Podcasts about sdvosb

Learning how to write a sources sought response could be the single highest-leverage move you make in federal contracting this year. In this episode, Ryan Atencio walks through a real sources sought response he just submitted, line by line, showing exactly how to nudge a solicitation's set-aside, evaluation criteria, and contract vehicle before it ever goes live. If you've ever felt like the government writes RFPs for someone else and you're just hoping to qualify, this episode shows you how to flip that. Key discussion points from this episode include: How shaping a sources sought response early can cut out 80% of your competition before the solicitation is even released Why nudging a total small business set-aside toward SDVOSB, WOSB, or 8a can eliminate the lowest-price, least-qualified bidders overnight How recommending a contract vehicle like Seaport NXG instead of SAM or GSA dramatically shrinks the pool of qualified competitors Why pushing for a best value tradeoff instead of LPTA lets your experience and past performance outweigh a lower price by hundreds of thousands of dollars How raising the minimum technical acceptability bar protects the contracting officer and weeds out vendors who can't actually perform EPISODE CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Meeting Mindy your AI research assistant for govcon 0:31 - Welcome to the Federal Help Center podcast community 0:49 - Reviewing a real sources sought response example 1:18 - Shaping early opportunities toward SDVOSB WOSB or 8a 3:19 - Why woman owned small business set-asides get targeted 5:19 - Raising minimum technical acceptability to cut weak bidders 6:59 - Recommending SDVOSB and Seaport NXG over SAM 8:05 - Choosing best value tradeoff and ranking evaluation factors Mindy gives you the federal opportunities, agency signals, recompete intel, and pursuit briefs that tell you not just what contracts exist, but which ones to chase and how to win them. Sign up for free Daily Alerts and get opportunities delivered to your inbox before the day starts.

If you're searching for how to find government contract opportunities and actually keep up with them, this episode is a real-time, screen-share walkthrough of exactly how it's done. Ryan Atencio shows the entire process of spotting an opportunity, evaluating it, and moving it through a pipeline, no theory, just the actual workflow. Whether you're already bidding or just trying to understand how serious contractors stay organized, this episode breaks down a system you can copy today. In this episode, you'll learn: How a custom Gemini AI gem can instantly "shred" a lengthy statement of work into a condensed summary, saving hours of manual review on opportunities like a 400-square-foot restroom renovation in San Antonio Why high-visibility projects in nationally significant structures (like a National Park restroom facility) come with hidden cost drivers such as toilet trailer rentals, gray water removal, and historic preservation requirements How to email subcontractors using the solicitation's exact naming convention so they can give a fast yes-or-no decision without extra back-and-forth A simple Google Drive folder system for organizing solicitation documents and proposal documents so nothing gets lost over a long weekend How a color-coded pipeline tracker (with linked solicitation folders and SAM.gov references) helps contractors stay on top of SDVOSB opportunities like a Tinker Air Force Base sand repair and roof repair project EPISODE CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Welcome to the Federal Help Center podcast 0:30 - Building a custom AI gem to shred solicitations 1:13 - Breaking down the San Antonio restroom renovation 2:01 - Hidden costs of national park preservation projects 3:04 - Emailing subcontractors using exact solicitation naming 4:24 - Organizing solicitation documents inside Google Drive 6:24 - Building a color-coded opportunity pipeline tracker 8:01 - Linking SAM.gov solicitations to your pipeline sheet 10:03 - Closing thoughts and community recap Mindy gives you the federal opportunities, agency signals, recompete intel, and pursuit briefs that tell you not just what contracts exist, but which ones to chase and how to win them. Sign up for free Daily Alerts and get opportunities delivered to your inbox before the day starts.

Government contract joint ventures and teaming agreements can unlock multi-million dollar opportunities — but one compliance mistake can cost you your small business status before you ever perform a day of work. In this episode, govcon veteran David Rambhajan breaks down exactly how to structure partnerships the right way so you win bids, stay compliant, and never get blindsided by an affiliation ruling. Affiliation risk in prime-sub relationships — Learn why subcontracting too much work to a large business can trigger an SBA affiliation finding that strips your small business designation on a live solicitation. Teaming agreements vs. prime-sub contracts — Understand the critical difference between an informal subcontract and a formal teaming agreement, and when a teaming agreement actually reduces your affiliation exposure with the government. Using teaming agreements to unlock bonding capacity — David reveals how a six-month-old small business used a teaming partner's indemnification to secure a multi-million dollar bond — and what the compliance letter requirement means for your bid protest strategy. Joint venture structure and the 51% ownership rule — Discover why a large business holding even 49% of your JV can disqualify it as a small business — and the one exception under the SBA Mentor-Protégé Program that changes everything. SDVOSB set-asides vs. veteran-owned set-asides — David clarifies a common misconception: current set-asides target service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, not all veteran-owned businesses, and what a pending legislative change could mean for your competition pool. EPISODE CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Introduction to govcon partnership rules and risks 0:30 - Welcome to the Federal Help Center podcast with Eric Coffie 1:00 - Affiliation risk when subcontracting to large businesses 2:05 - Self-performance requirements in construction vs services 2:45 - Why clear expectations prevent teaming relationship failures 3:14 - How teaming agreements differ from prime-sub contracts 4:05 - Real story of a six-month-old business winning a bonded contract 5:09 - Teaming agreements and bond indemnification compliance letters 7:35 - When teaming with large businesses reduces affiliation exposure 9:02 - Joint ventures as separate legal entities with tax IDs 9:44 - The 51% ownership rule and large business JV disqualification 10:16 - Mentor-protégé program and the billion dollar JV bid story 12:09 - SDVOSB set-aside rules and the veteran-owned business distinction 13:07 - Final compliance takeaway and community call to action   Mindy gives you the federal opportunities, agency signals, recompete intel, and pursuit briefs that tell you not just what contracts exist, but which ones to chase and how to win them. Sign up for free Daily Alerts and get opportunities delivered to your inbox before the day starts.

SAM.gov contracting strategy is more powerful than most gurus admit, and Ryan Atencio has the insider data to prove it. Ryan spent years in the military writing the statements of work that became DOD solicitations, and he reveals that the vast majority of those requirements were completely unforecasted or unforeseen at the start of the fiscal year. If you have been told that by the time an opportunity hits SAM you have already lost, this episode delivers the reality check that could be costing you contracts right now. In this episode, Ryan Atencio break down: Why the popular LinkedIn advice that "by the time you see it on SAM you already lost" is wrong for most contractors, and how Ryan wins the majority of his contracts fair and square from open SAM.gov competitions How the nature of DOD procurement, where end users often don't know their own requirements until the fiscal year is underway, creates a level playing field that small businesses can exploit Why "failure to team is a failure to win" and how to identify the right teaming partner by targeting companies whose capabilities are the complete opposite of yours to expand your opportunity pipeline What makes an ideal consulting client: a veteran SDVOSB construction company with competitive pricing, an industry Rolodex, and proposals that are losing on execution rather than on price How Ryan structures his consulting engagements with a lower monthly retainer paired with a 2% gross contract value success fee, and why aligning incentives this way drives better outcomes for both sides EPISODE CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Mindy AI finds your federal contracts daily 0:30 - Eric Coffie welcomes you to Federal Help Center 0:57 - SAM.gov opportunities are fairer than gurus claim 1:43 - Unforecasted DOD requirements create a level playing field 3:06 - Teaming with complementary partners expands what you can win 5:16 - Proposal quality and graphics separate the real winners 5:42 - Veteran SDVOSB construction client is a consultant goldmine 7:05 - Structuring retainer fees and the success fee model Mindy gives you the federal opportunities, agency signals, recompete intel, and pursuit briefs that tell you not just what contracts exist, but which ones to chase and how to win them. Sign up for free Daily Alerts and get opportunities delivered to your inbox before the day starts.

