The Daily Windup is a new podcast where we highlight the stories of successful entrepreneurs in under 10 minutes. Most guest we previously featured on full length Govcon Giants podcast. We take the best parts of a 1 hour interview and grab the: Challenges, Action steps or Opportunities for learning and turn it into digestible pieces. We summarize the lesson and feature it on our show. As I like to say, 10 minutes of action, zero time wasted You will learn stories of making the first sale, hi ...
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217: Navigating Government Contracting: Pre-Solicitation vs. Source Sought Explained
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In this episode, we delve into the distinction between pre-solicitation and source sought in government contracting. Source sought represents the government's initial market research phase aimed at deciding whether the requirement should be designated for a small business or fall into specific socioeconomic categories. During this phase, the govern…
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216: Changes in Veteran-Owned Small Business Verification: Important Updates and Transition to SBA
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As of October 24, 2022, the Department of Veterans Affairs ceased accepting applications for certifying or re-verifying veteran-owned small businesses. Starting January 1, 2023, the responsibility for all verification processes will shift to the Small Business Administration (SBA). For firms already verified, there's no immediate action required, e…
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215: SBA's Contracting Arsenal: Empowering Small Businesses for Federal Success
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Today we're diving into a goldmine of knowledge for small businesses pursuing federal contracts. In this episode of The Daily Windup, our guest speaker walks us through an array of invaluable resources provided by the Small Business Administration (SBA) to support small businesses in their contracting journey. Our guest, a seasoned small business s…
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214: From Close Calls to Competitive Bids: Navigating Entrepreneurial Success
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In today's quick dive, we're joined by a tenacious entrepreneur who's making waves in both the federal contracts arena and the world of fitness and biomedical science. We unravel the journey of chasing contracts, the power of connections, and the fascinating intersection of conventional medicine and holistic health. Our guest opens up about their e…
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213: Scaling Strategies: From Solitude to Success in Federal Contracts
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In today's episode, we're diving deep into the world of federal contracts and entrepreneurship. Our guest speakers shed light on their journey from operating as a dynamic duo to scaling up their business and clinching a staggering $800,000 in contracts within just six months. Our guest entrepreneurs emphasize the significance of connections in this…
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212: Cracking the Code: Unveiling the Key to Effective Government Contracting
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Today's episode is a power-packed exploration of the intricacies of government contracting. Our expert guest guides us through the importance of understanding the dynamics of federal agencies, emphasizing the significance of connecting with program offices that align with your offerings. With wisdom derived from years of experience, our guest stres…
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211: Synergy in Entrepreneurship: Bridging Fitness, Government Contracts, and Healthcare
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In today's episode, we delve into a fascinating conversation with our guest, who's on a mission to bring together diverse facets of her expertise – fitness, government contracts, and healthcare – into a powerful synergy. Our guest shares her journey of networking and connecting with professionals in the government contracting space. Drawing from my…
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210: Unveiling Government Contracting Secrets: Business Credit, Networking, and Scaling Success
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In today's episode, we dive into a dynamic conversation on the intricate world of government contracting and the art of building invaluable relationships. Our guest speaker, takes us through the twists and turns of their journey in the federal procurement landscape, shedding light on key strategies that propelled their success. Our guest walks us t…
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209: Exploring Federal Procurement: Decoding GSA and Small Business Opportunities
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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 a…
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208: Busting Certification Myths: Winning Contracts through Proven Capability
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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…
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207: From Zero to $800K: Mastering Government Contracts
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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…
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206: Understanding Government Contracts: Insights from Small Business Specialist Wayne Berry
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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 la…
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205: From Hesitation to Action: Navigating Government Contracts
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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 wo…
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204: Balancing Affiliation Risks: Hiring Strategies for Government Contractors
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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 regu…
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203: Lessons from Setbacks: Leveraging Education and Financing in Government Contracting
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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 …
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202: Building Success through Community and Connections
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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 relationshi…
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201: Untangling Affiliation Risks: Bonding and Partnerships Demystified
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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 t…
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200: Unveiling the Power of RFIs in Government Contracting
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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 …
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199: Mastering 8(a) Certification and Maximizing Opportunities
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By Eric Coffie
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198: Navigating SBA Regulatory Compliance: Small Business and Large Business Dynamics
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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 as…
