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Winning Government Contracts

46 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 months ago - ★★★★★ - 28 ratings

Many growing firms struggle to understand the Government market, write winning proposals, and get small business certifications that open doors. It shouldn’t be that way – especially since the Government is the largest buyer of goods and services in the world and the number 1 growth opportunity for small companies.My goal is to remove the mystery and open the Government market to you. Consider – what is it costing you every day NOT to do business with the Government? Probably lot!I’ve helped hundreds of companies just like yours win billions in Government contracts. Let’s start Winning Government Contracts!

Entrepreneurship Business entrepreneur entrepreneurship government contracts minority business mbe woman owned busines wbe veteran owned business vosb 8(a)
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Episodes

Demystifying Grants: A Small Business Guide

December 07, 2023 19:00 - 27 minutes - 18.9 MB

In this episode we unpack grants for small businesses. Dive into the realities, success stories, and practical strategies for navigating the world of grants. Whether you're a startup or an established business, this episode is packed with insights to guide you through the grant-seeking journey.  Stay tuned until the end for an amazing offer.  Here’s an overview of the valuable info covered in this episode.: Realistic View of Grants: Understanding the true nature and limitations of governm...

Business Development Simplified

December 05, 2023 13:00 - 21 minutes - 15 MB

In this episode of we simplify business development and provide strategies and insights for small businesses looking to navigate and succeed in Federal contracting. From strategic planning to leveraging technology, this episode is packed with advice to help your business grow and succeed. Episode Highlights:  Strategic Planning: How to I.D. your niche in the federal market and tailor your approach to meet specific agency needs  Market Research and Analysis: Understanding government procur...

Subcontracting for Accelerated Growth

November 28, 2023 14:00 - 15 minutes - 10.8 MB

Strategic subcontracting can unlock major opportunities for small businesses trying to break into the government market. Partnering with a larger prime contractor gives subcontractors access to revenue, connections, mentors, and valuable experience that builds credibility for future prime contract wins.  Key Highlights: Subcontracting can get your foot in the door faster than trying to win prime contracts   Gives exposure, and develops experience with contracting processes and relationshi...

Mastering Bid / No-Bid Decisions

November 21, 2023 15:00 - 12 minutes - 8.97 MB

In this episode of the Winning Government Contracts Podcast, we delve into the essential process of making bid/no-bid decisions. This episode is packed with insights and practical tips, making it a must-listen whether you're a seasoned contractor or just starting out in government contracting.  Key Topics Covered: Understanding RFPs: I discuss the importance of comprehending Requests for Proposal and how they should align with your company's capabilities. Bid/No-Bid Decision Process: I wa...

Back to Basics

November 01, 2023 17:00 - 15 minutes - 10.8 MB

Show Notes for Winning Government Contracts Podcast - "Back to the Basics" 🎤 With host: Rick Porterfield  Episode Highlights:  - 🚀 The Jane Chronicles: Discover the transformational journey of a small tech startup that soared through the realm of government contracts.  - 📚 Step-by-Step Guide: We delve deep into the fundamental steps to secure government contracts. From registration on SAM to networking, we've got you covered.  - 🏀 The John Wooden Connection: Understand the importance of...

Navigating the SBA's New Social Disadvantage Narrative Requirements

August 23, 2023 11:00 - 8 minutes - 6.17 MB

In this episode, we delve into the recent changes announced by the Small Business Administration (SBA) regarding the 8(a) Business Development Program. Discover what these changes mean for small business owners, particularly the new requirement for a social disadvantage narrative. Plus, learn how you can prepare an effective narrative with a special resource. Key Takeaways: The SBA now requires most participants in the 8(a) program to submit a social disadvantage narrative. This change wa...

OASIS+ a Refreshing $100 Billion Pool

August 11, 2023 16:00 - 21 minutes - 15 MB

Join host Rick Porterfield as he unveils OASIS+, the government's mega-contract worth a potential $100 billion over 10 years. OASIS, or One Acquisition Solution for Integrated Services, is now supercharged to cater to a broader range of professional services. From tech to logistics, OASIS+ is the ultimate government services mall. But here's the kicker: it's not just for industry giants. OASIS+ welcomes diverse businesses, especially small and minority-owned ones. For contractors, this is a...

Backdoor to Certification: Help for Non-Designated Group Members

October 10, 2022 20:00 - 25 minutes - 17.8 MB

Maybe you would like to get a small business certification but aren't a member of a qualifying group (i.e., you aren't a monitory owned or woman owned business).   You still may be able to get certified.  Learn how in this podcast.  Thanks for listening.  For the training you need to succeed and grow your business in government markets, sign up for Winning Government Contracts University by clicking here. For a low monthly subscription, you get training that others charge hundreds or even t...

