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DoD Contract Academy

215 episodes - English - Latest episode: 8 days ago - ★★★★★ - 16 ratings

The single biggest purchaser of goods and services in the world is the US government.

Learn the step by step process of winning government contracts from former defense procurement officer Lt Col (ret) Ricky Howard.

For more information please visit us at: https://www.dodcontract.com

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Episodes

Interview w/ Graham Plaster, General Partner of Expeditionary Ventures (Episode #34)

July 23, 2022 22:12 - 28 minutes - 26 MB

Graham Plaster is the General Partner of Expeditionary Ventures and deeply involved with investing in emerging technologies that solve national security problem sets. Graham has an amazing background and offers concrete advise for companies interested in developing dual use technologies. We cover a lot of ground on this episode from SBIR & business development to where virtual reality is headed in the DoD. If you have questions for Graham or would like links to anything we discussed in thi...

Interview w/ Graham Plaster, General Partner of Expeditionary Ventures

July 23, 2022 22:12 - 28 minutes - 26 MB

Graham Plaster is the General Partner of Expeditionary Ventures and deeply involved with investing in emerging technologies that solve national security problem sets. Graham has an amazing background and offers concrete advise for companies interested in developing dual use technologies. We cover a lot of ground on this episode from SBIR & business development to where virtual reality is headed in the DoD. If you have questions for Graham or would like links to anything we discussed in thi...

Flying Combat Missions and Acquisitions: My Journey to Government Contracting (Episode #33)

July 23, 2022 22:03 - 23 minutes - 21.9 MB

In this episode I give a little bit more about my background in defense acquisitions and how I developed the strategies we discuss in there Government Sales Momentum episodes. If you need help starting, building, and growing a defense contracting business, check out all of the support and resources at https://www.dodcontract.com  If you have comments or would like to reach me personally you can do so at [email protected] You can also connect with me on LinkedIn at: https://ww...

Flying Combat Missions and Acquisitions: My Journey to Government Contracting

July 23, 2022 22:03 - 23 minutes - 21.9 MB

In this episode I give a little bit more about my background in defense acquisitions and how I developed the strategies we discuss in there Government Sales Momentum episodes. If you need help starting, building, and growing a defense contracting business, check out all of the support and resources at https://www.dodcontract.com 

Interview: Shelley Ware & Pursuit to Profits

July 23, 2022 22:01 - 49 minutes - 45.2 MB

In this episode I interview Shelley Ware, she is the owner and CEO of Pursuit to Profits and has an in depth understanding of federal contracts and how to properly understand government funding. Business owners at all stages of the federal sales process will find benefit from Shelley's GovCon knowledge and gain insight from her description of "The Money Story". Shelley can be reached at: Email: [email protected] Website: https://pursuittoprofits.com/ If you need hel...

Interview: Shelley Ware & Pursuit to Profits (Episode #32)

July 23, 2022 22:01 - 49 minutes - 45.2 MB

In this episode I interview Shelley Ware, she is the owner and CEO of Pursuit to Profits and has an in depth understanding of federal contracts and how to properly understand government funding. Business owners at all stages of the federal sales process will find benefit from Shelley's GovCon knowledge and gain insight from her description of "The Money Story". Shelley can be reached at: Email: [email protected] Website: https://pursuittoprofits.com/ If you want per...

The 10 Step Government Sales Process (Episode #31)

July 23, 2022 21:55 - 14 minutes - 13.1 MB

The 10 step government sales process is a presentation I gave recently. There is a slide deck and a video associated with this and I'll leave a link in the show notes. Additionally I introduce a new program where we are working with five companies for a three month period to jump start government sales. Video: https://youtu.be/PLVbvYVmKXg  If you want personalized assistance from my team and I to help you start selling to the US government, increase the number of contracts you are winnin...

The 10 Step Government Sales Process

July 23, 2022 21:55 - 14 minutes - 13.1 MB

The 10 step government sales process is a presentation I gave recently. There is a slide deck and a video associated with this and I'll leave a link in the show notes. Additionally I introduce a new program where we are working with five companies for a three month period to jumpstart government sales. Video: https://youtu.be/PLVbvYVmKXg If you need help starting, building, and growing a defense contracting business, check out all of the support and resources at https://www.dodcontract.c...

Assessment: Are You Ready For Federal Sales?

