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Game Changers was designed BY government contractors FOR government contractors. The focus of every episode is to give listeners a new tip, trick, or strategy that will help them find and win more contracts. Each episode features Subject Matter Experts (SME), companies that are successfully winning contracts, or nationally recognized professional speakers and authors. The show is hosted by government experts Michael LeJeune from Federal Access and Joshua Frank from RSM Federal. Their award-winning program Federal Access has helped their clients win over $2 Billion in government contracts. Game Changers releases a new episode every other week.
Keywords: Government Contractor, Government Sales, Government Contracting, Government Contracts, Government Subcontracting, How to Win Government Contracts, Where to Find Government Contracts, Government Contract Support, FPDS Training, The Government Sales Manual, How to Respond to RFPs, How to Write a Proposal, Capability Statement, Government Trainer, Government Coach, Government Consultant.
Keywords: Government Contractor, Government Sales, Government Contracting, Government Contracts, Government Subcontracting, How to Win Government Contracts, Where to Find Government Contracts, Government Contract Support, FPDS Training, The Government Sales Manual, How to Respond to RFPs, How to Write a Proposal, Capability Statement, Government Trainer, Government Coach, Government Consultant.
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Most government contractors aren’t limited by the market, certifications, or competition. They’re limited by an invisible cage they’ve built around their business.
In this episode, inspired by a powerful moment from The Equalizer, Michael breaks down the mindset shift that separates reactive contractors from strategic builders. You’ll learn the four “worlds” most contractors operate in, why chasing bids is not a business model, and how scarcity thinking quietly forces you into bad work and thin margins.
If you’ve ever said “that won’t work in government contracting,” this episode will challenge you to rethink what’s possible and show you how to intentionally design your pipeline, positioning, and growth strategy.
If nothing changes, nothing changes. It’s time to change your world.
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Frustrated with your government contracting journey? Join our group coaching community here: federal-access.com/gamechangers
Grab my #1 bestselling book, I’m New to Government Contracting. Where Should I Start? Here: https://amzn.to/4hHLPeE
Book a call with me here: https://calendly.com/michaellejeune/govconstrategysession
If you think rebranding means “new logo, new website, done”… this episode will convince you otherwise. Michael sits down with Erica Dobbs, CEO of Dobson Solutions, to break down why a company with a strong reputation chose to rebrand and why timing matters when your business matures. Erica shares how her team shifted from speaking pure DoD language to building a more universal message that attracts commercial clients, without demolishing what they already built. They cover the research process, how long a real rebrand takes, why internal ownership beats outsourcing sometimes, and the three-part narrative they built to anchor the new brand: Think Partnership, Think Performance, Think Power.
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Frustrated with your government contracting journey? Join our group coaching community here: federal-access.com/gamechangers
Grab my #1 bestselling book, "I'm New to Government Contracting. Where Should I Start?" Here: https://amzn.to/4hHLPeE
Book a call with me here: https://calendly.com/michaellejeune/govconstrategysession
In this episode, Michael calls out a growing problem in the government contracting space, too many people are whining about FAR changes, small business rules, and politics, and not enough people are focused on winning. He breaks down why winners do not obsess over whether the rules are fair, they simply ask, “What is the new play, coach” and adapt. You will hear why your only real job is to understand the rules, build a sound strategy, and execute while everyone else is distracted and complaining online. Michael also explains how fear of the unknown, attachment to the old way, and believing that change is a disadvantage are quietly killing otherwise good companies. If you want to win more contracts in any administration, this episode is your wake up call.
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Frustrated with your government contracting journey? Join our group coaching community here: federal-access.com/gamechangers
Grab my #1 bestselling book, "I'm New to Government Contracting. Where Should I Start?" Here: https://amzn.to/4hHLPeE
Book a call with me here: https://calendly.com/michaillejeune/govconstrategysession
Over 400 episodes and a decade in, we step back and ask a big question: how has government contracting really changed, and what is coming next?
In this special fireside chat, Michael LeJeune, Joshua Frank, Rich Earnest, and Tom Prokop break down the shifts that matter. We talk about rising simplified acquisition and micro-purchase thresholds, the VA and contract vehicle strategies, market maturity, and how private equity and M&A have reshaped the competitive landscape.
We also dig into data driven BD with SAM.gov's Data Bank and USAspending, the higher barrier to entry for new GovCon's, and why AI is a powerful tool, not a magic proposal button. Finally, the team shares blunt advice on who should start a government contracting business, how to prepare financially, and what it will take to win over the next ten years.