Spotlighting the Disadvantage Business Enterprise Certificaiton

June 13, 2022 19:00 - 22 minutes - 15.4 MB

DBE is an awesome certification, with a lot of advantages over other certifications.    In this episode, find out -  What the DBE Certification is  The benefits of DBE  Certification  How to qualify for DBE And more! Thanks for listening.  For the training you need to succeed and grow your business in government markets, sign up for Winning Government Contracts University by clicking here. For a low monthly subscription, you get training that others charge hundreds or even thousands of ...

Spotlighting the Disadvantage Business Enterprise Certification

June 13, 2022 19:00 - 22 minutes - 15.4 MB

DBE is an awesome certification, with a lot of advantages over other certifications.    In this episode, find out -  What the DBE Certification is  The benefits of DBE  Certification  How to qualify for DBE And more! Thanks for listening.  For the training you need to succeed and grow your business in government markets, sign up for Winning Government Contracts University by clicking here. For a low monthly subscription, you get training that others charge hundreds or even thousands of ...

Spotlight on the 8(a) Certification Program

April 27, 2022 18:00 - 21 minutes - 14.6 MB

8(a) Certification is arguably the best certification to get, and also the hardest.  In this episode, find out -  What the 8(a) program is  The benefits of the program How to qualify for the program How to apply for the program Why it's hard to get approved Thanks for listening.  For the training you need to succeed and grow your business in government markets, sign up for Winning Government Contracts University by clicking here. For a low monthly subscription, you get training that ot...

Can I Change Ownership to Qualify for a Certification?

April 13, 2022 15:00 - 19 minutes - 13.4 MB

I get this question quite a bit, and in this episode, I actually respond to related questions from a listener.  Can I change ownership, or can I start a new company with the right ownership, to qualify for certification?  The answer is yes, it is possible, BUT you need to do it right.  Or you'll have a really hard time getting your application approved. In this podcast, find out the main things to consider if you are interested in doing this. Thanks for listening.  for more insight and...

Coping with the Coming Economic Crisis

April 08, 2022 16:00 - 21 minutes - 14.7 MB

A lot of people are predicting a recession, PLUS gas prices are up, we could get drawn deeper into war - and that's just for starters!   What do we do as small business owners?  That's the topic of today's podcast.   Join me as I discuss:  Can your small business grow and survive in a crisis? What not to do What to do And more! Thanks for listening.  for more insight and training to help you grow your business in the government market, sign up for Winning Government Contracts Universit...

Attention IT and Tech Firms: POLARIS is Out (Finally)

March 30, 2022 16:00 - 17 minutes - 12.2 MB

Over 300 awards, $15 billion, and a 10 year performance period for Information Technology and related services. That's Polaris.  Approximately 100 awards will be made to small businesses, 80 awards to WOSB/EDWOSB, 80 to HUBZone and 80 to SDVOSB.   Service areas include -  Cloud Services  Cybersecurity  Data Management  Information and Communications Technologies  IT Operations and Maintenance (O&M)  Software Development  System Design  There are also several emerging technology serv...

Winning and Profiting from Sole Source Awards

March 17, 2022 20:00 - 25 minutes - 17.6 MB

What if competition could be limited?  You'd have a greater chance of winning a contract!  Now, what if competition could be eliminated altogether? Well then you would have a 100% chance of winning.  This is possible and I've helped hundreds of comapnies get noncompetiive awards. In this podcast episode, learn about the following, and more - What sole source procurements are The benefits of sole source procurements to you Who qualifies for sole source awards What can be awarded sole sou...

What's Important Now: Getting where you want to go in the Govt Market

February 16, 2022 18:00 - 27 minutes - 18.8 MB

This podcast may help you more than any other episode I have done so far.  Overall, this episode will do the most for you and your business.   It will move you ahead by drastically reducing the learning curve that you would normally go through. In this episode, I help you make the decision whether the Government market is right for you or not!. Assuming the answer is yes, I drastically shorten the learning curve by telling you what's important now, which includes the following 7 steps:  G...

Will You Survive the EIDL Perfect Storm?

February 07, 2022 15:00 - 16 minutes - 11.6 MB

Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) payments begin as soon as next month, for many small businesses with monthly payments ranging from hundreds up to $2500/month.  At the same time, there are supply chain issues hindering many industries.   Staffing shortages seem to be everywhere.  Inflation is up. gas prices are up.   Building materials and raw materials, also up. I could go on.  I see a "perfect storm" coming.  It seems that many small businesses survived due to EIDL loans, but haven...

