GovCon Coffee & Issues

In this episode of GovCon Coffee & Issues, we’re excited to have Adam Austin (Totem Tech) back on the show to tell us about the latest developments in Cybersecurity Compliance in 2024. We discuss who is affected by cybersecurity regulations and the practical steps small businesses can take to meet cybersecurity compliance standards set by the Department of Defense and other federal agencies. And that’s not all! We also discuss Adam’s innovative CMMC Level 1 Cohort, a program tailored to assist small businesses in getting the necessary training and support to take the first steps toward cyber compliance without burning a hole in their pockets.

As the great Benjamin Franklin once said, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail!” So, if you’re looking to conquer the world of federal sales in 2024, you need a solid game plan. That’s where Carroll Bernard and Michael Lejeune come in. These two experts have all the best practices and insider tips to help you chart a course for government market success. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!

In the world of federal contracting, the saying goes, 'If you're waiting until opportunities are posted on SAM.gov, you may be too late.' Unfortunately, this holds true in many cases as the solicitation windows on SAM.gov are often too short for contractors to properly prepare, develop proposals, and meet submission deadlines. But fear not! In our next Coffee & Issues episode, Carroll Bernard and Michael LeJeune will spill the beans on how to stay ahead of the game and prepare for opportunities long before they appear on SAM.gov. Remember, the early bird gets the worm, or in this case, the contract.

If you are a veteran seeking government market opportunities, this episode is for you! Effective January 1st, 2024, you must secure formal certification from the SBA to participate (and be eligible for award) in veteran (and service-disabled veteran) owned small business set-aside and sole-source contracting opportunities. Self-certification will no longer be accepted. Despite many efforts by the SBA, APEX Accelerators, Govology, VBOCs, and others to get the word out, most veterans registered in SAM still have not achieved formal verification through the VA or certification through the SBA. Here are the numbers as of 10/11/2023, according to the SBA's Dynamic Small Business Search Database (DSBS.SBA.GOV): there are currently 82,537 self-certified veteran-owned small businesses listed in the database, of which only 18,947 SDVOSBs have an active certification (less than 23%) and only 5,692 VOSBs show an active certification (less than 7%). In this episode, Carroll and Michael discuss the implications of such low numbers of certified SDVOSBs and VOSBs and share resources to help veterans get their certification done as soon as possible.

In this episode, Carroll and Michael host Government Contracting Attorney Nicole Pottroff to discuss the recent court ruling that has significantly changed the SBA's 8(a) business development program. In addition to breaking down the impacts and updates of the ruling, Nicole shares tips and best practices for developing a strong 8(a) social disadvantage narrative, which is now required for participants who didn't submit one with their initial application. Whether you're already certified or planning to apply in the future, this episode is a must-watch.

In this episode of Coffee & Issues, Carroll and Michael welcome Adam Austin from Totem Technologies (https://www.totem.tech/). Together, they delve into cybersecurity in government contracting and tackle the essential topics every contractor needs to navigate to thrive in this rapidly evolving landscape. They explore how contractors can discern whether cybersecurity requirements apply to them and, if so, at what level. They also discuss the costs of cybersecurity and the challenge of deciphering the guidance, information, and resources provided by the Department of Defense (DoD).

In this episode, Michael LeJeune and Carroll Bernard host a special guest Rich Earnest (Certified Coach with RSM Federal). The trio discuss the issues, pitfalls, and prevalent misconceptions that often lead contractors astray. Their focused exploration centers on two critical aspects: the perilous decision to pursue a GSA Schedule contract without proper guidance and thorough market research and the intricacies of generating post-award sales once a GSA Schedule contract has been obtained. It is worth noting that post-award sales do not always materialize automatically, and, regrettably, data reveal that more than 52 percent of small businesses lose their GSA Schedule contract after two years due to their failure to meet minimum sales requirements. This episode is a must-watch for those contemplating pursuing a GSA Schedule contract for their business and those who have obtained a GSA contract but do not (or don't know how to) generate sales.

Have you ever wondered why some government contractors are "showered" with opportunities while others struggle to win a single contract? In this episode, Carroll Bernard and Michael LeJeune will draw from their extensive coaching and training expertise to share invaluable insights and real-world stories that shed light on what sets successful government contractors apart from their unsuccessful counterparts. From strategic decision-making to effective execution, discover the key factors that drive success in this competitive arena. Gain practical knowledge and actionable tips to navigate the complex landscape of government contracts and unlock the secrets to thriving in the GovCon space.

Did you enter the government marketplace as a small business wanting to be a "middleman" or "deal broker"? Unfortunately, the government doesn't like this approach -- it frequently views this approach as a pass-through and tries to cut out the "middleman." In this episode of GovCon Coffee & Issues, Carroll and Mike host Nicole Pottroff from Koprince, McCall, Pottroff LLC to discuss the issues with the "middleman" strategy and how making some adjustments can help you avoid being viewed as a pass-through entity.

In this episode, Carroll and Mike delve into the issue of teaming in federal contracting and help clear up the confusion many contractors have around this topic. They explore the various teaming arrangements, including prime/subcontractor relationships and joint ventures, and how they can be used to win federal contracts. They also discuss how the SBA's Mentor-Protege program provides a little-known ethical loophole in the regulations that savvy small business contractors leverage to gain massive support and a competitive edge when teaming up with large contractors.