The federal government runs out of money at midnight three weeks from today.  While not everyone is convinced that the government will shut down, the betting money says we’re headed for closure – and not the type contractors want.  Stan Collender, perhaps the single most knowledgeable person about the federal budget anywhere, currently pegs the chances of a shut-down at 67%.  Even Peter Orszag, formerly President Obama’s head of OMB, puts the chances at 50%.  Whether or not these views or accurate, even the prospect of a government closure is enough to disrupt your business.  The closer we get to the deadline without an agreement, the more distracted your customer will be over worries both professional and personal.  Of course you won’t be able to do business during a shut-down, but there are other concerns as well.  Do you have product that is destined to hit a government loading dock October 1st, 2nd or 5th?  No one would be there to receive it, so you need to plan now about how and where that delivery will be stored if need be.  Leasing or service agreements set to roll over?  Not until the government re-opens.  With a shut-down appearing more likely it’s particularly important that you plan now so that your company is as prepared as possible.