Govcon Giants

In this episode of the Federal Help Center Podcast, Eric Coffie breaks down one of the most dangerous mistakes contractors make when bidding on government work: overpromising what they can't realistically deliver. From unrealistic response times and staffing promises to inflated delivery schedules and "state-of-the-art" claims that don't yet exist, Eric explains how desperation to win can quietly sabotage performance after award. He also unpacks how this behavior raises red flags for evaluators—especially in Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) procurements—where honesty and compliance matter far more than flashy narratives. The conversation also dives into a second critical issue: misunderstanding the evaluation method. Eric explains why contractors often waste time and money submitting bloated, over-engineered proposals for LPTA contracts—only to lose to a lean, compliant bid with a lower price. If you want to protect your reputation, avoid performance failures, and bid smarter, this episode is a must-listen. Key Takeaways Overpromising creates performance risk — Unrealistic staffing, response times, or delivery schedules can lead to COR issues, contract discrepancies, or termination for default. Honesty beats hype in LPTA bids — Inflated claims don't earn extra credit; evaluators only care if you meet requirements at the lowest acceptable price. Match your proposal to the evaluation method — In LPTA, "acceptable is acceptable." A shorter compliant proposal will beat a bloated one every time if the price is lower. If you want to learn more about the community and to join the webinars go to: https://federalhelpcenter.com/  Website: https://govcongiants.org/  Connect with Encore Funding: https://www.encore-funding.com/ 

In this episode of the Federal Help Center Podcast, Eric Coffie breaks down one of the most common—and costly—mistakes contractors make in proposals: restating requirements instead of demonstrating understanding. Eric explains why copy-and-paste language fails evaluators and how winning proposals clearly show why requirements matter, how work will be executed, and what impact it has on the agency's mission. Using real examples from a winning proposal, Eric walks through how to turn a PWS into operational reality—showing evaluators that you understand sequencing, mission sensitivity, quality priorities, and unstated but critical requirements buried in the solicitation. From cleaning schedules to Memorial Day staffing nuances, this episode reinforces a simple truth: details win contracts. If you're serious about improving your technical approach and avoiding proposal-killing oversights, this is a must-listen. Key Takeaways Show understanding, not repetition — explain why requirements matter and how you'll execute them Translate the PWS into real operations with sequencing, mission awareness, and specific actions Catch unstated but critical details by reading the entire solicitation multiple times If you want to learn more about the community and to join the webinars go to: https://federalhelpcenter.com/  Website: https://govcongiants.org/  Connect with Encore Funding: https://www.encore-funding.com/  

In this episode, Eric Coffie sits down with Christine Hopkins, the CEO behind ASCII Federal Services, a 4PL (fourth-party logistics) company that manages end-to-end supply chain—from procurement and tracking to warehousing, inventory optimization, deliveries, and disposal. Christine shares how an existential crisis during COVID wiped out nearly 90% of revenue, forcing a bold pivot into federal contracting through restructuring ownership, becoming a Woman-Owned Small Business, and leveraging commercial past performance to compete. She walks through her methodical approach: getting registered, submitting "practice bids" for feedback, winning a first prime contract in 18 months, then scaling carefully to protect performance and reputation. The biggest lesson? Relationships and networking are the real differentiator—especially for agencies that avoid risk. Christine also breaks down the conferences, CEO peer network support (Vistage), and learning resources that accelerated her growth—and closes with a reminder that sustained success requires taking care of yourself so you can show up fully. Key Takeaways Relationships are the strategy: Government (and primes) buy from people they know and trust—networking isn't optional, it's the edge. Win methodically, not emotionally: Use "practice bids" to learn, protect performance, and scale slowly so you don't overload your team or reputation. Resilience + restructuring wins: A smart ownership/size restructure plus strong commercial past performance can open the door to prime contracts fast—even after a major revenue hit. If you want to learn more about the community and to join the webinars go to: https://federalhelpcenter.com/  Website: https://govcongiants.org/  Connect with Encore Funding: https://www.encore-funding.com/  Connect with Christine:  LinkedIn account: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christineseal/ LinkedIn corporate: https://www.linkedin.com/company/advanced-supply-chain-international-llc Website: www.asciLLC.com

