Govcon Giants

We decided to bring back her episode because we thought it super important to honor women during this time but also showcase the journey of an entrepreneur as they progress in their business.

For those who are not aware, 8(a) STARS III GWAC (Government Wide Acquisition Contract). This fourth-generation IT solutions GWAC includes a focus on emerging technologies with a contract ceiling of $50 billion.

According to GSA Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization Associate Administrator, Exodie C. Roe, III. "More than $18 billion has been awarded through GSA's 8(a) GWACs, and many successful firms have graduated from the SBA's 8(a) Program to compete on a larger scale.

Nichelle, the CEO of BreakForth Solutions, is a results-focused provider of technical and professional services. Through the knowledge and expertise of their personnel, they execute innovative services within the spheres of Engineering and Integration, Data and Analytics Services, IT Business Solutions, and Professional Services.

Hope you enjoy today's episode with our next Giant, Nichelle Early.

Today's guest Mr. Austin Tsosie is the CEO of Diné Development Corporation, a firm that advances the missions of government agencies and commercial firms by delivering IT, professional, and environmental solutions to elevate the Navajo Nation and its People.

The corporation comprises 4 subsidiaries that specialize in IT (Nova, BRIC, Dine Source, DDC IT), 2 environmental companies (DDC 4C, BRIC) , an Aerospace company (Red Canyon) and R&D company (Seventh Emergence).

Austin is an accomplished leader with more than 25 years of experience in the technology and project and portfolio management (PPM) sectors. With a background in software engineering and network administration, he worked as a project manager and analyst in managing large-scale teams across the world.

Great story, how I came to meet Austin was through Diné Development Corporation. I met the Capture specialist Tashina Atine and president Calista Pinnecoose at the 8a conference in

Florida. We connected from there and the rest is history. What makes this interview unique is that Mr. Tsosie is part of the Navajo tribe.

As a Principal Consultant, he directed IT portfolio development for global organizations spanning technology, engineering, and outsourcing industries such as American Express, Boeing, Disney, Epson, and Bank of America. In the interview we discussed: abandoned uranium mines, competitive strategy before exiting the 8a program, architecting a $100 million dollar a year federal company, the difficulty of tribes accessing capital, meeting the new SBA administrator Isabell Guzman and his journey from technologist to CEO and finding his way back to the nation.

Tune in to this episode and welcome our next Giant, Mr. Austin Tsosie.

Today's guest, Ronnette Meyers president/CEO of JLAN solutions was recently awarded the coveted 8(a) STARS III contract.

On 2/23/22 GSA issue the notice to proceed for the second cohort of 8(a) STARS III GWAC (government wide acquisition contract). This fourth-generation IT solutions GWAC includes a focus on emerging technologies as well as performance outside of the continental United States (OCONUS). The STARS III contract has a ceiling of $50 billion.

According to GSA Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization Associate Administrator, Exodie C. Roe, III. "More than $18 billion has been awarded through GSA's 8(a) GWACs, and many successful firms have graduated from the SBA's 8(a) Program to compete on a larger scale.

Four of our PAL members also made the cut. Congratulations to them and if you want to get close to awardees like this and more visit our website govconedu.com/courses to find out how you can become a member of our PAL program.

I decided to bring her episode back because I thought it was important to highlight the mindset of where she was at in 2020 and what she has achieved today.

We have the luxury and privilege of having interviewed her back in 2020 just two years earlier before COVID and before the prestigious award.

Hope you enjoy this episode with our next giant, Ronnette Meyers.

Just a few days before this recording Russia invades Ukraine. Within moments I was scouring my contacts to search for someone to discuss the story. All of my experts who worked previously overseas were activated to help provide expertise to our Government on the matter.

Fortunately for me I met a charismatic guy at the 8a conference who knew a few of my podcast guests had some great stories of Ransomware cases and wanted to talk about Cyber security. Unbeknownst to me he was the former DoD Cyber Crime Director Jeffery Stutzman. His new company Trusted Internet is helping keep small business computers safe from hackers and attackers.

