Breaking the Standard

In this episode, we have William Randolph with us to discuss the micro purchase threshold and how it could be a huge benefit for small businesses. Learn about how the micro purchase threshold works, what is needed and how businesses can participate. Connect with William on LinkedIn Learn more about MicroMarket.co

In this episode, we have Constance Jackson with us to discuss the unspoken side of Government business. Countless times we have seen, heard or read about where the Government has messed up, today we discuss what the Government does right! Listen in and let us know if you agree. Connect with Constance on LinkedIn

On this episode, we have Kevin Switaj back with us to discuss his new book - Keys to the Castle. Kevin connects Walt Disney and storytelling to the proposal process and explains the changes that need to be made when it comes to writing proposal. Disney fan or not, don't miss out on this episode! Follow Kevin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinswitaj/ Follow BZ Opportunity Management on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bz-opportunity-management/ Get the book - Keys to the Castle by Kevin Switaj: https://www.amazon.com/Keys-Castle-Building-Creativity-Processes/dp/173288143X

In this episode, we have special guest Lisa Shea Mundt from the Pulse of GovCon with us to discuss the foundation of proposals and the overarching process. Lisa explains to us how the proposal process begins ahead of a submission and the steps involved to conduct research and what steps small businesses miss. Do not miss out on this episode to deepen your understanding of the proposal process and the many parts that comprise it. Connect with Lisa here on LinkedIn Learn more about the Pulse of GovCon here

In this episode, we have the one and only Meg O'Hara, Director of Engagement from GovMates, to discuss the magic of federal matchmaking. Meg walks us through GovMates and what it does which involves focusing on buyer requirements versus seller capabilities for upcoming government requirements. What an amazing resource to have for small businesses to connect with other fellow small businesses and large companies! Listen in today to learn more about GovMates. Learn more about GovMates Connect with Meg on LinkedIn

In this episode, we have guest Mark Amtower with us to discuss to use of LinkedIn for the Government Contracting space. This crucial conversation is for small businesses to connect, network and take their businesses to the next level. Don't miss out on this wealth of knowledge and great conversation with Mark.

In this episode, we have guest Teresa Moon from Parablis and Spilling the Tea podcast with us to discuss looking at the big picture as a business in GovCon - specifically when it comes to finding a lending partner. Listen in as Teresa highlights planning ahead, the positives and negatives around having a lending partner and Teresa's "Top Ten" for businesses to have their ducks in a row. Find Teresa here on LinkedIn Find Spilling the Tea Podcast here

In this episode, we have special guest Steven Koprince with us, Facility Instructor and Legal Analyst at Govology. Steven discusses with us the SBA Scorecard, the significance behind it and also how it currently provides a disservice to Small Businesses. If you want to know what these disservices are and more - listen in to the episode now. Find Steven on LinkedIn Here Articles Referenced: https://www.sba.gov/article/2023/07/18/biden-harris-administration-sets-record-breaking-163-billion-federal-procurement-opportunities-small https://www.sba.gov/agency-scorecards/index.html

In this episode, we have special guest Larry Webb, District Director of the Small Business Administration for the Washington Metropolitan Area. Larry shares with us the three C's of the SBA - Contracting, Capital and Counseling and expands on many of the services and opportunities that small businesses do not take advantage of. Additionally, there are hidden resources that Larry shares about with us so don't wait to listen in! Connect with Larry on LinkedIn Small Business District Office Page with each state and local office is linked Here

On this episode, we have special guest Katrina Kenny from Advanced Technology International with us to discuss the OTA Consortium. OTAs are Other Transactional Agreements that are used for different opportunities within the GovCon community. Katrina explains what the OTA Consortium is, what it offers within the DOD community and why companies need to know about this. Please do not wait to listen to this episode! Find Katrina here on LinkedIn Learn more about ATI here

In this episode, we have very special guest Bernita Washington Tardieu from BOOST, LLC. with us to discuss negotiation and deal making in the GovCon space. Bernita offers invaluable feedback for small businesses around knowing your purpose, proper education and knowing your worth. You do not want to miss this episode - to help your business thrive and not just survive. Connect with Bernita on LinkedIn

In this episode, we have special guest Albert Darlington from BOOST LLC to discuss workplace culture, getting to a new normal and what's changed in the last few years. Albert offers some great insight into things to consider before expanding your business. Don't miss out on this episode! Find Albert on LinkedIn

In this episode, we have special guest Jim Campbell from AXIM Solutions and host of the GovCon Secrets podcast here to discuss benefits within GovCon. Specifically being able to navigate between contract requirements and benefit requirements. Not sure what the differences are? Trying to build your staff or respond to an upcoming requirement? This episode is for you. Find Jim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jvcampbell Listen to GovCon Secrets here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/govcon-secrets/id1678083311

In this episode, we have two special guests with us! Daniel Hampton from Bank of Clarke and Matt Stavish from Republic Capital Access join us to discuss financing for Small Businesses and the differences between banks and private capital firms. Listen as Dan and Matt provide some essential information for small businesses to consider before receiving financing, the process for financing and dos and donts in the business. Don't miss out on this amazing episode!

