Heard the term "DOGE" dominating the news about the U.S. government? 🤔 Feeling uncertain about how these major shifts and budget discussions might impact your business, especially if you're in or considering government contracting? This episode cuts through the noise with a practical, non-political perspective.

Meet Kevin Jans, a government contracting expert with decades of experience on both the buyer and seller side, here to help you make sense of it all. 🧭

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In times of widespread change and uncertainty, it's easy to react to every headline. Kevin advises: Be a thermostat, not a thermometer. Set your own course based on facts, don't just reflect the fluctuating temperature of the news cycle.

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To assess the real impact of initiatives like DOGE, ask three crucial questions: 1️⃣ Is it actually a big number? Headlines shout about billions, even trillions. But what's the context? A $32 billion cut from an $800+ billion defense budget or a multi-trillion overall federal spend might be a small percentage. "Savings" from canceled future-year contract options aren't the same as current budget reductions. Dig deeper than the surface figures.

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2️⃣ What does this change really mean for operations? When contracts are "terminated for convenience," what's the full story? Sometimes termination costs (severance, lease breaks) can exceed the remaining contract value. A contract ending two days before its natural expiration isn't a massive "cut." Understand the nuances before drawing conclusions about broad impacts.

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3️⃣ How does this specifically matter to ME and MY business? Consider the "Triangle of GovCon Forces": Competition, Communication, Regulation. If regulations shrink (a DOGE aim), it might increase competition and demand more direct communication and relationship-building with government agencies. Are your specific contracts or target agencies directly affected? For many (perhaps 85-90%), the direct operational impact might be minimal, despite the pervasive feeling of uncertainty.

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The government contracting "snow globe" is being shaken, creating a "miserable middle" of transition. However, fundamental principles remain: Congress allocates funds, Contracting Officers award contracts, and contractors perform essential work. This core structure is resilient. The current changes aim to make government more "business-like" by re-evaluating long-standing practices – which can be positive if executed with finesse, though the current approach can feel like a "hammer."

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Protect your most valuable resource: Your Time. Be highly selective about your news consumption. Mainstream news often lacks the deep context needed for sound business decisions. Focus on sources that help you answer those three key questions. If information isn't actionable, it's likely noise distracting you from what truly matters for your business.

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Even amidst flux, opportunities exist, especially for small businesses that understand the system. The key is to stay informed on relevant changes, focus on the problem you solve for your specific niche, and adapt your strategies accordingly. Don't get sidetracked by a crisis that may not actually be yours.

Now What? ➡️

Navigating government changes? Like this video, Comment with your thoughts on DOGE's impact, and Subscribe to Harmonious at Lunch!

Visit the HumanOp Website (https://humanop.com/) to gain instant clarity on how your business can adapt and thrive amidst external shifts.

Explore Kevin Jans' deep expertise in government contracting:

• Visit the Skyway Acquisition website for training, consulting, and resources: https://www.skywayacq.com
• Check out Skyway's Podcast Trial Playlist for targeted GovCon audio content: https://skywayacq.com/podcast-trial-playlist/
• For real-time (unofficial) DOGE cut information, Kevin mentioned a community resource: https://doge.muskwatch.com/

Connect with Skyway Acquisition:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skyway-acquisition/

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/harmonious-at-lunch/exclusive-content