Shows
BEST8A PodcastEpisode 60 - Contract Officers: Breaking the Empathy Myth in GovCon with Gloria Aderinokun (Part 1)Gloria Aderinokun explains why she rejects “empathy” as a GovCon strategy and why confusing empathy with sympathy can quietly kill a business.
2026-01-0913 minBEST8A PodcastEpisode 59 - Inside the Federal Journey: Growth, Change, and Moving to the Private Sector with Prisco Eric RavelliWhat does a 27-year federal career teach you about opportunity, transition, and the private sector?Prisco Eric Ravelli, former SBA, VA, Army, and Corps of Engineers small business leader, shares how federal employees can prepare for unexpected career shifts, leverage relationships, understand their market value, and successfully navigate the move from government service into consulting and industry.
2025-12-0524 minBEST8A PodcastEpisode 58 - Finding Your Path: Leadership, Cyber, and Career Growth in GovCon with Indira Rice DoneganHow do military leaders successfully transition into the GovCon and tech industry?Indira Rice Donegan, retired U.S. Army Battalion Commander and Chief Executive Officer, federal CTO at Broadcom, and founder of RIDO Technology Consulting, LLC, shares how cyber leadership, mission-focused experience, and strategic relationship-building shape successful careers across government, industry, and consulting, and how transitioning professionals can find the right path forward.Listen to the latest episode of the Best8(a) Podcast!#podcast #govcon #smallbusiness #8a #businessdevelopment
2025-11-2036 minBEST8A PodcastEpisode 57 - How Small GovCon Firms Can Build Real Value Before Selling, with Stephanie SmithWhat truly drives the value of a small business in GovCon?Stephanie Smith, Government Contracting Senior Analyst and Valuation Services Director at RSM US LLP, shares how relationships, diversification, and strategic planning can shape a company’s long-term value and position it for a successful exit.Listen to the latest episode of the Best8(a) Podcast!#podcast #govcon #governmentcontracting #smallbusiness #8a #businessdevelopment #valuation #strategy #federalcontracts #mergersandacquisitions
2025-10-2030 minBEST8A PodcastEpisode 56 - The Future of Small Business Contracting, with Sam LeWhat trends are reshaping small business contracting?Sam Le, Former member of the SBA as a director of Policy and Liason, breaks down consolidation, the future of the Rule of Two, and how small businesses can adapt to the FAR overhaul.Listen to the latest episode of the Best8(a) podcast!#podcast #govcon #smallbusiness #governmentcontracting #federalprocurement #8a #sba #federalgovernment #far #ruleoftwo #government
2025-09-0832 minBEST8A PodcastEpisode 55 - Having a structured BD process, with Jennifer DoughertyJennifer Dougherty, PCI Federal BD Executive and former TSA Program Manager, continues our discussion on the importance of building relationships and having structures for BD processes.
2025-07-2127 minBEST8A PodcastEpisode 54 - How to offer solutions to the PM, with Jennifer Dougherty (part 1)Jennifer Dougherty, PCI FEderal BD Executive and former TSA Program Manager, discusses her career, the cultural difference across agencies and how to build relationships in federal contracting.
2025-07-1419 minBEST8A PodcastEpisode 53: A Small Business Professional's Perspective, with Leslie FairclothLeslie Faircloth, former OSBP at Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division and founder of Small GovCon Solutions, discusses her federal career joruney, her advocacy for small businesses and how AI is going to impact the GovCon process.
2025-06-2028 minBEST8A PodcastEpisode 52: Less Consistent GovCon Rules, with Keith BoyeaGovernment contracting is going to become less consistent across agencies. How will that impact BD?Keith Boyea, DOE Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations Director of Contracts and Awards, discusses how to diferentiate proposals, engage with contracting officers and the changes in government contracting regulations.Listen to the Best8(a) Podcast! -
2025-05-3021 minBEST8A PodcastEpisode 51: Can a Contracting Officer help a small business with proposals?, with Shauna WeatherlyCan a Contracting Officer help a small business with proposals? What?! Are you crazy?! Shauna Weatherly, president of FedSubK and former GSA senior procurement analyst, discusses her federal career journey, the challenges of starting a business while working for the government, and her advice for small businesses in the current GovCon upheaval.