I believe that this episode is a must listen to by all SMB. I was always on the fence about CMMC and NIST but after engaging with Jeff for 90 minutes my mindset has completely changed. Just look up the website "shodan.io " and click under Filters Sheet Sheet on "Hacked Websites" and you will see what I mean.

If you think like me that Cyber is like insurance Jeff will explain why that thought process is wrong. Insurance only pays out money after something has happened: it does not restore your system, bring back your data or build customer trust in your company. One of Jeff clients testified to Congress last year on the prohibitive cost of CMMC for small businesses. Jeff and I discuss both DIY and paid for you affordable solution for small firms to stay protected and work towards compliance.

He (along with DC insides) believe that Russia is about to up the anti on Cyber and Ransomware attacks on American firms. Learn how to protect yourself in today's episode. Don't forget to tune in until the end to hear our govcon history fact of the day.

Go grab your notepad and welcome our next Giant, Jefferey Stutzman.

This entire 90 minute episode is centered around two FAR clauses:

FAR 15.201 Exchanges with industry before receipt of proposals and FAR Part 10 - Market Research.

FAR 15.201 Exchanges with industry before receipt of proposals

So this entire episode is predicated on the two clauses we just covered but with more Excitement, more vigor and my quirky personality.

Just a quick reminder, at the end we will be sharing a piece of government contract history that you don't want to miss out. So stay until the end for the quick piece of Govcon trivia.

Now that you have context for the conversation sit up, buckle up and get ready for the ride.

Today's guest, Chrissy Farrington is a military spouse and senior proposal specialist at H2L solutions. For those who may remember back to episode #40 H2L solutions CEO Jonathan Hard came on to our show and shed light on CMMC and NIST requirements.

She is also the Co-Founder of Spouse 360, a non-profit organization dedicated to reigniting the traditions of the past while building the Military Family's future.

In our show today, Chrissy brings her own unique voice to the show discussing the role she plays in the helping position H2L for future success, an outsider view of the world of federal procurement and sheds light on issues that face military spouses around the world.

Also, about mid way through she shares a free resource that even I didn't know existed for military spouses, which led to her landing the position with H2L. As a former teacher she offers a fresh perspective to a procurement world that so many of us call normal. It is great to hear outside views on how we can improve and provide access to so many more small businesses in the federal arena.

I want to welcome our next Giant, Chrissy Farrington

Today's interview, we feature Mr. Austin G. Johnson also known as AJ who is the Deputy Associate Director of the Marine Corps Systems Command out of the infamous Quantico, Virginia.

This episode is a little bit different than our traditional podcast guests because we are interviewing the associate director of the small businesses, Mr. AJ himself and he is going to describe to us what his command does, what they buy, how they buy and also how you can participate in supporting their particular sub agency.

Now for some context, the Marine Corps System Command is a 2500 person organization and they spend 2 billion dollars per year. One famous or well known project they have is the MRAP Vehicle.

As an organization they have over 220 contracting officers and 200 program managers supporting that 2 Billion dollar per year, so let's tune in to the episode with our next giant, Mr. Austin G. Johnson.

Hoy estamos comenzada una vida nueva. 

This episode is very strategic in that I discuss a plan of attack for small businesses who want to make the most of their certifications.

We teach you how to make a plan. How to become prepared and what is a plan of attack that I use in order to scale, grow and create duplicatable results in the federal marketplace.

Just a warning. If you don't want actionable items that lead to results than you might want to skip today's episode of the podcast.

The scope of her projects was in engineering, installation, test, and acceptance. Her projects ranged from a blend of large-scale computing, services, cyber, transport, gateways, wireless, and satellite communications.

Yolanda and I talked about creating project plans before starting a business, how to price a job your wrap rate and creating a board of advisers. She also talked about how she increased her business sales and how she changed her mindset so that she can be a thriving successful business.

Tune in to our next Giant, Yolanda Clarke.