In this episode, we have guest Kevin Jans with us from Skyway Acquisition and the Contracting Officer Podcast to discuss the major pitfalls that small businesses fall into on the post award side. Listen in as we discuss why the post award phase is so crucial for small businesses to focus on, three major pitfalls small businesses make in the post award phase and how to maintain marital bliss with the government and not end in divorce. Find Kevin's podcast here : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/government-contracting-officer-podcast/id946777369

In this episode, we have guest Lisa Rehurek with us from RFP Success Company. Lisa offers her dos and don'ts as well as pitfalls when it comes to RFPs, which can be applied across the board, regardless of who your customer is. We also discuss opportunities at both the state and local level and what that could offer for companies who ultimately would want to work in the Federal government contracting world. Listen in today!

In this episode, we have with us Justin Lerma and Will Roberts from ASI Government to discuss Artificial Intelligence. Listen in as we discuss the US AI Training for Acquisition Workforce Act as well as what changes AI will bring to the Federal Workforce, Contracting and opportunities for small businesses. US AI Training for Acquisition Workforce Act

In this episode, we have special guest Michael LeJeune from RSM Federal and Game Changers from GovCon. Michael and Aubrey discuss the proposed changes to the 8(a) Business Development Program proposed by the Biden Administration. We discuss the pros and cons to this proposed change, impacts, and potential benefits. Michael offers some great tips as well so don't miss out on this episode! Find Michael on LinkedIn Resources Referenced: eCFR https://smallgovcon.com/8a-program/5-things-you-should-know-sbas-recent-8a-program-updates/ Federal Register

In this episode, we discuss something new we learned about the the GAO aka the congressional watchdog. GAO provides reports and research which are required by law or congressional committees and are something incorporated or not. This episode introduces a report published last year discussing twelve (yes 12) trends that the GAO identifies to watch over the next five to fifteen years and the potential impact it could have to procurement, especially small businesses. GAO Trends

In this episode, we discuss updates to the Procurement Innovation Lab since our original discussion (back in Episode 43). The PIL also published a Yearbook (for the first time ever!) from this past year which we discuss and is linked below. Listen in to see what those updates are and why you should be tuned in! PIL 2022 Yearbook Citizant, Inc.; Steampunk, Inc. Protest

In this episode, we held our in-person event! We had a panel to discuss the current restrictions held on Women Owned Small Businesses. Panelists for this event include professionals from every realm of the GovCon community which bring lots of expertise, insight and a lively discussion. Listen in!

In this episode, we discuss the newly passed SBA rule which allows small businesses to use different avenues to submit for past performance. Two avenues are a small business operating in a Joint Venture with another company as well as a small business operating as a first tier subcontractor. We discuss our views on this new rule and what it means for small businesses in the contracting world moving forward. Article referenced during episode: https://foxrothschild.gjassets.com/content/uploads/2022/10/BOK_FedConInfoPacket_1022v5-1.pdf

In this episode, we discuss the proposed changes to the 8(a) sole source threshold. Listen in as we consider the changes from all three perspectives of legal, procurement and small business.

In this episode, we discuss the proposed changes to the 8 (a) program and the ramp up time. If these changes are implemented, it would allow the vendors an actual ramp up period before the clock starts ticking on their 8(a) program participation. Listen in to hear more and what this could mean for vendors.

In this episode, we discuss the different agreements between prime contractors, subcontractors and all levels in between and who has privity of contract. Listen in as we examine each tier within contacting to understand this concept further.

In this episode, Nicole and Aubrey discuss training that would educate Contracting Officers and benefit Woman Owned Small Businesses (WOSB). However we uncover a key part of the WOSB that surprises both of us. Listen in and let us know if you have the same reactions we did. Link to GAO Report referenced in episode: https://smallbusiness.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=2536

In this episode, we have Phill Thomas, CEO of Innovate! Inc to share his experiences as a small business contractor. Phill talks about the growth of the company, what surprised him about GovCon at different stages of his company's growth, transitioning from subcontractor to prime contractor and lessons learned. Listen in!

In this episode, we have Ken Bricker back with us to discuss estimating system compliance. He also covers some of the 9 Cost Accounting Standard (CAS) exemptions and workflows for compliance. Listen in today!

In this episode, we have guest Ken Bricker on with us to discuss and explain the intricacies behind accounting systems. Ken guides us through the administration, compliance and audits so don't miss out on this episode!

In this episode, we discuss the pros and cons from different perspectives of doing an oral proposal versus written. Listen in!

In this episode, we have guests William Randolph and Justin Lerma with us to discuss the Biden Administration's goal of ensuring that 15% if federal contracts go to Small Disadvantaged Businesses by 2025. Listen in as we discuss impacts, challenges, what will need to be done to accomplish this goal and more!

In this episode, we have special guest Justin Lerma, an advocate for best practices in acquisition. From technical challenges in the Contracting Officer's "toolbox", we discuss how innovations and education in contracting can result in better exchanges between industry and government. Listen in now!