2025-05-2222 minBEST8A PodcastEpisode 50: how small businesses can advocate for themselves, with Darlene Bullock.GovCon rules are changing: How can small businesses navigate this moment?E. Darlene Bullock, former Executive Director of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security' OSDBU, talks about her federal career journey, the emerging challenges in procurement processes and how small businesses can advocate for themselves.
2025-04-2421 minBEST8A PodcastEpisode 49: Government efficiency challenges, with Ann DunkinHow can federal agencies' work be made more efficient?Ann Dunkin, DOE CIO, discusses government efficiency challenges, the value of federal agencies' missions and working across the public-private divide.Listen to the latest episode of the Best8(a) podcast!#podcast #govcon #cio #innovation #governmentcontracting #governmentprocurement #federalprocurement #8a #smallbusiness #8asmallbusiness #departmentofenergy #doe #energy
2025-01-3025 minBEST8A PodcastEpisode 48: Innovating Together: DHS S&T and Industry Collaboration, with Tod CompanionHow do DHS S&T and industry help each other develop new technology? Tod Companion, Senior Advisor at DHS Science and Technology Directorate, discusses his career journey, inter-agency and industry collaboration and the development of technology readiness and innovation.Check out the latest episode of the Best8(a) podcast! #podcast #innovation #dhs #interview #smallbusiness #8a #8asmallbusiness #bd #businessdevelopment #govcon #scienceandtechnology
2025-01-2323 minBEST8A PodcastEpisode 47: How can you earn your PM's trust? with Monica Padron Harris (part 2)How can you earn your PM's trust?
Monica Padron Harris, former Sr. Acquisition Advisor at USCIS and founder of The Procurement Pros, continues our discussion on the importance of building relationships, collaborating and sharing knowledge in the govcon space.Check out the latest episode od the Best8(a) podcast!
2025-01-0819 minBEST8A PodcastEpisode 46: Engaging with the federal government, with Monica Padron Harris (part 1)How can you make the most of one-on-one meetings with the government?Monica Padrón Harris, former Sr. Acquisition Advisor at USCIS and founder of The Procurement Pros, discusses her career journey, best practices for engaging with the federal government, and the importance of networking and perseverance.Check out the latest episode od the Best8(a) podcast!#podcast #govcon #governmentcontracting #governmentcontractor #federalacquisition #acquisition #federalprocurement #procurement #bd #businessdevelopment #8a #8asmallbusiness #smallbusiness
2025-01-0216 minBEST8A PodcastEpisode 45: Revolutionizing Federal Workflows, with John Bergin (part 2)Can AI lighten the load of federal agents?John Bergin, Director at Microsoft and former DOD IT & Business System Reform Leader, continues our talk about his participation in AFCEA NOVA, cybersecurity and Microsoft productivity tools.Listen to the latest episode of the Best8(a) Podcast!#podcast #govcon #governmentcontacting #dod #cybersecurity #leadership #bd #businessdevelopment #smallbusiness #8a #8asmallbusiness
2024-12-2419 minBEST8A PodcastEpisode 44: Adapting to changes in GovCon space, with Alec Longarzo (Part 2)How do you find the "cool new thing"?
Alec Longarzo, VP of Growth at Aperio Global, LLC, and AFCEA NOVA Board Member, continues our discussion on small businesses' agility for innovation, relationship-building in the contracting space, and what changes may the new adminstration bring.
