What happens when the federal procurement system faces its most compressed year in decades?

In this episode of The Future of GovCon, Jake Frazer sits down with Mike Derrios, former Senior Procurement Executive at the U.S. Department of State and one of the most experienced acquisition leaders in government. With 25 years across Air Force, TSA, Coast Guard, DHS, and State, Mike brings a rare inside view of what is coming for GovCon in 2025 and beyond.

From the January RFP surge to the massive workforce shortage in the 1102 community, Mike explains how budget compression, workforce attrition, and global mission shifts will collide to reshape federal procurement.



He also breaks down the transformation at the State Department, the USAID restructuring, the future of DIPS and global cap, and how the FAR rewrite will introduce a full year of ambiguity — and opportunity.

Key questions explored:

• Why will January bring a “deluge of RFPs” across federal agencies?

• How should companies prepare for shortened timelines and faster bid cycles?

• What does the 1102 staffing crisis mean for industry?

• How will the State Department’s restructuring and USAID transfer reshape the market?

• What should GovCon leaders understand about FAR reform and compliance in 2025?

• Which programs and mission areas will grow — and which will contract?

Key moments:

(00:00) Why a compressed fiscal year will unleash a wave of RFPs 

(00:24) Holiday constraints and why “January is game on” for industry 

(01:22) Jake opens the episode and frames the GovCon ecosystem 

(04:02) Mike’s upbringing and how adversity led him to the Air Force 

(06:44) Becoming an enlisted Air Force contracting specialist 

(09:38) Leaving active duty as a single parent and entering industry 

(11:19) 9/11 and helping stand up TSA contracting from scratch 

(17:42) Leading TSA PreCheck expansion and early machine learning pilots 

(20:12) Moving to Coast Guard and tackling billion dollar recapitalization programs 

(24:22) Saving the Offshore Patrol Cutter program after Hurricane Michael 

(25:28) Transitioning to State Department as Senior Procurement Executive 

(29:23) How State absorbed 15 percent of USAID and what it means for industry 

(33:15) The reality of closing out USAID’s remaining 85 percent of work 

(35:30) Why global health programs are shifting toward bilateral agreements 

(36:55) DIPS, global cap, and what major re-competes will require 

(38:49) Why 2025 was a “quagmire” and what comes next 

(40:16) The 1102 talent crisis and why agencies lack capacity 

(42:02) The limits of shifting acquisition to GSA and category management 

(44:14) FAR overhaul: what changes, what doesn’t, and why 2025 will be messy 

(47:12) Why protests may increase during the transition year 

(53:07) Lean budgets, smaller ceilings, and scrutiny on requirements 

(55:02) Mike’s one word for the future of State Department: Malleable 

Subscribe to the podcast: https://pts.careers/podcast

What does the next era of government contracting really look like — and who will thrive in it?

In this episode of The Future of GovCon, Jake Frazer sits down with Byron Bright, former KBR President and one of the most influential voices in defense, technology, and global services. With more than two decades across the Air Force, Jacobs, and KBR, Byron brings a rare perspective on leadership, transformation, and what comes next for the industry.

From his journey through test pilot school and crisis operations during Katrina to leading KBR through major acquisitions and global missions, Byron explains how technology, affordability pressures, and workforce change are reshaping GovCon — faster than ever before.

Key questions explored:

• What does “speed” really mean for government — and can agencies afford it?

• How do services companies survive the shift toward defense tech?

• What lessons do junior military officers bring into industry?

• How do you build teams that can operate through crisis and transformation?

• What will AI, energy, and interoperability demand from contractors?

• Where will the biggest opportunities be three years from now?

Key moments:

(00:00) Why speed, cost, and affordability will define the next three years

(01:15) Jake introduces Byron and his leadership career at KBR

(03:35) How Top Gun and early passions led Byron to the Air Force Academy

(07:00) First Air Force assignments and early exposure to contractors

(10:18) Life at the Academy, culture, and early leadership lessons

(13:14) Katrina: Byron’s first real contingency operation and leadership test

(16:08) Why junior military officers thrive — and how industry should use them

(18:28) Returning to GovCon through Jacobs and BD leadership

(21:25) Joining KBR during a transformational moment in its history

(24:58) Rebuilding KBR’s business after the LOGCAP drawdown

(27:33) The strategy behind Wyle and HTSI acquisitions

(30:53) How three companies merged into one unified GovCon business

(33:47) Lessons from M&A, culture fit, and integrating talent

(38:47) Operation Allied Welcome — a defining leadership moment

(43:21) Why technology is moving faster than government can adapt

(45:52) Procurement reform and the opportunities it creates

(48:30) Why affordability pressures will reshape the market

(49:40) The future of services as a bridge between GovCon and tech

(53:25) Where Byron sees himself — and the industry — by 2028

(54:42) Byron’s one word for the future of GovCon: Exciting

Thanks to Byron Bright for joining the show.

Subscribe to the podcast: https://pts.careers/podcast

Former FBI Special Agent Ren McEachern joins Jake Frazer for a conversation on global corruption, financial crime, cryptocurrency, and the rapid rise of AI in national security. Ren spent twenty years inside the Bureau leading international investigations across foreign bribery, money laundering, and complex financial networks. He now leads two companies focused on financial intelligence and illicit crypto activity.

Ren explains how major corruption cases actually unfold, why following the money reveals the full story, and how blockchain and stablecoins are forcing government agencies to rethink enforcement. He also shares what contractors need to understand about emerging technology, the changing talent landscape, and why the next three years will be fast moving and transformative for GovCon.

Listen for a grounded and forward looking perspective on the future of financial intelligence, AI adoption, and the next chapter of national security.

Subscribe for new episodes at https://pts.careers/podcast.

This bonus episode brings you fresh insight from the NATO Industry Forum held in Bucharest. Lieutenant General Lance “Spike” Landrum (Retired) joins Jake Frazer to share what happened behind the curtain at NATO’s largest gathering of senior leaders, policymakers, and industry.

Lance breaks down the themes that shaped the forum, including NATO’s shift toward urgency, scale, production capacity, and innovation. He explains how political leaders have taken real risk to raise defense spending and why industry now needs to take commercial risk in return. You will hear practical guidance for companies that want to support NATO’s new direction and understand how the defense environment is shifting in Europe, the High North, and beyond.

This conversation covers:

• What political leaders signaled about the future of defense spending

• Why NATO wants industry to accelerate production and take on commercial risk

• How Russia’s war in Ukraine reshaped NATO’s planning and priorities

• How new technologies like drones, autonomy, and electromagnetic warfare are changing modern conflict

• What companies should do next to align with NATO demand signals

• How NATO and nations are trying to reduce bureaucracy and cut procurement bottlenecks

Subscribe to the Future of GovCon to stay updated on new episodes: https://pts.careers/podcast

Is this the most strategic place on Earth?

In this episode, Jake Frazer sits down with Lt. Gen. (Ret.) David “Abu” Nahom, former Commander of 11th Air Force, Alaska NORAD Region, and Alaska Command, to discuss the future of U.S. air power, Indo-Pacific strategy, and homeland defense.

From 3,400 hours in the cockpit to leading Air Force operations across the Pacific and Arctic, Abu shares lessons from a 36-year career shaped by command, crisis, and connection. Together, they explore the pivot to Indo-PACOM, the growing role of government contractors, and why connection — across people, nations, and technology — will define the next era of defense.