In this episode of the Federal Help Center Podcast, Randie Ward pulls back the curtain on one of the most frustrating barriers in GovCon: finding the right person to talk to. From leveraging tools like ZoomInfo and federal data sources to dissecting agency budgets and understanding why program managers are intentionally harder to find, this episode shows how winning contractors turn research into access. Eric also explains why relationship-building isn't about one email or one call—it's about consistent, informed follow-ups that position you as prepared, professional, and serious long before an RFP is released. Key Takeaways Finding the right contact is often harder than identifying the opportunity Agency budgets reveal priorities before solicitations exist Relationships are built through persistence, not one-time outreach If you want to learn more about the community and to join the webinars go to: https://federalhelpcenter.com/  Website: https://govcongiants.org/  Connect with Encore Funding: https://www.encore-funding.com/ 

In this episode of the Federal Help Center Podcast, Randie Ward breaks down one of the most overlooked but powerful strategies in government contracting: using industry day materials to identify and connect with real decision-makers before opportunities hit the street. Randie explains how experienced contractors mine industry day PDFs for program managers, division chiefs, and project leads—and how those early relationships create warm introductions, credibility, and access that most small businesses never get. This episode reinforces a critical mindset shift: relationships are built through preparation, persistence, and professionalism—not instant replies. Key Takeaways Industry day PDFs are contact goldmines—if you actually read them Starting with the small business office increases your credibility Non-responses and rejection are part of the process—keep moving If you want to learn more about the community and to join the webinars go to: https://federalhelpcenter.com/  Website: https://govcongiants.org/  Connect with Encore Funding: https://www.encore-funding.com/ 

In this episode of the Federal Help Center Podcast, Randie Ward walks newer contractors through the unsexy but critical research process most small businesses skip—how to identify the real decision makers behind a federal requirement. From tracking solicitation numbers and awards in SAM.gov to using LinkedIn, forecast lists, and small business offices, Randie shows how winning contractors play investigator long before submitting a bid. The episode reinforces a hard truth in GovCon: if you don't know who the customer is, you're not competing—you're guessing. Key Takeaways The solicitation number is your fastest path back to the real requirement Small business offices can open doors—if you show you've done your homework Finding the end user beats chasing the contracting officer every time If you want to learn more about the community and to join the webinars go to: https://federalhelpcenter.com/ Website: https://govcongiants.org/  Connect with Encore Funding: https://www.encore-funding.com/ 

In this episode of the Federal Help Center Podcast, Randie Ward breaks down the critical difference between tactical and strategic contracting. Randie walks through how experienced contractors identify expiring contracts, research incumbent awards, and uncover the real people behind the requirement—before the RFP ever hits SAM.gov. The episode reinforces a core truth in federal contracting: winning isn't about reacting to opportunities, it's about positioning early through relationships with the program office and end users. Key Takeaways SAM.gov is a tool—not a strategy Contracting officers sign awards, but program offices drive decisions Expiring contracts are your best window to build relationships early If you want to learn more about the community and to join the webinars go to: https://federalhelpcenter.com/ Website: https://govcongiants.org/  Connect with Encore Funding: https://www.encore-funding.com/ 

In this episode of the Govcon Giants Podcast, Eric Coffie sits down with Shelley Hall, a former warranted contracting officer with 32 years inside the federal government and now VP of Client Services at Skyway Acquisition Solutions. Shelly shares a rare behind-the-desk perspective—from her time supporting Air Force and Space Force missions to helping contractors navigate today's chaotic procurement landscape. She explains why not all agencies shut down, where opportunities still exist, and why contractors who stay flexible and informed continue to win—even when others panic. The conversation goes deep into real contractor mistakes that quietly kill opportunities: overestimating capabilities, chasing everything instead of focusing, abusing NAICS codes, and misunderstanding how FAR rules actually apply across agencies. Shelly also breaks down how small businesses can influence outcomes before the RFP drops—through market research, RFIs, and smart engagement with small business liaisons. Her message is clear: success in GovCon isn't about bidding harder—it's about showing up earlier, sharper, and more strategically. Key Takeaways Stay in your lane: Overstretching capabilities is one of the fastest ways to lose credibility with contracting officers. NAICS overload is a red flag: Too many NAICS codes signals confusion, not versatility. Market research wins contracts: RFIs and early engagement shape requirements long before proposals are due. If you want to learn more about the community and to join the webinars go to: https://federalhelpcenter.com/  Website: https://govcongiants.org/  Connect with Encore Funding: https://www.encore-funding.com/  Shelley's Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelley-hall-1674a688/

