GovClose | Start Winning Government Contracts

Read the complete breakdown on Anduril and other companies selling to the US government at: https://federalytics.substack.comGovernment Contracting 101: https://www.govclose.comGovClose Certification Overview: https://www.govclose.com/govclose-certification-programConnect with Rick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/govclose/

Government Contracting 101: https://www.govclose.comGet Free Weekly Government Contracting Business Tips: https://federalytics.substack.comGovClose Certification Overview: https://www.govclose.com/govclose-certification-programIn this video, you’ll learn the 10 biggest reasons to start your own consulting business, how to package your skills into a service people will pay for, and why AI is your ultimate growth partner.You’ll discover: - The independence & financial upside of consulting- How to start part-time (without quitting your job)- Why AI amplifies your value instead of replacing you- How to work from anywhere in the world - The hidden opportunities (equity deals, partnerships, advisory roles) that consulting unlocksAnd stick around until Reason #10, where I reveal how consulting doesn’t just create income — it can completely redefine your lifestyle, freedom, and future.Watch: Why Federal Employees Should Start a Consulting Businesshttps://youtu.be/Q34m1Qh3U_w?si=OBSx7ECSYbe2ROvVConnect with Rick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/govclose/#Consulting #AIGrowth #ScaleWithAI

Get the full DOE report on Substack: https://federalytics.substack.com/p/the-186-billion-small-business-roadmapGovernment Contracting 101: https://www.govclose.comFull DOE Intelligence Report (Federalytics): federalytics.substack.comDOE Contracts: Two Markets, One Oligopoly — Where Small Businesses (and Investors) Actually WinThe Department of Energy awarded $186B in contracts in recent years — but $79B is concentrated in a nuclear-weapons oligopoly dominated by five M&O primes. If you’re a small business (or investing in one), the play isn’t to storm the wall — it’s to navigate the $100B+ opportunity zone where competition is lower, vehicles are direct, and outcomes are repeatable. This briefing shows: which offices to target, which NAICS to favor, why GSA MAS barely matters at DOE, how to leverage subcontracting pathways into the Big Five, and how the GAO’s $1.1B compliance finding creates a verification edge for disciplined firms.Who this is forFounders and BD leaders selling to DOE/NNSAPE/VC investors & boards pressure-testing pipeline quality, CAC to CLV, and competitive moats in federal marketsCorporate strategy teams evaluating inorganic roll-ups in R&D, engineering, and EM servicesWhat you’ll learn:DOE’s “two-economy” reality: no-entry M&O vs. accessible direct-award ecosystemOffice-level and NAICS-level tactics to avoid high-bidder bloodbathsHow to use subcontracting to wedge into the nuclear complex supply chainWhy the GAO small-business audit (~$1.1B) signals tighter verification — and how to capitalize on itTimestamps (SEO-optimized for YouTube + AI search)00:00 DOE $186B overview00:20 Federalytics report00:40 NNSA M&O no-entry01:00 The Big Five labs01:20 $107B opportunity zone01:40 Target offices to win02:00 Competition math (offers)02:20 Vehicles that work at DOE02:40 NAICS picks to target03:00 Rule of 5 filter03:20 Subcontracting paths03:40 GAO $1.1B compliance04:00 GovClose playbook04:20 Next steps + dataLinks• Full DOE Intelligence Report (Federalytics): federalytics.substack.com• Learn to sell to government & build multiple revenue streams (GovClose): govclose.comConnect with Rick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/govclose/Notes & context“Offers per award” is a proxy for competition. Lower is better for small businesses and for investors modeling win-rates and BD efficiency.Figures reflect recent DOE awards where competition data is reported; incomplete records are excluded for accuracy.This content is for market intelligence and strategy; it’s not legal advice.

