Episodes

  • FREE TRAINING: https://www.govclose.com/sales-certification

    GET CERTIFIED: Earn up to $400K a year as a freelance GOVERNMENT CONTRACT CONSULTANT: https://www.govclose.com/sales-certification.

    Free Book Download: https://www.dodcontract.com/

    00:00 Introduction to the 8a Program

    00:36 Meet Kevin Mulrennan: 8a Expert

    01:53 Understanding the 8a Program

    02:38 Economic and Social Disadvantages in 8a

    07:16 Benefits of the 8a Program

    09:17 Sole Source Contracts and Limitations

    12:30 Tribal 8a and Unique Advantages

    16:16 Strategies for 8a Success

    26:20 Joint Ventures and Past Performance

    32:54 Future of the 8a Program 3

    5:19 Conclusion and Contact Information

  • Get the GovClose Certification: https://www.govclose.com/sales-certification

    In this video you'll learn why approaching government contracting as a consultant is in high demand.

    Former government acquisitions officer Rick Howard goes in depth on the top 3 skills required and gives a sneak peek at how much you can expect to make your first year.

    00:00 Introduction to Government Contracting

    00:41 Rick Howard's Background and Expertise

    01:22 Three Key Skills for Success

    01:36 Developing Expertise in Government Contracting

    05:06 The Importance of Training and Action

    06:34 Fundamental Truths of Government Contracting

    08:24 Building a Government Contracting Business

    10:37 Persistence and Determination in Government Contracting

    18:49 Case Study: Ivan's Success Story

    19:21 Success Stories: Ivan and Deb

    20:52 The Importance of Selling

    23:33 Consulting Fees and Expectations

    24:18 Starting with Upwork

    25:34 Invoicing and Revenue

    29:16 Achieving Results in Government Contracting

    32:33 Final Thoughts and Program Overview

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  • Interested in the lucrative profession of Government Contracting? The GovClose certification program is giving people the skillset and credibility to crush it in the public sector!

    Weather you want to work as an account executive for a big defense company or start your own freelance consulting business GovClose can give you teh tools, 1v1 guidance and community to go out there and make a difference.

    Check out the GovClose certification program here: https://www.govclose.com/sales-certification

    Want to watch us in action? Check Out Our YOUTUBE Channel https://www.youtube.com/@govclose/?sub_confirmation=1

    Everyone needs a quick way to find leads on the go. Get the digital version of the government contract plannert here: https://www.dodcontract.com/

    In this tutorial Rick Howard, Former Procurement officer breaks down two features sam.gov has that most small businesses don't take advantage of. #governmentcontracts

  • GET CERTIFIED: Earn up to $400K a year as a freelance GOVERNMENT CONTRACT CONSULTANT: https://www.govclose.com/sales-certification

    Fred Carl is a top graduate of the GovClose certification program and owner of Gears PDM.

    Fred shares his extensive experience in the outdoor and military gear market, detailing his journey and valuable insights. From his stint at Gerber Gear to his specialization in ergonomic niche design and consulting, Fred explains the intricacies of getting products like automatic knives to meet rigorous military standards and win military contracts for small business.

    He also discusses the GovClose program's value in understanding the complex world of government procurement, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning, NSN processes, and the benefits of networking.

    Want to work with Fred? Fred's website: https://www.gearsproductmarketing.com

    00:00 Introduction to Automatic Knives in Military Contracts

    00:52 Fred Carl's Career Journey

    02:04 Working with Gerber Gear

    04:01 Insights from Field Observations

    06:10 GovClose Certification Success Stories

    07:31 Developing the E-Pet Effect Weapons Tool

    08:56 Navigating the NSN Process

    12:06 Choosing the GovClose Program

    12:25 Consulting for Smaller Companies

    22:05 Challenges in Government Contracting

    25:00 Leveraging GovClose Network

    31:46 Fred Carl's Expertise and Services

    34:39 Conclusion and Contact Information

  • Earn up to $400K a year as a freelance GOVERNMENT CONTRACT CONSULTANT: https://www.govclose.com/sales-certification

    These tools are essential for researching government contracts and getting the competitive advantage. I use them everyday, and my aim is to teach how I use them and how you can leverage these websited for your business.

