Welcome back to GovCon Unscripted! In this episode, Chelsea sits down with Al Vega, CEO of Clerco, to discuss the realities of recruiting in government contracting, from proposal staffing to cleared personnel challenges.

Al shares why transparency with candidates matters, how to build strong talent benches, and why mission-driven professionals often value national security work more than money. He also explores how AI is reshaping recruiting while human review remains central.

On this episode, we discuss:

• Proposal recruiting vs. active contract recruiting — and how to manage both
• The importance of client intelligence and proactive candidate engagement
• Challenges of recruiting for Top Secret and above clearances
• Why GovCon culture must adapt to compete with big tech perks
• AI’s role in recruiting includes useful insights, but with a human touch, which is critical

Timestamps:

[03:41 ] - Introducing Al Vega and Clerco’s recruiting focus

[05:07 ] - Proposal recruiting vs. active contract recruiting

[07:23 ] - Intelligence gathering and collaboration across BD, capture, and recruiting

[10:43 ] - Building talent benches and engaging candidates early

[13:20 ] - Recruiting cleared professionals and unique challenges

[15:39 ] - Mission-driven motivation vs. money-driven candidates

[17:55 ] - GovCon adapting to big tech culture and younger CEOs

[23:04 ] - AI’s role in recruiting and resume detection

[28:01 ] - Human review vs. automation in resume screening

[31:08 ] - LinkedIn sourcing strategies and algorithm optimization

[35:02 ] - Civilianizing resumes for transitioning government employees

[37:12 ] - Recruiter roles clarified — finding talent, not jobs

🎧 Listen now on:

🔹 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/govcon-unscripted/id1766384482

🔹 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1NL0kFAvmgECLTJpUZYNHy

Like and follow us:

🔹 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GovConUnscriptedUS

🔹 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/govconunscriptedpodcast/

🔹 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/govcon-unscripted/posts/

🔹 JOIN OUR #govcon #community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14618490/

New to GovCon? Here's a guide for you:

https://share.hsforms.com/288nO18bsRCCmdJZL66pClwbzmvx

Links and Resources:

• Chelsea’s LinkedIn Profile
• Al Vega’s LinkedIn Profile
• Clerco's website link