Get free training on breaking into government contracting: https://www.govclose.comDeep dive on the analytics behind AI in this week's edition of Federalytics: https://federalytics.substack.com/p/federal-ai-contract-intelligenceEveryone’s talking about AI agents and AI assistance – and the U.S. government is listening. In this video, a former DoD acquisitions officer (managed $82 Billion in Defense contracts) reveals how AI companies and developers can sell to the government. We break down real examples of government AI contracts already in action:Dept. of Education’s “Aiden” chatbot: navigating student loans via an AI assistant (proof-of-concept on a special contract vehicle).VA (Veterans Affairs) AI chatbots: small contracts (under $10M) with startups to help vets access benefits – a great entry point for new players.Navy’s office assistant GPT: a prototype AI tool the Navy aims to deploy service-wide to enhance productivity.Air Force & DARPA’s AI agents: autonomous AI pilots flew a fighter jet (X-62A) in simulated dogfights and won – AI for defense is here.Why it matters: Federal agencies are investing in AI solutions right now. But winning these contracts means understanding how the government buys (think contract vehicles, SAM.gov, “sources sought” notices, etc.). This video shows you how to navigate the process and position your AI product for AI for defense and public sector success. Whether you’re a veteran transitioning out, a federal professional, or a tech entrepreneur, these insights will help you sell to the government and join the AI government contracting boom. Don’t let the AI agents revolution pass you by – the Pentagon isn’t waiting on AI assistance and agents, and neither should you.Explore the GovClose Certification – Fast-track your career with our premier GovCon training program and certification.https://www.govclose.com/govclose-certification-programFollow on LinkedIn and stay updated with daily tips from our founder (former USAF contracting officer) https://www.linkedin.com/in/govclose/Schedule a Enrollment Consultation: https://www.govclose.com/enrollment-interview#aiassistant #aiagent #agentsinartificialintelligence

FREE Training: https://www.govclose.comSchedule a Enrollment Consultation: https://www.govclose.com/enrollment-interviewGovClose Certification OVERVIEW: https://www.govclose.com/govclose-certification-programHow does a small cybersecurity company land a government contract with the U.S. Army worth $1.8 million? In this interview, Harold shares how he used the GovClose strategy to identify opportunities, build relationships with the Army’s small business office, and execute a subcontracting strategy that opened the door to federal contracting success.We break down his journey from first outreach to contract award, and why help desk support and network security are some of the hottest federal spending categories right now. If you’re trying to break into government contracting, subcontracting is one of the fastest ways to win early and scale from there.Watch this interview to learn:- How Harold went from training to a $1.8M Army contract- Why small business offices can be the key to success- The subcontracting strategy that works again and again- What it takes to scale a cybersecurity company in federal salesReach out to Harold:https://www.linkedin.com/in/harold-kwigova/Follow me on LinkedIn for free live training: https://www.linkedin.com/in/govcloseWant to start your own consulting business in federal contracting? Learn more at https://govclose.comTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction: Harold’s $1.8M Army contract win01:00 – Using Army acquisition forecasts to find opportunities02:15 – How the Small Business Office opened the right doors03:00 – Harold’s cybersecurity niche: network security & Palo Alto firewalls04:15 – From college football to government contracting06:00 – The subcontracting strategy that landed the contract07:15 – Breaking into the Army help desk and IT support arena08:30 – Why few companies bid on these overlooked contracts09:30 – Building relationships with contracting officers early11:00 – Hiring staff and executing on a multi-year Army contract12:15 – Scaling a small business in the government contracting market13:45 – The power of the GovClose community for teaming & scaling15:15 – Revenue goals and building a $15M+ pipeline18:00 – Certifications (8a, SDVOSB, etc.) and when they matter20:00 – Advice for entrepreneurs entering federal contracting21:30 – Why persistence, research, and mentorship are key23:00 – Final thoughts and Harold’s vision for the future