Get the GovClose Certification: https://www.govclose.com/sales-certification Our students learn the government contracting skills to :1. Start their own consulting business that can earn up to $400k as a "solopreneur" advising businesses that sell to the government.2. Land high paying sales executive jobs with companies in the public sector.3. Increase government contracting revenue for companies selling to the US government.This week I sat down with Bill Vear, founder of GovConProposals and one of the most experienced federal contractors in our network. Bill's been winning government contracts since 1982 — back when, as he puts it, “the dinosaurs still roamed the Earth and the internet did not exist in contracting.” He started as an Army medic, got out, fell into commercial construction with a friend's brothers, and then climbed his way into the federal space through some of the largest 8(a) environmental and demolition firms in the Northeast — managing multi-million dollar projects at Natick Labs, Weymouth Naval Air Station, Aberdeen Proving Grounds, and the anthrax cleanup at Social Security after 9/11.Today Bill runs his own consulting practice in Florida, mentors small businesses, and recently won a federal construction contract for a former New England Patriots wide receiver running an SDVOSB out of Louisiana. He's also a GovClose graduate and a core member of our Inner Circle — not because he needed the program, but because, as he says, “I'm always learning. I believe in education. I'm a bookworm.”So I put him through something new: The GovClose Gauntlet — 10 rapid-fire questions designed to expose what really wins in government contracting. No fluff, no marketing talk, just a 30-year veteran answering the questions most contractors are too afraid to ask out loud.Here's what he said.0:00 Will AI Replace Government Contracting?1:25 Can AI Win Government Contracts Without You?3:24 Is DOGE Good or Bad for Small Business?4:09 Should All Federal Procurement Go Through GSA?5:00 Will CMMC Hurt Small Business Defense Contracts?5:30 Is the 8(a) Program Still Worth It?6:00 Are WOSB Set-Asides Disappearing?6:27 Why SDVOSB Is the Strongest Set-Aside Right Now7:00 The #1 Move That Wins Federal Contracts8:44 How a Former Army Medic Got Into Government Contracting9:00 The Dumbest Reason a Government Proposal Lost10:00 Why Past Performance Beats Lowest Price13:09 From Boston Construction to Federal Contracts16:00 How Contracts Were Won Before SAM.gov Existed18:30 The 8(a) Subcontracting Trap That Gets Companies Sued20:30 What Is SLED and How Is It Different From Federal?23:50 Is It Easier to Win State or Federal Contracts?25:14 Why You Can't Learn Government Contracting on the Fly26:34 Inside the "Wild West" Days of Government Bidding29:30 Why Following Proposal Instructions Wins Contracts30:54 Compliance Matrix vs. Proposal Templates33:34 When to Walk Away From a Government Contract35:30 Are Win Themes and Color Teams a Myth?37:21 When the Real Proposal Process Actually Starts39:20 Why a Real CRM Beats Salesforce for GovCon42:54 What Happens When the Government Never Sees Your Bid44:48 Why Showing Up Late to a Solicitation Means You Lose45:14 Where to Find Bill Vear Connect with Bill on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-vear/

Understanding how federal agencies and primes actually buy is the competitive edge that most small business owners never develop — and in this episode, seasoned contractor David Hernandez breaks down exactly why your certification alone will not get you in the door. If you have been chasing work without understanding the procurement chain, this conversation will reframe your entire BD approach. Know your real buyer before you pitch: The insulation subcontractor story reveals why targeting the general contractor directly was the wrong move — the mechanical sub controlled that purchase, and no amount of veteran status changed that reality Use pre-bid meetings as a positioning tool: David explains how showing up to a $30 million Army Corps deep tunnel project and signing in as SDVOSB and 8(a) signaled to every prime in the room that he was the set-aside solution they needed to meet Price your certifications into your strategy: When David bid the control building at double his standard rate, he understood the prime's pressure to meet SBA set-aside requirements — and that leverage is available to any certified small business willing to study how contracts are structured When agencies push back, know when to walk: Whether it was the Port Authority denying a compliant 51% joint venture or a Chicago tow authority twice awarding to a higher bidder, David's lesson is the same — fighting bureaucratic discretion costs more than moving on Qualifications must match execution reality: Winning a contract you cannot deliver is worse than losing the bid — Army Corps quality control, safety, and reporting requirements are nonnegotiable, and certifications do not substitute for operational readiness Subscribe and join the Federal Help Center community at federalhelpcenter.com, where contractors help contractors win. EPISODE CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Welcome to the Federal Help Center podcast 0:27 - The insulation sub who complained to the wrong person 1:52 - Why understanding how primes buy changes everything 2:51 - Showing up to a $30 million Army Corps pre-bid meeting 4:19 - Bidding the control building at double standard rate 5:15 - Using certifications as strategic leverage not just identity 6:11 - When the Port Authority denied a compliant joint venture 8:01 - Lessons from being low bidder and still losing the award 10:26 - Knowing when to walk away and redirect your energy 10:42 - Community close and call to action Market Intelligence gives you the federal opportunities, agency signals, recompete intel, and pursuit briefs that tell you not just what contracts exist, but which ones to chase and how to win them. Sign up for free Daily Alerts and get opportunities delivered to your inbox before the day starts.

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Learn how to shape a solicitation before the government even releases the final RFP. In this episode, Eric Coffey walks through a real example where his sources sought suggestions were added directly to an SDVOSB set aside solicitation on Seaport. The government added his recommended minimum past performance requirements and an organic small UAS capability, dramatically increasing his win probability from maybe to definitely. How adding minimum past performance requirements raises the standard and elbows out LPTA lowest price vendors Why the government added organic small UAS capability to the solicitation and what that tells you about the incumbent The difference between firm fixed price, cost plus fixed fee, and time and materials and which one puts risk on you How to use Naval special warfare past performance to win regular Navy weapons training contracts Why OCONUS performance in Bahrain and Virginia beach changes your pricing strategy What it means when the government keeps a contract on Seaport under an engineering NAICS code that has nothing to do with engineering EPISODE CHAPTERS: 0:00 - How a sources sought response shaped this entire solicitation 0:57 - Putting customer logos on your cover page in Microsoft Word 2:24 - Keeping it SDVOSB on Seaport to elbow out competition 2:54 - Adding minimum past performance to raise the standard for vendors 3:54 - Why best value trade off beats lowest price technically acceptable 4:22 - How the government added organic small UAS capability to the RFP 5:21 - Why the incumbent probably does not have drones and is not performing 5:51 - OCONUS performance in Bahrain and Virginia beach 6:19 - Firm fixed price means you eat every mistake you make 7:18 - Cost plus fixed fee locks your profit at 8 percent with less risk 8:16 - Time and materials is a blank check for disaster cleanup 9:09 - Why the military pays whatever it takes to stay mission capable 9:37 - Using Naval special warfare past performance for regular Navy training If you want to learn more about the community and to join the webinars go to: https://federalhelpcenter.com/ Website: https://govcongiants.org/ Connect with Encore Funding: http://govcongiants.org/funding