Listen to the latest episode of the Best8(a) podcast! -
#podcast #businessdevelopment #bd #govcon #governmentcontracting #federalacquisition #federalprocurement #innovation #modernization #it #itmodernization
2024-12-1811 minBEST8A PodcastEpisode 43: Finding the new cool thing, with Alec Longarzo (Part 1)How will the new administration's promise to increase fed spending efficency affect GovCon industry?Alec Longarzo, VP of Growth at Aperio Global, LLC, and AFCEA NOVA Board Member, discusses his career journey, building relationships and understading costumer needs, and how to stay ahead in the technology field.Listen to the latest episode of the Best8(a) podcast! - #podcast #businessdevelopment #bd #govcon #governmentcontracting #federalacquisition #federalprocurement #innovation #modernization #it #itmodernization
2024-12-1213 minBEST8A PodcastEpisode 42: Government, Business, and Leadership with John Bergin (part 1)John Bergin, Director at Microsoft and former DOD IT & Business System Reform Leader, discusses leadership pholosophy, and the contrast between government and commercial sector operations.Listen to the latest episode of the Best8(a) Podcast!#podcast #govcon #governmentcontacting #dod #cybersecurity #leadership #bd #businessdevelopment #smallbusiness #8a #8asmallbusiness
2024-12-0418 minBEST8A PodcastEpisode 41: Leadership Challenges, with Tarrazzia Martin (part 2)Can federal employees own a company? Tarrazzia Martin, HUD Senior Advisor of Enterprise Technology, Planning and Change Management, continues our discussion on the challenges of leadership, navigating power, and some of her career hihglights.Listen to the latest episode of the Best8(a) podcast#podcast #leadership #federalleadership #govcon #governmentcontracting #CEO #8a #smallbusiness #8asmallbusiness #federalacquisition #federalprocurement
2024-10-3010 minBEST8A PodcastEpisode 40: Becoming your own CIO, with Tarrazzia Martin (Part 1)Federal IT Careers: Going Solo or Thriving in a Team?Tarrazzia Martin, HUD Senior Advisor of Enterprise Technology, Planning and Change Management, discusses her journey working in the federal government, owning your technology, and what leadership and mentorship mean to her.Listen to the latest episode of the Best8(a) podcast#podcast #leadership #federalleadership #govcon #governmentcontracting #CEO #8a #smallbusiness #8asmallbusiness #federalacquisition #federalprocurement
2024-10-1712 minBEST8A PodcastEpisode 39: The importance of enganging in Government, with Jay Visconti (Part 2)Reaching out to the governemnt: email or phone call?Jay Visconti, former CBP Director of STAT Division, talks about KO's challenges, the importance of enganging in industry days, and how telework has been transformational for interactions in the federal sector.Check out the latest episode of the Best8(a) Podcast!#podcast #smallbusiness #8a #8asmallbusiness #businessdevelopment #bd #federalcontracting #federalacquisition
2024-10-0911 minBEST8A PodcastEpisode 38: AI and Contracting, with Scott Scimpson (Part 2) Can AI help us focus more on relationship building?Scott Simpson, digital transformation lead at DHS, continues our dicussion on the impact of AI in federal procurement and the importance of collaboration between the technical and the procurement teams.Check out the latest episode of the Best8(a) Podcast!#podcast #ai #artificialintelligence #smallbusiness #8a #8asmallbusiness #businessdevelopment #bd #federalacquisition #federalprocurement #contractingofficers #programmanagers
2024-09-2512 minBEST8A PodcastEpisode 37: Persistant challenges in federal IT, with Bill Pratt (part 3))Can GAO reports help with BD and relationship building?This is the final part of my talk with Bill Pratt, Executive Director of Customer Relations at RELI Inc. and former IT Director at DHS, where we discuss some of the persistant challenges in federal IT and what advice he'd give to federal employees transitioning into the private sector based on his own experience.Check out the latest episode of the Best8(a) Podcast!#podcast #smallbusiness #8a #8asmallbusiness #govcon #governmentcontracting #federalacquisition #federalprocurement #industry #informationtechnology #it
2024-09-1821 minBEST8A PodcastEpisode 36: Take On Challenges, Grow, and Get Noticed, With Christian MacMillan (part 2)How can professionals grow their careers in the federal government?Christian Macmillan, former Director of Staffing and Training Development at the US Marine Corps and Program Manager at the DHS, continues our discussion on personal and professional growth, the importance of networking and mentorship, and what industry leaders should do if they want to engage with DHS.🎙️ Check out the latest episode of the Best8(a) podcast! #podcast #smallbusiness #8asmallbusiness #govcon #governmentcontracting #federalacquisition #federalprocurement #nationalsecurity
2024-09-1623 minBEST8A PodcastEpisode 35: relationships with end users in business, with Dr. Charlene Coon (part 2))You can't convince end users just by saying you have a great idea!Charlene Coon, president of the board of the directos of World Business Development Association, continues our discussion on relationship building, the importance of storytelling in proposals and how you can shape an opportunity through proactive conversations with end users.Check out the latest episode of the Best8(a) podcast!#podcast #smallbusiness #8a #8asmallbusiness #businessdevelopment #bd #govcon #governmentcontracting #federalacquisition #federalcontracting
2024-09-0315 minBEST8A PodcastEpisode 34: Federal to Private: Navigating Both Worlds, with Jay Visconti (Part 1)Sometimes federal employees don't realize the effort that goes into a proposal!Jay Visconti, former CBP Director of STAT Division, discusses the highlights of his career in the federal sector, his transition into industry, and what he learned on each side of the fence.Check out the latest episode of the Best8(a) Podcast!#podcast #newepisode #smallbusiness #8asmallbusiness #8a #sme #subjectmatterexpert #govcon #governmentcontracting #governmentcontractor #federalacquisition #federalprocurement
2024-08-2815 minBEST8A PodcastEpisode 33: Lessons from a Federal ML Engineer, With Abigail HaddadHow is AI going to change the tech landscape in 10 years?
