Breaking the Standard
103 episodes - English - Latest episode: 1 day ago -Closing the Communication and Knowledge Gap for the Small Business Government Contracting Industry.
One of the biggest challenges industry faces is working in the federal government sphere is communication. Breaking the Standard is committed to using the podcast as a platform to educate, inform, and connect with others in the Small Business Government Contracting Community, both industry and Government.
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Episodes
Why Do We Bid and What We Bid On: The Psychology Behind the Process
June 17, 2024 00:54 - 26 minutes - 60.2 MBIn this episode, we have Tan Wilson from Entellect LLC. to discuss the psychology of why we bid on what we bid on. Tan walks us through how the bid process is impacted when we look at it from psychology versus strategy and how this drives decisions in the GovCon industry. To connect with Tan find her on LinkedIn
Bringing AI and Automation to GovCon
June 02, 2024 21:10 - 37 minutes - 84.9 MBin this episode, we have John Ferry from UseRogue.com with us to discuss bringing AI and automation to GovCon. Listen as John shares why GovCon is the perfect space to use AI and automation and some of the amazing results already being produced as seen firsthand with his company. To connect with John, find him on LinkedIn To learn more about UseRogue.com click here
Getting Back to the Basics: Why Choose GovCon
May 20, 2024 01:29 - 37 minutes - 86.9 MBIn this episode we have Eric Coffie to discuss all things GovCon. Eric shares with us his journey to GovCon, why he came back to this industry and what he has created to now educate and empower others in the industry. Listen in today and let us know what you think about this inspiring conversation. To connect with Eric and learn more about GovCon Giants, find him on LinkedIn
Generation of GovCon through Social Media
May 06, 2024 00:16 - 29 minutes - 67.9 MBIn this episode, we have Will Roberts from ASI Government with us to discuss the generation of GovCon through social media. We take a look at the history of trying to provide education in this industry and the challenge of making it interesting and fun. Will shares with us about the ideas behind the great content and ways to continue to engage and educate the GovCon community. To connect with Will find him on LinkedIn To watch videos from ASI Government on YouTube
Hidden Gems of Market Research You Need to Know About
April 22, 2024 01:17 - 25 minutes - 58.5 MBIn this episode, we have Haley Boulanger from the Pulse of GovCon with us to discuss the hidden gems of Market Research. Haley walks us through what Market Research is, why it matters for industry to conduct it and hidden gems that will be a game changer when conducting Market Research. To connect with Haley find her on LinkedIn To learn more about the Pulse of GovCon click here Resources Haley shared about: Email Subscription Service - Quick Subscribe: https://service.govdelivery.co...
The Sin or Misconception that Incumbency Guarantees a Win
April 07, 2024 18:25 - 27 minutes - 62.7 MBIn this episode, we have Brian Lindholm with us to discuss the sin or misconception of believing that incumbency guarantees a win. Brian explains and walks us through what incumbency is, how it comes into play when a contract comes up for re-compete and the sins that incumbents make when it comes to contracting. To connect with Brian, find him on LinkedIn Check out Brian’s blog here
Celebrating Well Rounded Companies & Government Agencies with Elev8
March 24, 2024 19:43 - 22 minutes - 52 MBIn this episode, we have David Blackburn from OrangeSlices AI with us to discuss Elev8. Elev8 was created to celebrate and recognize government contracting companies and agencies that are doing it the right way. David walks us through the criteria to be nominated and considered for Elev8 and shares what he’s seen so far since the creation of this program and what’s to come. To connect with David, find him on LinkedIn To learn more about OrangeSlices and Elev8, click here
Pulling Back the Curtain: What it’s Really Like to be a CO
March 11, 2024 00:44 - 30 minutes - 70.6 MBIn this episode, we have Troy Francis, a Contracting Officer from the DC Office of Contracting and Procurement with us. Troy shares with us some of his favorite and least favorite things about being a CO as well as the things he usually never gets to talk about as a CO - which get really juicy. Don’t miss it. Connect with Troy on LinkedIn
Demystifying Government Contracting
February 26, 2024 01:38 - 26 minutes - 61.1 MBIn this episode, we have Ashley Nicholson, CEO of Avenir Technology with us to discuss demystifying government contracting. In this conversation, we talk about perceptions of government contracting outside of the beltway, realities of government contracting and why this field is so compelling. Don’t miss out on a great conversation! Connect with Ashley on LinkedIn
Obtaining Relevant, Accurate, Information in GovCon
