In this episode, we discuss how to find good business development (BD) people and proposal writers for their company. We believe that it is important to network and leverage platforms like LinkedIn to find people who are currently working and have a history of success, instead of relying on resume sources like Monster. So want to know how to hire the perfect talent? My guest in this episode has had success with finding a young, energetic person who articulates themselves well and who can be trai...
Nov 05, 2024•9 min
In this episode, we talk about the importance of LinkedIn and social media strategies for small businesses. As an example, it is vital that businesses show a human side in their LinkedIn profiles, with information on their personality and how they can help potential customers. It is also recommended using hashtags on LinkedIn and accepting connections, as each connection represents an opportunity to expand one's network. Want to know more how you can expand your network throught LinkedIn? This e...
Nov 04, 2024•7 min
In this episode, Eric and Manish delve into the challenges of starting a business and share their personal experiences. Manish highlights the difficulty of acquiring new clients and breaking into larger companies and government agencies as one of the hardest obstacles they faced. However, through lessons learned and the implementation of technology and strategies, he was able to overcome these challenges. Their hard work and dedication has paid off, as they have been recognized on the Inc. 500/5...
Nov 03, 2024•9 min
Today's episode is about the challenges of delivering diesel fuel to priority one facilities in emergency situations, such as hospitals and shelters, that rely on generators. These process requires dedicated assets and frequent fuel deliveries. We also talk about the difficulties of bidding for contracts with the Department of Defense as a new vendor and how winning the bids led to buying tractor trailers to expand the business. Listen now to know more about delivering services to priority one f...
Nov 02, 2024•12 min
In this special episode, we have Natalie Rosario, a 27-year-old entrepreneur who rapidly secured four government contracts with no prior experience and minimal capital. Inspired by a friend’s Instagram story, Natalie jumped into government contracting, quickly moving from her first bid on a single piece of paper to landing a five-year landscaping contract in Miami. She shares her journey of overcoming initial challenges, winning vendor trust, and learning as she went, all while underscoring the ...
Nov 01, 2024•23 min
In this episode, we discuss the differences between LPTA (lowest price technically acceptable) and best value when it comes to government contracting. While best value is preferred in theory, in practice, LPTA is often used. There is subjectivity involved in evaluating proposals and that relationships and customer influence can impact the final decision. Being an incumbent can lead to higher wages for employees and how exceptional performance doesn't always translate to winning follow-on contrac...
Oct 31, 2024•9 min
In this very special episode of the GovCon Giants podcast, we have Jackie Robinson Burnett, the Associate Administrator of Government Contracting at the SBA, a leader poised to revolutionize small business access to federal contracts. Jackie unveils a groundbreaking SBA platform that cuts certification approval times by up to 70%, offering small businesses a streamlined process to secure multiple certifications with one application. She dives into the inner workings of federal set-aside programs...
Oct 30, 2024•1 hr 15 min
In this episode, we talk about the real challenges of being a business owner. There are difficulty with self-doubt and the feeling of intimidation by other business owners. But how do you overcome them? We talk about some helpful and proven tips like listening to audiobooks and taking self-evaluation tests such as the Enneagram and Strengths Finders to help increase you knowledge and understanding of what it takes to be a business owner. If you are starting your own business and are finding some...
Oct 29, 2024•12 min
In this episode, we have Lynn Petrazzuolo and we discuss her career in environmental science. Lynn shares the beginning of her journey, which involved building a team from scratch as a federal contractor. With the help of an experienced help desk operator, she learned the ropes and eventually realized the importance of having individuals with environmental science degrees on their team. She also highlights their participation in the 8A program from 2004 to 2013 and how it helped them secure a co...
Oct 28, 2024•11 min
In today's special episode of the Govcon Giants podcast, we sit down with Maria Snider, a remarkable entrepreneur who shares her journey from immigrating from Guatemala to building a successful government contracting business. Maria, a single mother of three, started her business six years ago with no money and just her home vacuum cleaner. Within her first six months, she generated $250,000 in sales, reaching $1 million by the end of her first year, and now makes $2 million annually. She talks ...