    00:00 Introduction to Government Contracting Tools

    00:13 Establishing Your Niche in Government Contracting 01:30 Leveraging USA Spending for Insights

    03:12 Analyzing Government Contracts and Competition 04:28 Success Stories and Testimonials

    06:04 Understanding Government Spending and Fiscal Years

    09:45 Finding and Responding to Sources Sought

    20:34 Creating and Managing Opportunities in GovClose

    30:49 Ensuring Email Delivery to Government Agencies

    31:53 The Importance of Confirming Receipt

    32:17 Building Relationships with Government Offices

    33:27 Requesting and Conducting Follow-Up Meetings

    34:09 The Power of Personal Connections in Sales

    34:55 Effective Sales Strategies for Government Contracts

    37:34 Prospecting and Upselling to Government Clients

    44:13 Navigating Government Contracting Certifications

    47:26 Analyzing Government Spending Data

    55:54 Understanding Cybersecurity Requirements

    58:05 Final Thoughts and Q&A

  • GET CERTIFIED: Earn up to $400K a year as a freelance GOVERNMENT CONTRACT CONSULTANT: https://www.govclose.com/sales-certification

    27-year-old Ivan Loaiza, a National Guard officer in California, shares his inspiring journey and closing his first government contracting deal as a consultant.

    After completing the GovClose certification program, Ivan leveraged the skills he learned to help a small startup company navigate government procurement.

    Within a month of certification, he closed his first deal and is now focused on lead generation and pipeline development for IT and technology companies.

    00:00 Introduction to Ivan's Success Story

    00:17 Ivan's Background and Motivation

    01:14 First Deal and Initial Success

    02:41 Program Experience and Benefits

    03:40 Remote Work and Family Life

    04:15 Certification Journey and Achievements

    05:20 Future Prospects and Specialization

    05:51 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

  • GET CERTIFIED: Earn up to $400K a year as a freelance GOVERNMENT CONTRACT CONSULTANT: https://www.govclose.com/sales-certification

    In this episode, we explore the complexities of government contracting through the lens of the Dunning-Kruger effect, as introduced by Neil deGrasse Tyson.

    We discuss how a little knowledge can be dangerous, the extensive regulatory landscape, and the pitfalls faced by novices.

    Hard work and perseverance are required to succeed in government contracting.

    Key insights include the importance of data, understanding the government buying process, and building long-term relationships to secure high-dollar contracts.

    00:00 Introduction to the Dunning Kruger Effect

    00:47 Complexities of Government Contracting

    01:53 Misconceptions and Realities

    03:58 The Valley of Death in Government Contracting

    04:55 Becoming a Government Contracting Expert

    06:18 Building Sustainable Government Contracts

    07:46 Conclusion and Next Steps

  • In this episode we review what Elon Musk's public opinion is on government contracting and how it should be approached.

    We can take some of these key insights and apply them to our own business.

    Additionally, it's essential for anyone in this space to understand how the big defense contractors operate and how so very few companies have risen to compete with them!

    00:00 Elon Musk comments on cost plus contracts

    03:28 Elon Musk's Perspective on Government Contracts

    03:54 The Role of Competition in Contracting

    04:10 Sole Source Contracting Explained

    05:11 GovClose: Helping Businesses with Government Contracts

    05:42 The Reality of Government Contracting

    06:19 Elon Musk's Success in Government Contracts

  • GET "GovClose" CERTIFIED: Earn up to $400K a year as a freelance GOVERNMENT CONTRACT CONSULTANT: https://www.govclose.com/sales-certification

    Hire A Trained Government Conrtracting Expert: https://govclose.com/contracts-training

    FREE BOOK: Download the "Government Contract Planner" For Free at https://www.dodcontract.com

    SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@dodcontractacademy/?sub_confirmation=1

    This episode explores Gavin's journey to securing government contracts including cold calling, and his strategies for early engagement and rigorous market research.

    This episode offers practical advice and real-life examples of businesses navigating the complexities of government contracts for significant cost savings.

    00:00 Introduction to Government Contracting Success

    00:13 Meet Gavin Tice: From Sales Coach to GovClose Advisor

    01:13 The Journey to Winning Government Contracts

    02:42 Gavin's Background and Role in Government Contracting

    04:44 Applying GovClose Learnings to Real-World Scenarios

    06:48 Exploring Consulting Opportunities

    07:59 Wins and Strategic Roadmaps in Government Sales

    09:51 Support and Interaction in the GovClose Program

    11:14 Engaging with Diverse Groups 12:00 Consulting Business Insights

    12:42 The Unique Value of Government Contracting

    13:05 Pricing and Expertise in Consulting

    13:29 The Importance of Asking the Right Questions

    13:53 Evaluating Skillsets and Competition

    14:30 Navigating the Government Contracting Niche

    15:24 The Value of Investing in Yourself

    16:28 Practical Applications and Job Interviews

    17:27 Business Development Projects

    17:56 Market Research and Roadmaps

    20:22 Concluding Thoughts and Next Steps

  • GET "GovClose" CERTIFIED: Earn up to $400K a year as a freelance GOVERNMENT CONTRACT CONSULTANT: https://www.govclose.com/sales-certification