February 12, 2024 12:42 - 19 minutes - 36.1 MBOn this episode, we have Shane Prosser with us from GovBrew to discuss the importance of obtaining relevant, accurate information in GovCon. Shane shares how having access to relevant information could be a game changer for the small business government contracting industry. Connect with Shane here on LinkedIn Learn more about GovBrew here Use our code for a discount to sign up for GovBrew insider! https://govbrew.co/upgrade?offer_id=402b9c17-e01f-421a-8f28-1a70c83fb680
Changing the Narrative of GovCon in 2024
January 28, 2024 20:45 - 22 minutes - 41.8 MBIn this episode, we have special guest Alexa Tsui with us to discuss the current narrative in GovCon. Alexa, who is a community builder, walks through with us through what it would look like to change the narrative from GovCon to GovCom. Do not miss out on this fantastic conversation! Connect with Alexa here on LinkedIn
Micro Purchase Threshold and Why Small Businesses Need to Know It
January 16, 2024 01:57 - 25 minutes - 47.7 MBIn this episode, we have William Randolph with us to discuss the micro purchase threshold and how it could be a huge benefit for small businesses. Learn about how the micro purchase threshold works, what is needed and how businesses can participate. Connect with William on LinkedIn Learn more about MicroMarket.co
The Unspoken Side of the Government Business
December 28, 2023 00:56 - 21 minutes - 40.1 MBIn this episode, we have Constance Jackson with us to discuss the unspoken side of Government business. Countless times we have seen, heard or read about where the Government has messed up, today we discuss what the Government does right! Listen in and let us know if you agree. Connect with Constance on LinkedIn
Keys to the Castle with Kevin Switaj
December 11, 2023 02:36 - 38 minutes - 71.2 MBOn this episode, we have Kevin Switaj back with us to discuss his new book - Keys to the Castle. Kevin connects Walt Disney and storytelling to the proposal process and explains the changes that need to be made when it comes to writing proposal. Disney fan or not, don’t miss out on this episode! Follow Kevin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinswitaj/ Follow BZ Opportunity Management on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bz-opportunity-management/ Get the book - Keys ...
Foundations of Proposals - Finding Opportunities & How to Respond
November 27, 2023 01:38 - 30 minutes - 55.5 MBIn this episode, we have special guest Lisa Shea Mundt from the Pulse of GovCon with us to discuss the foundation of proposals and the overarching process. Lisa explains to us how the proposal process begins ahead of a submission and the steps involved to conduct research and what steps small businesses miss. Do not miss out on this episode to deepen your understanding of the proposal process and the many parts that comprise it. Connect with Lisa here on LinkedIn Learn more about the Pul...
Govmates and the Magic of the Federal Matchmaking Services
November 01, 2023 12:48 - 17 minutes - 32.1 MBIn this episode, we have the one and only Meg O’Hara, Director of Engagement from GovMates, to discuss the magic of federal matchmaking. Meg walks us through GovMates and what it does which involves focusing on buyer requirements versus seller capabilities for upcoming government requirements. What an amazing resource to have for small businesses to connect with other fellow small businesses and large companies! Listen in today to learn more about GovMates. Learn more about GovMates Conn...
Building Your Presence on LinkedIn: Taking it to the Next Level
October 16, 2023 01:05 - 25 minutes - 46.1 MBIn this episode, we have guest Mark Amtower with us to discuss to use of LinkedIn for the Government Contracting space. This crucial conversation is for small businesses to connect, network and take their businesses to the next level. Don’t miss out on this wealth of knowledge and great conversation with Mark.
Looking at the Big Picture for Businesses in GovCon
October 03, 2023 13:50 - 27 minutes - 51 MBIn this episode, we have guest Teresa Moon from Parablis and Spilling the Tea podcast with us to discuss looking at the big picture as a business in GovCon - specifically when it comes to finding a lending partner. Listen in as Teresa highlights planning ahead, the positives and negatives around having a lending partner and Teresa's "Top Ten" for businesses to have their ducks in a row. Find Teresa here on LinkedIn Find Spilling the Tea Podcast here
What You Need to Know about the SBA Scorecard and Why it’s a Mixed Bag
September 18, 2023 14:34 - 29 minutes - 55 MBIn this episode, we have special guest Steven Koprince with us, Facility Instructor and Legal Analyst at Govology. Steven discusses with us the SBA Scorecard, the significance behind it and also how it currently provides a disservice to Small Businesses. If you want to know what these disservices are and more - listen in to the episode now. Find Steven on LinkedIn Here Articles Referenced: https://www.sba.gov/article/2023/07/18/biden-harris-administration-sets-record-breaking-163-bi...