Get the GovClose Certification: https://www.govclose.com/sales-certificationZach Selch has been called the most interesting salesman in the world. He’s sold in 135 countries, closed deals with over 100 governments, and built global sales empires. In this interview, Zach breaks down what it really takes to win overseas—whether you’re selling helicopters, hospital systems, or software.We dive into the hidden world of international sales—patience, persistence, politics, and the wild stories you’ll never hear in business school.If you want to understand how to break into global markets and government contracting, this is for you.Zach's information:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/international-sales-growth/Global Sales Mentor: globalsalesmentor.com Want to hire Zach as a keynote speaker? themostinterestingsalesmanintheworld.comWatch NextHow to win gov contracts in 2025: https://youtu.be/z1wl3GS5TIsChapters00:00 – The $30M deal won before the RFP02:00 – Who is Zach Selch?03:00 – Selling in 135 countries and 100 governments05:00 – Helicopters and billion-dollar defense markets07:00 – Why Brazil can beat the U.S. in sales09:00 – Waiting nine days in Nigeria’s ministry lobby12:00 – Why U.S. job titles don’t matter overseas14:30 – How the caste system shapes Indian sales17:00 – Winning a Thailand deal by refusing to leave20:00 – Selling when you don’t know the language22:00 – Why 94% of markets are outside the U.S.25:00 – Locking out rivals by writing the specs29:00 – The Reliance Telecom story: $30M order33:00 – Products that flop in U.S. but thrive abroad36:00 – How veterans can thrive in international sales41:00 – Sales training for vets and cold call fear45:00 – Turning military skills into sales leadership47:00 – Military service creates instant rapport abroad49:00 – Meeting Rwanda’s health chief in 3 hours50:00 – How to connect with Zach Selch

Get the GovClose Certification: https://www.govclose.com/sales-certification Free Book Download: https://www.dodcontract.com/In this video, former Air Force acquisitions officer Richard C. Howard (Lt Col Ret) breaks down a surprising new procurement trend: the Department of Defense quietly spending millions on GLP-1 weight loss drugs like Ozempic.We cover:The explosive year-over-year growth in military spending on these drugs.Why the Pentagon is buying them and which agencies are involved.The role of sole source contracting and patents in this space.Policy drivers like VA and Tricare coverage.How small businesses can position themselves for opportunities through subcontracting and partnerships.If you want to start your own consulting business in government contracting, land a high-paying public sector sales role, or scale your company’s government sales pipeline—visit https://govclose.comAnd follow me on LinkedIn for free live training and insights: https://www.linkedin.com/in/govclose/Timestamps / Chapters00:00 – Pentagon spending on GLP-1 drugs: What’s driving demand?00:30 – $123M in GLP-1 contracts: Why these numbers matter01:15 – Why average number of offers is only one (sole source explained)01:45 – Who is Rick Howard? Military acquisitions background02:15 – Ozempic and GLP-1 drugs: Why the Pentagon is buying them02:45 – How government contracting data reveals hidden trends03:00 – Who’s actually buying? DLA Troop Support in Philadelphia03:30 – Why government sales is different from B2B or B2C04:00 – Why knowing the exact buyer office is critical in federal sales04:30 – Breaking down products vs. services in GLP-1 procurement04:45 – Policy drivers: VA, Medicare, and Tricare coverage of GLP-1 drugs05:45 – Why Pentagon spending is just a “flash in the pan” compared to industry revenues06:00 – The real opportunity: growth rate + procurement structure06:15 – How contractors can find second- and third-order opportunities06:30 – Prime vs. subcontracting: positioning for success in federal contracting07:00 – Preview of next video: Cybersecurity procurement trends#GLP-1 drugs in #governmentcontracting #ozempic DOD spending, #pentagon