Will You Survive the EIDL Perfect Storm?

February 07, 2022 15:00 - 16 minutes - 11.6 MB

Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) payments begin as soon as next month, for many small businesses with monthly payments ranging from hundreds up to $2500/month.  At the same time, there are supply chain issues hindering many industries.   Staffing shortages seem to be everywhere.  Inflation is up. gas prices are up.   Building materials and raw materials, also up. I could go on.  I see a "perfect storm" coming.  It seems that many small businesses survived due to EIDL loans, but haven...

The Fast Lane to Small Business Growth

February 04, 2022 16:00 - 14 minutes - 10 MB

The fast lane to growing your small business growth is to sell to the Government.  Nothing else comes close.  In this episode find out about –  The kind of growth other people like you are seeing,   Why the Government is the best option for small business growth,   The steps to getting into The Fast Lane (it’s not as hard as you think!!) Also,  Winning Government Contracts University is live!  To subscribe, go to winninggovernmentcontracts.com, and click the WGCU link in the menu at the ...

Bonus Episode - Big News About SDB Goals

February 03, 2022 18:00 - 9 minutes - 6.51 MB

The government made some awesome, amazing, big changes regarding Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) goals and they are about to change other goals as well.  These changes could literally help you make it big in the Government market this year.  Find out what the changes are and how they benefit you in this bonus episode. Thanks for listening – please like, subscribe, and tell others about the Winning Government Contracts podcast.  Also, if you are getting anything out of these podcast – sho...

Do I Qualify for Small Business Set Aside Programs

February 01, 2022 21:00 - 20 minutes - 14.2 MB

This is an important question because these programs provide such huge advantages to small businesses.  These programs actually limit competition and provide a level playing field for you to compete from.  In this episode you'll find out -  What set aside programs are. How they give small businesses an advantage in the Government market The special advantages they give to businesses owned by minorities, women, service disabled veterans, and others. How to determine if you qualify for one...

Bonus Episode - Your Most Valuable Asset

January 27, 2022 11:00 - 5 minutes - 3.71 MB

What is your business' most valuable asset?  What is your most valuable asset? There is a difference and you may be surprised at what these assets are.  Find out in this Bonus Episode.    I often have thoughts and things to say that aren't specific to Government contracting, but that would be beneficial to your business.  This is one of those things.  I want to start sharing these in these short Bonus Episodes. Let me know what you think.  My email is [email protected] - shoot me an em...

Intro to Government Solicitations and Proposals

January 25, 2022 16:00 - 23 minutes - 16.2 MB

Join me where the rubber meets the road!  Sooner or later, to win contracts, you need to find  solicitations and write  proposals - that's where the rubber meets the road.  This episode will provide a foundation and motivation to move you into proposal writing.  Here's what I'll cover. The absolute best place to perform market research, gather data and intel, and learn to write proposals.   Questions to ask yourself when considering whether to respond to a solicitation Tips for proposal w...

Demystifying Business Plans

January 18, 2022 17:00 - 26 minutes - 18.2 MB

Demystifying Business Plans  Business plans are important, but many entrepreneurs are intimidated by them.  But business plans aren’t that hard – they are just unfamiliar and we are uncomfortable with unfamiliar things.  This podcast simplifies the concept of business plans, strips them of their mystique, and makes them something that you can grab hold of and use.   In this podcast you’ll learn.  What a vision statement really is and how to write one for your business. What a mission sta...

Attention IT and Tech firms - POLARIS RFP out early next month

December 28, 2021 22:00 - 17 minutes - 12.2 MB

If you are an IT or technology firm (or even if you aren't) you'll be interested in this episode. The long awaited POLARIS RFP is slated to be issued in early January2022.  This is a huge program and provides tremendous opportunities for all types of small businesses.  The Government plans to make over 300 awards and this is a $10 - $15 billion dollar program.  That’s huge!  In this podcast, find out –   Info about the RFP The service areas included I the RFP How you can participate (e...

2 Key Requirements for Every Small Business Certification

November 12, 2021 20:00 - 21 minutes - 14.9 MB

You need to get these right at the start.  if you are starting a business, positioning your business, or restructuring your business in hopes of getting a lucrative small business certification, this episode is a must.  In this episode I talk about ownership and control. any certification you go after is going to consider these two criteria, and it is very important to get this right at the start (or as soon as possible).   In this episode you will find out -  What certifying agencies look...

The Certification Available to Every Small Business

November 03, 2021 16:00 - 23 minutes - 15.9 MB

The Historically Underutilized Small Business (or HUBZone) certification is available to every small business.  You may qualify right now and not even know it, or, it may be easier to qualify than you think.  Nearly $20 billion a year is earmarked for HUBZone firms, and almost always the Government fall short of meeting this goal by $3 - $4 billion.  that means there is A LOT of room for you in the HUBZone market.   In this podcast you will learn,  The benefits of the HUBZone program The ...