Procurement readiness is the foundation every small business needs before stepping in front of a federal agency — and most contractors skip it entirely. In this episode of the Federal Help Center Podcast, Eric Coffey walks you through exactly what it means to show up prepared, why agencies respond differently when you do, and the specific tools and profiles that signal you're a serious contender before the conversation even starts. Here's what you'll learn in this episode: Why research wins the room: Eric shares a real-time case study where deep agency research — not charm — unlocked direct access to an internal contact and a capabilities briefing within days. How to get agencies to respond when their systems are broken: When outdated forecast lists and dead links block your path, Eric shows you the exact email approach that bypasses the noise and reaches the right person. What the SBA Small Business Search replaced and why it matters: Learn how this new platform replaced DSBS and why your profile there is now a living first impression for contracting officers across every agency. How to complete your capabilities narrative the right way: Eric breaks down what agencies are actually scanning for — keywords, past performance, and service narratives — and what an incomplete profile quietly says about you. Why certifications like 8(a), SDVOSB, and WOSB now auto-link to your profile: Understand how the SBA's backend integration works and what to do if your designation isn't showing up correctly. EPISODE CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Welcome to the Federal Help Center podcast 0:27 - What procurement readiness means for small businesses 1:24 - How research landed Eric a capabilities briefing fast 3:19 - What happened when Eric showed up prepared to the agency 4:44 - Building agency rapport before your first real meeting 5:12 - SAM.gov registration updates every contractor should know 5:41 - How SBA small business search replaces your DSBS profile 7:06 - Completing your capabilities narrative with the right keywords   If you want to learn more about the community and to join the webinars go to: https://federalhelpcenter.com/ Website: https://govcongiants.org/ Connect with Encore Funding: http://govcongiants.org/funding  

Government contract competitor research doesn't require a $500-a-month bid matching platform — it requires the right SAM.gov setup and the right AI prompt. In this episode, Eric Coffey breaks down exactly how he conducts deep competitive intelligence on active solicitations, including a live walkthrough of a real $60M Army recompete he is currently pursuing for a client. If you are a contractor, consultant, or aspiring govcon entrepreneur trying to build a smarter capture process, this episode gives you the exact workflow to start using today. What you will learn in this episode: How to set up SAM.gov custom searches using PSC codes so you never miss a relevant opportunity — no GovTribe, GovWin, or BidSpeed subscription required How to use AI (Google Gemini or any model) with a proven PWS prompt to extract the who, what, when, where, why, FTE count, security clearance requirements, and incumbent info in minutes instead of hours How to identify and target SDVOSB set-aside recompetes where the incumbent has grown large, creating a strategic opening for certified small businesses How to build a go/no-go brief your client will actually read by hyper-consolidating a 30-page performance work statement into one scannable summary Why most competitors miss opportunities even on bids they intend to pursue — and the simple system Eric uses so nothing ever slips by EPISODE CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Welcome to the Federal Help Center podcast 0:27 - Competitor intelligence strategy and episode overview 0:56 - SAM.gov custom search setup using PSC codes 1:56 - Identifying the Army MEOS recompete opportunity 2:55 - AI prompt method for performance work statement breakdown 4:52 - Old highlighter method vs. new AI-driven capture workflow 6:42 - Reading the AI output and key contract intel summary Join a community of small business owners building each other up in the federal space. EPISODE CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Welcome to the Federal Help Center podcast 0:27 - Competitor intelligence strategy and episode overview 0:56 - SAM.gov custom search setup using PSC codes 1:56 - Identifying the Army MEOS recompete opportunity 2:55 - AI prompt method for performance work statement breakdown 4:52 - Old highlighter method vs. new AI-driven capture workflow 6:42 - Reading the AI output and key contract intel summary   If you want to learn more about the community and to join the webinars go to: https://federalhelpcenter.com/ Website: https://govcongiants.org/ Connect with Encore Funding: http://govcongiants.org/funding

If you want to know how to win government contracts before the RFP is even released, this episode breaks down one of the most powerful (and overlooked) strategies in federal contracting: shaping the requirement during the pre-solicitation phase. You'll learn how to leverage sources sought notices and RFIs to position your business for success by influencing contract requirements early. Instead of competing blindly when the solicitation drops, discover how to align opportunities with your strengths from the start. In this episode, we cover: How to respond strategically to sources sought and RFIs Ways to recommend set-asides (WOSB, SDVOSB, small business) How to analyze statements of work (SOW/PWS) quickly using AI Tips to make your proposal stand out visually and strategically This is a must-know government contracting strategy for small business owners looking to gain a competitive edge and increase win rates. If you want to learn more about the community and to join the webinars go to: https://federalhelpcenter.com/ Website: https://govcongiants.org/ Connect with Encore Funding: http://govcongiants.org/funding

In this episode of the Federal Help Center Podcast, Zach Golden sets the tone for entrepreneurs who refuse to navigate federal contracting alone—then the session shifts into a practical, real-time working breakdown of an actual VA Janitorial Services RFP. The focus is speed and decision-making: how to do a quick bid/no-bid review now, because once contract volume ramps up in April–June, you'll need a repeatable process to keep up with SAM.gov opportunities and everything else on your plate. Zach walks through how he evaluates solicitations fast—using a rapid skim, pulling all attachments, and using an AI-assisted proposal workflow (via OpenGovIQ Proposal Manager) to organize requirements and accelerate analysis. Zach stresses the real value is knowing what to do with the material, not just downloading it. Key Takeaways Speed wins: A fast, repeatable bid/no-bid method is essential before SAM.gov volume spikes later in the year. Real RFP example: A VA Janitorial Services opportunity in Salt Lake City, SDVOSB set-aside, due Feb 13, with a base year + option years structure. AI workflow: Zach demonstrates a simple approach—download all attachments → run analysis in a proposal-focused AI tool—so you can move from "overwhelmed" to "organized" quickly. If you want to learn more about the community and to join the webinars go to: https://federalhelpcenter.com/  Website: https://govcongiants.org/  Connect with Encore Funding: http://govcongiants.org/funding