In the GovClose Certification Program, our students learn the government contracting skills to:Start their own consulting business that can earn up to $400k as a “solopreneur” advising businesses that sell to the government.Land high-paying sales executive jobs with companies selling to the government.From Special Ops to the Pentagon: Forrest Underwood on AI, Startups, and the Future of Defense ContractingForrest Underwood’s career spans flying MC-130Js for Special Operations, standing up new squadrons overseas, embedding with SOCOM on urgent missions, working with Silicon Valley venture capital firms, and now serving as Chief of Joint Investment Strategies at the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the CEO of Evergreen IndustriesIn this conversation, Forrest explains:How AI, cyber, and space tech companies can break into defense contracting.Why “product–mission fit” is the key to winning contracts without wasting resources.The cultural speed gap between Special Operations and traditional acquisition.How the Forged Act, Speed Act, OTAs, and acquisition reform will change the landscape.Why the best product doesn’t always win — and how to fix it.If you’re a founder, tech leader, or government contracting professional, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you navigate — and win in — the defense market.Connect with Forrest on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/forrestunderwood/Timestamps / Chapters00:00 – The calm before the storm in defense acquisitions00:40 – AI writing proposals for AI: The growing noise problem01:15 – Special Ops speed: Delivering tech in under 24 hours02:00 – Forrest Underwood: From pilot to defense tech strategist03:00 – The grocery store encounter that launched an Air Force career04:00 – Air Force Academy prep school: Building future officers05:00 – Pilot training pipeline and aircraft assignments07:00 – C-130J missions in Europe and Africa09:00 – Standing up an MC-130J squadron in Okinawa11:00 – Transitioning to joint staff roles in Stuttgart14:00 – SOCOM immersion in Silicon Valley venture capital15:00 – Working with VC firms on AI, cyber, and space tech17:00 – The cultural speed gap in acquisitions19:00 – Overnight integration of mission-critical tech22:00 – Moving into acquisitions leadership at OSD23:00 – Managing $200B in annual defense investments24:00 – Founding Evergreen Industries and product–mission fit28:00 – Navigating the valley of death in defense innovation29:00 – OTAs, SBIRs, DIU, and accelerating acquisition30:00 – Forged Act, Speed Act, and acquisition reform32:00 – Why quality beats volume in proposals34:00 – Non-traditionals vs. primes in the new acquisition era36:00 – Cybersecurity compliance and small business challenges39:00 – Why the best product doesn’t always win40:00 – Mapping capabilities to joint warfighting needs42:00 – Accelerating serious companies into DOD contracts45:00 – Sell it first, build it second in defense tech46:00 – Validating demand before developing solutions47:00 – Discovery-driven selling in the DOD49:00 – Understanding frustrations on both sides of the process50:00 – How acquisitions officers evaluate new tech53:00 – Where defense tech funding is headedJOIN the GovClose CommunityFollow me on LinkedIn for our free GovClose Newsletter and real-world GovCon insights👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/govclose/

The AI gold rush is real—and the federal government is pouring billions into data-center buildouts and high-performance computing infrastructure.In this live session, former government acquisitions officer, Richard Howard, shows you exactly how the government buys these types of services, products, and technology, how to sell to the U.S. government, and what's to come with this administration's investments in AI and data centers.Learn government contracting and start your own consulting business or land a six-figure salaried position as an Account Executive: https://govclose.com/We’ll use the GovClose MVP analyzer to break down:1. Which agencies and offices are spending the most on AI infrastructure2. How competitive each opportunity is (based on # of offers received)3. Which Product Service Codes (PSC) and NAICS codes are most effective for targeting this market4. And how to position yourself or your company to win in FY25Whether you're a small business, tech supplier, infrastructure builder, or consultant, this session will show you how to uncover real opportunities and get in before the next wave of spending hits.We’ll also cover Trump’s latest AI executive order and how it’s reshaping federal technology priorities—with data centers now requiring natural gas turbines, power transmission lines, and even small nuclear reactors.This is not theory. It’s a live demo using actual contract data.You’ll see how I breakdown government spending data to create true actionable insights. You’ll learn how to filter out noise and focus on high-value contracts with low competition.If you’re looking to sell or consult in AI, cloud, or data infrastructure, don’t miss this!#datacenter #federalspending #aiconsulting #ai

In the GovClose Certification Program our students learn the government contracting skills to:1. Start their own consulting business that can earn up to $400k as a "solopreneur" advising businesses that sell to the government.2. Land high-paying sales executive jobs with companies selling to the government.3. Build predictable pipelines and win government contracts.In this video, I walk you through the tools, tech, and AI I personally use to win in government contracting — the real stack, not the gimmicks. From traditional tools that haven’t failed me in decades to emerging AI platforms and niche solutions for teaming, subcontracting, and market research, I show you what actually works and how I use it. No sponsorships. No sales pitches. Just the truth.Watch Next: How to land your first $4K a month client: https://youtu.be/ETCClaw-los📑 Chapters00:00 – Why the right tools matter in GovCon01:00 – Reviewing TeamingPro live: first impressions05:15 – GovE: unlocking hidden contract vehicles09:00 – How to actually team and win: the mindset11:45 – WhisperFlow: my unfair advantage for writing faster15:30 – Using ChatGPT properly in government contracting 20:30 – Crafting proposals they actually read (section by section)23:00 – Why CRMs make or break your pipeline25:30 – Canva: yes, Canva — and why it works30:15 – Video tools (Descript & Tradewinds pitches) you need now38:00 – Old standbys: USAspending, SAM.gov, GovWin IQ44:00 – Final thoughts: what tools to invest in nowJOIN the GovClose CommunityRING the bell 🔔 on my LinkedIn profile for real-world GovCon insights👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/govclose/