July 23, 2022 21:48 - 13 minutes - 12.7 MB

In this episode we walk through a self assessment you can perform to determine: 1. Are government sales right for your business? 2. Are you approaching federal sales the right way? 3. Do you have the right people on your team performing essential duties in order to consistently win contracts in the federal marketplace. This is a great episode for companies new to government sales as well as businesses that have been in the federal marketplace for a while. If you need help starting,...

Assessment: Are You Ready For Federal Sales? (Episode #30)

July 23, 2022 21:48 - 13 minutes - 12.7 MB

In this episode we walk through a self assessment you can perform to determine: 1. Are government sales right for your business? 2. Are you approaching federal sales the right way? 3. Do you have the right people on your team performing essential duties in order to consistently win contracts in the federal marketplace. This is a great episode for companies new to government sales as well as businesses that have been in the federal marketplace for a while. If you need help starting,...

Orbital Prime

July 23, 2022 21:41 - 11 minutes - 10.5 MB

In this episode I review the details for the SPACEWERX Orbital Prime SIBR phase 1 due 3 Feb 2022. If you need help starting, building, and growing a defense contracting business, check out all of the support and resources at https://www.dodcontract.com 

Orbital Prime (Episode #29)

July 23, 2022 21:41 - 11 minutes - 10.5 MB

In this episode I review the details for the SPACEWERX Orbital Prime SIBR phase 1 due 3 Feb 2022. If you want personalized assistance from my team and I to help you start selling to the US government, increase the number of contracts you are winning or optimize the contracts you currently have please reach out to us at: https://www.dodcontract.com/ If you have comments or would like to reach me personally you can do so at [email protected] You can also connect with me on Link...

Project Convergence

July 23, 2022 21:39 - 11 minutes - 10.3 MB

Project Convergence is an opportunity to explore how new technologies can integrate with the US Army's #JADC2 experimentation campaign. In this episode I cover the different topic areas associated with Project Convergence and how to submit your technology/product for review! If you need help starting, building, and growing a defense contracting business, check out all of the support and resources at https://www.dodcontract.com 

Project Convergence (Episode #28)

July 23, 2022 21:39 - 11 minutes - 10.3 MB

Project Convergence is an opportunity to explore how new technologies can integrate with the US Army's #JADC2 experimentation campaign. In this episode I cover the different topic areas associated with Project Convergence and how to submit your technology/product for review! If you need help starting, building, and growing a defense contracting business, check out all of the support and resources at https://www.dodcontract.com  If you have comments or would like to reach me personally ...

Why Work with the Small Business Office?

July 23, 2022 21:37 - 10 minutes - 9.17 MB

In this episode we talk about why small business offices are so important and how they can help you win government contracts! If you need help starting, building, and growing a defense contracting business, check out all of the support and resources at https://www.dodcontract.com 

Why Work with the Small Business Office? (Episode #27)

July 23, 2022 21:37 - 10 minutes - 9.17 MB

In this episode we talk about why small business offices are so important and how they can help you win government contracts! If you want personalized assistance from my team and I to help you start selling to the US government, increase the number of contracts you are winning or optimize the contracts you currently have please reach out to us at: https://www.dodcontract.com/ If you have comments or would like to reach me personally you can do so at [email protected] You can ...

Termination for Convenience

July 23, 2022 21:35 - 8 minutes - 7.64 MB

In this episode we cover what you should do when the government terminates your contract prior to completion. The bottom line is you need to be compensated for the work that you've already done. In this episode we cover a real world scenario where the government canceled a contract and our client still received almost the entire contract value! If you need help starting, building, and growing a defense contracting business, check out all of the support and resources at https://www.dodcontr...

Termination for Convenience (Episode #26)

July 23, 2022 21:35 - 8 minutes - 7.64 MB

In this episode we cover what you should do when the government terminates your contract prior to completion. The bottom line is you need to be compensated for the work that you've already done. In this episode we cover a real world scenario where the government canceled a contract and our client still received almost the entire contract value! If you need help starting, building, and growing a defense contracting business, check out all of the support and resources at https://www.dodcon...

The Power of Symposiums & Conferences (Episode #25)

July 23, 2022 21:32 - 8 minutes - 8.61 MB

In this episode I go over recent success a client of mine had at a USAF conference and how proper execution as an exhibitor can produce amazing results! If you want personalized assistance from my team and I to help you start selling to the US government, increase the number of contracts you are winning or optimize the contracts you currently have please reach out to us at: https://www.dodcontract.com/ If you have comments or would like to reach me personally you can do so at richard@ri...