In this episode of the Federal Help Center Podcast, Randie Ward reminds contractors that getting found isn't just about proposals — it's about proximity to the right people. Randie highlights how conferences, industry days, and LinkedIn connections help small businesses stay visible long before opportunities drop. She also shares an important invitation: learning directly from seasoned experts who have already built, scaled, and exited successful federal businesses. Randie previews upcoming Pro Member sessions featuring specialists with 32+ years of federal contracting experience, including former SDVOSB owners turned coaches and community leaders helping small businesses grow strategically. From vision and perseverance to building support networks (including a new women's group), this episode reinforces one truth: no contractor wins alone — the right room can change everything. Key Takeaways: Visibility comes from relationships, events, and staying engaged — not just bidding Learning from veterans with decades of experience can shortcut years of mistakes Community support is a growth multiplier in federal contracting If you want to learn more about the community and to join the webinars go to: https://federalhelpcenter.com/  Website: https://govcongiants.org/  Connect with Encore Funding: http://govcongiants.org/funding Join 2026 Surge Bootcamp Starting January 31: https://govcongiants.org/surge 

In this episode, the hosts dig into a $20M revenue government contracting business that's veteran-owned and focused on procurement for defense and healthcare — debating contract stickiness, declining revenue, and whether the business is even transferable without the founder's special status.Business Listing – https://dashboard.dealforce.com/deals/profiles/profile69185.pdfWelcome to Acquisitions Anonymous – the #1 podcast for small business M&A. Every week, we break down businesses for sale and talk about buying, operating, and growing them.

In this episode, the hosts dig into a $20M revenue government contracting business that's veteran-owned and focused on procurement for defense and healthcare — debating contract stickiness, declining revenue, and whether the business is even transferable without the founder's special status.Business Listing – https://dashboard.dealforce.com/deals/profiles/profile69185.pdfWelcome to Acquisitions Anonymous – the #1 podcast for small business M&A. Every week, we break down businesses for sale and talk about buying, operating, and growing them.

In today's episode, Eric sits down with Venus Quates, President & CEO of LaunchTech, to unpack the real truth about certifications—how they open doors, how they fail you when you rely on them alone, and why hunger and capability win long-term. Venus shares how she landed her very first state contract by responding overnight, expanded the work, underpriced herself, lost money, and still used the opportunity as a launchpad to scale. She also breaks down why certs don't equal contracts, the danger of relying on 8(a)/SDVOSB status without capability, and how partnerships, pricing strategy, and operational readiness matter far more than a badge on paper. Key Takeaways Certifications open the door — capability, hunger & execution keep you inside. Underpricing kills margins — learn pricing, back-office operations & contract math early. 8(a) ≠ automatic revenue; partnerships & performance create real opportunity. Learn more: https://federalhelpcenter.com/ https://govcongiants.org/  Join the bootcamp: https://govcongiants.org/bootcamp  Watch the full Youtube Episode here: https://youtu.be/wlLfhx0XbuM 

The federal government spends $10 billion monthly with small businesses. Learn how to position your company to win your share through strategic marketing and relationship-building.What You'll Learn:Craft a value proposition that makes agencies choose you over competitorsBuild agency relationships without or annoying themUse GAO and IG reports to find problems you can solveMake smart bid/no-bid decisions that protect your win rateLeverage mentor-protégé agreements for instant credibilityBottom Line: Marketing to the government isn't about having a website—it's about demonstrating trust, capability, and value in ways that matter to procurement officers.Resources: Beta.SAM.gov | GAO Reports | Questions: info@federalpcs.comLike, subscribe, and leave a five-star review to help more contractors find the show!Ready to stop guessing? Grab Writing Proposals for Government Contracts at winninggovernmentcontracts.com  

You're trying to win government contracts, but you're flying blind. You don't know which agencies buy what you sell, where they're buying, or who's winning the work you could be doing. The federal government spends $500+ billion annually. They're already buying what you sell—you just need to know where to look. In this episode, I'll show you the exact 5 research tools I've used for 40+ years to identify high-probability government customers—the same process that's helped small businesses win millions in federal contracts. You'll Learn: • Which agencies are already buying what you sell How to see past contracts: who bought what, when, for how much The 5 most powerful (free) market research tools Why research beats networking as your first stepThe Bottom Line: When you know who your customers are and where they buy, you stop guessing and start winning.Next year, the government will spend $127 billion with small businesses. Will they spend it with you? Ready to stop guessing? Grab Writing Proposals for Government Contracts at winninggovernmentcontracts.com Questions: info@federalpcs.com

Send us a textThe FAR rewrite is the most sweeping change in federal procurement in decades, and for small business contractors, Part 19 is where the stakes are highest. This section of the FAR governs how and when contracts must be set aside for small firms, how socio-economic certifications like 8(a), WOSB, HUBZone, and SDVOSB are applied, and how prime contractors must engage with small business subcontractors.In this episode of FedBiz'5, we break down the new Part 19 overhaul in plain language, explaining what has changed and why it matters. You'll learn how the Rule of Two has been preserved and clarified to protect small business access, how tighter certification requirements make your status more meaningful, how sole-source authority has been centralized for easier use, and how subcontracting rules have been strengthened to expand opportunities for teaming and partnerships.We'll also cover why this rewrite is more than just regulatory—it's strategic. With record levels of federal awards already flowing to small businesses, these changes help ensure the momentum continues. And more importantly, we'll share the steps you should take now to be ready: updating certifications, strengthening your capability statement, engaging in market research, and building prime and subcontractor relationships that will position you for success.If you want to understand how the new FAR Part 19 tilts the playing field in your favor—and how to turn the regulatory change into opportunity—this episode is for you.Five minutes, countless opportunities.Need help in the government marketplace? Call us: 844-628-8914Quote code GOVCONREADY to save 10% on products and services. Or, book a free consultation at your convenience. Stay Connected: Follow Us on Facebook Follow Us on LinkedIn

On today's Daily Windup, I dive into how certifications can be the catalyst for massive growth in government contracting. From real-world success stories like Sarah scaling her 8A business to $30M, Marcus building his SDVOSB to $25M, and Lisa cracking $40M through combined certifications, this episode reveals why credentials aren't just paper—they're profit multipliers. I also unpack why certifications like PMP, Agile, and Lean Six have become essential in today's government contracting landscape, with over 600,000 project management roles available and the DoD increasingly requiring PMP for leadership. Whether you're a veteran translating military skills or a contractor chasing scale, you'll learn how credibility and capability must align to win. Key topics covered: Real success stories of entrepreneurs scaling to $25M–$40M with certifications (8A, SDVOSB, and combined approaches). The rising necessity of professional certifications like PMP, Agile, and Lean Six in the government space. Why credibility, combined with capability and relatability, is critical for winning government contracts. Learn more: https://govcongiants.org/

The FAR Part 19 deviation is here, and the world is not on fire. In this episode, I break down why “small business first” largely formalizes how agencies already operate, and why overreliance on 8(a), WOSB, and SDVOSB status is a risky strategy going forward. We talk about legal headwinds to socioeconomic programs, the SBA's shrinking role, and what contractors should do right now. The punchline is simple: position around outcomes, spend more time in pre-acquisition, build real relationships, and communicate value with clear metrics. If you do that, you will not just survive these changes, you will thrive. ----- Frustrated with your government contracting journey? Join our group coaching community here: federal-access.com/gamechangers Grab my #1 bestselling book, "I'm New to Government Contracting. Where Should I Start?" Here: https://amzn.to/4hHLPeE Book a call with me here: https://calendly.com/michaellejeune/govconstrategysession