Start a consulting business in the federal contracting: https://govclose.com GovClose graduate Des Daniels shares how he went from running his own small government contracting business to landing high-ticket B2B clients and growing a consulting firm — while traveling the world.We talk about the challenges of selling to the government vs. selling B2B, how to win clients as a consultant, and why having a system (and community) is the key to success.Watch next:What is government contracting? https://youtu.be/NzM23bK3g8IRun a GovCon business from anywhere: https://youtu.be/9ssNjSwx8n0⏳ Chapters00:00 – Why Des joined GovClose despite already winning contracts01:00 – The cashflow struggle: loans vs. smarter revenue streams02:00 – Discovering the consulting business model in gov contracting03:00 – Verifying GovClose with past students before joining04:15 – First impressions of the program: flexibility and strategy05:30 – How the program combines federal contracting & B2B skills06:45 – Moving from training to actually closing clients09:00 – The B2B sales learning curve (and how it differs from B2G)10:15 – How Des landed his first $4k/month client11:45 – How much should you charge as a federal consulting advisor?13:15 – Learning from the War Room & GovClose community15:00 – Why the community is so powerful: diverse experts at your fingertips17:00 – Projected revenue goals: $250k+ in year one, $500k–$750k 5 years19:45 – Running a govcon consulting firm while traveling the world22:00 – The value of accountability and mentorship in growing faster25:15 – Setting up your business properly: banking, QuickBooks, VA support27:15 – How Des and his wife split responsibilities running the business28:30 – The sweet spot of what you like, what you’re good at, and what pays31:00 – Specializing in helping 8(a) and disadvantaged businesses succeed33:15 – Why most 8(a) businesses fail to leverage their certification34:15 – Where Des sees his consulting business heading next36:00 – How to contact Des and what to avoid askingJOIN the GovClose CommunityRING the bell 🔔 on my LinkedIn profile for real-world GovCon insights👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/govclose/Want to work with Des Daniels?Des's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/desmond-daniels-deconsulting/Des's Website: https://www.degovcon.com/#govcon #governmentcontracts #smallbusiness #govclose #federalsales #consultingbusiness

Join me, Rick Howard (Lt Col, Ret.), as I break down everything you need to know about government contracts for small businesses, from what they are, how to find them, and the secrets to winning. Learn how to leverage set-asides, certifications, and market research to position your business or career in this lucrative space.Get the GovClose Certification: https://www.govclose.com/sales-certification In the GovClose Certification Program our students learn the government contracting skills to:Start their own consulting business that can earn up to $400k as a "solopreneur" advising businesses that sell to the government.Land high-paying sales executive jobs with companies selling to the government.Chapters:00:00 What Are Small Business Government Contracts?01:00 What Does The Government Buy From Small Businesses?01:45 How Does The SBA Define a Small Business?03:00 What Are Set-Asides & How Do They Work?05:00 Types of Small Business Certifications Explained06:00 Government Goals for Small Business Contracts in FY2509:00 Why So Few Small Businesses Sell To The Government?12:00 How Much Money Do Small Businesses Really Make in Government Contracts?14:00 Why Most Businesses Fail at Government Contracting17:00 How To Find Government Contracts Before Everyone Else19:00 How To Use USAspending.gov To Research Opportunities25:00 Common Mistakes Businesses Make & How To Avoid Them29:00 How Competitive Are Small Business Contracts?33:15 Competitive Research: Analyzing Successful Small Businesses37:00 Who Are The Top Buyers of Small Business Services?44:00 Example: Waste Collection — A Surprising Opportunity49:00 The Opportunity & Decline in Competition in Gov Contracting50:45 How To Register Your Business in SAM.gov54:15 How To Find & Respond to Solicitations on SAM.gov59:00 Why You Should Engage During the Market Research Phase1:02:00 Responding to Sources Sought to Influence Contracts1:07:00 Building a Pipeline & Strategy for Long-Term Success1:08:30 Final Thoughts & How To Join GovCloseKeywords:#governmentcontracts #smallbusiness #smallbusinessgovcon #businesscertifications #set-asides #governmentcontract #samgov #governmentprocurement USAspending.gov guide, how to find government contracts, sources sought explained, SBA small business goals, winning government contracts, government contracting trainingJOIN the GovClose CommunityRING the bell 🔔 on my LinkedIn profile for real-world GovCon insights👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/govclose/#govclose #governmentcontracts #smallbusiness

