Govcon Giants

If you’re even thinking about government contracting or consulting, let me give you the inside scoop—the #1 bottleneck in the industry is finding good contractors. In today’s windup, I break down exactly how having a list of reliable, responsible contractors (even just five!) can make you a go-to source overnight and potentially earn you thousands a day in ref...

In this episode of Govcon Giants, I’m joined by Andrew McAllister from Holland & Knight—one of the largest law firms in the country—to unpack some serious developments that government contractors need to pay attention to. We’re talking foreign ownership, national security scrutiny, skyrocketing tariffs, and the growing role of AI in defense and supply chain regulation.

In today's episode, we're diving deep into the intricate world of federal procurement, uncovering vital insights that could reshape your business strategy. Our guest, a seasoned entrepreneur, takes us on a journey through the maze of federal acquisition regulations and the diverse landscape of small business opportunities.

Our discussion revolves around the power play between GSA (General Services Administration) schedules, Best in...

In today's episode, we dive into a compelling discussion that debunks a widely believed misconception in the business world. Our guest speaker, passionately shares their journey of winning a significant contract without relying on certifications. They emphasize the importance of proving one's ability through action, rather than getting caught up in the certification frenzy.

Our guest's captivating story revolves around their triump...

Today we dive into the incredible journey of our guest, who has managed to secure over $800,000 in government contracts within just six months.

Our guest, who's already a successful entrepreneur, highlights the importance of understanding your target audience's needs, and shares how the federal government provided invaluable insights into what they want and how they want it. The journey began with a commitment to consistency – waki...

In this episode, we sit down with Mr. Wayne Berry, a Senior Procurement Analyst and Small Business Specialist at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), part of the Department of Health and Human Services. With over 15 years of experience in federal contracting, Wayne provides valuable insights into how small businesses can navigate the complex landscape of government procurement. He breaks down the differences between agencies, h...

In this power-packed episode, I reconnect with Merry Korn, a returning Govcon Giant who built and sold Pearl Interactive Network Inc., a 100% government contracting company with 1,300 employees in 31 states. Merry shares the raw truth about what it takes to exit your business the right way—from building a company with so...

In this episode, I sit down with an inspiring entrepreneur who shares her journey from uncertainty to success in the world of government contracting. As a seasoned business executive with years of experience, she was no stranger to the complexities of certifications and government processes. However, she found herself hesitating to dive into the world of government contracts, even with her extensive background.

After encountering c...

In this episode of The Daily Windup, we delve into the intricate world of government contracting and explore the challenges entrepreneurs face when it comes to affiliation risks. Our speakers bring their insights to the table as they discuss the complexities of hiring practices, subcontracting limitations, and the impact of executive orders on regulations.

The conversation kicks off with a reminder about the importance of conductin...

In today's episode, our guest shares their journey, from starting out with creative financing to leveraging their unique education background. We kick off with a candid conversation between our guests, exploring the discomfort of not winning in business. The guest reflects on their experience and emphasizes the importance of seeking debriefs after a loss. This valuable lesson, gained through personal experiences, offers a strategic...

In this episode, we uncover the secrets to entrepreneurial success. The discussion starts with our guest underscoring the importance of networking before leaping into opportunities by sharing the impact of organizations like the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) on reputation and growth.

The conversation reveals the value of relationships and network expansion, echoing in the mention of a team member's deep ties and exp...

This is one of those episodes that you do not want to sleep on. I sat down with Craig Cohen, VP at Encore Funding—and let me tell you—this man pulled back the curtain on some SHADY tactics banks are using that are crushing small businesses trying to grow in the government contracting space. We talked about companies landing $20M contracts and still getting deni...

In today's episode, we're unraveling the mysteries surrounding affiliation risks, bonding challenges, and the delicate dance of partnerships in the world of government contracts.

Picture this: a classic case where a big player, Contractor A, teams up with the smaller Contractor B for a joint venture bid. Seems straightforward, right? But the plot thickens as Contractor A's grand plan includes shifting their whole team, past achieve...

Welcome back to another insightful episode of The Daily Windup podcast. In this episode, we unravel the hidden gems within government contracting – specifically, the indispensable Request for Information, or RFI. Our journey kicks off with a spirited discussion about the importance of RFIs among our speakers. They emphasize how RFIs play a pivotal role in the procurement landscape, helping contracting officers zero in on potential ...

In today’s episode of The Daily Windup, we hear a hard-earned lesson from a federal contractor who reveals the hidden pitfalls of the 8(a) program. While many conferences push small businesses to get 8(a) certified, few explain how to actually leverage the designation. Our guest shares how it took years to find a solid mentor-protégé partner—and by the time they...

In this episode, we've distilled the essence of an insightful conversation that sheds light on the intricacies of SBA regulatory compliance, subcontracting, and potential pitfalls to watch out for.

Our guest, who brings over a decade of expertise, advises caution when small businesses seek assistance from larger counterparts. It's crucial not to assume that the large business fully comprehends the complexities of SBA regulations. F...

In this episode of the Govcon Giants Podcast, I sat down with none other than Frank Kendall – former Secretary of the Air Force and Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition. Y’all, this man has managed $215 BILLION budgets, launched strategic missile programs under Reagan, and shaped the future of Air and Space Forces through his modernization and AI initiatives. But what really had me leaning in? His un...

In today's insightful episode, we dive deep into the world of government contracting and the importance of identifying your core capability. Our guest, Jamecee, shares her journey as a government contractor and provides valuable lessons for new entrepreneurs in this field. She recounts her experiences chasing after shiny opportunities that ultimately led to rejection and wasted resources. Jamecee learned a pivotal lesson from a men...

In today's episode, we dive deep into the world of a dynamic business journey that began at an airport and extended into securing critical infrastructure after 9/11. Our first speaker reflects on the unique challenges small businesses face, uncovering their distinctive value propositions. 

Starting off at the airport in 1999, we were taken through the remarkable journey of handling monumental projects, including relocating spaces f...