Breaking the Standard
Breaking Small Business Size Standards in GovCon Podcast
Show overview
Breaking the Standard has been publishing since 2021, and across the 5 years since has built a catalogue of 100 episodes. That works out to roughly 50 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a fortnightly cadence, with the show now in its 3rd season.
Episodes typically run twenty to thirty-five minutes — most land between 23 min and 32 min — though episode length varies meaningfully from one episode to the next. None of the episodes are flagged explicit by the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-language Business show.
There hasn’t been a new episode in the last ninety days; the most recent episode landed 3 months ago. The busiest year was 2024, with 26 episodes published. Published by Breaking Small Business Size Standards in GovCon Podcast.
From the publisher
Closing the Communication and Knowledge Gap for the Small Business Government Contracting Industry. One of the biggest challenges industry faces is working in the federal government sphere is communication. Breaking the Standard is committed to using the podcast as a platform to educate, inform, and connect with others in the Small Business Government Contracting Community, both industry and Government.
Latest Episodes
View all 100 episodes
S3 Ep 41Misuse of Generative AI (GenAI) in Reporting a Protest
On this episode, we have David Timm with us to discuss the misuse of Generative AI (GenAI) in reporting a protest. David, a bid protest attorney, walks us through how GenAI is impacting and changing the protest process, what issues arise when companies use GenAI and things to consider when using GenAI for a bid protest. Do not miss this conversation. To connect with David, find him on LinkedIn
S3 Ep 40Creating a Common Language Across GovCon: Government, Industry and Academia
In this episode, we have Mike Derrios with us, the new Executive Director of the Greg and Camille Baroni Center for Government Contracting within the Costello College of Business at George Mason University. Mike discusses with us the concept to create a common culture within GovCon across Government, Industry and Academia and the benefits associated. To connect with Mike, find him on LinkedIn. Learn more about the Greg and Camille Baroni Center for Government Contracting
S3 Ep 39All things CMMC and What's Involved
On this episode, we have Zach Walker with us to discuss all things CMMC. Zach walks us through what CMMC is, the process to be certified and approved, any costs associated and what the audit process looks like. Do not miss out on this conversation as CMMC will be a main topic of conversation for a long time to come! To connect with Zach, find him on LinkedIn To learn more about Zach's company and how they help with CMMC compliance, click here
S3 Ep 38Changes from the FAR Overhaul: What Small Businessess Need to Pay Attention To
In this episode, we have Sam Le with us to discuss the recent changes as a result of the FAR Overhaul and the impact to small businesses. Sam walks us through what he believes small businesses should pay particular attention to and what he considers major changes. Don't miss out on this episode! To connect with Sam, find him on LinkedIn. Check out Sam's podcast and blog mentioned as well at GovConIntelligence.com.
S3 Ep 37Rewinding the GovCon Story: Was It Love at First Sight?
In this episode, we have Neil McDonnell with us to discuss his journey through the GovCon space. Neil shares his introduction to GovCon, if it was love at first sight and how he started the GovConChamber. Don't miss out on this great conversation full of insights for small businesses. To connect with Neil find him on LinkedIn.
S3 Ep 36Where & How Small Businesses Can Find Opportunities
On this episode, we have guest Tracy Marcinowski with us to discuss where small businesses can find opportunities in GovCon. Tracy offers suggestions on how small businesses can determine where within the industry they belong, and steps to take to continue generate and create opportunities. To connect with Tracy, find her on LinkedIn.
S3 Ep 35Elevating Through Empathy: Connecting Through the Human Lens
In this episode, we have Mike Nachshen with us to discuss elevating through empathy and ways that small business can approach preparing a proposal to appeal to the evaluators who will be reviewing the proposal on the receiving end. Mike walks us through what the empathetic lens is, what it can offer for small businesses and steps to take for this process. All of which offer a new approach for small businesses to use when preparing and submitting proposals. To connect with Mike, find him on LinkedIn
S3 Ep 34Different Ways Small Businesses Can Learn Within the World of GovCon
On this episode, we have Michelle Currier, Chief Learning Officer of the National Contract Management Association with us to discuss different ways small businesses can learn within GovCon. Michelle offers different places small businesses can look to learn and educate themselves, who to ask, dos and don'ts when it comes to education and a few of her favorite stories and experiences. To connect with Michelle find her on LinkedIn.
S3 Ep 33Using Score Cards and Self Scoring: What to Know
On this episode, we have Lauren Leulu, of Leulu & Co. with us to discuss all things scorecards! Lauren walks us through what scorecards are, how self scoring works, pros and cons to the process and how using scorecards can help to increase success across the board. To connect with Lauren, find her on LinkedIn.