In this episode, former U.S. Air Force acquisitions officer Rick Howard walks you through a powerful strategy for uncovering pre-solicitation government contract opportunities without ever using SAM.gov. If you're relying solely on SAM, you're already behind.Rick dives into how to use Acquisition Forecasts, navigate agency procurement portals, and leverage industry days, attendee lists, and contracting office contacts to build a government sales pipeline that extends 3+ years into the future.🔍 Learn how to:Access acquisition forecasts from DoD, DOE, VA, NASA, Army Corps of Engineers, and moreFind and filter long-range procurement forecasts that few competitors are looking atUse attendee lists from industry events for teaming and subcontracting leadsIdentify Sole Source and 8(a) contract opportunities hidden in agency forecastsUnderstand how to reverse engineer an agency’s buying behaviorAvoid mistakes like submitting blind proposals with no confirmationWhether you're a consultant, small business, veteran entrepreneur, or federal sales executive, this training will show you where the real leads are hidden—long before RFPs drop.Resources Mentioned:https://govclose.comFollow Rick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/govclose#GovernmentContracting #GovCon #SAMgov #FederalSales #SmallBusinessGovCon #PublicSectorSales #ContractOpportunities #GovClose #AcquisitionForecasts #8aContracts #OTAs #DoDContracts #HowToSellToTheGovernment #GovContractingTraining #RickHoward #GovCloseCertification

We're answering all the questions people are asking about GSA.We cover: GSA Advantage, GSA rates and GSA labor rates, e-library GSA, what is GSA? We give you the history, talk about GSA schedules, and how to apply for the schedules. Learn from GSA government officials that I have interviewed and what the GSA catalog looks like. Learn how to shape deals, work directly with federal agencies, and master category-driven acquisition.👉 https://www.govclose.comBut GSA is often misunderstood.Is it a federal agency, or is it a series of contracts that companies need to sell to the government? In this live session, we'll be covering what a GSA contract is. Who is going to need one, and how this messy process works, especially in light of recent presidential executive orders. Want more federal government contracting tips, news, and live sessions? Follow me on LinkedIn and hit the notification bell. https://www.linkedin.com/in/govclose#gsa #governmentcontracting #gsaadvantage #gsarate

Start a consulting business in the federal contracting: https://govclose.com GovClose graduate Des Daniels shares how he went from running his own small government contracting business to landing high-ticket B2B clients and growing a consulting firm — while traveling the world.We talk about the challenges of selling to the government vs. selling B2B, how to win clients as a consultant, and why having a system (and community) is the key to success.Watch next:What is government contracting? https://youtu.be/NzM23bK3g8IRun a GovCon business from anywhere: https://youtu.be/9ssNjSwx8n0⏳ Chapters00:00 – Why Des joined GovClose despite already winning contracts01:00 – The cashflow struggle: loans vs. smarter revenue streams02:00 – Discovering the consulting business model in gov contracting03:00 – Verifying GovClose with past students before joining04:15 – First impressions of the program: flexibility and strategy05:30 – How the program combines federal contracting & B2B skills06:45 – Moving from training to actually closing clients09:00 – The B2B sales learning curve (and how it differs from B2G)10:15 – How Des landed his first $4k/month client11:45 – How much should you charge as a federal consulting advisor?13:15 – Learning from the War Room & GovClose community15:00 – Why the community is so powerful: diverse experts at your fingertips17:00 – Projected revenue goals: $250k+ in year one, $500k–$750k 5 years19:45 – Running a govcon consulting firm while traveling the world22:00 – The value of accountability and mentorship in growing faster25:15 – Setting up your business properly: banking, QuickBooks, VA support27:15 – How Des and his wife split responsibilities running the business28:30 – The sweet spot of what you like, what you’re good at, and what pays31:00 – Specializing in helping 8(a) and disadvantaged businesses succeed33:15 – Why most 8(a) businesses fail to leverage their certification34:15 – Where Des sees his consulting business heading next36:00 – How to contact Des and what to avoid askingJOIN the GovClose CommunityRING the bell 🔔 on my LinkedIn profile for real-world GovCon insights👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/govclose/Want to work with Des Daniels?Des's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/desmond-daniels-deconsulting/Des's Website: https://www.degovcon.com/#govcon #governmentcontracts #smallbusiness #govclose #federalsales #consultingbusiness