FREE Training: https://www.govclose.comSchedule a Enrollment Consultation: https://www.govclose.com/enrollment-interviewGovClose Certification OVERVIEW: https://www.govclose.com/govclose-certification-programHow does a small cybersecurity company land a government contract with the U.S. Army worth $1.8 million? In this interview, Harold shares how he used the GovClose strategy to identify opportunities, build relationships with the Army's small business office, and execute a subcontracting strategy that opened the door to federal contracting success.We break down his journey from first outreach to contract award, and why help desk support and network security are some of the hottest federal spending categories right now. If you're trying to break into government contracting, subcontracting is one of the fastest ways to win early and scale from there.Watch this interview to learn:- How Harold went from training to a $1.8M Army contract- Why small business offices can be the key to success- The subcontracting strategy that works again and again- What it takes to scale a cybersecurity company in federal salesReach out to Harold:https://www.linkedin.com/in/harold-kwigova/Follow me on LinkedIn for free live training: https://www.linkedin.com/in/govcloseWant to start your own consulting business in federal contracting? Learn more at https://govclose.comTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction: Harold's $1.8M Army contract win01:00 – Using Army acquisition forecasts to find opportunities02:15 – How the Small Business Office opened the right doors03:00 – Harold's cybersecurity niche: network security & Palo Alto firewalls04:15 – From college football to government contracting06:00 – The subcontracting strategy that landed the contract07:15 – Breaking into the Army help desk and IT support arena08:30 – Why few companies bid on these overlooked contracts09:30 – Building relationships with contracting officers early11:00 – Hiring staff and executing on a multi-year Army contract12:15 – Scaling a small business in the government contracting market13:45 – The power of the GovClose community for teaming & scaling15:15 – Revenue goals and building a $15M+ pipeline18:00 – Certifications (8a, SDVOSB, etc.) and when they matter20:00 – Advice for entrepreneurs entering federal contracting21:30 – Why persistence, research, and mentorship are key23:00 – Final thoughts and Harold's vision for the future

In this episode of The Blackletter Podcast, host Tom Dunlap sits down with Wright Lewis, partner at Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig, to break down the unique challenges of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the government contracting (GovCon) space.Unlike traditional M&A, GovCon deals involve regulations, set-asides, security clearances, and novation requirements that can make or break a transaction. Wright shares expert insights on what contractors, buyers, and sellers need to know before heading to market.Key topics covered:GovCon M&A vs. traditional M&A – why stock purchases dominate and how novation impacts deals.Handling facilities clearances and personnel clearances during acquisitions.The role of set-aside contracts (8(a), WOSB, SDVOSB, etc.) and how they affect valuations.Organizational Conflicts of Interest (OCIs) and how to manage them in due diligence.Market uncertainty from DOGE contract terminations and SBA rule changes.Which sectors are rising in value (AI, cyber, defense, intelligence) vs. which are under pressure.Strategic advice for GovCon sellers:Market timing around set-aside expiration deadlines.Diversifying contracts and clients to reduce risk.Maximizing backlog and margins before going to market.Making yourself redundant as a seller to increase buyer confidence.Wright and Tom also touch on earn-outs, revenue concentration risks, and why buyers are inserting new protective clauses into GovCon transactions in today's uncertain environment.

In today's episode of The Daily Windup, we're talking with Brian Samvich of Anchin, a specialist in regulatory compliance and investigations, and someone deeply embedded in the real-world mechanics of government contracting. Brian breaks down how federal and state construction projects are now coming with strict participation goals—often 30%, 33%, or even 36%—for minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, and HUBZone businesses. And it's not just a suggestion—it's being written directly into bonds and compliance terms. Brian shares how his team helps both large builders and government agencies meet these aggressive diversity and small business goals, and how firms can get ahead by certifying, showing up early, and building meaningful partnerships. If you're a MWBE, SDVOSB, or small business owner looking to land major public contracts, this episode is a must. You'll also learn about new changes like New York's Article 15-A, which lets certified firms bid up to 10% higher than competitors and still win. Compliance isn't just paperwork—it's a gateway to millions in opportunity. Tune in and make sure you're not missing out.

In today's episode, we dive into the intricate world of government contracts and the surprising challenges faced by companies trying to make their mark in this space. Our guest, Adam Lasky, a seasoned government contracts attorney at Seyfarth Shaw LLP, takes us through the maze of regulations and common misconceptions that entrepreneurs often stumble upon. Adam brings to light the misconception surrounding creating new entities for federal contracting. It's not as simple as it seems. Affiliation and size calculations are critical factors that many businesses overlook. Our guest emphasizes how often construction companies, in particular, set up separate entities without fully grasping the affiliation rules. He walks us through the complexities of status-based designations like 8(a) or SDVOSB, and how these don't automatically carry over to subsidiaries. Adam also sheds light on the unique role of the Small Business Administration (SBA), which stands out as an agency willing to provide valuable guidance amidst a sea of complex government regulations. Join us for this informative episode where we break down the challenges faced by businesses stepping into the government contracting arena. 

How do you house thousands of homeless veterans and win government contracts to scale the mission?In this powerful episode of America's Heroes Group, U.S. Army Veterans Yvette Jones Swanson, Founder of Vet Mentors LLC, and Derrick Green, Government Contracts Expert and SBA/VA-certified business owner, break it all down.How to build ethical, effective housing programs for veteransWhy service-disabled veteran-owned (SDVOSB) certification mattersThe dangers of turning veteran housing into a hustleWhat procurement really means — and how to do it rightWhy collaboration between realtors, nonprofits, and contract experts is keySwanson, who has personally housed over 5,000 homeless veterans, and Green, an acquisitions and procurement expert, reveal how their partnership is shaping the future of veteran housing with accountability, integrity, and long-term vision.

I had an eye-opening conversation with one of my students last night, and it reminded me of a major misconception in government contracting—many of you think you must have certifications to win contracts. That's just not true! People are out here scaring you into thinking that without an 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB certification, you don't stand a chance. But let me tell you, there are plenty of lucrative opportunities that don't require any certification at all. In this episode, I break down five specific ways you can sell directly to the U.S. government without jumping through bureaucratic hoops. From product sales on platforms like DLA DIBBS and Unison Marketplace to logistics, catering, and even cybersecurity, I'll show you how others are winning big by thinking outside the box. We also talk about a major wealth transfer happening right now—baby boomers selling off their government contracting businesses, and how you can use SBA-backed financing like SBIC and 7(a) loans to acquire these businesses and step into an already-profitable government contractor role. Plus, I share insights from real-life entrepreneurs who have scaled their businesses beyond certifications. If you're still stuck in the old mindset that certifications are the only way to succeed, this episode will change the game for you. Stop making excuses, start thinking bigger, and let's get to work.