S3 Ep 32Why Small Business Specialists Need to Be Your BFF
On this episode, we have Small Business Specialist Reggie Mitchell from the Environmental Protection Agency with us! Reggie walks us through what a small business specialist does, what actions small businesses can take to connect with him, and why you need to be his best friend (if you're a small business). Do not miss out on hearing about Reggie's passion to support, educate and propel this industry. To connect with Reggie, find him on LinkedIn
S3 Ep 31The Power of Creating Community and Winning within NCMA
On this episode, we have Kraig Conrad, CEO of the National Contract Management Association (NCMA), to discuss the ways the GovCon community can win. The opportunities through training, events, outreach, networking and more offer a wide range for all businesses, especially small businesses. Listen in to learn more about what NCMA can offer the GovCon community! To connect with Kraig, find him on LinkedIn. To learn more about NCMA, click here.
S3 Ep 30Creating Your Roadmap as a Small Business and Defining your North Star
In this episode, we have Krystn Macomber with us to discuss creating your roadmap as a small business and defining your North Star. Krystn walks us through what a roadmap is, how to create and refine it and why it matters in their mission. Krystn also explains how small businesses can identify what their North Star is while sharing about her own for additional reference. To connect with Krystn, find her on LinkedIn
S3 Ep 29Answering Questions from Small Businesses About All Things AI: What to Consider before Drinking the Kool Aid
In this episode, we have Akash Mandavilli with us to discuss questions and answers from small businesses surrounding AI and what to consider before using it. Akash is the founder of GovEagle, a program used in the GovCon space that walks us through what small businesses should ask themselves before working with AI, using AI with GovCon requirements and looking into the future. To connect with Akash, find him on LinkedIn. To learn more about GovEagle, click here.
S3 Ep 28How Data Can Help Small Businesses and Make the Difference
In this episode, we have Kris Saling with us, a Colonel in the United States Army dedicated to driving data analytics and talent management. Kris walks us through how data can make a huge difference for small businesses at any level and why they should implement different analytics and management now. Listen in now! To connect with Kris, find her on LinkedIn Learn more about Kris and her publishings here
S3 Ep 27Using Oral Presentations to Showcase Experience: A Game Changer for Small Businesses
In this episode, we have Lisa Shea Mundt with us to discuss oral presentations. Lisa walks us through what oral presentations are, the role they can play in proposal responses and how they can truly showcase a small businesses' experience in ways a written proposal cannot. To connect with Lisa, find her on LinkedIn
S3 Ep 26Reviewing the Last Year as COO and Looking Ahead: Changing the Narrative in GovCon
On this episode, we have Alexa Tsui back with us to reflect on her year as Chief Operating Officer at G2X and looking ahead on changing the narrative within GovCon to GovCom. Alexa shares her views on what industry has done well and where industry can continue to improve. Alexa also shares her insight on connection and how it all comes back to people connecting with people. Great conversation - do not miss out! To connect with Alexa, find her on LinkedIn
S3 Ep 25Small Businesses and Understanding the Market: Asking the Right Questions
On this episode, we sat down with Stephanie Geiger to discuss small businesses understanding the market. Stephanie walks us through small businesses asking the questions to ensure they are planning strategically and smartly investing their resources. Do not miss this episode. To connect with Stephanie, find her on LinkedIn Sign up for the Guest List and stay up to date on episodes, information and more
S3 Ep 24Hearing it straight from a Banker: What small businesses need to be bankable
On this episode, we have Dan Hampton with us from the Bank of Clarke to discuss what small businesses need to be bankable. Dan walks us through what it means to be bankable, what small businesses need to know, actions they need to take, and keeping sight of their core business values and never losing sight of their vision. Do not miss out on this insightful conversation. To connect with Dan, find him on LinkedIn. To sign up for the Guest List, click here.
S3 Ep 23Defining Fair & Reasonable Pricing from Both Sides of GovCon
In this episode, we have Troy Francis and Jon Barker with us to discuss fair and reasonable pricing. With both sides of GovCon represented (Government and Industry), listen in as fair and reasonable pricing is viewed, defined and evaluated from both sides. Don't miss out on this unique conversation that offers lots of valuable information that small businesses can apply immediately! To connect with Troy, find him on LinkedIn To connect with Jon, find him on LinkedIn Join the Guest List to stay in the know!
S3 Ep 22Understanding the Mission and Meeting Potential Customers
In this episode, we have Kristina Tanasichuk with us from the Government Technology and Services Coalition to talk about understanding the mission and meeting a potential customer. Kristina walks us through what small businesses need to be doing right now, what to consider and how vital that is to connect and meet new customers in the GovCon space. To connect with Kristina, find her on LinkedIn To learn more about GTSC, go to their site here