GSA just changed the game. On May 28th, a letter went out to major value-added resellers—and it wasn’t good news for the middlemen. The government is moving toward direct deals with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), and that means major changes are coming for federal sales.Train with UsLearn how to shape deals, work directly with federal agencies, and master category-driven acquisition.👉 https://www.govclose.comIn this video, I break down:⏱ Timestamps00:00 – GSA’s New Strategy: Middlemen Under Fire01:00 – What is a VAR (Value-Added Reseller) vs. a Pretender?02:30 – GSA’s Push for Direct OEM Relationships04:00 – The Irony: Is GSA the Biggest Middleman?05:00 – What GSA Is (and Isn’t) Doing with Centralized Procurement06:30 – Implications for Sales Executives, Consultants, and OEMs08:00 – What You Should Be Doing Right NowKey Takeaways:GSA wants to cap markups and increase pricing transparency.Resellers must redefine their value—or risk becoming obsolete.Pretenders and matchmaking models? They don’t belong here.Mission-critical buys? Likely still handled by DoD internally.Consultants who know how to shape deals early are in high demand.Subscribe to the GovCon Newsletter!I unpack these shifts and more every week in my GovClose newsletter on LinkedIn.🔗 Follow me and subscribe: www.linkedin.com/in/govcloseWatch NextInterview with GSA’s Kevin Kivlin – What GSA Is Really Planning: https://youtu.be/033sUCzGgq8#GSA #governmentcontracting2025

Want to know how real small businesses actually win government contracts?In this live session, I’ll reverse engineer the exact moves one federal contractor made to break into the market—and how you can apply the same strategy.We’re not just talking theory. You’ll see:How to find and study real contract award dataThe key actions that led to their first winsWhat they did differently that made all the differenceIf you’re serious about building a GovCon strategy that works, this is the blueprint you’ve been looking for.Get My Free Training On How to start a GovCon Consulting Business: https://www.govclose.com/sales-certification JOIN the GovClose Community RING the bell 🔔 on my LinkedIn profile for real-world GovCon insights 👉(https://www.linkedin.com/in/govclose/)WATCH NEXT:• How David Built a $4K/Month Gov Consulting Business in 60 Days https://youtu.be/VnHTXcb01Qw• Federal Workers Sinning In Government Contracting: https://youtu.be/6ISSp26IyWs• How to write a proposal: https://youtu.be/GbFFYPXKnm4#secdef#governmentcontracts

Establishing a #linkedin profile that builds credibility and trust in the government contracting community os essential!!Former DoD Program Manager Rick Howard reveals his 3-step LinkedIn system used by 175+ GovClose students to build trust, attract federal buyers, and grow revenue—without spamming anyone.Learn more at: https://www.govclose.comFree Training & Certification Info: https://www.govclose.com/sales-certificationFree Book: https://www.dodcontract.com/⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Why Most LinkedIn Strategies Fail in GovCon01:00 – 3 Revenue Paths: Contracting, Jobs, Consulting02:00 – The Most Important Thing Government & Companies Check First03:00 – The "Credibility Layer" – Fix This Before Outreach06:00 – Your Banner, Profile Photo & 500+ Rule08:00 – The Fatal Mistake That Kills Trust Instantly10:00 – Your About Section: It’s Not About You13:00 – Certifications, Education & Social Proof14:00 – LinkedIn Recommendations That Actually Convert18:00 – Influence: How to Make People Want to Respond21:00 – The Most Important Line on Your Profile24:00 – Positioning Yourself as an Expert (Even Without Past Performance28:00 – Government Buyers Will Search You – Are You Discoverable?30:00 – Outreach: How to Build Relationships BEFORE the RFP36:00 – How to Post & Get Found for What You Actually Sell37:00 – How to Get Hired, Get Clients, or Get Contracts With This StrategyJOIN the GovClose Community RING the bell 🔔 on my LinkedIn profile for real-world GovCon insights 👉(https://www.linkedin.com/in/govclose/)