In this episode, we have guests Jeanne Harrison and Alex Gorelik from Smith, Currie & Hancock to discuss price escalation. A very prevalent topic in todays industry, Jeanne and Alex answer our questions and provide insight into a topic that will continue to impact the govcon community.

In this episode, Jack is back with us to offer advice for anyone looking or facing a career transition. Whether you're looking to leave the military for the Government or the Government for industry, or are ready to launch your own business, Jack offers some tools and skills to help. Listen in!

In this episode, we discuss lessons learned after the submission of a proposal. Nicole walks us through how a company can learn from what worked and what didn't to be able to continually improve their internal processes. Listen in to learn more!

In this episode, we welcome our new co-host Morgan Tapp! Morgan recently moderated a discussion on the impact of President Biden's Initiatives on Government Construction Contracting with the American Bar Association Federal Procurement Institute. Morgan leads us through topics discussed such as the Labor Employment Initiative, COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates and the CMMC 2.0 Infrastructure Bill and the impacts on contracting and small businesses. Don't miss this episode!

In this episode, we discuss Contract Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS), the Performance Assessment used to evaluate a contractor's performance with the Government. We discuss the pros and cons and steps that a contractor can take to dispute a rating if they disagree.

In this episode, we welcome back Morgan Tapp, Contract and Fiscal Law Attorney to discuss unilateral v. bilateral modifications. We discuss the differences and how these types of modifications can impact contractor's rights.

In this episode, we venture into a whole uncharted territory of. constructing in contracting. Jack O'Neill shares his perspectives working in the construction sector with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He brings his experience in multiple roles including the uniformed Army, business development for non-profit startup and a consultant to our conversation. He offers so much knowledge in this episode.

In this episode, we have superstar Morgan Tapp, an attorney with Fox Rothschild, who discusses her knowledge in the contracting world from both the military and private sector side. Don't miss out on her nuggets of wisdom!

In this episode, we discuss a question that many vendors have - what happens to my RFI once I submit it? Join us as we discuss why and RFI doesn't always lead to issuing a solicitation and more.

In this episode, we discuss a real life example of category management and the negative impacts it can have on small businesses. Nicole walks us through the scenario of IT Support Services (ITSSS), a Best in Class vehicle and what happened. Listen in to learn more as we dissect this scenario!

In this episode, we kick off Season 2 and discuss Procurement Planning Meetings, also known as Procurement Planning Conferences. This Planning Conference allows for the Procurement Shop to discuss with their customer the upcoming year and forecast challenges. We also look at forecasting from the business side and discuss any challenges.

In this episode, we discuss with guest Russell Teter, an industry expert about all things regarding the 8 (a) Certification Application. Listen in to learn what the SBA doesn't tell you to include in your program application! SBA 8(a) Application Checklist https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/resource_files/8a_Application_Checklist.pdf * Have a piece of paper for everything * Be very organized * Prepare a case history demonstrating educational, employment, and business discriminatory events OWN and Operate Socially AND economically disadvantaged - race, gender, ethnicity, physical, isolated from American Society

In this episode, we discuss Category Management in further detail, why it was created by the Government and why it is important for industry to understand and tap into these categories. We also discuss the impact of Category Management on both industry and Government both positive and negative. Link to GAO report mentioned in episode: https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-21-40.pdf

In this episode, we discuss Best in Class contracts. We discuss what the designation Best in Class (BIC) means, the criteria to be a BIC and the benefits that it offers to the Government. Listen in to hear more about the different categories available! Best in Class Overview: https://www.gsa.gov/buying-selling/category-management/best-in-class Best in Class Criteria: https://hallways.cap.gsa.gov/app/#/gateway/best-class-bic/58727/best-in-class-bic-criteria Current Best-in-Class (BIC) Solutions by Category: https://hallways.cap.gsa.gov/app/#/gateway/best-class-bic/22576/list-of-best-in-class-solutions OMB March 20, 2019 Memo; Category Management: Making Smarter Use of Common Contract Solutions and Practices: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/M-19-13.pdf

Have you ever wondered about the GSA Schedule? In this episode, we discuss the GSA Schedule, what to consider when working with it and if you're a good fit for it. Listen to learn all things GSA! Link to DHS' Strategic Sourcing Vehicle: https://www.dhs.gov/department-wide-contract-vehicles

In this episode, we discuss contract kickoff (also called a post award conference or orientation) following the award of the contract. We go over the purpose of the contract kickoff, topics covered, and the benefits to having this discussion with the awardee. Listen in to learn more about a great opportunity for the Government and contractor to establish a relationship and set expectations!

In this episode, we respond to a question from one of our listeners about executive summaries. We discuss the executive summary, what it is and the role it plays in proposals and communicating with the Government. Listen in to let us know if you include them in your communication and your thoughts about them!

In this episode, we discuss innovation in procurement, specifically about the Procurement Innovation Lab (PIL) that is offered through DHS. The PIL was created to be a resource to all components throughout DHS which, Aubrey has worked with and shares her experience of working with then. Check out their information in this link below and also look ah their library for additional information. PIL- https://www.dhs.gov/pil