Three C’s of the Small Business Administration
September 07, 2023 13:57 - 41 minutes - 75.5 MBIn this episode, we have special guest Larry Webb, District Director of the Small Business Administration for the Washington Metropolitan Area. Larry shares with us the three C’s of the SBA - Contracting, Capital and Counseling and expands on many of the services and opportunities that small businesses do not take advantage of. Additionally, there are hidden resources that Larry shares about with us so don’t wait to listen in! Connect with Larry on LinkedIn Small Business District Office...
The OTA Consortium and Why You Need to Know About it
August 20, 2023 20:06 - 27 minutes - 51 MBOn this episode, we have special guest Katrina Kenny from Advanced Technology International with us to discuss the OTA Consortium. OTAs are Other Transactional Agreements that are used for different opportunities within the GovCon community. Katrina explains what the OTA Consortium is, what it offers within the DOD community and why companies need to know about this. Please do not wait to listen to this episode! Find Katrina here on LinkedIn Learn more about ATI here
The Art Of Negotiation - Is the Juice Worth the Squeeze?
August 07, 2023 11:35 - 31 minutes - 57.6 MBIn this episode, we have very special guest Bernita Washington Tardieu from BOOST, LLC. with us to discuss negotiation and deal making in the GovCon space. Bernita offers invaluable feedback for small businesses around knowing your purpose, proper education and knowing your worth. You do not want to miss this episode - to help your business thrive and not just survive. Connect with Bernita on LinkedIn
Getting to a New Normal in Today’s Work Environment
July 24, 2023 01:13 - 27 minutes - 50.7 MBIn this episode, we have special guest Albert Darlington from BOOST LLC to discuss workplace culture, getting to a new normal and what’s changed in the last few years. Albert offers some great insight into things to consider before expanding your business. Don’t miss out on this episode! Find Albert on LinkedIn
Practical Application of Benefits within GovCon
July 11, 2023 01:05 - 33 minutes - 61.2 MBIn this episode, we have special guest Jim Campbell from AXIM Solutions and host of the GovCon Secrets podcast here to discuss benefits within GovCon. Specifically being able to navigate between contract requirements and benefit requirements. Not sure what the differences are? Trying to build your staff or respond to an upcoming requirement? This episode is for you. Find Jim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jvcampbell Listen to GovCon Secrets here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/...
Financing for Small Businesses - Bank vs Private Capital Firm
June 26, 2023 02:37 - 34 minutes - 63.3 MBIn this episode, we have two special guests with us! Daniel Hampton from Bank of Clarke and Matt Stavish from Republic Capital Access join us to discuss financing for Small Businesses and the differences between banks and private capital firms. Listen as Dan and Matt provide some essential information for small businesses to consider before receiving financing, the process for financing and dos and donts in the business. Don’t miss out on this amazing episode!
Major Pitfalls made in the Post Award Phase
June 12, 2023 12:26 - 28 minutes - 53 MBIn this episode, we have guest Kevin Jans with us from Skyway Acquisition and the Contracting Officer Podcast to discuss the major pitfalls that small businesses fall into on the post award side. Listen in as we discuss why the post award phase is so crucial for small businesses to focus on, three major pitfalls small businesses make in the post award phase and how to maintain marital bliss with the government and not end in divorce. Find Kevin’s podcast here : https://podcasts.apple....
Request for Proposals - RFP Success with State and Local Government
May 31, 2023 04:00 - 26 minutes - 47.8 MBIn this episode, we have guest Lisa Rehurek with us from RFP Success Company. Lisa offers her dos and don'ts as well as pitfalls when it comes to RFPs, which can be applied across the board, regardless of who your customer is. We also discuss opportunities at both the state and local level and what that could offer for companies who ultimately would want to work in the Federal government contracting world. Listen in today!
