# Contractors Assess Federal Pay Uncertainty

Two discussion threads raise the possibility of a 0% federal civilian pay increase in 2027, against higher health-insurance premiums and uncertainty about congressional funding action. Commenters cite the 2019 retroactive average 1.9% pay adjustment as precedent, but no 2027 increase, continuing resolution, or broader funding agreement is identified as enacted. For contractors, the discussion is a planning signal—not a change to federal pay policy or a procurement announcement—and points to potential uncertainty around appropriations and shutdown operations.

- Contractors whose work depends on federal civilian staff can use appropriations and shutdown scenarios in continuity and workforce planning; the threads do not establish that a shutdown will occur.
- Procurement professionals should distinguish the 2019 retroactive adjustment from current policy: the signals describe a possible outcome, not an entitlement or approved increase.
- The discussion identifies no contract opportunities, agency-specific implementation, deadlines, or vendor actions.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** November 04, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Congress (Congress)
- U.S. House of Representatives (House)
- U.S. Senate (Senate)

### Key Quotes
> President Donald Trump signed a consolidated spending bill on February 15, 2019, that reversed a planned pay freeze and provided federal civilian employees with an average 1.9 percent pay raise ... which was retroactive to January 1, 2019.
> — Original poster

> We are not 'entitled' to it. According to law we get that amount (based on a COLA formula) unless the president/congress says otherwise. They often say otherwise.
> — Community commenter

### Sources
- [Chance for 2027 raise?](https://www.reddit.com/r/FedEmployees/comments/1xo1b1n/chance_for_2027_raise) - reddit-fedemployees
- [0% civilian pay increase - do the midterms impact this?](https://www.reddit.com/r/fednews/comments/1xnk0na/0_civilian_pay_increase_do_the_midterms_impact) - reddit-fednews