Abigail Haddad, a machine learning engineering at DHS, discusses the impact of AI and ML, the career path for technical professionals who move between the private and public sector, and whether the government should be open to sharing their codes.
Check out the latest episode of the Best8(a) podcast!
#podcast #ai #artificialintelligence #aiml #machinelearning #coding #govcon #tech #governmentcontracting #governmentcontractor #smallbusiness #8a #8asmallbusiness #federalacquisition #federalprocurement
2024-08-2722 minBEST8A PodcastEpisode 32: Smart Risks and Transparency in Government Procurement, with Scott Simpson (Part 1)How does the goverment ensure all GMEs are on equal footing?"Affordability and discovery!"Scott Simpson, digital transformation lead at DHS, discusses the need for more flexible federal procurement practices and what are the best approaches for Government Mission Enablers in their conversations with end users.Check out the latest episode of the Best8(a) podcast!#podcast #dhs #innovation #govcon #governmentcontracting #governmentcontractor #federalaacquisition #federalprocurement #smallbusiness #8a #8asmallbusiness
2024-08-2018 minBEST8A PodcastEpisode 31: Intrusive Leadership, with Christian MacMillan (Part 1)Can intrusive leadership be a good thing?Christian Macmillan, former Director of Staffing and Training Development at the US Marine Corps and Program Manager at the DHS, discusses the different leaderships styles in the military and civil services, and the challanges federal employees might encounter on their career path.#podcast #smallbusiness #8asmallbusiness #govcon #governmentcontracting #federalacquisition #federalprocurement
2024-08-1520 minBEST8A PodcastEpisode 30: Working at a large company, With John C. King (Part 2)Working at a large company can be exciting, but also isolating.
John C. King, former USMC Senior Logistics Manager and CEO of King Global Enterprise Solutions, continues our discussion about what it can be like for federal employees to transition into industry, the contrast between big and small companies, and some of the challenges with recruiting cleared personnel.
Check out the latest episode of the Best8(a) podcast!
#podcast #smallbusiness #8asmallbusiness #govcon #governmentcontracting #federalacquisition #federalprocurement
2024-08-1210 minBEST8A PodcastEpisode 29: Finding your space as a Small Business, wit Beth Cappello (Part 2)If you want to increase your PWIN, you have to know what makes you different and better!
Beth Capello, former DHS Deputy CIO, continues our talk about how to build relationships with key leaders, how to make the be more strategic during meetings, and what her plans for the future are.
🎙️ Check out the latest episode of the Best8(a) podcast!
2024-08-0118 minBEST8A PodcastEpisode 28: SMEs and proposal writing, with Dr. Charlene Coon (Part 1)SMEs are more vital to contract writing than you imagine!Dr. Charlene Coon, president of the board of the directos of World Business Development Association, sat down to discuss her experience working with communities and companies in Africa, promoting cbersecurity and her previous role as an SME in the FBI.Check out the latest episode of the Best8(a) podcast!
2024-07-2917 minBEST8A PodcastEpisode 27: Small business, Big Learning. With John C. King (Part 1)John C King, former USMC Senior Logistics Manager and CEO of King Global Enterprise Solutions, discusses his transition into the private sector, what working at large and small companies taught him, and what advice he has to give to other federal employees looking to follow that same path.
