The JR & Ali Show

The January edition of the JR and Ali Show brings together a powerhouse trio to break down some of the biggest moves unfolding across Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services right now. JR and Ali, who consistently bring sharp perspective and know how to pull in the right voices, are joined by Phil Surine, President of Federal Health Services at Medkasa, for a timely and insight packed conversation you will be glad you did not miss.   Phil Surine is one of the most trusted voices in the federal health community. As a former Deputy Director for the Information Services Modernization Group at CMS and now a senior industry leader, he brings rare inside and outside perspective on how policy, funding signals, and early RFIs are shaping what comes next. Medkasa, a HUBZone small business, is known for turning complex legislation into systems that actually work, backed by a team of former federal staff, clinicians, program managers, and technologists with decades of Medicare and Medicaid experience.   Together, JR, Ali, and Phil cut through the noise to unpack what is really happening, where momentum is building, and what smart organizations should be paying attention to right now. If you are trying to get ahead of a fast moving and highly dynamic CMS landscape, this episode delivers the clarity, context, and foresight you are looking for. Definitely one you want in your queue.   👉 Connect with the Guests: JR Glass – LinkedIn | GovCon Growth Solutions Ali Steer – LinkedIn | Steer Operational Solutions Phil Surine – LinkedIn | Medkasa

In this episode of The JR & Ali Show special guest Mike Sacca, a senior thought leader in federal healthcare contracting with over 40 years of experience, joins the conversation. Together, they dive deep into the evolving landscape of fraud prevention at CMS, the future of Medicare Advantage oversight, and how industry and government can better collaborate to prevent abuse before it happens. Mike shares candid thoughts on CMS’s Fraud Detection Operation Center (FDOC) and the much-talked-about “crushing fraud” initiative, while offering sharp critique on missed opportunities and the $66B+ black hole in Medicare Advantage funding. The conversation also unpacks CMS’s budget reductions, the future of the MIDS and RMADA IDIQs, and the balancing act between provider burden, real-time fraud detection, and the need for innovation. For small and mid-tier companies wondering where to lean in, Mike offers straight talk on how to position strategically in a tightening market — from cost competitiveness to teaming for future IDIQ opportunities. Hosted by JR Glass, President of GovCon Growth Solutions, and Ali Steer, President of Steer Operational Solutions, this conversation highlights the importance of agility, relationship-building, and mission alignment in today’s federal health environment. If you'd like to reach out to JR, connect with him on LinkedIn. | Learn More About GovCon Growth Solutions here. If you'd like to reach out to Ali, connect with her on LinkedIn. | Learn More About Steer Operational Solutions here. If you'd like to reach out to Mike, connect with him on LinkedIn. | If you liked listening to this episode, click here to view more in this series. To view all of our podcast series, visit our podcast page.

In this midsummer edition of The JR and Ali Show, listen in to unpack what’s happening behind the scenes at CMS. From a major churn in the July forecast, where 20% of opportunities changed month over month, to the deeper implications of sole-source awards, follow-on extensions, and TBD acquisition paths, they dive into how CMS is trying to keep moving despite resource constraints and workforce reductions. The conversation explores the ripple effects these shifts are having on the business development community, especially as agencies face hiring freezes, RIFs, and a backlog of procurements. With many contracts delayed or awarded non-competitively, established firms are refining their strategies and using this time to position for the long game, while newer players struggle to gain traction. Hosted by JR Glass, President of GovCon Growth Solutions, and Ali Steer, President of Steer Operational Solutions, this episode is packed with valuable insights on navigating uncertainty, building momentum, and preparing to keep ahead of the market. If you'd like to reach out to JR, connect with him on LinkedIn. | Learn More About GovCon Growth Solutions here. If you'd like to reach out to Ali, connect with her on LinkedIn. | Learn More About Steer Operational Solutions here. If you liked listening to this episode, click here to view more in this series. To view all of our podcast series, visit our podcast page.

In this episode of The JR and Ali Show, Robert Suggs joins the conversation to share his insights on the evolving Federal Health landscape. A former CMS Contracting Officer Representative and Program leader, Robert now serves as a Federal Health leader at rapidly emerging Federal Health player Dynanet Corporation, bringing a unique perspective shaped by experience on both the government and industry sides. Robert discusses key procurement trends, shifts in CMS operations, and DynaNet’s role as a prime on the ACME BPA. He provides his take on the latest CMS forecast (the first published list in many months), explores the changing dynamics impacting competition, and offers guidance for companies preparing for the upcoming CMS Quality Conference. Hosted by JR Glass, President of GovCon Growth Solutions, and Ali Steer, President of Steer Operational Solutions, this conversation highlights the importance of agility, relationship-building, and mission alignment in today’s federal health environment. If you'd like to reach out to JR, connect with him on LinkedIn. | Learn More About GovCon Growth Solutions here. If you'd like to reach out to Ali, connect with her on LinkedIn. | Learn More About Steer Operational Solutions here. If you'd like to reach out to Robert, connect with him on LinkedIn. | Learn more about Dynanet Corporation here. If you liked listening to this episode, click here to view more in this series. To view all of our podcast series, visit our podcast page.

In this episode of The JR and Ali Show, JR Glass, President of GovCon Growth Solutions, chats with guest Jason Cullum, Vice President with Element. They offer a candid, forward-looking view into how CMS is approaching procurement, innovation, and industry collaboration. Their message is clear: CMS is listening. They’re prioritizing outcomes, updating forecasts, and creating space for meaningful dialogue, including invite-only industry days that are becoming more targeted and mission-focused. AI and automation are in the mix, but CMS isn’t chasing buzzwords. As JR emphasizes, tools are only as good as their alignment to the mission. Jason echoes the need for solutions that are not only technically sound but grounded in CMS’s unique policy and operational environment. The companies making headway are those who understand nuance and show up prepared to collaborate, not just sell. Despite challenges in the procurement process, including more manual reviews and compliance demands, JR and Jason point to real progress. CMS is capturing billions in savings and exploring smarter ways to buy. They also hint at broader shifts within HHS, like the potential to consolidate procurement authority in strategic areas such as the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN).