The federal health market is moving fast right now. AI adoption is accelerating. Cybersecurity pressures are intensifying. Agencies are being pushed to modernize faster while delivering measurable mission outcomes in an increasingly constrained environment.

And next week, many of the leaders shaping those conversations will gather at the AFCEA Health IT Summit, taking place May 26 and 27.

Over the past several years, the has evolved into what many across government and industry now view as the premier event for the federal health IT community. The right people show up. The conversations matter. The access is meaningful. Quite frankly, if you operate anywhere in the federal health ecosystem, this is one of those events where being in the room matters.

In this conversation, Andrea Snader shares why.

Known by many for her leadership role as Sector President at Edgewater Federal Solutions, Andrea has helped lead an organization that has spent more than two decades supporting federal agencies across the full IT lifecycle, from program management and modernization to cybersecurity, systems operations, and mission delivery. She has also become one of the driving forces behind the continued growth and success of the AFCEA Health IT Summit itself.

We talk about what makes this event stand apart, why senior leaders across government and industry continue to prioritize it year after year, what attendees should expect next week, and why this year’s summit arrives at such a pivotal moment for the federal health community.

If you are planning to attend next week, or still deciding whether you should, this conversation will give you a clear sense of why the AFCEA Health IT Summit has become one of the most important gatherings in the federal health market today.

To connect with Andrea, follow her on LinkedIn here.

In this episode of The Peel, Shelley McGuire catches up with ENcompass Consulting Group's Eric Nusbaum, CEO, and Dan Abernathy, CGO and Head of BD Consulting Practice, to discuss the top business development best practices shaping GovCon in 2026.

From defining what truly differentiates your company to building smarter pipelines and improving capture strategies, the conversation dives into the evolving realities of federal business development. Eric and Dan share why too many companies treat pipelines as “set it and forget it,” how RFIs are increasingly being used as down-select tools, and why positioning with agencies earlier than ever is becoming critical for success.

The discussion also tackles the impact of tighter budgets, DOGE-era staffing cuts, and the rise of fractional BD support models that give companies flexibility without sacrificing growth. And of course, no BD conversation would be complete without AI. The team breaks down where AI can genuinely improve efficiency—and why it still can’t replace human-led relationships, strategy, and capture expertise.

To connect with Eric, visit him on LinkedIn here.

What happens when AI, augmented reality, and emergency response training come together? On this episode of The Peel, Shelley McGuire sits down with Angela Leavell of APV and Alton Robinson of the Air Force Civil Engineer Center to explore the future of firefighter and emergency response training.

Fresh off being recognized at the FXP event for their U.S. Air Force Civil Engineer Center (AFCEC) | Fire & Emergency Services Certification Program, Angela and Alton share how their AR Incident Commander and AI Mentor project is transforming traditional learning into immersive, interactive experiences. Instead of “death by PowerPoint,” trainees step into realistic scenarios where AI acts as a responsive digital coach—guiding decisions, reinforcing concepts, and building confidence in high-stakes environments.

Alton reflects on his 35+ years as a firefighter and Air Force Chief, while Angela explains how emerging technologies are reshaping e-learning for today’s workforce. Together, they discuss how immersive training improves engagement, increases readiness, and reduces risk while preparing the next generation of emergency responders.

If you’re curious about the future of training, AI in government, or how technology is redefining mission readiness, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.

To connect with Angela, follow her on LinkedIn here.

To connect with Alton, follow him on LinkedIn here.

What does it really take to be financially ready in today’s unpredictable market?

In this episode of The Peel Podcast, Shelley McGuire sits down with Ted Rose (Founder & CEO of Rose Financial Solutions) and Wally Angel (Strategic CFO & CPA) to break down the real challenges facing government contractors and what leaders need to do now to stay ahead.

From navigating massive industry shifts and contract uncertainty to preparing for AI-driven finance and evolving compliance requirements, this conversation goes beyond theory into practical strategy. Ted and Wally share insights from decades of experience, including how companies can move from “survival mode” to growth, build true financial visibility, and position themselves for long-term success—or even a future exit.

They also preview the upcoming FaaS Conference, where leaders will dive deeper into financial readiness, data security, systems integration, and M&A strategy.

If you’re a CEO, CFO, or decision-maker in GovCon, this episode is your roadmap to making smarter, faster decisions in a changing landscape.

For more information and to register for the FaaS Conference on June 9, 2026, click here. 

To connect with Ted, follow him on LinkedIn here.

