With sequestration or other budget cuts likely in 2013, the contracts that are most vulnerable are those easiest to eliminate, according to industry specialists.

That includes expiring contracts up for renewal. “The easiest dollar to save is the dollar you haven’t spent yet,” Alan Chvotkin, executive vice president of the Professional Services Council, told Federal Times.

Existing contracts are less at risk of termination.

“Agencies are not going to raid contracts,” Ray Bjorklund, chief knowledge officer for Deltek, told Federal Times. “They will let contracts proceeed to natural conclusion. Options may not be exercised; additional contracts may not be written.”