The Power of Symposiums & Conferences

July 23, 2022 21:32 - 8 minutes - 8.13 MB

In this episode I go over recent success a client of mine had at a USAF conference and how proper execution as an exhibitor can produce amazing results! If you need help starting, building, and growing a defense contracting business, check out all of the support and resources at https://www.dodcontract.com   

Pitching The Big Top with Gene Moran

July 23, 2022 21:26 - 24 minutes - 22.8 MB

In this episode I speak with Gene Moran author of "Pitching the Big Top: How to Master the Three Ring Circus of Federal Sales". Gene's an expert in lobbying congress and engaging with the government from multiple fronts to influence federal spending and lay the foundation for successful long term federal contracts. You can reach out to Gene directly at: [email protected] Website: https://www.capitolintegration.com If you need help starting, building, and growing a defense c...

Pitching The Big Top with Gene Moran (Episode #24)

July 23, 2022 21:26 - 24 minutes - 23.3 MB

In this episode I speak with Gene Moran author of "Pitching the Big Top: How to Master the Three Ring Circus of Federal Sales". Gene's an expert in lobbying congress and engaging with the government from multiple fronts to influence federal spending and lay the foundation for successful long term federal contracts. You can reach out to Gene directly at: [email protected] Website: https://www.capitolintegration.com If you need help starting, building, and growing a defense c...

COVID & Federal Contracting (Episode #23)

July 23, 2022 21:23 - 10 minutes - 10 MB

This episode was recorded on 13 Oct 2021 and discusses possible implications of the current administrations COVID vaccine mandates on federal contractors. We do not provide legal guidance and recommend consulting with an attorney on any and all legal requirements as they pertain to any contract held with the federal government. If you want personalized assistance from my team and I to help you start selling to the US government, increase the number of contracts you are winning or optimiz...

COVID & Federal Contracting

July 23, 2022 21:23 - 10 minutes - 9.52 MB

This episode was recorded on 13 Oct 2021 and discusses possible implications of the current administrations COVID vaccine mandates on federal contractors. We do not provide legal guidance and recommend consulting with an attorney on any and all legal requirements as they pertain to any contract held with the federal government. If you need help starting, building, and growing a defense contracting business, check out all of the support and resources at https://www.dodcontract.com   

The Essential Positions of a Gov Sales Team! (Episode #22)

July 23, 2022 21:21 - 15 minutes - 15 MB

In this episode we review some of the basic components that make a successful government sales team! Once you know which agencies your targeting for federal sales there are a few key skill sets you will need in order to repeatedly win contracts. These can be individual positions or shared responsibilities within your company but learning how successful teams execute and mimicking their strategy and structure is a recipe for success! If you need help starting, building, and growing a defe...

The Essential Positions of a Gov Sales Team!

July 23, 2022 21:21 - 15 minutes - 14.5 MB

In this episode we review some of the basic components that make a successful government sales team! Once you know which agencies your targeting for federal sales there are a few key skillsets you will need in order to repeatedly win contracts. These can be individual positions or shared responsibilities within your company but learning how successful teams execute and mimicking their strategy and structure is a recipe for success! If you need help starting, building, and growing a defen...

Dr. Kizzy Parks | Relationships & Government Contracting

July 23, 2022 02:50 - 34 minutes - 31.3 MB

In this episode I interview Dr. Kizzy Parks, CEO of K. Parks Consulting and GovConWinners. Kizzy has captured over $50M in Federal Government Contracts and focuses on providing services to the federal government. You can reach Kizzy at: Email: [email protected] Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kizzy/ If you need help starting, building, and growing a defense contracting business, check out all of the support and resources at https://www.dodcontract.com   

Dr. Kizzy Parks | Relationships & Government Contracting (Episode #21)

July 23, 2022 02:50 - 34 minutes - 31.8 MB

In this episode I interview Dr. Kizzy Parks, CEO of K. Parks Consulting and GovConWinners. Kizzy has captured over $50M in Federal Government Contracts and focuses on providing services to the federal government. You can reach Kizzy at: Email: [email protected]  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kizzy/  If you need help starting, building, and growing a defense contracting business, check out all of the support and resources at https://www.dodcontract.com  If you have comment...

Extreme Focus For Gov Sales Success! (Episode #20)

July 23, 2022 02:45 - 11 minutes - 10.9 MB

It's critically important to have extreme focus when selling to the government. In this episode we discuss the three most important questions: 1. Does the US government buy what you sell? 2. Who in the US government buys what you sell? 3. How do those offices take purchases? Once you know the answer to these questions you can build a successful federal sales strategy that's focused and will produce results. If you want personalized assistance from my team and I to help you start se...