3 Ways to Tell if a Solicitation on SAM is Wired to Another Company

September 30, 2021 09:00 - 21 minutes - 14.7 MB

Sometimes when a solicitation comes out on SAM.gov, the government may have another firm in mind that they want to make the award to - in other words, it might be wired!.  As a small business person, you are way too busy to chase work that you can't win.  BUT - there are ways to tell if this is the case. In this podcast, you will learn the 3 ways to tell if a solicitation is wired.   Don't worry - there is plenty of work available that isn't wired to another firm and you can still make mon...

5 Reasons to Pursue Multiple Award Contracts Now!

September 16, 2021 17:00 - 20 minutes - 14.3 MB

Maybe you've heard of them - GWACs, GSA MAS, MATOCs, OASIS, STARS III, ALLIANT, Seaport-E.  What are they?  What does it mean to you as a potential Government contractor?  This episode is an introduction  to Government multiple award contracts.  Find out what they are, why you should be interested (hint: it's a great place to start winning government contracts), and how to get started.   Email me at [email protected] My websites are: www.proposalandcertificationsamples.com , and www.winni...

5 Reasons to Pursue Multiple Award Contracts Now!

September 16, 2021 17:00 - 20 minutes - 14.3 MB

Maybe you've heard of them - GWACs, GSA MAS, MATOCs, OASIS, STARS III, ALLIANT, Seaport-E.  What are they?  What does it mean to you as a potential Government contractor?  This episode is an introduction  to Government multiple award contracts.  Find out what they are, why you should be interested (hint: it's a great place to start winning government contracts), and how to get started.   Email me at [email protected] My websites are: www.proposalandcertificationsamples.com , and www.winni...

Learning the Government Market

September 01, 2021 18:00 - 36 minutes - 25.3 MB

The Government market is different, and there is an organization out their, The University of Contracting (visit them at www.uofcontracting.com) that has a great concept for training new (an not so new) Government contractors how to succeed in the Government market.  To tell us more, I have the founders, Jim Neighbors, and Dr. George Goodwin with me on the podcast today.  These men are true experts in the field, and the platform is offered FREE until later this fall.  So listen in and find o...

Negotiating for Success Part 3

April 08, 2021 19:00 - 34 minutes - 24 MB

Sooner or later you will find yourself negotiating a deal.  This three-part series leads you in how to do it successfully In this final episode in the Negotiating For success series, you will earn how to actually conduct the negotiation session.   You'll learn -  Effective negotiation abilities and skills Negotiation style Initializing the negotiation Finalizing the negotiation And more! Special guest Ray Blevins is with us again providing practical insight on how to Negotiate for Succ...

Negotiating for Success Part 2

March 22, 2021 16:00 - 31 minutes - 21.6 MB

You may not get what you deserve, but you will get what you negotiate!  In Part 2 of our "Negotiating for Success" series, you will learn valuable info about how to develop your negotiation strategy.  This is an important, and often overlooked step in a successful negotiation.   You'll learn things like -  Why have a negotiation strategy What is a negotiation strategy The features of a successful negotiation strategy Negotiation process self-assessment Negotiation tendencies self-assess...

Negotiating for Success Part 1

March 09, 2021 16:00 - 34 minutes - 23.8 MB

Successful negotiation is critical and yet can be such a struggle for small business owners.  This new series will remove the mystery and  equip you to negotiate for success so that you can reach the right deal and accomplish your business goals.  In Part 1 of this new series, you will learn -  Pre-preparation procedures for negotiation How to use pre-preparation information to create your action plan for negotiation and determine cost parameters. How to determine your negotiation strate...

How To Market to the Government Part 3: The Players within The Government

February 19, 2021 19:00 - 19 minutes - 13.7 MB

Who are the players?  You need to know!! These are specific people in the Government market that you need to know.  why?  Because they can help you win government contracts.  They are -  Small Business Specialists - it's actually this persons job to help you.  In this podcast, find out who they are and how they can help you break into the Government market. The End User - this is a key decision maker.  In this podcast, find out who they are and the key message you want to convey to them. ...

How To Market to the Government Part 3: The People in the Government Who Can Help You

February 19, 2021 19:00 - 19 minutes - 13.7 MB

There are specific people in the Government market that you need to know.  why?  Because they can help you win government contracts.  They are -  Small Business Specialists - it's actually this persons job to help you.  In this podcast, find out who they are and how they can help you break into the Government market. The End User - this is a key decision maker.  In this podcast, find out who they are and the key message you want to convey to them. Influencers - these people have great inf...