    Hire A Trained Government Conrtracting Expert: https://govclose.com/contracts-training

    FREE BOOK: Download the "Government Contract Planner" For Free at https://www.dodcontract.com

    SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@dodcontractacademy/?sub_confirmation=1

    In this video, we explore how small businesses can secure lucrative contracts with the U.S. federal government by providing garbage collection services.

    We review low competition in the market, the significant funds allocated by the government to small businesses, and the substantial earnings potential—highlighting two companies that have made over $58 million.

    It also emphasizes the importance of finding opportunities before solicitations are released and presents two ways to enhance the chances of winning contracts: hiring a certified advisor or going through a certification program.

    Essential tips for navigating government contracting are provided, alongside an invitation to watch a related tutorial on finding opportunities on sam.gov.

    00:00 Introduction: Profitable Garbage Business

    00:16 Why the US Government Pays for Garbage Collection

    01:01 Government Spending on Small Businesses

    01:27 Success Stories: Small Businesses Making Millions

    02:11 Low Competition in Government Contracting

    02:49 Strategies for Winning Government Contracts

    03:16 Increasing Your Odds of Success 03:39 Conclusion and Next Steps

  • GET "GovClose" CERTIFIED: Earn up to $400K a year as a freelance GOVERNMENT CONTRACT CONSULTANT: https://www.govclose.com/sales-certification

    Hire A Trained Government Conrtracting Expert: https://govclose.com/contracts-training

    FREE BOOK: Download the "Government Contract Planner" For Free at https://www.dodcontract.com

    SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@dodcontractacademy/?sub_confirmation=1

    Ethan Martin: Journey from Sales Veteran to Government Contracting Consultant In this episode, Ethan Martin, a 20-year veteran in medical sales, shares his transformational journey into the world of government contracting through the GovClose certification program. Discover why Ethan chose this path, how the program provided him with valuable insights, and the steps he took to create a successful consulting LLC. Learn about the structured learning process, the importance of a supportive community, and the steps to carve out a niche in this field. Ethan discusses the advantages of having a roadmap for building a sellable asset, leveraging his medical sales expertise, and transitioning into a lucrative consulting role. Gain insights into the GovClose program's unique approach in teaching government contracting and how it prepares users to consult effectively in various industries. 00:00 Introduction to Government Contracting 00:59 Meet Ethan Martin: A Success Story 01:51 The GovClose Program Experience 04:18 Building a Consulting Business 08:57 The Value of Community and Support 11:57 Conclusion and Future Opportunities Get Certified: https://www.govclose.com
  • SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE Channel!

    Get CERTIFIED: Become a certified GovClose Advisor and Earn up to $400K a year as a freelance GOVERNMENT CONTRACT CONSULTANT

    HIRE An Expert: Hire one of our certified advisors to optimize your approach to federal sales and win more contracts. Full, Part Time & project based options available.

    Follow me on Linkedin!

    This is directkly from the GovClose Certification Program. Best viewed in video form but still very valuable!

    Happy hunting!

    - Rick

    Former Government Procurement officer Rick Howard shows how he uses Acquisitions Forecasts to find leads before solcitations come out.

  • SUBSCRIBE TO WATCH THE VIDEOS FIRST https://www.youtube.com/@dodcontractacademy/?sub_confirmation=1

    GET CERTIFIED: Earn up to $400K a year as a freelance GOVERNMENT CONTRACT CONSULTANT: https://www.govclose.com/sales-certification

    FREE BOOK: Download the "Government Contract Planner" For Free at https://www.dodcontract.com

    Retired Colonel Lewis Orndorff, an expert in government contracts with over 30 years of experience walks through reading and understanding Requests for Proposal (RFPs) and Requests for Quote (RFQs) for government contracts.

    Colonel Orndorff provides crucial advice on often-overlooked elements in these documents, such as FAR clauses, cost structures, and compliance requirements, that can significantly impact a company's obligations and costs.