In today's episode, I highlight a conversation with Carlton Harris, the Chief Technology Officer of End-End Enterprise Solutions. Harris discusses how his company's strong cyber background in network security led them to specialize in advanced technologies and services. He also shares how they faced rejection while trying to grow their business and overcame it by getting their SDVOSB certification and forming partnerships with other small businesses to eliminate the "no". Harris further explains how the technical solution is not always what a company is looking for. Enterprises are more interested in knowing how it affects their mission and operations and how the solution will support them. Therefore, it is important to approach clients with an agile mindset and provide them with a solution that fits their budget. This episode offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs on growing a small business, overcoming rejection, and building partnerships, so listen now if you want to know more!

In today's episode, we discuss the changes in the law related to veteran-owned small businesses. The removal of the requirement of the business to demonstrate good character in order to receive SDVOSB service-disabled veteran owner certification was highlighted. Now, you could be a veteran on a small business and not even be in good character. The direct ownership qualification requires veterans to own the entity directly and not through a holding company or other entity. The annual budget submission was also discussed, which lists the products that are coming down for approval. Listen now to know more!

Need financing for your next investment property? Visit: https://www.academyfund.com/ Want to join us in Tampa on January 28th? Visit: https://www.10xvets.com/events ____ Michael Mandarino is a seasoned financial advisor with over 20 years of experience in investment advisory and financial planning. As the owner of 123 Investing LLC and CEO of Soterios LLC, an SDVOSB, he specializes in faith-based investing, tax-advantaged strategies, retirement planning, and charitable giving solutions. Michael is dedicated to serving transitioning military officers, religious organizations, charities, and small businesses, offering expertise in planned giving and biblical-responsible investing. A West Point graduate and former U.S. Army Platoon Leader, Michael collaborates with CPAs and Enrolled Agents to ensure comprehensive financial oversight. His work has been featured in Proactive Advisor Magazine, and he educates others about investing through his YouTube channel. MIchaal Mandarino's Securities & Investment Advisory Services are offered through G.A. Repple & Company, a Registered Broker/Dealer & Investment Advisor Member FINRA & SIPC, 101 Normandy Road Casselberry, FL 32707 T. 407-339-9090. The Vision Behind Faith-Driven Finance: Turning Experience into Purposeful Wealth Strategies Michael's Journey: From West Point graduate and Army Platoon Leader to financial advisor in 2002. A Faith-Driven Mission: How a pivotal moment in 2012 led to specializing in biblical-responsible investing. Serving Veterans: Helping service members navigate military benefits and transitions. Expanding Expertise: Assisting high-net-worth clients with complex tax strategies and capital gains planning. Educational Impact: Growing a YouTube channel to 55,000+ subscribers with compliant financial content. Future Growth: Mentoring junior advisors and acquiring books of business to expand his practice. Timestamps: 00:47 Michael's Background and Career Journey 02:37 Finding a Niche in Financial Advising 05:35 Faith and Business: A Unique Approach 09:48 Short and Long Term Goals 13:11 The YouTube Endeavor 19:47 Challenges and Support Connect with Michael LinkedIn Facebook YouTube 123-Investing Email: mmandarino@123-investing.com Phone or text: (813) 710 - 4123 If you found value in today's episode, don't keep it to yourself—share it with a colleague or friend who could benefit. And if you're a Service Academy graduate ready to elevate your business, we'd love for you to join our community and get started today. Make sure you never miss an episode—subscribe now and help support the show: Apple Podcasts Spotify Leave us a 5-star review! A special thank you to Michael Mandarino for joining me this week. Until next time! -Scott Mackes, USNA '01

In this episode, we talk about the difference between pre-solicitation and source sought. Source sought is the government's market research phase to determine if they should make the requirement a small business or one of the socioeconomic categories. At this stage, the government can determine if they should negotiate directly with small businesses or make it a veteran-owned set-aside program. Pre-solicitation, on the other hand, is a notice given about a month before the solicitation is released, giving contractors time to prepare for the opportunity. The majority of set-asides are now going into IDIQ contracts and are not seen on the open market as much. If you also want to know how to search for set-asides for SDVOSB, tune in now.

The Government market presents the best opportunity for small business growth.  Learn why in this podcast. 1. Why Government Contracts Are Your Path to Success Statistics reveal a 48% chance of hitting $1 million in annual sales Real-world success stories: From $150K to $33M and beyond The government market advantage: Reliable payments, preference programs, and more2. Debunking the Myths: Why Many Shy Away from Government Contracts Fear of the unfamiliar Reluctance to learn new systems How to overcome these mental barriers3. The Numbers Don't Lie: Government as the Ultimate Client $562 billion spent annually - world's largest customer Level playing field with open solicitations Prompt payments and preference programs for small businessesJoin us as we unlock the secrets to building wealth through government contracts and learn why this often-overlooked market could be your ticket to becoming a millionaire!For help writing proposals or with getting certified, visit winninggovernmentcontracts.com.

In this episode, we dive deep into writing two crucial sections of your government contract proposal – The Executive Summary and Technical Approach. 1. Executive SummaryKey components: Tips for addressing agency needs Highlighting key benefits 2. Technical Approach Detailed plan development Addressing RFP requirements Proposing innovative solutions Review and editing process When writing a government contract proposal, focus on these key elements: craft a brief, powerful executive summary; align your solution with agency needs; mirror RFP language in your technical approach; innovate to stand out; and meticulously review your work. These steps will significantly boost your proposal's effectiveness and competitiveness. Check out my new book on Amazon – just click the title: "Writing Proposals For Government Contracts: Strategies for Small and Medium Businesses" by Rick Porterfield

Writing government proposals can be intimidating, but with the a common sense, structured approach, you can do it! This episode breaks down the initial steps of proposal writing, offering practical strategies to overcome writer's block and start crafting a winning proposal. Break it down: Learn how to approach proposal writing in manageable steps Free writing technique: A method to overcome writer's block and generate ideas Key sections decoded: Master the Executive Summary, Technical Approach, and Past Performance From draft to polish: Tips for reviewing, editing, and perfecting your proposal Key Points:Create an outline based on the RFP structureUse free writing to get your ideas flowingCraft a compelling Executive SummaryDevelop a detailed Technical ApproachShowcase your track record in the Past Performance sectionReview and edit your proposal thoroughlyConduct a final compliance check Resources:For proposal writing assistance and certification help, visit winninggovernmentcontracts.comFor proposal templates and samples, visit proposalandcertificationsamples.comEmail info@federalpcs.com for more info

Writing government proposals is challenging, but it's essential for winning contracts. This podcast series demystifies the process. We'll cover strategies to help you tackle RFPs effectively and improve your proposal writing skills. Let's get started on your path to writing winning proposals.Crack the RFP code: Learn to dissect and understand government RFPsMaster the art of proposal writing: A step-by-step approach that takes eliminates guesswork Beyond the proposal: Strategies for building relationships, and market research that give you an edgeTurn proposal writing into a superpower!Resources: For proposal writing assistance and certification help, visit winninggovernmentcontracts.com For proposal templates and samples, visit proposalandcertificationsamples.com Email info@federalpcs.com for more info