Not every RFP on SAM.gov is worth chasing—and bidding the wrong ones can drain your time, money, and momentum. In this Federal Help Center episode, Ryan Atencio breaks down how to spot "pre-wired" solicitations, why ultra-specific requirements are often a warning sign, and how smart contractors win by understanding the end user, not just the contracting office. From badge flipping strategies to targeting the real technical decision-makers, this episode pulls back the curtain on how contracts actually get awarded—and how small businesses can position themselves to win without burning out. Key Takeaways Most RFPs are already shaped for someone—learn when to walk away instead of forcing a bid Highly specific personnel and past performance requirements are major red flags Winning often starts with the end user, not the contracting officer If you want to learn more about the community and to join the webinars go to: https://federalhelpcenter.com/ Website: https://govcongiants.org/  Connect with Encore Funding: https://www.encore-funding.com/ 

Federal contracts aren't won by chasing contracting officers or blindly responding to solicitations—they're captured by getting to the customer first. In this episode, Ryan Atencio explains how large integrators lock in work by identifying key stakeholders, shaping requirements early, and turning services and supplies into unbeatable solutions. From becoming an "unbeatable incumbent" to using custom kits, access control strategies, and technical point-of-contact leverage, this episode reveals how contracts are quietly secured long before competition ever begins. Key Takeaways Contracting officers process paperwork—the customer shapes the outcome If you win a contract and lose the recompete, something went wrong Getting the requirement first lets you control the competition If you want to learn more about the community and to join the webinars go to: https://federalhelpcenter.com/ Website: https://govcongiants.org/  Connect with Encore Funding: https://www.encore-funding.com/ 

Professional services may get you in the door—but supplies are often how you scale faster inside federal agencies. In this episode, Ryan Atencio breaks down why selling services as supplies can dramatically reduce friction, shorten buying cycles, and unlock easier revenue. From packaging services into supply contracts to exploiting the government's preference for fast, low-complexity buys, this conversation exposes the gray-area strategies experienced contractors use to move millions while others stay stuck in slow, painful service procurements. Key Takeaways Service contracts are slow—supplies move fast Packaging services as supplies keeps opportunities alive The "boring" contracts create the most consistent revenue If you want to learn more about the community and to join the webinars go to: https://federalhelpcenter.com/ Website: https://govcongiants.org/  Connect with Encore Funding: https://www.encore-funding.com/ 

In this episode of the Federal Help Center Podcast, we have Ryan Atencio, a former Army Special Operations veteran turned government contracting insider, to break down how federal contracts actually get created, evaluated, and awarded. Drawing from years spent as the end user, COR, and technical evaluator, Ryan pulls back the curtain on why supplies move faster than services, why construction is the most dangerous lane for small businesses, and how contractors can win by understanding how customers think—not how solicitations are written. Key Takeaways Supplies are the fastest, lowest-friction path to federal revenue Professional services offer scale without construction risk You don't need product expertise—just access to the customer If you want to learn more about the community and to join the webinars go to: https://federalhelpcenter.com/  Website: https://govcongiants.org/  Connect with Encore Funding: https://www.encore-funding.com/ 