Extreme Focus For Gov Sales Success!

July 23, 2022 02:45 - 11 minutes - 10.4 MB

It's critically important to have extreme focus when selling to the government. In this episode we discuss the three most important questions: 1. Does the US government buy what you sell? 2. Who in the US government buys what you sell? 3. How do those offices take purchases? Once you know the answer to these questions you can build a successful federal sales strategy that's focused and will produce results. If you need help starting, building, and growing a defense contracting busi...

When To Push Back: Judo & The Art Of Managing Government Contracts

July 23, 2022 02:44 - 9 minutes - 8.88 MB

In the episode we discuss some important points to consider for managing the government contract you already have. It's important to know when to push back when the government makes out of scope requests. Additionally we discuss labor rates and when it is appropriate for them to increase. Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickychoward/ If you need help starting, building, and growing a defense contracting business, check out all of the support and resources at https://ww...

When To Push Back: Judo & The Art Of Managing Government Contracts (Episode #19)

July 23, 2022 02:44 - 9 minutes - 9.37 MB

In the episode we discuss some important points to consider for managing the government contract you already have. It's important to know when to push back when the government makes out of scope requests. Additionally we discuss labor rates and when it is appropriate for them to increase. Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickychoward/ If you need help starting, building, and growing a defense contracting business, check out all of the support and resources at https://ww...

Chelsea Meggitt | OTA (Episode #18)

July 23, 2022 02:41 - 28 minutes - 26.4 MB

In this episode we tackle a new subject for this podcast, Other Transaction Authority (OTA) and how it's used in the federal marketplace. We interview Chelsea Meggitt, CEO of Collaborative Compositions. Chelsea's Niche is OTA's and she offers some amazing insight in how to use them, where to find them and has a free slide deck available that contains a ton of great related information! Chelsea's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelseameggitt Email: cmeggitt@collaborativecomposition...

Chelsea Meggitt | OTA

July 23, 2022 02:41 - 28 minutes - 25.9 MB

In this episode we tackle a new subject for this podcast, Other Transaction Authority (OTA) and how it's used in the federal marketplace. We interview Chelsea Meggitt, CEO of Collaborative Compositions. Chelsea's Niche is OTA's and she offers some amazing insight in how to use them, where to find them and has a free slide deck available that contains a ton of great related information! Chelsea's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelseameggitt Email: cmeggitt@collaborativecomposition...

Writing Proposals | Interview With Expert Brandy Foster (Episode #17)

July 23, 2022 02:36 - 34 minutes - 32.3 MB

This is a special episode where we interview expert federal proposal writer Brandy Foster. Brandy's a Senior lecturer at Wright State University, runs a student proposal writing lab and also is a professional freelance proposal writer. You can contact Brandy at: [email protected] Connect with her on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandy-foster/ If you need help starting, building, and growing a defense contracting business, check out all of the support and resources at...

Writing Proposals | Interview With Expert Brandy Foster

July 23, 2022 02:36 - 34 minutes - 31.8 MB

This is a special episode where we interview expert federal proposal writer Brandy Foster. Brandy's a Senior lecturer at Wright State University, runs a student proposal writing lab and also is a professional freelance proposal writer. You can contact Brandy at: [email protected] Connect with her on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandy-foster/ If you need help starting, building, and growing a defense contracting business, check out all of the support and resources at...

How Should The US Government Make Purchases? (Episode #16)

July 23, 2022 02:33 - 7 minutes - 7.15 MB

In this episode we discuss how the government should make purchases. Specifically if they should be after: Best Price Best product or service or  Should they use their purchasing power to enforce social objectives? If you want personalized assistance from my team and I to help you start selling to the US government, increase the number of contracts you are winning or optimize the contracts you currently have please reach out to us at: https://www.dodcontract.com/ If you have comment...

How Should The US Government Make Purchases?