Capture Management is a foundational business practice that is as close to a prerequisite to success as you can get. Key Points:Capture Management is crucial for winning government contracts, involving market research, strategic planning, and proposal developmentThe seven key components of Capture Management are: Market Research, Capture Planning, Positioning and Strategy Development, Teaming and Partnerships, Proposal Development, Review and Refinement, and Submission and Follow-UpEffective Capture Management can significantly increase your win rates and accelerate business growth, profits, and success.Resources:For more information, proposal  writing assistance, and certification assistance visit winninggovernmentcontracts.comProposal templates and samples visit proposalandcertificationsamples.com

Why bother doing business with the Government?  It's a foundational question.  Surely the red tape isn't worth it.  Or is it?  Find out in this episode. Key Points:Statistics show that targeting the government market dramatically increases a business's chances of hitting $1 million in annual salesGovernment contracts offer stability, predictable revenue, and opportunities for growth The government is the largest customer in the world, spending over $600 billion per year on contractsPrograms for small, minority, and woman owned businesses level the playing field.Learn seven steps to get started in government contracting, including market research, registration, and developing a capability statementResources:• For help writing proposals, getting certifications, and more, visit winninggovernmentcontracts.com• Are you a do it yourselfer?  We've got you covered.  Visit proposalandcertificationsamples.com

Free Government Contract Training at: https://www.govclose.com In this episode of the DoD Contract Academy podcast, host Richard C. Howard, a former government procurement officer, discusses the timelines and strategies for securing government contracts. Richard provides practical advice on how to navigate the process, emphasizing ways to expedite winning government contracts. This episode is particularly useful for businesses aiming to enhance their government contracting efforts. Time-Stamped Focus Areas: [00:42] Explanation of OTA (Other Transaction Authority) and how it can facilitate faster government contracting. [03:27] Overview of the expected timelines for different government contracts, ranging from quick 30-day turnarounds to longer 18-month processes. [08:15] Strategies for leveraging the SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) program to secure government investment for innovative projects. [10:33] Best practices for selling to existing government customers to secure repeat business. [15:24] Introduction to fallout funds and strategies for accessing these end-of-fiscal-year resources. [17:00] Discussion on how to use existing customer relationships to gain referrals within government agencies. Call to Action: Register for our free training session at GovClose.com to learn more about the government contracting process. This session is designed to provide you with practical steps and guidance to enhance your approach to securing government contracts.

The federal government says it wants to level the playing field so small businesses have a shot at federal dollars. Will SBA socio-economic contracting program really help your small business? Which is best: HUBZone, 8(a), SDVOSB, WOSB? Today, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell starts with a reminder that tags do not determine your success in government contracting.What are the SBA's Contracting assistance programs and why do they exist?When Should You Pursue the HUBZone, 8(a), SDVOSB, WOSBAre the Small Business Programs a Golden Ticket? Myth vs Fact Using SAM.gov for Set-Aside profilesThe real data is shown in USA Spending and separates the hype from the reality✅ JOIN THE CONVERSATION ON LINKEDIN➣Guide to SBA HUBZone, Woman-Owned, Veteran-owned and 8(a) certified Small Business Programs–––––––––––––––––––––––––✅ HOST | Neil McDonnell, president GovCon Chamber of CommerceSmall business owners​ trust Neil to​ show them HOW to earn federal government contracts and subcontracts.​A passionate 'evangelist' for business development​ in the federal marketplace, Neil has helped 1000s of small business contractors collectively win over $3B (federal contract value)Neil's Daily LinkedIn Live and YouTube training have been viewed over 1 Million x.​ ​#experiencemattersAs B2G technology business owner for 25+ years, Neil successfully won contracts worth hundreds of millions for the Department of Defense and civilian agencies, including ...US Army • US Navy • US Air Force • HHS • VA • White HouseDepartments of Education, Transportation, Interior and Energyplus numerous large prime contractors

This week's episode covers highlights of the NDAA for FY24, a Class Deviation relating to SDVOSB eligibility, an ASBCA decision involving pandemic-related claims, and DOD guidance detailing what it means for a cloud service provider to FedRAMP Moderate baseline “equivalent,” and is hosted by Peter Eyre and Yuan Zhou. Crowell & Moring's "Fastest 5 Minutes" is a biweekly podcast that provides a brief summary of significant government contracts legal and regulatory developments that no government contracts lawyer or executive should be without.

Welcome to the DoD Contract Academy Podcast! In this exclusive episode, we dive into the world of government contracts with the exceptional Michael LeJeune, a best-selling author, renowned speaker, and esteemed government contract expert.

Welcome back to The Criminal Justice Evolution Podcast. Thank you for listening to the show. If you are a first time listener - Welcome. Long time listener - Welcome back. Thank you all for the support.  A big thank you to YOU. For what you do everyday as a first responder and criminal justice professional. Remember you are honored, cherished and loved. Please be safe. I struggled. I was in a dark place for a long time. I was in pain, and I masked it with alcohol.  I was contemplating hurting myself.  I finally decided to reach out and ask for help, and I am grateful I did. FHE Health and The Shatterproof Program saved my life. If you are struggling, you don't have to stay there. We can and will help you. Reach out today at 303.960.9819. https://fherehab.com/ https://www.cjevolution.com/shatterproof/ Every time I have a Special Warfare Operator on I am always amazed by their humility, dedication and devotion to this great country. I had the honor of having Andrew "Sully" Sullivan on the show recently. Andrew is the CEO of Community First Project and BlueForce Strategies. They provide law enforcement organizations with no-cost training in areas such as de-escalation, stress mitigation and management, target identification and other critical skills, Community First Project can give police officers the confidence and critical skills to continue safeguarding our communities. Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Andrew Sullivan medically retired from the US military in 2020 after nearly two decades of service in the Special Operations community, including six years at SEAL Team Two and eleven years at Naval Special Warfare Development Group.  His many combat commendations include the Silver Star Medal, two Bronze Star Medals with combat valor, the Purple Heart Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, six Joint Service Commendation Medals with combat valor, two navy and Marine Commendation medals with valor, three Presidential Unit Citations and numerous other joint and individual awards. Following his time in service, Andrew started BlueForce Strategic Action Group, a SDVOSB that provides tactical, security, and leadership consulting to the DOD, Federal, and Law Enforcement Agencies. Additionally, Mr. Sullivan has consulted with several organizations advocating for mental health treatment for Veterans and First Responders. He is a board member at One Summit, a 501c3 that provides resilience training for pediatric cancer patients.  Andrew has a MS in Strategic Leadership from the University of Charleston, West Virginia, and currently resides in Virginia Beach, VA, with his two daughters.  You can find Andrew here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-sullivan-647826175/ https://c1p.org/about-us Check out more great episodes on The CJEvolution Podcast. www.cjevolution.com   Patrick