In this episode, Eric sits down with David Pere, a veteran entrepreneur and real estate investor, for a brutally honest conversation about the real price of trying to do business alone. David breaks down how skipping mentorship led to six-figure losses, failed flips, lawsuits, and years of unnecessary stress—mistakes that could have been avoided by simply having the right people to pressure-test decisions. The discussion expands beyond real estate into VA benefits, VA loans, disability claims, business acquisitions, SBA pitfalls, and why so many veterans and entrepreneurs leave massive opportunities on the table. At its core, this episode is about environment: why the people you surround yourself with matter more than the tactics you learn, and how community, accountability, and experienced feedback shorten the path to success while protecting you from avoidable failure. Key Takeaways Mentorship is cheaper than mistakes: one bad deal can cost more than a decade of guidance. Most people don't lack opportunity—they lack the right environment. Don't take advice from people you wouldn't trade places with. Learn more: https://federalhelpcenter.com/ https://govcongiants.org/  Connect with Encore Funding: https://www.encore-funding.com/

In this episode, Eric breaks down how fast your situation can change in government contracting when you stop letting your current circumstances define your future. He shares the real story of going from financial desperation to landing a multi-million-dollar subcontract by taking responsibility, showing up consistently, and positioning himself where opportunity lives. Eric also introduces one of the most overlooked strategies in GovCon: proximity. Whether it's working from Starbucks, being on base, or simply showing up in the same places every day, relationships are built through presence. You don't need money, certifications, or a perfect plan — you need to leave the house and put yourself in rooms where decisions are being made. Key Takeaways Where you are today does not determine where you'll be tomorrow Proximity to decision-makers beats online networking every time Real relationships are built through consistency and showing up Learn more: https://federalhelpcenter.com/ https://govcongiants.org/ 

In this power-packed conversation, Eric sits down with Shawn Kingsberry, VP of Cybersecurity & Treasury Account Executive at SAIC, one of the largest integrators in federal contracting. Sean explains exactly when small businesses should approach primes, how their small business intake process works, and what capabilities large primes are actively looking to partner with right now — especially around cybersecurity, AI, and innovative tech solutions. He breaks down how SAIC selects partners, what small firms often lack when approaching primes, and how to stand out in a crowded environment by bringing real insight and problem awareness from within agencies. If you want to get into SAIC's ecosystem, start here. Key Takeaways: • Do your homework — know SAIC's work & come prepared with capabilities + value. • Cyber, AI, automation & agentic AI solutions are actively needed — bring new ideas. • Relationships + insights matter — if you know agency pain points, you have leverage. Learn more: https://federalhelpcenter.com/ https://govcongiants.org/  Watch the full Youtube episode here: https://youtu.be/3VdqtfH0ivw 

If you're a small business tired of losing to the same primes, submitting proposals into a black hole, or waiting for 8(a) magic that never arrives—this episode is your wake-up call. Eric sits down with four real former federal contracting officers who awarded contracts for AI weapon systems, billion-dollar construction, and tech transformation programs—and they openly share what agencies really look for, why small businesses get ignored, and the strategies that actually work when government spending spikes again. From how they're stalking your LinkedIn before reading your email, to why capability beats certification, to the power of relationships, partnerships, and diversifying into state/local/commercial pipelines—this conversation unlocks the playbook that will separate the 3% of winners from the 97% about to get shut out. Key Takeaways Certifications ≠ contracts—relationships, capability & visibility win. Know your customer deeply: agency needs, expiring contracts & program managers. Diversify now—state/local/commercial work keeps you alive when federal slows. Learn more: https://federalhelpcenter.com/ https://govcongiants.org/  Join the bootcamp: https://govcongiants.org/bootcamp  Watch the full Youtube episode here: https://youtu.be/KIeyIRLL2sI 

In today's episode, Eric sits down with Venus Quates, President & CEO of LaunchTech, to unpack the real truth about certifications—how they open doors, how they fail you when you rely on them alone, and why hunger and capability win long-term. Venus shares how she landed her very first state contract by responding overnight, expanded the work, underpriced herself, lost money, and still used the opportunity as a launchpad to scale. She also breaks down why certs don't equal contracts, the danger of relying on 8(a)/SDVOSB status without capability, and how partnerships, pricing strategy, and operational readiness matter far more than a badge on paper. Key Takeaways Certifications open the door — capability, hunger & execution keep you inside. Underpricing kills margins — learn pricing, back-office operations & contract math early. 8(a) ≠ automatic revenue; partnerships & performance create real opportunity. Learn more: https://federalhelpcenter.com/ https://govcongiants.org/  Join the bootcamp: https://govcongiants.org/bootcamp  Watch the full Youtube Episode here: https://youtu.be/wlLfhx0XbuM 

