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 challenges due to the shifting landscape brought on by the pandemic, she realized the need for a change in her business model. Amid her search for guidance, she stumbled upon my book "GovCon Launch" and embarked on a journey of education and transformation. Through networking and the guidance of seasoned professionals, including the likes of Joan Braxton with over 30 years of SBA experience, she began to see the power of connections in the government contracting world.

As the episode unfolds, our guest describes the pivotal moment when she took action by bidding on a contract, despite facing seemingly insurmountable odds against larger competitors. With insights gained from the podcast and her meticulous market research, she not only submitted a competitive bid but secured a deal that aligned perfectly with her passion for fitness and nutrition. This episode underscores the importance of taking the leap, leveraging connections, and turning obstacles into stepping stones on the path to success in government contracting.

Tune in to this enlightening episode of The Daily Windup to hear how one entrepreneur's journey from hesitation to action can inspire us all to pursue our goals in the world of government contracts. Remember, success begins with the first step.

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 conducting proper interviews before hiring employees. The blurred lines of affiliation in government contracts are highlighted, with the discussion touching on scenarios where key personnel are brought onto the contractor's payroll.

We also shed light on the executive order's role in the regulations, specifically focusing on the "first right of refusal" rule. Tune in to this episode of The Daily Windup to gain valuable insights into the delicate dance between affiliation risks and contract wins in the world of government contracting.

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 approach to learning from setbacks.

The episode delves into the role of education in the journey of becoming a government contractor. Our guest, armed with technical knowledge from chemistry and engineering backgrounds, shares how their formal education and diverse experiences have paved the way to success. The discussion also touches on the creative methods they employed to establish a past performance track record, propelling them into the prime contracting realm. As we wrap up, our guest's insights leave us with a valuable perspective on building a thriving business in the dynamic world of government contracting.

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 expert connections. In a world of information overload, this episode highlights how community and connections can propel success. Tune in tomorrow for more entrepreneurial wisdom on The Daily Windup.

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 denied funding because of outdated banking models. And brace yourself—he even shares how a business was told it couldn’t leave even after paying the money back! You can’t make this up!

Craig also dropped heat on the 5 hidden fees banks sneak into your loan agreements, the real truth behind SBA loans, and how being "too liquid" can disqualify you from getting help. If you're a federal contractor or thinking about financing your next big opportunity, you need to know these red flags before you sign anything. Hit play and protect your pockets—this episode could literally save you hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Thanks to Encore Funding for sponsoring today’s video. Use my link to get a Free consultation on how to receive capital for payroll funding and unlimited growth. https://encoregov.com/gcg

Ready to Break into Government Contracting? Join our FREE GovCon Course to get started. https://freegovconcourse.com/ Your journey to success starts here—don’t wait until it’s too late!

Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/yg2wo9immEk

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 achievements, and even project management onto Contractor B. Affiliation alarm bells ringing yet?

We delve deep into the nuances of mentor-protégé agreements as your secret weapon against these affiliation woes. Hold tight as we uncover the power of bonding capacity and the potential pitfalls. Are you an entrepreneur in construction or services? This episode is your playbook to avoid the affiliation traps, get the bonding assistance you need, and carve out a successful path. Join me tomorrow for another riveting edition of The Daily Windup!

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 vendors. One contracting officer even shares a fascinating anecdote where RFIs hold the key to getting noticed in the government contracting arena.

The conversation takes us on a comprehensive tour of the RFIs' significance, especially in the context of winning contracts and landing valuable opportunities. Our experts underline how responding to RFIs can make or break your chances of receiving Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and Requests for Quotes (RFQs), offering real-world examples where RFIs acted as the gateway to success. So, whether you're new to government contracting or a seasoned player, join us as we decode RFIs, demystify their impact, and equip you with the knowledge to elevate your contracting game. Tune in to "Unveiling the Power of RFIs in Government Contracting" and stay ahead in the competitive world of business. Catch you tomorrow on The Daily Windup!

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 did, their certification had expired. The major takeaway? Relationships matter more than paperwork, and timing your 8(a) strategy is critical.

She also drops a crucial warning about NAICS codes—specifically how her primary code of 541310 (Architectural Services) prevented her from winning sole-source 8(a) contracts due to Brooks Act restrictions. It’s a painful reminder that not all NAICS codes are created equal when it comes to government contracting. If you're navigating the 8(a) process or thinking about it, this episode is a must-listen to avoid years of frustration and missed opportunities.