What makes VETS26 one of the most impactful events in the veteran small business community? In this episode, Lauren Masters gives an inside look at how this year’s conference is evolving beyond traditional formats to deliver real business development outcomes. With more than 25 federal agencies, prime contractors, and industry leaders participating, attendees won’t just hear about opportunities; they’ll engage directly with the people who influence them.

Lauren shares how VETS 26 is shifting to a more dynamic, customizable experience, with new focus areas like commercial diversification, targeted matchmaking sessions, and content designed for every level of an organization. From entrepreneurs just entering the federal space to established firms looking to scale, this conference is built to meet businesses where they are and help them grow.

If you’re looking to build smarter relationships, understand where the market is headed, and walk away with actionable next steps, this episode gives you a preview of why VETS26 is worth the investment.

To learn more about the VETS26 and register, click here.

To connect with Lauren, follow her on LinkedIn here.

In this episode of The Peel Podcast, Shelley McGuire sits down with Jimmie Butler, founder of StrategiX and author of the upcoming book Deliver What Matters. Jimmy brings both creativity and candor to a conversation that challenges how government delivers digital services.

At the heart of the discussion is a powerful story of a single mother navigating a broken system that works on paper but fails in practice. Jimmy uses this story to unpack a bigger issue: government doesn’t just have a technology problem, it has a delivery and operating model problem.

He shares why Agile, UX, and modernization efforts alone aren’t enough, and introduces a product-led approach focused on outcomes, accountability, and rebuilding trust, both internally and with the public. 

To connect with Jimmie, follow him on LinkedIn here.

What does it take to move from delivery on the front lines to driving strategy and growth in GovCon? In this episode of The Peel, ⁠Ryan Rees⁠, Director of Federal Health Strategy, Tantus Technologies, Inc., shares his 25-year journey from hands-on technical roles to leading federal health strategy—and the mindset shift that made it possible. He dives into how understanding the full business lifecycle, leveraging data-driven decision making, and prioritizing the right opportunities can cut through the noise and increase your chances of winning. If you’re looking to sharpen your business development approach and think more strategically about growth, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. 

To connect with Ryan, follow him on LinkedIn ⁠here⁠. Learn more about Tantus Technologies at their website ⁠here⁠.

In this episode of The Peel, Shelley McGuire sits down with Monica Randall, founder and CEO of the Randall Group and a former SBA leader, to unpack one of the most overlooked and risky areas of government contracting: contracts themselves. Drawing on decades of experience, Monica shares where small businesses get into trouble, from skipping NDAs to signing subcontracts they don’t fully understand, and why relationships don’t replace protection once money is on the table.

The conversation dives into common pitfalls like “pay when paid” clauses, missing teaming agreements, and one-sided terms from large primes, while highlighting when growing companies need real contract expertise. It’s a candid look at how the right, or wrong, agreement can make or break a business in GovCon.

To connect with Monica, follow her on LinkedIn here.

In this episode of The Peel, Shelley McGuire welcomes back Eric Nusbaum, CEO of ENcompass Consulting Group to unpack the latest developments around the Army’s MAPS draft RFP #5. 

The discussion opens by stepping back to clarify what MAPS actually is, who should be paying attention, and how this massive, no-ceiling IDIQ reshapes opportunities across the Army and broader DOW landscape. From there, the focus shifts quickly to what’s changed in draft #5, with questions centered on how updates to evaluation criteria, scoring, and eligibility could impact competitiveness and who is best positioned to win.

Eric provides insight into what’s realistic, what might shift, and how industry should interpret recent activity like listening sessions, surveys, and acquisition strategy releases. Finally, he zeroes in on the most pressing question for listeners: what should companies be doing right now to prepare, qualify, and stay competitive before the final RFP drops.

To connect with Eric, visit him on LinkedIn here.

In this episode of The Peel, Shelley McGuire sits down with John Foster, Chief Impact Officer at Fearless and one of the company’s earliest team members, to explore how his 15+ years of experience in digital services and mission-driven growth are shaping real outcomes across government.

The conversation dives into the growing shift toward state and local work, where tighter budgets and rising expectations are forcing agencies to rethink how they prioritize, modernize, and deliver services. John shares his perspective on where states are getting it right, where they struggle, and why truly understanding constituent needs is the foundation for any successful transformation.

From common pitfalls in modernization efforts to what effective collaboration between government and industry actually looks like, this episode highlights a consistent theme: success isn’t just about technology, it’s about alignment. Clear outcomes, shared decision-making, and strong communication across stakeholders ultimately determine whether projects succeed or stall.

This episode is a practical and honest look at how digital transformation really happens at the state level, and why people, more than technology, are often the biggest factor in getting it right.

To connect with John, follow him on LinkedIn here.