2024-07-2412 minBEST8A PodcastEpisode 26: Meeting with Fed end users, with Bill Pratt (Part 2)Bill Pratt's best advice for meeting with fed end users: use the BBQ principle!
Bill Pratt, Executive Director of Customer Relations at RELI Inc. and former IT Director at DHS, continues our talk about what end users need from vendors and why being bold, brief and quiet during meetings is the best strategy.
2024-07-2220 minBEST8A PodcastEpisode 25: IT - Brilliant at the basics, with Beth Cappello (Part1 )Beth Capello, former DHS Deputy CIO, tells us about how technology impacts the mission of federal agencies, what agencies expect from their vendors and her #1 tip for a succesful career in technology .
2024-07-1814 minBEST8A PodcastEpisode 24: Program Managers' Burden, with Bill Pratt (part 1)Bill Pratt, Executive Director of Customer Relations at RELI Inc. and former IT Director at DHS, talks about his experience working as a program manager, and the complexities and evolution of IT systems and procurement processes in the federal government.
2024-07-1520 minBEST8A PodcastEpisode 23: Knowledge Graphs, with Ryan Riccucci (part 2)Ryan Riccucci, Division Chief of US Customs and Border Protection's Enforcement Technology and Operational Programs, continues our discussion on the complexity of data management in federal agencies.
2024-07-1013 minBEST8A PodcastEpisode 22: Micropurchases, with William Randolph (part 2)💡 Micropurchases to break into a new agency: Can you bypass the CO and deal directly with the PM?
🔊 William Randolph, CEO of MicroMarket.co and former contracting officer for the United States Marine Corps and U.S. Department of Homeland Security, continues our discussion on micropurchases, simplified acquisition thresholds and how small businesses can strategically use them to get their foot in the door.
2024-07-0921 minBEST8A PodcastEpisode 21: Applied Ontology, with Ryan Riccucci (part 1)Ryan Riccucci, chief of CBP's division of enforcement technology and operational programs, discusses applied ontology, the importance of data quality and why small businesses sometimes have the edge when coming up with solutions.
2024-07-0112 minBEST8A PodcastEpisode 20: Capturing incumbent Program Managers, with Fred Darugar (part 2)Fred Darugar with Omniscius, explains some of his best strategies to increase PWIN supporting capture efforts with recruiting. We talk about incumbent personnel, about exclusivity and their different types.
2024-06-2716 minBEST8A PodcastEpisode 19: Understanding pain points, with Peter Firth (part 2)Peter Frith, VP of Strategy at Anika Systems and BD and Capture specialist, continues our conversation about the importance of understanding PMs' pain points & issues, and long and short term strategies for small businesses.
2024-06-2417 minBEST8A PodcastEpisode 18: Artificial Intelligence and Business Development, with Nicolas Chaillan (part 2)Nicolas Chaillan, founder and CEO of AskSage and former US Air Force and Space Force Chief Software Officer, continues our discussion on the impact of new technologies on Business Development and the government contracting process.
2024-06-1913 minBEST8A PodcastTitle: Episode 17: Capturing strategy, with Fred Darugar (part 1)Fred Darugar, CEO of Ominiscius LLC, discusses the importance of developing a capturing strategy, negotiation tactics and how to build trust with incumbent personnel.
2024-06-1714 minBEST8A PodcastEpisode 16: The Two Bubbles, with Nicolas Chaillan (part 1)Nicolas Chaillan, founder and CEO of AskSage and former US Air Force and Space Force Chief Software Officer, discussed with me the impact of embracing new technologies in the workforce, and the need for further collaboration and healthy interchange between the government and commercial sectors.
2024-06-1217 minBEST8A PodcastEpisode 15: Strategic Communication, with William Randolph (part 1)William Randolph, CEO of Think Acquisition and former contracting officer for the DON, USMC and DHS, discussed with me the importance of strategic communication, effective messaging and what makes a good value proposition.