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Frustrated with your government contracting journey? Join our group coaching community here: federal-access.com/gamechangers
Grab my #1 bestselling book, "I'm New to Government Contracting. Where Should I Start?" Here: https://amzn.to/4hHLPeE
Book a call with me here: https://calendly.com/michaellejeune/govconstrategysession
Ep 399: Winter is Coming for Your GovCon Strategy by RSM Federal
1In this episode of Game Changers for Government Contractors, Michael LeJeune speaks with Alexa Tsui about the industry shift from traditional business development and capture toward disciplined go-to-market (GTM) strategies. Alexa explains why top tech entrants (Palantir, OpenAI, etc.) hire “go-to-market” leaders, not old-school BD roles, and why GovCon companies must stop piling up tools and start building a repeatable story, capability portfolio, and process. Learn the essentials: define what you sell, clarify your “why,” craft case-study-driven stories, use LinkedIn strategically, and prioritize painkillers over vitamins. If you want a focused pipeline, clearer decisions, and faster scale, this episode shows where to start.
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Frustrated with your government contracting journey? Join our group coaching community here: federal-access.com/gamechangers
Grab my #1 bestselling book, "I'm New to Government Contracting. Where Should I Start?" Here: https://amzn.to/4hHLPeE
Book a call with me here: https://calendly.com/michaellejeune/govconstrategysession
AI is no longer a buzzword, it is quietly reshaping how companies work, hire, and compete. In this episode, I sit down with AI and automation expert (and repeat founder) Luke Thompson to unpack the real state of AI and what it means for business leaders.
We talk about why free AI tools give you a false sense of security, why executives must lean in instead of banning AI, and how to build simple automations that tame your inbox and free up real time. Luke breaks down digital twins, MCP, agent workflows, and security risks in plain English, with practical examples you can apply this week.
If you are a CEO, founder, or executive trying to decide what to do next with AI, this conversation is your roadmap.
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Frustrated with your government contracting journey? Join our group coaching community here: federal-access.com/gamechangers
Grab my #1 bestselling book, "I'm New to Government Contracting. Where Should I Start?" Here: https://amzn.to/4hHLPeE
Book a call with me here: https://calendly.com/michaellejeune/govconstrategysession
In this episode of Game Changers for Government Contractors, Michael LeJeune is joined by Kim Koster (VP of GovCon Strategy at Unanet) and John Sisson (EVP of CRM at Unanet) to discuss the newly released 2025 GAGE Report. Built from the input of over 1,200 GovCon leaders, the report benchmarks government contracting performance across compliance, accounting, utilization, growth, and efficiency.
The conversation highlights why 65% of contractors remain optimistic despite tighter competition, how 79% identify pipeline performance as their top challenge, and why firms with centralized PMOs submit 10+ more proposals annually. Kim and John also explore the rapid adoption of AI, where it’s adding value, where it’s overhyped, and how integration across BD, project management, and finance is becoming a true game changer.
If you want to benchmark your business and sharpen your GovCon strategy, this episode is packed with actionable insights.
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Frustrated with your government contracting journey? Join our group coaching community here: federal-access.com/gamechangers
Grab my #1 bestselling book, "I'm New to Government Contracting. Where Should I Start?" Here: https://amzn.to/4hHLPeE
Book a call with me here: https://calendly.com/michaellejeune/govconstrategysession
In this solo episode of Game Changers for Government Contractors, Michael LeJeune breaks down the federal government’s OneGov strategy, a move that centralizes enterprise agreements with giants like Microsoft, Oracle, AWS, and Google. For years, many contractors relied on the “middleman” model, making margins by simply reselling software and hardware licenses. But those days are coming to an end.
Michael explains why OneGov eliminates the need for traditional resellers, how it will save taxpayers billions, and why contractors must pivot from pass-through deals to high-value services like integration, customization, and managed solutions. He also shares strategies for teaming with vendors, building outcomes-based offerings, and shifting to work with higher margins.
If your business depends on reselling, this episode is a wake-up call. But if you’re ready to evolve into a true solution provider, OneGov could open massive opportunities.
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Frustrated with your government contracting journey? Join our group coaching community here: federal-access.com/gamechangers
Grab my #1 bestselling book, "I'm New to Government Contracting. Where Should I Start?" Here: https://amzn.to/4hHLPeE
Book a call with me here: https://calendly.com/michaellejeune/govconstrategysession
Struggling to hire elite, often-cleared technical talent in GovCon? In this episode, Jessica Oliver shares practical ways to source beyond the usual platforms and cut through the noise. Learn where top engineers actually hang out online, how to personalize outreach with transparent offers and real-life perks, and how to assess both technical skill and culture fit. We also cover managing remote teams, using employee-driven branding on LinkedIn, keeping momentum in the interview process, and when to leverage niche recruiting agencies. If you need a faster, smarter hiring engine for government contracting, this playbook will help you land the right people, faster.
