The FedUpward Podcast gives federal employees and friends of feds strategies and tips for navigating everyday problems. This is a place for federal employees to network, share ideas and get better. Don't get fed up. Get FedUpward!
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With over 25 years of hands-on government contracting experience, Neil McDonnell is a leading small business advocate in the federal marketplace. As a small business owner, he has personally won and supported government contracts for the US Army, Navy, US Air Force, HHS,VA, Transportation, Interior, Energy and the Executive Office of the White House. As president of the GovCon Chamber of Commerce, Neil hosts daily LinkedIn live training and teaches the strategies and skills required to build ...
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Student Podcasts: US Federal Government and Politics, Beloit College
US Federal Government and Politics, Beloit College
Podcasts on topics in American politics, by the students in US Federal Government and Politics at Beloit College, taught by John McMahon
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194. Performance Management Doesn't Have to Be Horrible - A Convo with Virginia Blaser
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Virginia Blaser, former senior Department of State official, walks feds through her tips for managing the performance appraisal cycle. She literally wrote the book on questions to ask employees throughout the year to help them develop and achieve their goals. You can find it here. Watch the video of our conversation here.…
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193. Different Generations In the Federal Workforce
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Working with folks 20 years older, 20 years younger and all ages in between? Dr. Russell Robinson of American University's Key Executive Leadership Program and Amplified Research talks about working with SO MANY different generations of folks. Listen to Russ' wisdom and how you can learn more at Key.…
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192. Supporting Feds in Need in North Carolina - Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund
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Robyn Kehoe, executive director for the Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund joined me on the podcast to discuss how FEEA supports federal employees in need of disaster relief assistance. FEEA provides small grants to feds who need immediate cash infusions to get shelter, beds, clthing, etc. Get more dteails about applying and donating he…
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Talking Law with Steve Koprince and Neil McDonnell
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Talking Law with Steve Koprince and Neil McDonnell Today Neil McDonnell welcomed Steven J. Koprince, retired founder of Koprince McCall Pottroff LLC, to talk about the value of lawyers to your government contracting business. ✅ In this training, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell and Steven J. Koprince to discuss: Informal/ Formal Relationship…
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How To Write Emails That Federal Buyers and Large Firms Open for GovCons
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How To Write Emails That Federal Buyers and Large Firms Open for GovCons There is a fine art to sending emails that help you get a meeting with federal buyers. When you master this skill, you'll start having more meetings that lead to contract success. ✅ In this training, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell explains: The framework of a perfect …
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How To Use FPDS To Follow the Money Being Spent by Federal Agencies
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How To Use FPDS To Follow the Money Being Spent by Federal Agencies Every dollar spent by the federal government is tracked in FPDS. Mastering this tool is vital to your company's success. ✅ In this training, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell discusses: How FPDS data reveals the spending priorities of federal agencies What information in FPDS…
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How to Perform Incumbent Research for Federal Government Contractors
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How to Perform Incumbent Research for Federal Government Contractors When it comes to federal government contracting, understanding the incumbent is crucial for potential bidders. Today I'll show you how to do strategic incumbent research during the Capture management phase of your sales process. ✅ In this training, GovCon Chamber president Neil Mc…
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How to Find Contract Opportunities for Your 2025 Federal Sales Pipeline
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How to Find Contract Opportunities for Your 2025 Federal Sales Pipeline If you want success in 2025 as a government contractor, then you must have opportunities in your sales pipeline that you can win. One of the easiest ways to fill your pipeline is with contracts that have been awarded before and that you can absolutely support. This is a vital p…
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7 Questions Government Contractors Should Ask in 4th Quarter FY24 2024-06-24
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7 Questions to Ask in 4th Quarter FY24 as Government Contractors End-of-year federal spending creates huge opportunities for small business government contractors. In this training, Neil McDonnell walks through the 7 Most Important Questions your company should ask to evaluate your sales readiness. ✅ In this training, GovCon Chamber president Neil …
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DARPA has $112M for Small Business Innovators Ready to Change the World
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DARPA has $112M for Small Business Innovators Ready to Change the World Join GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell in a fireside chat with Jennifer Thabet, Small Business Program Office Director for DARPA – the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and a champion for small business innovation. ✅ In this live interview, GovCon Chamber presiden…
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Mastering Federal Agency Org Charts in Just 15 minutes a day
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Mastering Federal Agency Org Charts in Just 15 minutes a Day Federal Agency Org Charts help you pursue the offices most likely to buy from you. Org charts can guide you 10 levels down to the people with the actual need for the products you sell. ✅ In this training, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell explains Helps You Navigate the Agency Speak…
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How to Network with Government Buyers at Conferences like Navy Gold Coast 2024
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To get the highest ROI from government contracting events including the 36th Annual Navy Gold Coast Small Business Exposition in San Diego August 19 - 21, 2024, you need to have a focused strategic plan. ✅ In this training, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell explains: 5 Actions to take 2 weeks before any conference How to maximize your time at…
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191. Hatch Act + GovExec's Sean Michael Newhouse