How To Market to the Government Part 2: Developing a Succesful Marketing Strategy

February 06, 2021 18:00 - 26 minutes - 18.3 MB

Marketing to Government customers different than what most entrepreneurs are used to.  learn tips on developing a successful Government marketing strategy in this episode.  For more info visit www.winninggovernmentcontracts.com. Email your questions to me at [email protected]

How To Market to the Government Part 1: Finding Government Customers

January 22, 2021 18:00 - 21 minutes - 14.7 MB

The Government is a different animal and requires a different marketing approach.  In this first part of a series on marketing to the Government, find out how to locate Government customers who buy what you sell.  For more info, visit www.winninggovernmentcontracts.com. Email your questions to me at [email protected].

A Common Small Business Certification Tripwire

January 07, 2021 20:00 - 17 minutes - 12.3 MB

For every small business that qualifies for a small business certification (like MBE, WBE, etc.), there are dozens who, for one reason or another, don't qualify.   Because certifications are so valuable, many of these businesses who don't qualify, want to restructure there business ownership so that it does qualify.  It's possible top do this, but it isn't as you might think. In this episode, I talk about the number one tripwire that companies run into when they try to restructure in order ...

Ground Zero - This is Where it all Starts!

December 31, 2020 16:00 - 20 minutes - 14.2 MB

I'm talking about registration in the System for Award Management (SAM).  To receive an award or a payment from the Federal government, you have to be registered in SAM.  SAM is self explanatory, but there are some tips and tricks that will enure a quick approval, and help you avoid catastrophe in the event you make a mistake in your registration.   A must listen for a prospective Government contractor, and people with a current SAM registration.  Important links mentioned in the episode. ...

From $0 to $1 Million in Two Months

December 16, 2020 19:00 - 22 minutes - 15.6 MB

With the right strategy, it is possible to win big in the Government market in a short amount of time.  The story of "Chuck" proves this.  He went from having never done business with the Government, to winning $1 million in contracts in just two months.   In this episode find out how he did it, including  -  How to find opportunities that you can win. How to make bid/no-bid decisions Organizing and writing winning proposals And a lot more. Visit www.winninggovernmentcontracts.com.

What are the Qualifications for Small Business Certifications?

December 09, 2020 15:00 - 17 minutes - 11.8 MB

Small business certifications open doors to winning Government contracts, but do you qualify?  Find out in this episode of Winning Government Contracts.  The episode covers topics that effect qualifying for certifications such as,   Business size Ownership Control Personal Net Worth And more! As always, you get much more including inspiration for targeting the government market.  So listen and act on what you are hearing.  Please like, subscribe, leave a five star review, and send yo...

Which Certification is Best for Me?

December 02, 2020 15:00 - 21 minutes - 15 MB

Choosing the right certification is a key to success in winning government contracts!  In this episode, find out: How to choose the best certification for your business? What to do if youi don't qualify for a certification? Plus, answers to listener submitted questions. As always, you get much more including inspiration for targeting the government market.  So listen and act on what you are hearing.  Please like, subscribe, leave a five star review, and send your questions to me at inf...

The Three Step Roadmap to Winning Government Contracts

November 25, 2020 13:00 - 22 minutes - 15.5 MB

My friend Jay sent me a question this week,  "What is the best approach, in sequence to get started with winning government contracts."  That's a great question and there is a three step road map that I take clients through that takes them from zero to 100 - from having never done work with the Government to success in the Government market.  In this podcast episode, I will share this road map with you, and you can use it to win in the Government market. Please like, subscribe, leave a fiv...

What are Certifications? How can they help my Business?

November 18, 2020 13:00 - 24 minutes - 17.1 MB

Small Business Certifications are keys that open doors to winning government contracts.  Many people don't understand what certifications are, or how they can benefit them in business.  Find out in this episode!  As always, there will be practical advice, tips for success, and motivation.  Listen and be inspired to pursue Winning Government Contracts We will cover - What is certification? How can certification benefit your business? Tips for leveraging certifications to win contracts. ...

Why do Business with the Government?

November 10, 2020 20:00 - 24 minutes - 17.1 MB

There are so many reasons not to do business with the government!  The red tape, rules, and regulations. They probably don't buy what I sell?  It's too hard?  There are always plenty of excuses to go around - but the bottom line is this - research proves that the Government market is the number one growth opportunity for small businesses!  Everything else is a distant second. Learn more in this podcast.  Be sure to like, subscribe, share and leave a five star review! Visit our website at ...