    The session includes practical examples and advice on identifying and understanding key contract details, ensuring companies make informed bidding decisions. Additionally, the episode discusses negotiation possibilities and the importance of understanding contract clauses to avoid potential pitfalls. I

    Ideal for those interested in government contracting, the discussion also highlights the benefits of joining the GovClose certification program for specialized training in this field. 00:00 Introduction to Government Contracting

    00:00 Introduction to Reading an RFP 00:16 Understanding the Documents: RFQ vs. RFP 00:39 Key Considerations in Proposals 01:42 Detailed Examination of Solicitation Sections 03:59 Contract Types and Their Implications 06:39 Importance of Reading Clauses 08:40 Tools and Strategies for Cost Estimation 10:26 Navigating the Proposal Submission Process 11:49 Highlighting Important Clauses 16:21 Practical Examples and Case Studies 30:02 Q&A Session
  • SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE Channel!

    Get CERTIFIED: Become a certified GovClose Advisor and Earn up to $400K a year as a freelance GOVERNMENT CONTRACT CONSULTANT

    HIRE An Expert: Hire one of our certified advisors to optimize your approach to federal sales and win more contracts. Full, Part Time & project based options available.

    Follow me on Linkedin!

    In this episode, Rick Howard of GovClose.com shares insights on how to successfully build a one-man consulting business focused on government contracting.

    He discusses the importance of understanding the government contracting process, provides tips on starting a consulting business from scratch, and explains the potential for high earnings in this field.

    Howard also highlights the value of his certification program, which trains individuals in government sales to help small businesses access government contracts.

    Throughout the session, he responds to audience questions on various aspects of government contracting, including subcontracting, proposal writing, and navigating government buying processes.

    00:00 Introduction to Building a One-Man Consulting Business

    02:43 Overview of Government Contracting

    06:35 Starting a Consulting Business

    09:52 Generating Revenue and Finding Clients

    18:01 Leveraging Real Estate Expertise in Government Contracting

    23:25 Using Online Platforms for Lead Generation

    25:23 Exploring Government Spending Data

    29:11 Analyzing Residential Construction Spending

    30:25 Opportunities for Small Businesses in Government Contracts

    32:54 Navigating the Proposal Process

    34:53 Consulting Course and Certification Program

    38:22 Building a Federal Sales Roadmap

    44:56 Leveraging Chat GPT for Proposal Writing

    50:19 Starting a Government Contracting Business

    53:45 Final Q&A and Closing Remarks

  • SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE Channel!

    Get CERTIFIED: Become a certified GovClose Advisor and Earn up to $400K a year as a freelance GOVERNMENT CONTRACT CONSULTANT

    HIRE An Expert: Hire one of our certified advisors to optimize your approach to federal sales and win more contracts. Full, Part Time & project based options available.

    Follow me on Linkedin!

    American AI Logistics

    In this episode of the DOD Contract Academy Podcast, we interview John Conferencesco from American AI Logistics.

    The focus is on a revolutionary service that allows companies to generate numerous government contract proposals easily and cost-effectively using AI.

    John shares his industry insights, starting from his civilian work with the Navy to his entrepreneurial achievements.

    The discussion covers the intricacies of government contracting, ranging from products like toilet paper to high-end software solutions, highlighting strategies like 'bid to lose' for market entry.

    Tune in to learn about this innovative tool that can transform how businesses approach government contracting.

    00:00 Introduction and Special Interview Announcement

    01:00 Introducing John and His Background

    01:52 John's Early Career with the Navy

    02:43 Transition to the Private Sector

    07:24 Experiences at Lockheed Martin and Booz Allen

    12:43 Building a Business with Active Navigation

    14:11 Sales Strategies and Client Relationships

    23:11 Success with Cybersecurity and Starting a New Company

    24:50 Understanding Bid Strategies in Government Contracting

    25:59 The Concept of 'Bid to Lose'

    30:40 Leveraging Technology and AI in Bidding

    32:39 Challenges and Realities of Government Contracting

    38:59 The Importance of Relationships and Salesmanship

    42:05 Exploring the Future of Bidding with AI

    48:59 Getting Started with AI-Driven Bidding

  • SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE Channel!

    Get CERTIFIED: Become a certified GovClose Advisor and Earn up to $400K a year as a freelance GOVERNMENT CONTRACT CONSULTANT

    HIRE An Expert: Hire one of our certified advisors to optimize your approach to federal sales and win more contracts. Full, Part Time & project based options available.

    Follow me on Linkedin!