Oct 26, 2024•22 min
In this special episode of Govcon Giants, we have Jade Simon, founder and CEO of SimCore Solutions. Jade shares her inspiring journey from being a computer programmer to securing a seven-figure government contract. She reveals how a chance meeting at an NCMA Sneaker Ball and a LinkedIn post led to a successful partnership in the tech space. Jade also discusses the challenges she’s faced as a minority woman in tech and government contracting, emphasizing perseverance and the importance of network...
Oct 25, 2024•24 min
In this episode, Adrienne shares her entrepreneurial journey from starting Armed Property Maintenance in 2006 to becoming a licensed builder and landing a $135K federal contract with the FAA. She discusses the challenges of working in the Detroit real estate market, including property theft, and how she adapted by implementing clever strategies like avoiding copper installations and securing last-minute equipment installations. Adrienne also reflects on buying properties for as little as $3,500 ...
Oct 24, 2024•21 min
Today we have an incredible guest joining us, Bobby Brown. Bobby is the Founder and Owner of Bronco Oil, a name that has become synonymous with innovation and growth in the fuel delivery industry. Since we last spoke with Bobby in 2020, his company has transformed remarkably, growing from a small residential oil delivery service into a full-fledged commercial operation with over 35 trucks and 50 employees. What makes Bobby’s journey truly inspiring is his humble beginnings. He started Bronco Oil...
Oct 23, 2024•1 hr 25 min•Season 1Ep. 237
In this episode, we have Charles Keoho, we talk about how he can use their system to sell his products to contractors, primarily in the construction industry. His products are: insulated aluminum siding and asphalt and concrete repair. So how do you do it? By going to conferences where companies that use his products would be and be present at those events. As an example, he should go to the aluminum siding repair conference to sell his insulated aluminum siding. Learn more about how you can use...
Oct 22, 2024•8 min
In today's episode, we have Brian Sanvidge, the principal leader of regulatory compliance and investigations who has assembled a team of 20 individuals who work for the government and for companies on compliance and investigations. They focus on regulatory compliance, forensic accounting, and computer forensics. They also help large corporations meet government contract goals for minority, women, and small business participation in construction projects and public work. Brian and his team work f...
Oct 21, 2024•8 min
In today's episode, we talk about the self-employment track offered by a rehabilitation program for individuals with disabilities. The program provides comprehensive training, supplies, and reimbursement for certifications or courses necessary for starting a business. The first step is to go through an evaluation process at the rehabilitation program to determine skills and abilities. The accelerator program is highly recommended and helps determine if a business idea is feasible, sustainable, a...
Oct 20, 2024•11 min
In this episode, we talk about an important strategy for attracting government buyers in a business setting. The first step is to let the government know that your company exists, which can be done through partnerships and building a rapport with a specific sub-agency in your field of expertise. The strategy is a long-term game, as the government is looking for contractors that will be in it for the long haul. We suggests using a multipronged approach and building relationships with the sub-agen...
Oct 19, 2024•10 min
In today's episode, we discuss the difficulty of finding contractors for construction projects. Many companies struggle with this issue, especially when working on government facilities. If someone has access to good contractors, they can write their own "blank check" as the demand is so high. My suggestion is to make a list of the contractors, their specialties, and contact information to make it easier for companies to find them. Listen in to learn more and stay tuned for tomorrow's new episod...
Oct 18, 2024•9 min
In today's episode, we talk about the process of obtaining contracts with the government and the quality of contractors the government typically gets. Typically, the government gets the best contractors that come to them, not necessarily the best contractors overall. There is a particular contract for art supplies worth up to $300,000 and a total amount of $7 million, which is a low bar. The best art supply companies may not be looking at this opportunity as they are busy selling art supplies. T...
Oct 17, 2024•8 min
Today we have an exceptional guest joining us, Shane McCall. Shane is an equity partner at Koprince McCall Pottroff LLC and the mastermind behind the renowned blog smallgovcon.com. With extensive experience in federal contracting, Shane's expertise is invaluable for businesses looking to navigate the complexities of government procurement. In this episode, Shane delves into the strategic and legal intricacies that can make or break a small business in the federal contracting arena. His firm has ...