July 23, 2022 02:33 - 7 minutes - 6.66 MB

In this episode we discuss how the government should make purchases. Specifically if they should be after: 1. Best Price 2. Best product or service or 3. Should they use their purchasing power to enforce social objectives? If you need help starting, building, and growing a defense contracting business, check out all of the support and resources at https://www.dodcontract.com 

Non Traditional Approaches to Government Contracting

July 23, 2022 02:31 - 14 minutes - 13.2 MB

In this episode I discuss non traditional approaches to obtaining a military or government contract. I specifically go over the AFWERX Challenge and some recent success we've had with one of our clients. If you need help starting, building, and growing a defense contracting business, check out all of the support and resources at https://www.dodcontract.com 

Non Traditional Approaches to Government Contracting (Episode #15)

July 23, 2022 02:31 - 14 minutes - 13.7 MB

In this episode I discuss non traditional approaches to obtaining a military or government contract. I specifically go over the AFWERX Challenge and some recent success we've had with one of our clients. If you need help starting, building, and growing a defense contracting business, check out all of the support and resources at https://www.dodcontract.com  If you have comments or would like to reach me personally you can do so at [email protected] You can also connect with me...

GOVCON Research Tools Review

July 23, 2022 02:27 - 19 minutes - 18.2 MB

In this episode I review several research tools (both free and paid for) that our team uses to identify government contract opportunities. Additionally, several of these tools can be used for government spending analytics which are critical in determining who in the government buys your products or services. If you need help starting, building, and growing a defense contracting business, check out all of the support and resources at https://www.dodcontract.com 

GOVCON Research Tools Review (Episode #14)

July 23, 2022 02:27 - 19 minutes - 18.7 MB

In this episode, I review several research tools (both free and paid for) that our team uses to identify government contract opportunities. Additionally, several of these tools can be used for government spending analytics which are critical in determining who in the government buys your products or services. If you want personalized assistance from my team and I to help you start selling to the US government, increase the number of contracts you are winning or optimize the contracts you c...

Are Government Contracts Rigged?

July 23, 2022 02:23 - 11 minutes - 10.9 MB

In this episode we discuss why it can appear that government contracts are rigged in favor of your competitors. If you need help starting, building, and growing a defense contracting business, check out all of the support and resources at https://www.dodcontract.com 

Are Government Contracts Rigged? (Episode #13)

July 23, 2022 02:23 - 11 minutes - 11.4 MB

In this episode we discuss why it can appear that government contracts are rigged in favor of your competitors. If you need help starting, building, and growing a defense contracting business, check out all of the support and resources at https://www.dodcontract.com  If you have comments or would like to reach me personally you can do so at [email protected] You can also connect with me on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickychoward/  

Sub Contracting: When is this a good strategy? (Episode #12)

July 23, 2022 02:21 - 9 minutes - 9.16 MB

On this episode I cover the top 3 reasons to consider subcontracting. If you want personalized assistance from my team and I to help you start selling to the US government, increase the number of contracts you are winning or optimize the contracts you currently have please reach out to us at: https://www.dodcontract.com/ If you have comments or would like to reach me personally you can do so at [email protected] You can also connect with me on LinkedIn at: https://www.linked...

Sub Contracting: When is this a good strategy?

July 23, 2022 02:21 - 9 minutes - 8.67 MB

On this episode I cover the top 3 reasons to consider subcontracting. If you need help starting, building, and growing a defense contracting business, check out all of the support and resources at https://www.dodcontract.com 

Gov Sales: A Relationship Game

July 23, 2022 02:19 - 12 minutes - 11.5 MB

Selling to the government is all about who you know! Well, that's not exactly true, but relationships play a huge role in your ability to consistently sell to the US government. In this podcast & video I discuss how to use relationships to win contracts. If you need help starting, building, and growing a defense contracting business, check out all of the support and resources at https://www.dodcontract.com   

Gov Sales: A Relationship Game (Episode #11)

July 23, 2022 02:19 - 12 minutes - 12 MB

Selling to the government is all about who you know! Well, that's not exactly true, but relationships play a huge role in your ability to consistently sell to the US government. In this podcast & video I discuss how to use relationships to win contracts. If you need help starting, building, and growing a defense contracting business, check out all of the support and resources at https://www.dodcontract.com  If you have comments or would like to reach me personally you can do so at richar...

Interview with Ron Ben-Zeev of World Housing Solution, Inc. 

July 19, 2022 14:19 - 48 minutes - 44 MB

In today's podcast we talk with Ron Ben-Zeev President of World Housing Solution and discuss how his small business is doing big things in the DoD! There'a a lot to learn here from Ben and I hope you enjoy our conversation.

Military Contracts

May 25, 2022 15:06 - 13 minutes - 12.8 MB

In this episode I discuss the difference in selling to the Military vs. other Federal organizations.