How to Win Government Contracts: Federal Sales Blueprint That Even a 10-Year-Old Can Master (My Kid Did!)"This is the blueprint for winning government contracts" - Former Air Force Lt Col Richard Howard breaks down the exact 4-step federal sales process he used to manage $82 BILLION in contracts. So simple, he taught his own 10-year-old (and his 6-year-old knows the secret too).Stop responding to RFPs blind. Learn to reverse engineer the process, influence opportunities BEFORE they go public, and build relationships that put you first in line when contracts drop.💰 $82B in managed contracts | 700+ CEOs trained | Former government procurement officer🔥 GET STARTED NOW:→ Free "Become A Government Contract Consultant" training : https://www.govclose.com/sales-certification→ Free Government Contracting Book: https://www.dodcontract.com/→ Subscribe for weekly GovCon strategies: https://www.youtube.com/@govclose/?sub_confirmation=1In the GovClose Certification Program our students learn the government contracting skills to :1. Start their own consulting business that can earn up to $400k as a "solopreneur" advising businesses that sell to the government.2. Land high paying sales executive jobs with companies in the public sector.3. Increase government contracting revenue for companies selling to the US government.Schedule Your Onboarding Call Here: https://www.govclose.com/watch-sales-certification👇 COMMENT BELOW: Are you responding to RFPs blind or do you have a roadmap?🔄 SHARE this with someone still chasing "middleman money" (spoiler: it doesn't exist)💡 Which step surprised you most? Pipeline building or the "real work starts after winning"?Chapters:0:00 Government Contracting Explained to a 10-Year-Old0:33 What Is a Government Contract? (Basics)1:00 Prime vs Subcontractor Explained (Middleman Myth Busted)1:20 Why Listen: $82B in Federal Contracts & Real Credentials2:00 Federal Sales Roadmap (Step 1)2:35 Government Contract Research: Does Government Buy Your Product?3:05 Finding Government Buyers & Procurement Methods3:30 Using Competition Data for Competitive Advantage4:00 Building Your Government Contract Pipeline (Step 2)4:40 Why Companies Fail: Reactive vs Strategic Planning5:20 Tracking Federal Sales Process (8-20 Steps)5:45 Meeting Government Buyers Early (Step 3)6:20 Influencing Opportunities Before Public Release6:50 Execute Like a Pro: Don't Quit Midway (Step 4)7:30 Why You Win Government Contracts (Others Don't)8:00 Winning Is Just the Beginning8:30 Profit From Performance, Not Just Contract Awards8:50 Fast-Track Government Contracts (Secret World)9:10 Building Scalable Government Contracting BusinessWatch Next:How To Maximize Profit on Government Contracts: https://youtu.be/-TXxGKkQG6UMiddleman Money Exposed (Don't Make This Expensive Mistake): https://youtu.be/Nhtl0G0Pwbo📱 Connect With Me:LinkedIn: @GOVCLOSEYouTube: Hit that notification bell 🔔 for weekly GovCon strategies🏆 Ready to Stop Guessing and Start Winning?Join 700+ CEOs who've mastered this exact process

Before you spend another dollar on third-party GovCon tools, watch this. SAM.gov has powerful built-in features that most people ignore—but they can completely change how you find and win federal contracts.In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through 3 hidden features in SAM.gov that will:• Automate your market research• Save your searches• Send you real-time alertsGet the GovClose Certification: https://www.govclose.com/sales-certification Free Book Download: https://www.dodcontract.com/Get the GovClose Certification: https://www.govclose.com/sales-certification Free Book Download: https://www.dodcontract.com/