Guest: Marsha Wilson   Guest Bio: Marsha Wilson is the CEO and Co-founder of ScaleSec, a SDVOSB and security-first cloud consultancy advising clients who want to run regulated workloads in AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure. Her career has afforded her great opportunities to support clients in the Department of Defense, Energy Sector, Healthcare, and more recently clients looking to optimize and secure their cloud environment. Marsha is married to her co-founder, Aaron, and they have three kids, two cats and one dog. She resides in San Diego, CA.    Guest Links: Website: scalesec.com     About Salesology®: Conversations with Sales Leaders Download your free gift, The Salesology® Vault. The vault is packed full of free gifts from sales leaders, sales experts, marketing gurus and revenue generation experts.  Download your free gift, 81 Tools to Grow Your Sales & Your Business Faster, More Easily & More Profitably. Save hours of work tracking down the right prospecting and sales resources and/or digital tools that every business owner and salesperson needs. Watch the demo of the Salesology® Prospecting Method, A Simple, 3-Step Method That, On Average, Increases Qualified Appointments & Sales By 73%. If you are a business owner or sales manager with an underperforming sales team, let's talk. Click here to schedule a time. Please, subscribe to Salesology®: Conversations with Sales Leaders so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! To learn more about our previous guests, listen to past episodes, and get to know your host, go to https://podcast.gosalesology.com/ and connect on LinkedIn and follow us on Facebook and Twitter and checkout our website at  http://www.gosalesology.com

In today's training, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell shows exactly how agencies award year end contracts. If you're procurement ready and have past performance, you should be ready to pursue these opportunities.✅ Today's Insights:How much spending is expected to happen in September 2023? 1,000,000 transactions / awards​ • 848,940 under $1M​Why pursue set aside or direct awards?Why large government contractors should pursue the small business dollars?Why small businesses want to connect with large primes?✅ See the training slides on YouTubeFederal 'End of Year' Spending: How Small Businesses Can Win Government Contracts This process applies to all small #business government contractors, HUBZone, SDVOSB, 8(a), or WOSB. Don't forget to build a relationship with your local APEX Accelerator counselor for support.–––––––––––––––––––––––––HOST | Neil McDonnell, president GovCon Chamber of CommerceSmall business owners​ trust Neil to​ show them HOW to earn federal government contracts and subcontracts.​A passionate 'evangelist' for business development​ in the federal marketplace, Neil has helped 1000s of small business contractors collectively win over $3B (federal contract value)Neil's Daily LinkedIn Live and YouTube training have been viewed over 1 Million x.​ ​

In today's training, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell shows exactly which agencies award contracts to service-disabled veteran owned small businesses.Find the federal agencies who already know, like and trust SDVOSB small businesses and have a positive track record. Don't waste your time with agencies failing to achieve their 'goals'.✅ Today's Insights:

Government buyers and teaming partners need Subject Matter Experts and specialists to deliver specific good and services to help they achieve their federal agency mission. They aren't looking for a company who does 'a little of everything'. Federal buyers are looking for experts who have a clear and focused offer in a specific 'niche'In today's 25 minute high-value training, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell shows small business owners how to: Accelerate your Business Development Efforts, Capture Management Success and Proposal Writing simply by hyperfocusing on a single core competency and area of expertise.This process is recommended for all small #business government contractors, including HUBZone, SDVOSB, 8(a) minority owned and women-owned businesses ie WOSB.✅ See the training slides on YouTubeHow 'Niching' Down Guarantees Your Government Contracting Success–––––––––––––––––––––––––HOST | Neil McDonnell, president GovCon Chamber of CommerceSmall business owners​ trust Neil to​ show them HOW to earn federal government contracts and subcontracts.​A passionate 'evangelist' for business development​ in the federal marketplace, Neil has helped 1000s of small business contractors collectively win over $3B (federal contract value)Neil's Daily LinkedIn Live and YouTube training have been viewed over 1 Million x.​ ​

In this episode, Brock speaks with Rob Wynkoop. After his time in the Marines, Rob went on to start the first franchise of Gyrene Burger, a delivery focused specialty burger chain started by Tom Monaghan, the founder of Domino's Pizza. Rob shares what he learned from Tom and the economics of food delivery before Uber Eats existed. We also talked about government contracting, specifically service disabled veteran owned small businesses, and why that niche isn't as profitable and easy as most people think it is. Lastly, we talked about worm buckets, a worm composting ecommerce company Rob started during COVID. Episode Resources: Rob on Twitter Show Notes: Introduction to this episode. 0:00 When is enough? What is your goal? What are you looking for? 1:18 Looking for ownership of something. 4:54 Rob's background in the marines. 11:17 How he met Tom Monaghan and got into the burger business. 13:52 What was the most challenging part of running a fast food restaurant? 19:19 What's the concept of 100% delivery? 22:22 The three legs of the stool of success. 30:09 What is diversity contracting and how does it work? 36:20 What is government contracting and why is it hard? 40:02 The importance of getting the inside track in government contracting. 46:00 The three ways to be successful in government contracting. 48:57 How do you get into government contracting? 54:55 What's the purchase price of a government contracting small business? 1:00:53 Taking over a SDVOSB. 1:04:11 Worm farming is a success. 1:10:52 Marketing in ecommerce. 1:13:41 Optionality for partnerships. 1:19:21 -- The Scuttlebutt Podcast - The podcast for service members and veterans building a life outside the military. The Scuttlebutt Podcast features discussions on lifestyle, careers, business, and resources for service members. Show host, Brock Briggs, talks with a special guest from the community committed to helping military members build a successful life, inside and outside the service. Follow along:    • Episodes & transcripts: ⁠https://www.scuttlebuttpodcast.co/⁠ • Brock: ⁠https://www.brockbriggs.com/⁠

Mike Armstrong chats with Mark Voner, Founder & CEO of Veterans Development Corporation, about the Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business program. Mark shares how the program works, who is taking advantage of it, how to qualify, and how his company got involved with the program.For more information on the SDVOSB visit:https://business.defense.gov/Socioeconomic-Programs/SDVOSB/To learn more about Mark and Veterans Development Corporation visit:https://vetdevcorp.com/

THE COURSE IS NOW RELEASED!  Scott and Jim talk with Ken Carkhuff, Learning Director at DAU, for Small Business Programs, on CON 0090, Strategies for Contracting for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs).     Ken gets excited about all things Small Business, and this is no exception - he talks about what the course is intending to address, the structure, who the target audience is, how students might transfer the learning to their workplace, and how students are assessed. I-Catalog for more info and to sign up:   CON 0090:  https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/courses.aspx?crs_id=13095 Back to Basics: https://www.dau.edu/back-to-basicsBack to Basics Program Management:  https://www.dau.edu/functional-areas/program-management/; BtBs Contracting:  https://www.dau.edu/functional-areas/contractingSmall Business Community of Practice:  https://www.dau.edu/cop/sb/Pages/Default.aspxContracting Community of Practice: https://www.dau.edu/cop/contracting/Pages/Default.aspxIf you are watching this video on DAU Media, but rather watch on YouTube, go to https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbF8yqm-r_M5czw5teb0PsAApple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/contracting-conversations/id1621567225