In this episode of Govcon Giants, Eric sits down with Justin Vianello, CEO and equity partner at SkillStorm, to unpack how federal agencies and large integrators can stop recycling the same expensive talent and start building net-new cleared technologists. Justin shares his global journey from chartered accountant at PwC to scaling multiple companies and exiting, and how that experience led him to a "hire, train, deploy" model that develops new talent instead of bidding up the same résumés. He breaks down why traditional degree requirements are outdated, how certifications and apprenticeships are creating better ROI, and where the real opportunities are in cybersecurity, AI, cloud, and platform-specific roles like Salesforce, AWS, and Palantir. You'll hear Justin's take on why big consulting firms and government need to rethink workforce strategy, how SkillStorm pays people during training to focus on learning, and why soft skills—communication, leadership, and presentation—are the real differentiators in an AI-powered world. Eric and Justin also explore the gap between college promises and reality, the power of apprenticeships and military "cool"/GI Bill pathways, and what agency heads must do now if they want lower costs, better teams, and faster delivery on critical missions. Key Takeaways: Upskilling & reskilling are the real moat: certifications + platform skills (cloud, cyber, AI) + soft skills beat generic degrees in today's federal tech market. Custom-built teams > resume recycling: Skillstorm's "hire, train, deploy" model creates new cleared talent, reduces costs, and gets billable teams productive on day one. College is optional, not mandatory: for many roles, apprenticeships, technical certs, and on-the-job training now offer better ROI, especially for veterans and career changers. Learn more: https://federalhelpcenter.com/ https://govcongiants.org/  Encore Funding: https://www.encore-funding.com/  Join the bootcamp: https://govcongiants.org/bootcamp  Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-vianello/  Justin's Twitter/X: https://x.com/justinvianello

In this reflective and brutally practical episode, Eric reveals the seven lessons that turned his messy, uncertain 20s into the foundation for multiple million-dollar businesses. From mastering high-value skills to buying back his time, building quietly, learning real money math, and valuing relationships, Eric walks through the decisions, mentors, and mindset shifts that created his construction, real estate, and digital-product success. He shares vulnerable stories—like missing his aunt's final moments due to work—that reshaped his priorities and led him to build a life centered on freedom, not just income. This episode is a blueprint for anyone who wants to avoid wasted years, build wealth intentionally, and design a life that actually feels good. Key Takeaways Skills outlive job titles—sales, persuasion, and leverage are the $10M skill sets that pay forever. Buy back your time early: outsource, document, delegate, and focus on high-value work. Freedom is the real finish line—build income that supports your life, not a life that serves your income. Learn more: https://federalhelpcenter.com/ https://govcongiants.org/  Join the bootcamp: https://govcongiants.org/bootcamp  Watch the full Youtube Episode here: https://youtu.be/12MN6KEQmAg 

In this brutally honest episode, Eric tears down the myths that keep small businesses broke and frustrated in government contracting. He breaks down why the system was never designed with small businesses in mind, how weighted goals inflate the government's success numbers, and why relying on SAM.gov or SBA programs alone will keep you invisible. Eric exposes how top primes and politically connected companies dominate the market—and shares what small businesses must do right now to compete despite the odds. If you're ready to stop complaining and start winning, this episode is the wake-up call. Key Takeaways The system isn't broken—it's working exactly as designed, and small businesses are not the priority. Relying on SAM.gov, set-asides, or "fairness" guarantees failure—real winners learn the full landscape of 90+ opportunity portals and power relationships. You can still win big, but only once you accept the reality, stop waiting for help, and actively learn how the game truly works. Learn more: https://federalhelpcenter.com/ https://govcongiants.org/  Join the bootcamp: https://govcongiants.org/bootcamp  Watch the full Youtube Episode here: https://youtu.be/TXlJztOZQH8