    In this special episode of the DOD Contract Academy podcast, we provide a comprehensive Q&A session originally aired live on YouTube. The episode addresses key questions and strategies for navigating government contracts, particularly for those new to the field or considering a consulting career in the government space. Topics include using USAspending.gov for market research, understanding the importance of NAICS codes, finding out if the government buys what you sell, and initial steps for small businesses looking to enter government contracting. A Additional advice is given on finding niches, understanding competition, and the timeline for securing government contracts. 00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:45 Starting with Government Contracting 01:30 Understanding Government Spending 02:12 Using USA Spending and NAICS Codes 04:10 Registering Your Business 04:49 Exploring Government Contracting Careers 05:46 Finding Your Niche
  • Learn the realities of selling to the government and why it often takes longer than expected. Discover effective strategies to expedite the process, such as leveraging existing government customers, understanding the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, and exploring the Other Transaction Authority (OTA) framework. The discussion also covers traditional contracting timelines, the importance of building a robust sales pipeline, and the benefits of early involvement. Rick Howard offers practical advice on navigating funding delays and making the most out of fallout funds to secure significant government contracts. 00:00 Introduction to Government Contracting 00:41 Understanding the Sales Timeline 01:32 Strategies for Fast Government Sales 03:31 Leveraging SBIR for Quick Wins 04:22 Exploring Other Transaction Authority (OTA) 06:07 Traditional Government Contracting Methods 12:25 Building a Successful Government Sales Pipeline 15:13 Conclusion and Resources

    SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE Chanel! https://www.youtube.com/@dodcontractacademy/?sub_confirmation=1

    GET CERTIFIED: Earn up to $400K a year as a freelance GOVERNMENT CONTRACT CONSULTANT: https://www.govclose.com/sales-certification

    SCHEDULE A BUSINESS GROWTH COACHING SESSION WITH Lt Col (Ret) Howard https://www.dodcontract.com/offers/icoUFuC2/checkout

    Order Today "The Government Contract Planner" https://a.co/d/7HCQFHy

    WATCH NEXT: The GovClose Certification https://youtu.be/S2UwMq6933Y

    How To Write Proposals: https://youtu.be/5GoJFzFrsSk 2024

    Sam.gov Registration https://youtu.be/ahOJCDV4Q-E?si=e_fZxBuIrwkQaOtQ

    Follow me on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickychoward/

  • SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE Chanel! https://www.youtube.com/@dodcontractacademy/?sub_confirmation=1

    GET CERTIFIED: Earn up to $400K a year as a freelance GOVERNMENT CONTRACT CONSULTANT: https://www.govclose.com/sales-certification

    SCHEDULE A BUSINESS GROWTH COACHING SESSION WITH Lt Col (Ret) Howard https://www.dodcontract.com/offers/icoUFuC2/checkout

    Order Today "The Government Contract Planner" https://a.co/d/7HCQFHy

    WATCH NEXT: The GovClose Certification https://youtu.be/S2UwMq6933Y

    How To Write Proposals: https://youtu.be/5GoJFzFrsSk 2024

    Sam.gov Registration https://youtu.be/ahOJCDV4Q-E?si=e_fZxBuIrwkQaOtQ

    Follow me on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickychoward/

    In this episode, Ricky Howard, a former government procurement officer, shares critical insights on how to approach government contracting. Ricky guides viewers through the three key questions they need to ask during meetings with government officials to determine if they have a legitimate opportunity to win a contract. He emphasizes the importance of engaging with the government before solicitations are published and understanding the funding, timeline, and contract methodology. Additionally, the video offers tips on managing expectations and potential strategies if your business lacks required qualifications. Ricky also promotes govclose.com for further training and consultancy support.

  • Get the GovClose Certification: https://www.govclose.com/sales-certif...

    Our students learn the government contracting skills to :

    Start their own consulting business that can earn up to $400k as a "solopreneur" advising businesses that sell to the government. Land high paying sales executive jobs with companies in the public sector. Increase government contracting revenue for companies selling to the US government.

    Learn more at GovClose.com

    Subscribe to our YOUTUBE channel!

  • Get the GovClose Certification: https://www.govclose.com/sales-certif...

    Our students learn the government contracting skills to :

    Start their own consulting business that can earn up to $400k as a "solopreneur" advising businesses that sell to the government. Land high paying sales executive jobs with companies in the public sector. Increase government contracting revenue for companies selling to the US government.

    Learn more at GovClose.com

    Subscribe to our YOUTUBE channel!