on Time & Materials (“T&M”) contracts. While cost type and fixed price billing may not require a labor category for billing purposes, they can still play an important role in project management and budgeting at the contract level. In accounting systems like Unanet, these categories classify time into roles such as Project Manager or Senior Software Developer that are tied to billing rates, simplifying T&M billing. Unanet also provides flexibility in how labor categories are derived, allowing setup at the admin/master level, project level, person level, or person-to-project assignment level. This adaptability ensures alignment with contract requirements regardless of how your business is structured.

Software implementations can be intimidating. Business leaders may have concerns about cash flow, staffing, workload, change management, and numerous other issues. A successful Unanet implementation requires the use of best practices, a well-defined timeline, and a customized approach for each client, tailored to their specific environment and resources. This article outlines some of the strategies we use at Redstone GCI to help clients achieve a smooth and successful Unanet implementation.

What do indirect rates and indirect costs in Unanet mean for my organization? This is a question most of the world of government contractors ask. Managing costs isn’t just about tracking the dollars that are spent. It’s also about maintaining a profit, compliance with federal regulations and contract terms, and meeting organizational goals and standards. Unanet plays a pivotal role in navigating the complexities of government contracting, specifically, indirect rates and costs.

Did you know that Unanet can be configured to help manage your Service Contract Act (SCA) contracts? With the correct setup, Unanet offers features that support compliance with SCA requirements—helping ensure accurate wage calculations and benefit allocations.

Here’s a quick overview of implementing SCA functionality in Unanet to make sure you’re getting it right from the start.

Unanet provides a comprehensive suite of features tailored to help government contractors efficiently manage people and projects. These features are designed not only to enhance cost control and profitability but also to improve overall performance while ensuring compliance with complex government regulations. At Redstone GCI, we’ve seen firsthand how proper implementation of Unanet can streamline operations, significantly reducing processing costs compared to outdated or manual systems. With its robust capabilities, Unanet is built to meet the stringent requirements of federal government timekeeping and expense reimbursement, making it a valuable tool for contractors aiming to maintain compliance and improve operational efficiency. Our team specializes in helping government contractors unlock the full potential of Unanet, ensuring it is implemented and utilized effectively to deliver maximum value.