Govcon Giants

On today's episode of The Daily Windup, I sit down with Marsha, a seasoned professional who's been in the world of government contracting since 1981. She cut her teeth as a cost engineer on the historic Three Mile Island cleanup contract with Bechtel and later sharpened her expertise at McDonnell Douglas as a pricing specialist. With decades of experience spanning pricing, accounting, and contracts, Marsha reveals why understanding strategic pricing is the foundation of success in government work.

We dive deep into the reality of pricing government contracts—breaking down cost-plus, fixed price, and time & materials—and expose the challenges that companies face when moving from commercial work into federal projects. If you think government money is "easy money," think again. Marsha explains the hidden complexities, compliance burdens, and regulatory hoops that can make or break your success. This episode is a must-listen for anyone trying to break into government contracting and avoid costly mistakes.

In this episode of the Govcon Giants Podcast, I sit down with Larry Sher, a seasoned government contracts attorney with over 30 years of experience, to break down the massive shake-ups happening in federal and state contracting. We're talking about billions in grants and contracts terminated overnight, including 2,100 NIH grants and entire programs at agencies like USAID, DOE, EPA, and FEMA. Larry explains why even small businesses can suddenly find themselves buried under compliance obligations, FAR clauses, and False Claims Act liability the moment they sign that government contract. He pulls back the curtain on how bid protests really work, why the "16% success rate" statistic is misleading, and how corrective actions can keep you in the game.

We also dive deep into the Contract Disputes Act, the hidden risks of subcontracting, and how executive orders are creating chaos and uncertainty for contractors. Larry warns about the dangers of signing a contract without understanding the downstream compliance requirements—and how one misstep could cost you millions. Whether you're chasing a state contract for bulletproof vests worth millions, managing a prime contract with subs, or fighting an unlawful grant termination, this episode will open your eyes to the real risks of doing business with the government. And Larry's #1 piece of advice? Come to him before you sign, not after you're already in trouble.

Larry's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larry-sher/

Company Website: https://www.winston.com/

In this episode of The Daily Windup, we hear the remarkable story of how a veteran-owned fuel delivery company went from serving local residential customers to expanding across multiple states—thanks to a single prime government contract. The conversation dives into the high-stakes world of priority one facilities during natural disasters, where fuel deliveries to hospitals and emergency shelters keep critical life-support equipment running. We explore the behind-the-scenes challenges of winning a prime contract as a new vendor, adapting quickly to unfamiliar work like tractor-trailer bulk deliveries, and using government performance as a springboard to secure private-sector clients.

You will also learn how certifications and incentive programs open doors for small, veteran-, woman-, and minority-owned businesses to enter competitive commercial markets. From landing the Wynn Casino project through a single introduction to building long-term relationships with major construction firms, this episode showcases how one contract can transform a company's trajectory. With lessons on readiness, seizing opportunities, and scaling fast without sacrificing service, it's a must-listen for anyone looking to break into larger contracts and grow beyond their local footprint.

Today's episode of The Daily Windup pulls back the curtain on the reality behind "best value" government contracts—and why it often doesn't play out as the FAR says it should. You will hear real examples where long-standing contractors with exceptional CPARs and zero complaints still lost multimillion-dollar contracts to cheaper competitors. We dig into the influence of contracting officers, budget constraints, and proposal scoring subjectivity, revealing how "best value" decisions can tilt toward Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) in practice.

Our conversation also explores the gap between winning and executing contracts, why incumbents can suffer from "incumbinitis," and how agencies sometimes sole source follow-on work to large firms, shutting out small businesses entirely. We cover pricing strategies, the trade-off between being fully compliant versus minimally compliant, and the importance of maintaining a lean back office to stay competitive. Whether you're chasing your first award or protecting an existing contract, this episode delivers critical insights into the real factors that decide who wins—and who loses—in federal procurement.

In this episode of The Daily Windup, we explore the surprising intersection between leadership confidence, self-doubt, and team dynamics in business. Our conversation uncovers how even seasoned CEOs wrestle with waves of uncertainty—despite producing thousands of deliverables over their careers—and how tools like StrengthsFinder and the Enneagram can help leaders better understand themselves and their teams. You will hear how strategic hiring, self-awareness assessments, and ongoing learning play a role in building a resilient organization, even when perceptions of leadership don't always match the leader's self-image.

Our discussion also takes a deeper dive into big-picture planning, mentorship, and knowing when it's time to pivot. From setting a clear vision that aligns staff to reflecting on when—and why—you might sell your business, this episode delivers candid insights on navigating the entrepreneurial journey. Along the way, we hear how mastermind groups, mentorships, and strategic reflection can shape a company's direction, and why having "what's next" in mind is essential for both succession planning and personal fulfillment.