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Meet Sean Michael Newhouse. He's a reporter for GovExec and put out videos recently about the Hatch Act that are far more entertaining than our normal annual training. You can catch that content here. In this episode, he explains the basics of the Hatch Act and what it's like working for GovExec. Learn more about his GovExec work at this link. And …
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How to Find Federal Buyer Contact Information for Government Contractors
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One of the hardest things for small businesses to do is get in federal agency doors. This is most often because they don't know which door or which person to talk with. ✅ In this training, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell explains How to search agency websites for names Which agency documents provide key points of contact Top government-owne…
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FedRAMP 101: The Adoption of Secure Cloud Services for Federal Agencies
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If you provide (or want to provide) innovative cloud products or services to federal agencies, then you'll need to consider FedRAMP. Today, Neil McDonnell interviews Zyad Nabbus, Principal of DataLock Consulting Group to share his lessons learned as a FedRAMP accredited Third Party Assessment Organization (3PAO). ✅ In this training, GovCon Chamber …
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How to Find the Keywords Federal Buyers Use to Find Your Small Business
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Federal buyers search for companies like you’re the same way you might look for a plumber. They may use DSBS, internal databases or other tools but the process is the same. They use keywords and other methods to find you. ✅ In this training, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell explains Why you must know the keywords buyers are using How to iden…
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Dept of Defense Wants to Give $2.5B for Small Business Innovators (#sbir)
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DoD has $2.5B for Small Business Innovators ready to change the world. Join GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell in a fireside chat with Gina Sims, Director of SBIR / STTR Program Office for the US Department of Defense. ✅ In this live interview, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell and Gina Sims discuss: What kind of 'innovation' is DoD is l…
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Be the Subject Matter Expert that Federal Agencies Need
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Federal agencies need your support to accomplish their mission today, tomorrow and into the future. They are looking for Subject Matter Experts who can serve as their trusted advisor. They are experts at their mission, but not necessarily at what your company offers. ✅ In this training, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell explains Why it is imp…
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3 Foolproof Strategies to Find Federal Agencies
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How do you find Federal Agencies who buy what you sell? ✅ In this training, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell explains How to Use Your Top 3 NAICS Codes & PSC to focus your research Which agencies buy what you sell using SAM.gov, FPDS.gov, USASpending.gov, Long-Range Acquisition Forecasts (LRAF), Industry Days & APBIs and GSA eBuy Let Your Co…
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40 GovCon Acronyms Every Government Contractor Must Know
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In order to succeed as a small business contractor, you must learn the alphabet-soup of the federal government process. In today's firehose-paced training, GovCon president Neil McDonnell introduces you to the 42 Most Important Acronyms involved in government contracting and why they might be different in different federal agencies. ✅ In this train…
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How to Diversity Your Government Contracting Revenue to Avoid Risk
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There are 3 streams of money flowing from the federal budget each year. When you chose the path that fits best with your experience, you will triple your access to opportunities. Most importantly, you want to diversify your streams of revenue to increase success and minimize risk. ✅ In this training, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell explains…
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Never Attend a Federal Matchmaking Event Again
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Federal agency matchmaking events can be a waste of time for small business government contractors. There are far better ways to spend your time and money. ✅ In this training, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell explains Top reasons matchmaking sessions are a waste of your time How to create your own goals, targets, etc. around meeting agency b…
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7 Proven Steps to Success Federal Government Contracts
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Government contracting is not a secret, it's just a process. But the process doesn't have to be complicated. Join today's training to learn my 7-Step Process for Revenue Success and learn how to earn predictable revenue. ✅ In this training, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell explains Why it is important to seek first to understand the buyer, t…
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190. Workplace Promise Institute - Whistleblowers United
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On September 11, 2024, Jackie Garrick and team will host the Workplace Promise Instittute. Jackie founded Whistleblowers of America, nonprofit organization assisting whistleblowers who have suffered retaliation after having identified harm to individuals or the public. Her experience as a federal employee led her to create a network of support for …
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189. Data Driven Talent Management with Kris Saling
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Meet Kris Saling. a leader in the Army's recruiting command and analytics guru. She joined me on the podcast to talk about her new book, Data-Driven Talent Management and federal agencies and deparmtents can leverage better tools and processes to improve employee experience. She combines HR and data savvy to yield results. Get the book at this link…
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188. Black Professionals in international Affairs - Professional Organization Spotlight
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https://iabpia.org I love connecting listeners with professional organizations literally made for them! Enter Black Professionals in International Affairs! President Alexandria Maloney discusses membership, upcoming events, mission and how you can get involved in this episode. BPIA upcoming events: https://iabpia.org/events Alexandria Maloney's sit…
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187. Pregnant Workers Fairness Act - What you Need To Know
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https://www.eeoc.gov/wysk/what-you-should-know-about-pregnant-workers-fairness-act Have you heard about the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act? Congress passed it in 2023, but the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission just published a final regulation in June of this year. Deborah Hopkins, attorney and president of the Federal Employment Law Training …
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186. What is the Merit Systems Protection Board?