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197: Mastering Government Contracting: Finding Your Core Capability
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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 ultimate…
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196: From Airports to Emergency Fences: Navigating Complex Contracts
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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 t…
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195: Unraveling Affiliation Rules: Navigating Size Certification and Connections
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In today's discussion, we delve into the intricate world of affiliation rules and their profound implications on businesses. In this episode, we dissect the labyrinthine concept of affiliation, a term often tossed around but rarely demystified. Our journey begins with a fundamental understanding: when parties or third parties exercise control or ha…
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194: Forging Recognition: Empowering Unsung Entrepreneurs
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Today, we delve into the story of a dynamic entrepreneur hailing from Northern Virginia region. Join me as we explore Jamecee's unique journey, from his formative years at Tennessee State University to his impactful presence in the government contracting realm. In this episode, Jamecee reflects on the challenges she and her peers encountered - tale…
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193: Entrepreneurial Beginnings: Building a Firm from Scratch
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In this episode of the Daily Windup, join us as we dive into the inspiring journey of architects and entrepreneurs, Daphne and Jose. The couple recounts the pivotal moments that led them to establish their own architectural firm, sharing candid anecdotes of risk-taking and determination. Daphne vividly remembers the moment she faced a career crossr…
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192: Avoiding Common Pitfalls In Government Contracts
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In today's episode, we dive into the intricate world of government contracts and the surprising challenges faced by companies trying to make their mark in this space. Our guest, Adam Lasky, a seasoned government contracts attorney at Seyfarth Shaw LLP, takes us through the maze of regulations and common misconceptions that entrepreneurs often stumb…
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191: Steering the Entrepreneurial Journey: A Project Manager's Approach
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In this episode of The Daily Windup, we meet a successful entrepreneur who shares her journey of starting a business while being an active-duty military spouse. She candidly discusses her initial doubts and fears about entrepreneurship but reveals how her passion for the entrepreneur space eventually led her to take the plunge. Our guest discusses …
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190: Overcoming Challenges in Contracting and Building Capacity
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On today's episode of The Daily Windup, our guest shares insights on the shortage of subcontractors, leading to difficulties in finding reliable suppliers for projects, especially in certain regions like South Florida. We discuss the impact of subcontractor performance on projects and explore strategies for handling escalating costs in government c…
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189: Finding Purpose Beyond the Corporate World
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In this episode of The Daily Windup, Eric Coffie introduces us to a former corporate professional, Yolanda Clarke who struggled to find their place in the competitive job market despite multiple degrees and valuable experience. Yolanda, shares her journey of constantly fighting to reach the elusive "middle" in their career. She discuss the challeng…
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188: Learning Regulatory Challenges for Small Business Contractors
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In today's episode of The Daily Windup, we delve into the post-pandemic construction landscape and the challenges faced by small business contractors. Our guest speakers shed light on the hurdles they encountered with jobs starting and closing down, increased labor and material costs, and changes in regulations. We emphasize the importance of under…
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187: Cracking the Pricing Puzzle in Contracting
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In this episode of The Daily Windup we delve into the crucial but often overlooked aspect of pricing in contracting. Our guest, a seasoned contractor, shares his experiences of working with small businesses and the constant queries they receive about pricing jobs. He also emphasizes the importance of asking the right pricing questions and how it ca…
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186: Protecting Workers and Small Businesses: Insights from the New York State Labor Inspector General
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In this episode of The Daily Windup, we delve into the crucial role of the New York State Department of Labor and its significance in protecting workers and small businesses alike. Our guest, a former New York State Labor Inspector General, shares invaluable insights gained from 12 years in government service. We explore the origins of the Departme…
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185: Breaking Into Government Contracts: The Startup Journey
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In today's episode of the Daily Windup, we dive into the world of government contracts and how startups can navigate this complex landscape. Our speakers discuss the importance of FedRAMP certification and how it can open doors for small businesses. They share valuable advice on building a track record and finding the right niche to deliver value t…
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184: Driving Growth and Empowering Small Businesses in Government Contracts
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In this episode of The Daily Windup, Eric speaks with Brian, an entrepreneur and compliance officer, about his experiences in the government contracting industry. Brian's firm specializes in working with government agencies on various projects, focusing on compliance and driving opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses (MWBEs). Brian s…
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183: Understanding the Complex World of DevSecOps and Defense Contracts
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Welcome to a new episode of The Daily Windup! Today, I had the pleasure of speaking with Yolanda Clark, CEO of Powder River Industries, a small business that has successfully navigated the world of defense contracts and specialized in DevSecOps and infrastructure as code services. Yolanda shared her journey of bringing stability to her business by …
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182: Driving Diversity: Navigating Government Compliance and Business Opportunities
