In this episode of the Federal Help Center Podcast, Randie Ward walks newer contractors through the unsexy but critical research process most small businesses skip—how to identify the real decision makers behind a federal requirement. From tracking solicitation numbers and awards in SAM.gov to using LinkedIn, forecast lists, and small business offices, Randie shows how winning contractors play investigator long before submitting a bid. The episode reinforces a hard truth in GovCon: if you don't know who the customer is, you're not competing—you're guessing.

Key Takeaways

• The solicitation number is your fastest path back to the real requirement

• Small business offices can open doors—if you show you've done your homework

• Finding the end user beats chasing the contracting officer every time

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