Artificial Intelligence and What it Means for the Federal Workforce and Contracting
May 08, 2023 20:25 - 43 minutes - 79.9 MBIn this episode, we have with us Justin Lerma and Will Roberts from ASI Government to discuss Artificial Intelligence. Listen in as we discuss the US AI Training for Acquisition Workforce Act as well as what changes AI will bring to the Federal Workforce, Contracting and opportunities for small businesses. US AI Training for Acquisition Workforce Act
Proposed Changes to the 8(a) Business Development Program
April 27, 2023 13:29 - 37 minutes - 68.3 MBIn this episode, we have special guest Michael LeJeune from RSM Federal and Game Changers from GovCon. Michael and Aubrey discuss the proposed changes to the 8(a) Business Development Program proposed by the Biden Administration. We discuss the pros and cons to this proposed change, impacts, and potential benefits. Michael offers some great tips as well so don’t miss out on this episode! Find Michael on LinkedIn Resources Referenced: eCFR https://smallgovcon.com/8a-program/5-th...
GAO Trends to Watch: Introduction
April 11, 2023 12:40 - 13 minutes - 25.4 MBIn this episode, we discuss something new we learned about the the GAO aka the congressional watchdog. GAO provides reports and research which are required by law or congressional committees and are something incorporated or not. This episode introduces a report published last year discussing twelve (yes 12) trends that the GAO identifies to watch over the next five to fifteen years and the potential impact it could have to procurement, especially small businesses. GAO Trends
Updates to the Procurement Innovation Lab
March 28, 2023 18:50 - 15 minutes - 27.8 MBIn this episode, we discuss updates to the Procurement Innovation Lab since our original discussion (back in Episode 43). The PIL also published a Yearbook (for the first time ever!) from this past year which we discuss and is linked below. Listen in to see what those updates are and why you should be tuned in! PIL 2022 Yearbook Citizant, Inc.; Steampunk, Inc. Protest
Women Owned Small Business In-Person Event Recording
January 25, 2023 18:32 - 52 minutes - 97.1 MBIn this episode, we held our in-person event! We had a panel to discuss the current restrictions held on Women Owned Small Businesses. Panelists for this event include professionals from every realm of the GovCon community which bring lots of expertise, insight and a lively discussion. Listen in!
New SBA Rule on Past Performance
January 09, 2023 02:27 - 18 minutes - 26.3 MBIn this episode, we discuss the newly passed SBA rule which allows small businesses to use different avenues to submit for past performance. Two avenues are a small business operating in a Joint Venture with another company as well as a small business operating as a first tier subcontractor. We discuss our views on this new rule and what it means for small businesses in the contracting world moving forward. Article referenced during episode: https://foxrothschild.gjassets.com/content/uplo...
Proposed Increases to the 8(a) Sole Source Threshold
November 17, 2022 12:21 - 18 minutes - 24.9 MBIn this episode, we discuss the proposed changes to the 8(a) sole source threshold. Listen in as we consider the changes from all three perspectives of legal, procurement and small business.
Proposed Changes: 8 (a) Ramp Up
November 03, 2022 16:53 - 18 minutes - 26.1 MBIn this episode, we discuss the proposed changes to the 8 (a) program and the ramp up time. If these changes are implemented, it would allow the vendors an actual ramp up period before the clock starts ticking on their 8(a) program participation. Listen in to hear more and what this could mean for vendors.
Privity of Contract
October 17, 2022 11:30 - 22 minutes - 31.1 MBIn this episode, we discuss the different agreements between prime contractors, subcontractors and all levels in between and who has privity of contract. Listen in as we examine each tier within contacting to understand this concept further.
Contracting Officer Training for the Women Owned Small Business Program
October 03, 2022 18:31 - 17 minutes - 23.7 MBIn this episode, Nicole and Aubrey discuss training that would educate Contracting Officers and benefit Woman Owned Small Businesses (WOSB). However we uncover a key part of the WOSB that surprises both of us. Listen in and let us know if you have the same reactions we did. Link to GAO Report referenced in episode: https://smallbusiness.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=2536
Small Business Experiences with Phill Thomas
September 26, 2022 13:28 - 27 minutes - 38 MBIn this episode, we have Phill Thomas, CEO of Innovate! Inc to share his experiences as a small business contractor. Phill talks about the growth of the company, what surprised him about GovCon at different stages of his company’s growth, transitioning from subcontractor to prime contractor and lessons learned. Listen in!