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In this episode of The Daily Windup, we sit down with Brian Savage based in New York, to discuss his role as the principal leader of regulatory compliance and investigations. Brian sheds light on his team of 20 individuals, who specialize in forensic compliance and investigative work, catering to both government and private entities. Brian's team p…
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181: Targeting Your Market and Embracing Risk
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In this episode of the Daily Windup, I sit down with a group of experienced entrepreneurs to discuss the challenges faced by small businesses in the government contracting space. We dive into the importance of understanding your target market and crafting effective capability statements. Many businesses make the mistake of trying to market to every…
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180: Bridging the Gap: Crypto, NFTs, and Government Contracts
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In this episode of The Daily Windup, we explore a fascinating conversation with our guest who shares his journey of learning and how he found inspiration from thought leaders like Gary Vaynerchuk and James Altucher. He talks about the concept of "idea sex" and how combining different industries, like government contracts and crypto, can lead to inn…
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179: Navigating Certifications and Building a Strong Team
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In today's episode of The Daily Windup, we dive into the world of certifications and team-building for small businesses. We start with the importance of distinguishing between federal, state, and local certifications, as well as understanding the value they bring when marketing to large primes and agencies. Our guest, a seasoned entrepreneur, share…
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178: Building a Successful Business: Lessons from a Diverse Supplier Entrepreneur
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In today's episode, we sit down with an accomplished entrepreneur who shares valuable insights into starting and growing a business. Our guest, a diverse supplier and service-disabled veteran, emphasizes the importance of key resources for any business owner - your accountant and your attorney. He vividly recalls his early entrepreneurial ventures,…
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177: Making Decisions and Embracing Rejection: Insights from Successful Entrepreneurs
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In this episode of The Daily Windup, we dive into the minds of successful entrepreneurs as they share their experiences and strategies for making the right decisions and dealing with rejection. Our guests shed light on a valuable tactic of using rejection letters to their advantage, leveraging them to gain credibility and support in securing fundin…
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176: From Crisis to Success: The COVID Pivot
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In today's show, we feature the inspiring story of a successful entrepreneur who navigated through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and turned them into opportunities for growth. Our guest, a distributor of personal protective equipment (PPE), shares how their business took an unexpected turn when the pandemic hit. Initially, their focus was…
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175: From Two Employees to 800: Navigating the Path of Entrepreneurial Growth
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In this episode of The Daily Windup, I sit down with Travis Mack, CEO of an aerospace and defense contractor, to explore his entrepreneurial journey from humble beginnings to managing a company with 800 employees. We dive into Travis's early days, when he started with just two employees and faced financial challenges while trying to grow his busine…
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174: The Importance of Business Plans and Leveraging Free Resources
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In this episode of The Daily Windup, I had the pleasure of speaking with an experienced entrepreneur, who started his journey by writing a business plan and tapping into valuable free resources. Our guest highlights how a well-structured plan can serve as a starting point, helping entrepreneurs organize their thoughts, articulate their vision, and …
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173: Scaling Up: Valeo's Roll-Up Strategy in Aerospace & IT
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In this episode of The Daily Windup, I sit down with Travis Mack, Chairman and CEO of the S Corporation, which comprises two distinct entities - Saalex in the federal vertical (Aerospace and Defense) and Vallejo in the commercial IT space. Travis shares his journey of building a robust organization, supporting test range management, logistics, and …
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172: From Marine Corps to Healthcare Distributor: The Black Box Safety Journey
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In today's episode of The Daily Windup, we sit down with Jackson Dalton, the President and Owner of Black Box Safety, a distribution company that delivers healthcare products to government agencies, including prisons and healthcare facilities. Jackson shares his inspiring journey from serving in the Marine Corps during the 9/11 era to becoming a su…
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171: Building Lasting Relationships for Business Success
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In this episode of The Daily Windup, we explore the significance of building strong relationships for business growth and success. Our guest emphasizes the power of community and networking within organizations like the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) to create lasting connections and gain valuable insights. Learn how representing you…
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170: Navigating Challenges as a Growing Entrepreneur
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Today's episode delves into the challenges faced by entrepreneurs on their journey to success. Our guest shares their valuable insights, drawing from their diverse educational background and experiences. Discover how they tackled the hurdles of not winning contracts and the importance of seeking debriefs for growth and improvement. Join us as we ex…
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169: Navigating the 8(a) Certification and Leveraging Teaming Partners
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In today's insightful discussion, we explore the intricacies of the 8(a) certification process and how to maximize its potential. Our guest shares their journey of seeking out 8(a) certification and the valuable lessons learned along the way. Discover the importance of building relationships with government agencies and the significance of having t…
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168: Navigating Government Contracts - A Guide to RFIs and Beyond
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In this episode, we dive into the world of government contracting, demystifying essential concepts like RFIs (Request for Information) for first-time listeners. Our guests share valuable insights on the significance of RFIs and how they can be a game-changer in winning government contracts. Discover how responding to RFIs helped our guests secure c…
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