Tough times are ahead, so stay ahead of the curve with these tips:

Tighten up on travel, meals and benefits. “Anything unusual is ripe for being disallowed,” Ed Saltzberg, president, ERS Advisors, said in a recent seminar.

Fix problems fast on award-fee contracts to defend against zero-based award fee evaluations.

Don’t assume anything in settlements. Document everything.

Leverage option years in negotiations.

Make constructive recommendations “to reduce common pain,” Saltzberg said.