2024-06-1116 minBEST8A PodcastEpisode 14: Understanding Government Processes, with Nicholas Schellman (part 2)In the second part of my conversation with CEO of Central Strategies and former Coast Guard program manager, Nicolas Schellman, we discussed the importance of building relationships with federal contracting officers and program managers and understanding government processes
2024-06-0510 minBEST8A PodcastEpisode 13: Can AI alleviate COs burnout?, with John Ferry (part 2)John Ferry, CEO of Rogue and GovCon acquisition expert, continues our discussion about how AI can transform the federal acquisition landscape, the challenges of its implementation, and the impact on small businesses.
2024-06-0320 minBEST8A PodcastEpisode 12: The pivotal role of building relationships, with Peter Frith (part 1)Peter Frith, VP of Strategy at Anika Systems and BD and Capture specialist, talked to us about the pivotal role of relationship building, understanding client needs and integrating BD efforts with delivery to drive growth and success.
2024-05-2917 minBEST8A PodcastEpisode 11: How AI is changing government contracting, with John Ferry (part 1)John Ferry, CEO of Rogue and GovCon acquisition expert, talks about the transformative potential of AI in government contracting, the strategic development of AI tools, and why small businesses might just be quicker to implement them.
2024-05-2019 minBEST8A PodcastEpisode 10: The disconnect between government and industry, with Nicholas Schellman (part 1)CEO of Central Strategies and former Coast Guard program manager, Nicolas Schellman, shares his experience working in federal procurement and moving to the private sector, the disconnect between government and industry, and how he thinks those challenges should be adressed.
2024-05-1316 minBEST8A PodcastEpisode 9: Balancing work in the industry and the federal space, with Justin ForbesIn this episode, we sat down with Justin Forbes, IT Security Specialist at CISA and founder of Barside, a Pennsylvania-based virtual cybersecurity community, to discuss what is like to work for both the public and private sector, the differences on how they approach innovation, and more!
(All comments and opinions expressed in this podcast are personal and do not represent CISA or any government agency)
2024-05-0217 minBEST8A PodcastEpisode 8: The dos and don'ts when talking to SBOs, with Veteran Affairs Anna Urman (Part 2)Part 2 of our conversation with Strategic Outreach and Communications Director at the Veterans Affairs Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, Anna Urman, where we discuss the dos and don'ts for small businesses when meeting with a small business officer.
2024-03-2009 minBEST8A PodcastEpisode 7: How the Goverment helps Small Businesses, with Veteran Affairs Anna Urman (Part 1)Listen to Strategic Outreach and Communications Director at the Veterans Affairs Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, Anna Urman, talk about what she learnt from her federal experience assisting Small Businesses and how Apex Accelerators can help them out.
2024-02-0914 minBEST8A PodcastEpisode 6: Conversation with Lee Kair (Part 2): How to transition from Goverment to IndustryListen to Principal of Chertoff Group, Lee Kair, give his advice for federal agents transitioning into the private sector and discuss the relationship between goverment and industry and the influence of equity in the contracting world.
2023-12-2915 min
BEST8A PodcastEpisode 5: Conversation with Lee Kair (Part 1), Translation issues between Goverment and IndustryListen to Principal of The Chertoff Group, Lee Kair, share his expertise on procurement as a former contracting officer.
2023-10-3018 min
BEST8A PodcastEpisode 4: Matthew Schoonover on the narrative of social disadvantageListen to the Managing Member of Schoonover and Moriarty, Matthew Schoonover, share his perspective on the implications of the injunction issued by the federal district court of Tennessee over the rebuttable presumption of social disadvantage in place under the 8(a) Program.
2023-09-0616 min
BEST8A PodcastEpisode 3: Kevin Jans, inside the mind of a Contracting OfficerListen to Kevin Jans, former DOD CO and current CEO of Skyway Acquisition, share thoughtful insights on both the Federal and Industry sides of the Government Contracting world.
2023-06-1210 min
BEST8A PodcastEpisode 2: Should government contractors form Joint Ventures?Why are industry leaders joining forces so often? Listen to the CEOs of Cinteot and Metric5 share the good and the bad about Joint Ventures.
2023-01-1321 min
BEST8A PodcastEpisode 1: Should government contractors specialize their offerings?Which is the better business strategy? Join us to hear what the CEOs of Enquizit and eTRANSERVICES thinks about each approach. What's your take? Leave a comment letting us know!
2022-12-2116 min