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Frustrated with your government contracting journey? Join our group coaching community here: federal-access.com/gamechangers
Grab my #1 bestselling book, "I'm New to Government Contracting. Where Should I Start?" Here: https://amzn.to/4hHLPeE
Book a call with me here: https://calendly.com/michaellejeune/govconstrategysession
In this episode of Game Changers for Government Contractors, host Michael LeJeune welcomes back legal expert Steven Koprince to dissect the latest wave of proposed federal contracting changes. From GSA’s push to raise thresholds and alter the “Rule of Two,” to the potential expansion of veteran-owned small business opportunities under the NDAA, this conversation dives deep into what these changes could mean for small businesses. Michael and Steven debate the risks, share strategies to adapt, and highlight how innovative contractors can still thrive, even as giants like Amazon enter the competition. Whether you’re a seasoned prime or a newcomer navigating subcontracting, this episode gives you the insight you need to prepare for 2025 and beyond.
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Frustrated with your government contracting journey? Join our group coaching community here: federal-access.com/gamechangers
Grab my #1 bestselling book, "I'm New to Government Contracting. Where Should I Start?" Here: https://amzn.to/4hHLPeE
Book a call with me here: https://calendly.com/michaellejeune/govconstrategysession
In this episode of Game Changers for Government Contractors, host Michael LeJeune welcomes back Lori Revely, CEO of Cavalry Consulting and chair of SAME’s Small Business Council, to preview the upcoming SAME Small Business Conference in Phoenix, AZ. With more than 6,000 attendees last year, SAME SBC has become the premier government contracting event for the AEC industry and beyond drawing small businesses, large primes, and government partners alike. Lori shares insider tips on how to prepare with pre-conference webinars, maximize matchmaking sessions, and take advantage of capability statement reviews with experts. They also discuss the importance of SAME’s regional posts, industry days, and how one well-planned conference can fuel your business development pipeline for the entire year. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned SBC veteran, this episode will help you make the most of one of GovCon’s most valuable networking and learning opportunities.
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Frustrated with your government contracting journey? Join our group coaching community here: federal-access.com/gamechangers
Grab my #1 bestselling book, "I'm New to Government Contracting. Where Should I Start?" Here: https://amzn.to/4hHLPeE
Book a call with me here: https://calendly.com/michaellejeune/govconstrategysession
CMMC is officially here. The DoD finalized the DFARS rule on September 10, with CMMC clauses eligible in solicitations by November 10 and a three-year phase-in through November 10, 2028. We break down Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3, the 180-day conditional grace period, prime flowdowns, and COTS exemptions. The headline: Level 2 can be a self-assessment on some programs, dramatically lowering cost and keeping more small and mid-sized firms in the game. We also cover smart “ghosting” moves to right-size requirements during pre-acquisition and Q&A, plus examples of where Level 2 self-assessment may be appropriate. Act early, budget now, and align your subs so you are not stuck in the rush.
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Frustrated with your government contracting journey? Join our group coaching community here: federal-access.com/gamechangers
Grab my #1 bestselling book, "I'm New to Government Contracting. Where Should I Start?" Here: https://amzn.to/4hHLPeE
Book a call with me here: https://calendly.com/michaellejeune/govconstrategysession
Non-traditional contracting is exploding in government contracting, and small businesses can win faster by learning the rules. In this episode, Michael LeJeune and guest expert Angela Webb break down BAAs, CSOs, OTAs, and SBIR/STTR, when to use each, and where to find them on SAM.gov. You will learn the typical cadence from five-page white paper to full proposal, realistic timelines to award, how consortiums like AFWERX and SOFWERX fit in, and smart pipeline mix recommendations for tech and non-tech firms. We also cover pricing tips, prize challenges, and practical guidance for educating contracting officers with one-pagers that show exactly how to buy from you. If you want faster paths to revenue in GovCon, this is your playbook.
-----
Frustrated with your government contracting journey? Join our group coaching community here: federal-access.com/gamechangers
Grab my #1 bestselling book, "I'm New to Government Contracting. Where Should I Start?" Here: https://amzn.to/4hHLPeE
Book a call with me here: https://calendly.com/michaellejeune/govconstrategysession
The FAR Part 19 deviation is here, and the world is not on fire. In this episode, I break down why “small business first” largely formalizes how agencies already operate, and why overreliance on 8(a), WOSB, and SDVOSB status is a risky strategy going forward. We talk about legal headwinds to socioeconomic programs, the SBA’s shrinking role, and what contractors should do right now. The punchline is simple: position around outcomes, spend more time in pre-acquisition, build real relationships, and communicate value with clear metrics. If you do that, you will not just survive these changes, you will thrive.