Key moments:

(00:00) Flying the F-22 and what makes it unlike any other aircraft

(00:03:40) Growing up in Connecticut and discovering ROTC at the University of Colorado

(00:05:55) From navigator to pilot — how a late career switch changed his path

(00:07:28) The impact of Top Gun on aviation and recruiting

(00:08:46) The real challenge: keeping top talent in the Air Force

(00:09:23) 3,400 flight hours — lessons from the F-15 and F-22

(00:10:25) What makes a great pilot and how the Air Force trains for excellence

(00:13:38) Leadership balance — flying and commanding as a three-star general

(00:16:40) Four years at the Pentagon leading Air Force programming and budgets

(00:19:04) Entering the Indo-Pacific mission and early lessons in Korea and Okinawa

(00:22:05) Commanding in Alaska and understanding the Arctic mission

(00:24:35) Rethinking the map — Alaska as “the most strategic place on Earth”

(00:26:18) The U.S.–Canada partnership in Arctic defense

(00:28:53) The growing role of contractors in modern Air Force operations

(00:33:07) The logistical challenges of dispersed operations in the Pacific

(00:33:31) Has the U.S. truly pivoted to the Pacific?

(00:37:13) Why there’s no “NATO for the Pacific” and what that means for cooperation

(00:41:08) Where contractors and GovCon partners fit into the future fight

(00:46:05) Golden Dome and the next phase of homeland defense

(00:51:42) One word for the future: Connection

Thanks to Lt. Gen. (Ret.) David “Abu” Nahom for joining the show.

Visit https://pts.careers/ for more info on Jake Frazer and Precision Talent Solutions.

Follow Jake on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jakefrazer

The Future of GovCon explores the trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the government contracting industry.

If you’re navigating acquisition strategy, workforce challenges, technology adoption, or global opportunities, be sure to subscribe to The Future of GovCon:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-future-of-govcon/id1838189132

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0aMgbnTtSTB0ptzvfxk3Pf

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFutureOfGovCon

Subscribe to the podcast: https://pts.careers/podcast

In this episode, Jake Frazer sits down with Manolis Priniotakis, former Director of Intelligence at the U.S. Department of Energy and faculty member at the National Intelligence University, to explore how technology, education, and leadership are reshaping the Intelligence Community (IC).

From briefing Presidents and leading intelligence operations to teaching the next generation of analysts, Manolis shares how the IC must evolve beyond Cold War structures to meet the speed of the digital era. Together, they unpack the challenge of upskilling, the role of contractors in innovation, and why integration with industry will define the next decade of national security.

Key moments:

(00:00) Why the Intelligence Community must evolve

(03:04) His first day in government and what “VRE” really means

(09:00) Backpacking through the Balkans and early lessons in perspective

(11:07) Working at Amazon in 1996 before joining public service

(15:04) Traveling the Silk Road and rediscovering national security

(18:13) Entering government through the Presidential Management Fellowship

(20:37) Joining the DOE Intelligence Office

(27:00) Writing for and briefing the President’s Daily Brief during the Arab Spring

(34:04) Leading DOE Intelligence and working with Secretaries Moniz and Perry

(36:39) Teaching at the National Intelligence University

(39:03) What the “Strategic Intelligence Professional of 2030” looks like

(44:16) How industry partnerships shape the IC

(47:59) Why the U.S. must catch up, not just keep up, with technology

(58:16) One word for the future: Upskill

Thanks to Manolis Priniotakis for joining the show.

Visit https://pts.careers/

for more info on Jake Frazer and Precision Talent Solutions.

Follow Jake on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jakefrazer

The Future of GovCon explores the trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the government contracting industry.

If you’re navigating acquisition strategy, workforce challenges, technology adoption, or global opportunities, be sure to subscribe to The Future of GovCon:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-future-of-govcon/id1838189132

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0aMgbnTtSTB0ptzvfxk3Pf

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFutureOfGovCon

Subscribe to the podcast: https://pts.careers/podcast

What happens when diplomacy meets defense?

In this episode, Jake Frazer sits down with Ambassador Elizabeth Richard, former U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon, to explore how global power shifts, partnerships, and policy decisions are shaping the next chapter of government contracting.

From her decades in the Foreign Service to leading one of America’s most complex embassies, Ambassador Richard shares lessons from a career spent navigating fragile states, global alliances, and the balance between government and industry. Together, they discuss how the world is moving beyond a unipolar system, the importance of strategic investment in regions like the Middle East and Latin America, and how private sector expertise will define the future of stability operations.

