On today's Daily Windup, I'm revealing what it truly takes for small businesses to break into the supply chain of a major defense contractor like BAE Systems. With 17 years of insider experience, my guest explains why market research, industry days, and knowing the forecast are non-negotiable when 99% of contracts tie back to the DoD. We cut through the myths around teaming agreements and subcontracting plans, exposing why most fail—and how legacy small businesses thrive by coming prepared with research, mission alignment, and credibility. This episode is a playbook for showing up the right way, avoiding common pitfalls, and positioning your business to win in the defense sector.

Key topics covered:

• Why research, industry days, and forecasts are essential to succeeding with primes like BAE Systems.

• The biggest pitfalls that keep small businesses out—weak introductions, lack of mission alignment, and poor preparation.

• How to leverage FPDS data, prove past performance, and align proposals with agency missions to break in.

Learn more: https://govcongiants.org/