GovCon Coffee & Issues

Ep 28: 2024 Cybersecurity Compliance Update

In this episode of GovCon Coffee & Issues, we’re excited to have Adam Austin (Totem Tech) back on the show to tell us about the latest developments in Cybersecurity Compl

Ep 27: No Strategy or Game Plan for 2024

As the great Benjamin Franklin once said, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail!” So, if you’re looking to conquer the world of federal sales in 2024, you need a

Ep 26: Tackling Short SAM.GOV Solicitation Windows

In the world of federal contracting, the saying goes, 'If you're waiting until opportunities are posted on SAM.gov, you may be too late.' Unfortunately, this holds true i

Ep 25: New Requirements for SDVOSBs and VOSBs in 2024

If you are a veteran seeking government market opportunities, this episode is for you! Effective January 1st, 2024, you must secure formal certification from the SBA to p

Ep 24: SBA's 8(a) BD Program: New Requirements and How to Meet Them

In this episode, Carroll and Michael host Government Contracting Attorney Nicole Pottroff to discuss the recent court ruling that has significantly changed the SBA's 8(a)

Ep 23: What Every Contractor Must Know About Cybersecurity

In this episode of Coffee & Issues, Carroll and Michael welcome Adam Austin from Totem Technologies (https://www.totem.tech/). Together, they delve into cybersecurity in

Ep 22: GSA Schedule Contracts: Opportunities, Issues, and Pitfalls

In this episode, Michael LeJeune and Carroll Bernard host a special guest Rich Earnest (Certified Coach with RSM Federal). The trio discuss the issues, pitfalls, and prev

Ep 21: Secrets of Successful Government Contractors

Have you ever wondered why some government contractors are "showered" with opportunities while others struggle to win a single contract? In this episode, Carroll Bernard

Ep 20: Issues With Being a "Middleman"

Did you enter the government marketplace as a small business wanting to be a "middleman" or "deal broker"? Unfortunately, the government doesn't like this approach -- it

Ep 19: The Ins and Outs of Teaming

In this episode, Carroll and Mike delve into the issue of teaming in federal contracting and help clear up the confusion many contractors have around this topic. They exp

Ep 18: Tips for Getting Financing for Your Contracts

This episode is all about access to capital. How do you get the money you need to finance your contracts without getting yourself in trouble with shady lenders or ruthles

Ep 17: Small Disadvantaged Businesses: Opportunities and Confusion

In this episode, Carroll and Mike welcome back Govology Faculty Instructor and Legal Analyst Steven Koprince. Together, they discuss the historic opportunities for small

Ep 16: The SBA's Proposed Changes to the 8(a) Program: Consequences for ALL Certifications

In this episode, Carroll and Michael host Mr. Steven Koprince, retired attorney and Govology Legal Analyst, to discuss the consequences of the SBA's proposed changes to t

Ep 15: How to Capture Expiring Funds & Sole Source Contracts

In this episode, Carroll and Michael host Mr. Jeff Cuskey who recently presented a webinar on Govology, titled "Strategies to Capture Expiring Funds & Sole Source Contrac

Ep 14: What's the Deal With CMMC?

In this episode, Carroll and Michael welcome Aliahu "Alli" Bey and Adam Austin from Haight Bey & Associates LLC - a successful small business defense contractor. During t

Ep 13: Procurement Readiness

In this episode, Carroll and Michael discuss the issue of how many small businesses are not truly ready to win opportunities in the government marketplace. They also prov

Ep 12: DUNS Transition to UEI

Have you heard the news? On April 4, 2022, the Federal government transitioned from DUNS numbers to Unique Entity Identifiers (UEI). As a result, vendors will no longer h

Ep 11: Unsolicited Proposals

In this episode, Carroll and Michael explore the effectiveness of unsolicited proposals. They welcome a guest, Jutta Bangs from Tennessee PTAC, who shares a client succes

Ep 10: How to Win Your First Government Contract

The main message of this episode is that there is no one cookie-cutter way to win a government contract. Many factors determine the best approach to selling to government

Ep9: Common Certification Hurdles (and How to Avoid Them)

In this episode, Carroll and Michael discuss the common hurdles small businesses face when going for any of the federal small business certifications. These include the f