Elizabeth Richard’s distinguished diplomatic career includes service as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Ambassador to Lebanon, and senior roles in Afghanistan, Yemen, and Pakistan. Known for her strategic insight and pragmatic leadership, she brings a candid and nuanced perspective on how policy, partnership, and resilience come together to shape the modern global order.

Key moments:

(00:00) Are we still living in a unipolar world — or has global power truly shifted?

(05:15) How do diplomacy and defense work together in fragile states?

(10:32) What lessons can industry learn from America’s long presence in the Middle East?

(16:06) How did being a woman in the Middle East become an unexpected advantage in diplomacy?

(26:05) What did Lebanon teach her about human resilience and adaptability?

(37:47) Why are fewer nations looking to the U.S. to solve global problems?

(47:47) How do contractors fill critical gaps when government downsizes?

(54:31) Why does Ambassador Richard remain hopeful about the future?

Thanks to Ambassador Elizabeth Richard for joining the show.

Visit https://pts.careers/

for more info on Jake Frazer and Precision Talent Solutions.

Follow Jake on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jakefrazer

The Future of GovCon explores the trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the government contracting industry.

If you’re navigating acquisition strategy, workforce challenges, technology adoption, or global opportunities, be sure to subscribe to The Future of GovCon:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-future-of-govcon/id1838189132

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0aMgbnTtSTB0ptzvfxk3Pf

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFutureOfGovCon

Subscribe to the podcast: https://pts.careers/podcast

In this episode, Jake Frazer sits down with Major General (Ret.) Dusty Schultz, former Director of Strategic Operations for the U.S. Army, to explore how data, space, and leadership are reshaping the future of defense and government contracting.

From growing up on a small farm in Northern California to leading Army intelligence and operations worldwide, Dusty shares powerful lessons in service, innovation, and resilience. Together, they discuss how space and cyber are converging, why Latin America is becoming a key strategic front, and what it means to lead with integrity and hope in an age defined by technology.

Dusty’s 37-year career spans command, intelligence, and strategy across the Army, SOUTHCOM, and the Pentagon. Known for her authenticity and forward-thinking leadership, she brings a unique perspective on how data, AI, and human-centered decision-making will define the next era of national security and GovCon.

Key moments:

(00:00) Are we on the brink of a global data war?

(03:00) How did growing up on a small farm shape Dusty’s values and leadership style?

(04:00) What did living in Spain as a teenager teach her about cultural diversity and dialogue?

(06:00) Why did she apply to the Naval Academy — and what did her father say that changed her mind?

(07:00) How did the New Mexico Military Institute set the foundation for her military career?

(13:00) How did Dusty go from being a schoolteacher to an intelligence officer after 9/11?

(20:00) What did she learn leading humanitarian coordination after the Haiti earthquake?

(22:00) How did she build a “pickup team” battalion in Iraq and lead it to success?

(24:00) What was it like standing up the first Intelligence Brigade for NORTHCOM?

(27:00) How did she drive transformation in space, cyber, and data as Director of Strategic Operations?

(29:00) Why does she believe data is the next domain of warfare?

(37:00) How can truthful data create transparency and trust across GovCon?

(48:00) What are the ethical challenges of AI and automation in national security?

(52:27) Why does Dusty describe the future of GovCon in one word — Hopeful?

Thanks to Major General (Ret.) Dusty Schultz for joining the show.

Visit https://pts.careers/

for more info on Jake Frazer and Precision Talent Solutions.

Follow Jake on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jakefrazer

The Future of GovCon explores the trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the government contracting industry.

If you’re navigating acquisition strategy, workforce challenges, technology adoption, or global opportunities, be sure to subscribe:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-future-of-govcon/id1838189132

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0aMgbnTtSTB0ptzvfxk3Pf

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFutureOfGovCon

What defines the next era of government contracting — and who will lead it?

In this episode, Jake Frazer sits down with industry legend Chuck Prow, former CEO of V2X and longtime IBM executive, to explore how technology, operations, and leadership are converging to shape the future of GovCon.

From his early career in distributed computing and consulting to transforming Vectrus into V2X, Chuck shares powerful insights on growth, innovation, and the evolving balance between commercial efficiency and public mission. Together, they discuss how robotics, AI, and automation are redefining operations and why the industry’s future depends on companies that sell outcomes, not inputs.

Chuck Prow’s four-decade career spans consulting, technology, and defense services leadership. At IBM, he helped build one of the largest public sector businesses in the world and founded the IBM Center for the Business of Government, fostering collaboration between industry and government. As CEO of V2X, he led the company’s transformation into a diversified global leader in operational services, logistics, and technology integration.

Key moments:

(00:00) Chuck explains why the future belongs to companies that sell outcomes, not inputs

(03:33) Growing up in St. Louis and discovering data before “data” was even a buzzword

(06:01) Early career in distributed computing and consulting during the rise of digital technology

(16:03) Entering government contracting in the late 1990s and the era of transformation under Clinton–Gingrich reforms

(20:10) 9/11 memories — being in Roslyn, losing clients, and how the industry changed overnight

(25:00) Building IBM’s public sector business and launching the IBM Center for the Business of Government

(32:09) Taking over Vectrus in 2016 and transforming it into V2X

(37:49) Winning LOGCAP and redefining operational excellence through technology

(41:52) The Vectrus–Vertex merger: creating scale, diversity, and capability

(44:04) The future of GovCon — bifurcation between technology-driven and operationally driven companies

(47:14) Robotics, automation, and predictive analytics as the next frontier

(53:58) Chuck’s one word for the future: acceleration

Thanks to Chuck Prow for being on the show.

Visit https://pts.careers/

for more info on Jake Frazer and Precision Talent Solutions.

Follow Jake on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jakefrazer

The Future of GovCon explores the trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the government contracting industry. If you’re navigating acquisition strategy, workforce challenges, technology adoption, or global opportunities, be sure to subscribe to The Future of GovCon:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-future-of-govcon/id1838189132

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0aMgbnTtSTB0ptzvfxk3Pf

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFutureOfGovCon

n this special bonus episode, Jake Frazer walks through PTS’s Q3 2025 Industry Report, covering the biggest shifts shaping the future of government contracting. From acquisition reform and DHS expansion to AI, GovTech, and European defense, Jake breaks down what’s driving the most transformative year since 9/11.

This episode pulls from insights gathered by the PTS recruiting network, Precision Experts, and contributors from across government and industry, giving listeners a front-row view of the trends defining GovCon’s next chapter.

Watch to hear:

00:00 – Why 2025 is the most transformative year since 9/11

02:20 – Pentagon and DoD changes, procurement reform, and leadership shifts

04:00 – The rise of GovTech, AI action plan, and CMMC compliance

06:00 – Army realignments, LogCap 6, and infrastructure trends

09:15 – Space Force expansion and the $151B SHIELD program

11:10 – Navy and DoPayCom contract momentum

13:05 – State Department restructuring and the Evolve IDIQ

14:35 – DHS surge and opportunities across CBP and Coast Guard

16:09 – DLA, GSA, and acquisition consolidation

17:42 – European defense growth, NATO investment, and NSPA projections

20:14 – M&A trends, FMS, and global sustainment opportunities

22:00 – How PTS is supporting industry through talent and insight

About PTS

Precision Talent Solutions is a global executive search and recruitment firm serving the GovCon industry. Through our Career Concierge and Precision Experts networks, we connect transitioning senior executives and industry leaders with opportunities that shape the future of government contracting.

Read the full Q3 Industry Report: https://pts.careers/posts/2025/q3-2025-industry-update

Watch or listen on:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFutureOfGovCon

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4w2bY6F7A7Q3sO7sO6V9zB

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-future-of-govcon/id1776015739