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Frustrated with your government contracting journey? Join our group coaching community here: federal-access.com/gamechangers
Grab my #1 bestselling book, "I'm New to Government Contracting. Where Should I Start?" Here: https://amzn.to/4hHLPeE
Book a call with me here: https://calendly.com/michaellejeune/govconstrategysession
In this solo episode of Game Changers for Government Contractors, Michael LeJeune dismantles the “invincible leader” myth and makes the case for sustainable leadership. Your real job isn’t doing everything, it’s setting the temperature (be a thermostat, not a thermometer), building systems that work without you, and modeling healthy boundaries.
Hear a candid client story: after years of 70–100-hour weeks and late-night emails, a CEO learned to delegate, stop after-hours calls, and actually take vacation, sparking a healthier culture and lower turnover.
Practical takeaways: delegate earlier, define response windows, reward rest, and coach leaders to own outcomes. Take off the cape; build a company that thrives without it.
-----
Frustrated with your government contracting journey? Join our group coaching community here: federal-access.com/gamechangers
Grab my #1 bestselling book, "I'm New to Government Contracting. Where Should I Start?" Here: https://amzn.to/4hHLPeE
Book a call with me here: https://calendly.com/michaellejeune/govconstrategysession
In this episode of Game Changers for Government Contractors, Michael LeJeune is joined by Jenny Karn and Rhi Ruff of Lumino to explore the surprising role Wikipedia plays in your government contracting success. Far from being “just an online encyclopedia,” Wikipedia feeds into Google, Siri, Alexa, social media verification, and even AI tools like ChatGPT. That means what’s written on Wikipedia could be shaping how contracting officers, teaming partners, and potential buyers see your company. Whether you know it or not. Jenny and Rhi explain how Wikipedia pages are created, why accuracy matters, and how contractors can monitor and correct misinformation. They also share practical tips for developing a Wikipedia strategy that supports your broader media and AI presence.
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Frustrated with your government contracting journey? Join our group coaching community here: federal-access.com/gamechangers
Grab my #1 bestselling book, "I'm New to Government Contracting. Where Should I Start?" Here: https://amzn.to/4hHLPeE
Book a call with me here: https://calendly.com/michaellejeune/govconstrategysession
If your results are flat, it might be time to look in the mirror. In this episode, Michael breaks down “radical ownership” for GovCon leaders and shows how to fix what’s left of the equal sign, and the behaviors that drive outcomes. We unpack common scapegoats like politics, FAR changes, and slow agencies, and replace them with actions that actually move revenue: better BD cadence, smarter keyword strategy, diversification, and process before scale. You’ll hear a real-world example of pipeline growth through keyword pivots, why “scale” can multiply chaos, and how questions like “What part of this is on me?” unlock better execution. Practical, candid, and immediately usable.
-----
Frustrated with your government contracting journey? Join our group coaching community here: federal-access.com/gamechangers
Grab my #1 bestselling book, "I'm New to Government Contracting. Where Should I Start?" Here: https://amzn.to/4hHLPeE
Book a call with me here: https://calendly.com/michaellejeune/govconstrategysession
In this episode of Game Changers for Government Contractors, Michael LeJeune talks with Kim Ali of Kim Ali Consulting about her remarkable comeback after losing 80% of her revenue in early 2025 due to sweeping executive orders. Kim shares how she used equitable adjustments to create a financial cushion, analyzed shifting federal priorities, and rebuilt her pipeline to $40M in just months. They discuss emerging trends that every contractor must watch, including the potential removal of the Rule of Two, changes to past performance requirements, and the importance of securing a GSA schedule. Kim also offers practical advice on diversifying beyond federal contracts, leveraging teaming opportunities, and above all, building strong relationships. This is a masterclass in resilience, strategy, and thriving in uncertain markets.
-----
Frustrated with your government contracting journey? Join our group coaching community here: federal-access.com/gamechangers
Grab my #1 bestselling book, "I'm New to Government Contracting. Where Should I Start?" Here: https://amzn.to/4hHLPeE
Book a call with me here: https://calendly.com/michaellejeune/govconstrategysession
Ep 385: How to Write Emails Government Buyers Actually Answer by RSM Federal
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