On this episode of The Daily Windup we take a candid look into the challenges, pivots, and surprising wins inside the government contracting world. Hear how our guest, a Native American woman-owned firm built its foundation by securing a help desk contract, training entry-level hires with environmental science degrees, and strategically using "unglamorous" projects as a proving ground for new talent. Our discussion also covers the art of saying "yes" to opportunities outside your comfort zone and building teams that can adapt quickly to new technical demands.

The conversation digs into nine years of experience in the SBA 8(a) program, including the behind-the-scenes story of a sole-source remediation project that took two years to award. Along the way, we unpack the realities of corporate mergers, business "divorces," and surviving the loss of key contracts when the government insources work. From environmental compliance projects with the EPA to offshore energy management with the Department of Interior, this episode is packed with lessons on resilience, strategic hiring, and the grit required to thrive in federal contracting.

In this eye-opening episode of the Govcon Giants Podcast, I sit down with Peter Harrell, former White House official and global trade expert, to break down what every small business owner, importer, and government contractor needs to understand about today's shifting economic landscape. We talk about the real impact of Trump's aggressive trade tactics—like imposing 145% tariffs with zero notice using 1977 emergency powers—and how small resellers and Amazon sellers are unknowingly taking massive financial hits. Peter explains how sanctions work (yes, even you could break one), what's happening with crypto regulations, and why stablecoins are becoming serious contenders in U.S. financial policy.

We also dig deep into how the current administration might not spend all of its allocated federal funds, what that means for contractors, and why we could see a return of earmarks—yes, earmarks!—as Congress fights back. If you're in the federal marketplace or thinking about jumping in, this is a must-listen. Get ready to learn why keeping clean records could entitle you to tariff rebates, why Buy American could be your golden ticket, and how manufacturing incentives could create the next wave of small business opportunities. This isn't just policy talk—it's survival tactics for navigating the new economy.

In today's episode of The Daily Windup, we're talking with Brian Samvich of Anchin, a specialist in regulatory compliance and investigations, and someone deeply embedded in the real-world mechanics of government contracting. Brian breaks down how federal and state construction projects are now coming with strict participation goals—often 30%, 33%, or even 36%—for minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, and HUBZone businesses. And it's not just a suggestion—it's being written directly into bonds and compliance terms.

Brian shares how his team helps both large builders and government agencies meet these aggressive diversity and small business goals, and how firms can get ahead by certifying, showing up early, and building meaningful partnerships. If you're a MWBE, SDVOSB, or small business owner looking to land major public contracts, this episode is a must. You'll also learn about new changes like New York's Article 15-A, which lets certified firms bid up to 10% higher than competitors and still win. Compliance isn't just paperwork—it's a gateway to millions in opportunity. Tune in and make sure you're not missing out.

Today's episode of The Daily Windup is a game-changer for veterans—especially those thinking about launching their own business. My guest shares her powerful journey through the Vocational Rehabilitation (Voc Rehab) self-employment track, a hidden gem that can reimburse you up to $100,000 for everything from incorporation fees and websites to GovCon training and even a mentor or coach. You read that right: the government will literally pay for you to be trained and mentored—including programs like ours—if you qualify and position your case correctly.

We walk through how to present your business idea, win over your counselor, navigate the accelerator program, and build a feasibility study that gets the green light. You'll also learn how to avoid common pitfalls and use this track to gain certifications, equipment, and strategic training to position yourself for government contracting success. If you're a veteran looking to transition into entrepreneurship and serve in a new way, this episode could unlock tens of thousands of dollars in support. Don't miss this one. It's not just knowledge—it's your launchpad.

In this episode of The Daily Windup, I unpack one of the most overlooked truths about winning government contracts: you're not getting picked because they don't know you exist. That's where our three-pronged strategy comes in. Step one is just raising your hand and saying, "Hey, I'm here!" It might sound simple, but the truth is—if you're not showing up, following up, and building relationships with sub-agencies in your niche, you're invisible. And let's be clear: the government doesn't get the best people—they get the best people who show up.

I also break down the long game mindset you must adopt. We're talking 3 to 18 months of relationship-building before a single dollar hits your account. Why? Because this isn't just business—it's national security. Think about it: would you want a stranger walking into a military base and plugging a USB into a government computer on day one? Neither would they. You've got to earn trust, pass the "persistence test," and keep showing up. So if you're in this for fast cash, this episode is your wake-up call. But if you're ready to build a real foundation and win for the long haul, then it's time to get strategic. Let's get it.