Estimating System Audits
September 12, 2022 13:23 - 49 minutes - 68.7 MBIn this episode, we have Ken Bricker back with us to discuss estimating system compliance. He also covers some of the 9 Cost Accounting Standard (CAS) exemptions and workflows for compliance. Listen in today!
Accounting System Administration, Compliance & Audits
August 29, 2022 18:19 - 50 minutes - 69.7 MBIn this episode, we have guest Ken Bricker on with us to discuss and explain the intricacies behind accounting systems. Ken guides us through the administration, compliance and audits so don’t miss out on this episode!
Oral Proposals: Pros and Cons
August 15, 2022 17:50 - 26 minutes - 37.1 MBIn this episode, we discuss the pros and cons from different perspectives of doing an oral proposal versus written. Listen in!
Roundtable Discussion: Biden Administration’s Goal for Small Businesses by 2025
July 31, 2022 19:59 - 42 minutes - 59.3 MBIn this episode, we have guests William Randolph and Justin Lerma with us to discuss the Biden Administration’s goal of ensuring that 15% if federal contracts go to Small Disadvantaged Businesses by 2025. Listen in as we discuss impacts, challenges, what will need to be done to accomplish this goal and more!
Innovation & Education in Contracting & Results it Can Produce
July 20, 2022 21:14 - 32 minutes - 29.5 MBIn this episode, we have special guest Justin Lerma, an advocate for best practices in acquisition. From technical challenges in the Contracting Officer’s “toolbox”, we discuss how innovations and education in contracting can result in better exchanges between industry and government. Listen in now!
Ins and Outs of Price Escalation
June 29, 2022 18:30 - 39 minutes - 36.7 MBIn this episode, we have guests Jeanne Harrison and Alex Gorelik from Smith, Currie & Hancock to discuss price escalation. A very prevalent topic in todays industry, Jeanne and Alex answer our questions and provide insight into a topic that will continue to impact the govcon community.
Career Transitioning with Jack O’Neill
June 13, 2022 19:34 - 26 minutes - 25 MBIn this episode, Jack is back with us to offer advice for anyone looking or facing a career transition. Whether you’re looking to leave the military for the Government or the Government for industry, or are ready to launch your own business, Jack offers some tools and skills to help. Listen in!
Lessons Learned: After Proposal Submission
May 31, 2022 12:58 - 22 minutes - 20.5 MBIn this episode, we discuss lessons learned after the submission of a proposal. Nicole walks us through how a company can learn from what worked and what didn’t to be able to continually improve their internal processes. Listen in to learn more!
Big News! New Cohost Alert! Plus the Labor Employment Initiative, COVID 19 Updates and More!
May 16, 2022 15:50 - 23 minutes - 21.6 MBIn this episode, we welcome our new co-host Morgan Tapp! Morgan recently moderated a discussion on the impact of President Biden’s Initiatives on Government Construction Contracting with the American Bar Association Federal Procurement Institute. Morgan leads us through topics discussed such as the Labor Employment Initiative, COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates and the CMMC 2.0 Infrastructure Bill and the impacts on contracting and small businesses. Don’t miss this episode!
CPARS - Love it or Hate it?
May 02, 2022 14:58 - 19 minutes - 18 MBIn this episode, we discuss Contract Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS), the Performance Assessment used to evaluate a contractor’s performance with the Government. We discuss the pros and cons and steps that a contractor can take to dispute a rating if they disagree.
Unilateral v. Bilateral Modifications
April 18, 2022 14:21 - 31 minutes - 29.2 MBIn this episode, we welcome back Morgan Tapp, Contract and Fiscal Law Attorney to discuss unilateral v. bilateral modifications. We discuss the differences and how these types of modifications can impact contractor’s rights.
Uncharted Territory of Construction in Contracting
April 03, 2022 16:08 - 22 minutes - 20.8 MBIn this episode, we venture into a whole uncharted territory of. constructing in contracting. Jack O’Neill shares his perspectives working in the construction sector with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He brings his experience in multiple roles including the uniformed Army, business development for non-profit startup and a consultant to our conversation. He offers so much knowledge in this episode.