Oct 16, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 236
In this episode, we talk about how a lot businesses have been affected by COVID-19. Talking about their experience, my guest today shared how their drivers who served the Boston area were affected, but listen up, their company was able to reassign them to fueling COVID testing sites with generators. This allowed them to keep their staff going and they even had to hire terminal workers to keep up with the work that was coming in. She also shared how buying a terminal which they didn't know much a...
Oct 15, 2024•11 min
In this special episode of the Govcon Giants Podcast, we have Tony Reaves II, who shares his incredible success story after attending last year’s GovCon conference. Tony discusses how a conversation at the event led him to think about adding a “plus one” to his business, which deals in tires, and how that insight resulted in winning a $238,000 contract. By networking and leveraging connections made at the conference, Tony expanded his offerings to include tire recycling and run flats, which help...
Oct 14, 2024•31 min
In this special episode of the Govcon Giants Podcast, we sit down with Megan Sheckles to celebrate the one-year anniversary of her attending the 2023 Contracting Connections Summit. Megan shares her inspiring journey, from leaving corporate America and celebrating her 40th birthday in Aruba to attending the summit on a layover in Miami. She discusses how the event connected her with invaluable resources and people in the government contracting space, leading to major growth in her career over th...
Oct 13, 2024•22 min
In this special episode of the Govcon Giants Podcast, we have Ben Amaba, an expert in emerging technologies with over 30 years of experience, including his time as Chief Technology Officer at IBM. Ben discusses the growing risks in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, emphasizing the critical need for prevention and remediation to avoid costly breaches. He also highlights China’s advancements in key technologies like AI and quantum computing and raises concerns about the potential global i...
Oct 12, 2024•26 min
In this episode, we are discussing the responsibilities of a prime contractor in relation to their subcontractor. It's important to know that if a subcontractor doesn't pay their employees a fair wage, the prime contractor could be liable. We also talk about the benefits and drawbacks of being a prime contractor and we also highlighted the importance of connecting with each other to have access to a network of 20,000 businesses. Ultimately, connecting with others can multiply opportunities. Tune...
Oct 11, 2024•11 min
In this episode, we discuss the process of bidding for government contracts. The different stages of the process, starting with the evaluation criteria in the blue phase, where feedback from interested parties can be given to the government to shape the requirements. When the process moves to the green phase and the bid is solicited, the government cannot give any one company an unfair advantage, so questions must be sent in writing to ensure fairness. During the evaluation process, the governme...
Oct 10, 2024•11 min
In today’s Making A Giant special episode, we have an inspiring guest joining us, Tony Reaves. Tony is the founder of The Toota Group LLC, a company that has taken the niche market of vehicle tires and parts by storm within just 14 months. Tony's expertise shines through as he shares how he pivoted from a background in car sales to a thriving business in government contracting. But that's not all. Tony's impact stretches beyond his impressive new venture. Last year, he attended our Contract and ...
Oct 09, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Season 1Ep. 235
In this episode of the Govcon Giants Podcast, we are thrilled to bring you a conversation with Jeff Holmes of RQ Construction. Jeff is a seasoned professional with over 27 years of experience in the Department of Defense (DoD) construction sector, where he plays a pivotal role in connecting businesses—both large and small—with federal construction opportunities across the United States. Jeff's responsibilities include developing and maintaining subcontracting plans, conducting outreach for upcom...
Oct 02, 2024•43 min•Season 1Ep. 234
In our latest episode, we’re joined by Mohammad “Sam” Elias, the chairman and founder of RELI Group, who shares his extraordinary journey from a small subcontractor to the leader of a federal contracting powerhouse with over 500 employees. Sam's story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and strategic thinking. He started his career supporting the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) as a senior program manager, where he led teams of up to 50 experts on critical IT health initiative...
Sep 25, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 233
In this episode, we are joined by Kyle Beagle, the Command Director of the Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) for the National Guard Bureau. With over 14 years of federal service, Mr. Beagle brings a wealth of experience and insights into the world of small business acquisition within the Department of Defense (DoD). As the chief advisor on all small business-related matters for the National Guard, Kyle is responsible for overseeing small business acquisition policies, strategic initiative...
Sep 18, 2024•56 min•Season 1Ep. 232
