The shutdown is over, now what? The first 72 hours after a federal shutdown ends are just as critical as the shutdown itself for small or mid-sized government contractors. This episode breaks down the essential 3-Day Email Plan designed to help you move fast, re-establish momentum, and protect your performance record, especially if you are working toward certifications like 8a or women business certification. We provide a practical, communication-first strategy backed by regulatory guidance and historical lessons. Learn the ten highest-priority emails you must send in the first three business days to key recipients, including Contracting Officers (COs), CORs, primes, subs, and your internal team. We share recommended subject lines and a plug-and-play status update template to immediately signal readiness, clarify funding status, and request revised schedules or priorities. We also cover best practices for maintaining a professional tone, documenting idle time or backlog, and ensuring you don't resume performance without clear government direction. Tune in to ensure clear alignment, mitigate risk, and position your firm as organized and accountable during the post-shutdown scramble.