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Raymond Limon, vice chair of the Merit Systems Protection Board (MPSB) joined me on the show to discuss what the MPSB is, what it does and why it matters. If you havent' taken training on this recently, tune in for a refresher. He also surprised me by administering the oath of office as a way to celebrate my new federal job! https://www.mspb.gov/ I…
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185. ClearanceJobs - Connect 2024 Conference Oct 3
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Lindy Kyzer of Clearance Jobs joined me on the podcast to talk about the current state of the job market for clearance holders and what CJ has to offer. Join us at the Clearance Jobs Connect 2024 event on October 3rd. Listen for details and click below to register now! https://about.clearancejobs.com/employers/events/clearancejobs-connect-2024 Govv…
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184. What I learned from my successful SES application
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Longtime listeners probably remember episode 131 - https://www.fedupwardcoaching.com/podcast/episode/3675202c/131-what-i-learned-from-my-failed-ses-application Well, I kept at it and got through the SES process successfully! In this episode I walk through the lessons I learned and things that surprised me about the process this time. For the basics…
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183. FedFam brings you savings on hotel stays
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Jason Coleman of FedFam joined me on the show to talk about discounts FedFam negotiated just for you! FedRooms is shutting down and FedFam is stepping in. Learn more about the first great rates here: https://www.fedfam.org/landing-pageAf FedUpward LLC
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182. Federal Executive Institute Alumni Association's Federal Executive Forum
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Dr. Kandis Boyd, Federal Executive Institute Alumni Aassociation (FEIAA) President, joined me on the podcast to disuss their upcoming event. The Federal Executive Forum is open to GS-12s through SESs and you don't have to be a FEIAA alum to attend this hybrid event. Yes, you can participate virtually. Register here. To learn more about FEI's course…
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181. Federal Human Capital Conference April 15-17, 2024 - For Feds Only!
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The Partnership for Public Service has an amazing conference planned for federal human resources professionals. Michelle Amante, the VP for Federal Workforce Programs at the Partnership, discusses what this first of its kind conference will deliver and why you should register ASAP. Click the link below for more details: https://ourpublicservice.org…
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How to Get Meetings with Federal Buyers
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Trying to catch the attention of federal buyers who decide on contracts can feel like trying to get invited to a super popular party. You want them to notice you and say, "Yes, let's meet!" ✅ In this training, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell explains How to find out who the federal buyers are and what role they play in the acquisition proce…
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Know Your Value Proposition as a Government Contractor in 2024
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Your Value Proposition is your unique selling point, that thing that sets you apart from your competition. Learn to write a strong value proposition that tells federal buyers and prospective teaming partners why your small business should be their preferred vendor. ✅ Today's topics: What is a Value Proposition for government sales? How your Value …
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Unlocking Federal Set-Aside Opportunities for Small Business Contractors
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The federal government prefers to contract with small businesses whenever possible. Contracting officials can use federal set-aside opportunities and sole-source contracts to help their agencies meet their small business contracting goals. Federal agencies reduce competition down to small groups of government contractors by using set-asides. For ex…
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Which Agencies Love Black-American Owned Small Business Government Contractors
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In 2023, Black American Owned Small Businesses were awarded only $5B in federal contract dollars – that's LESS than 1% of the $745B total federal contract dollars. ➣ 14% of America are Black-Americans ➣ 14% x $745B = $104B ... that's $100B short of actual contracts awarded. ✅ GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell reveals– 2023 Status of Federal C…
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Kickstart Your Journey into HHS as a Small Business Contractor
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Are you just starting your journey into HHS as a small business government contractor? Join us today to streamline your process. Visit GovCon Chamber Agency Profile: HHS | Department of Health and Human Services ✅ Today's topics: Start with org charts to prepare for doing business with HHS Research your customer to uncover agency mission, challenge…
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LCATS 101: Intro to Labor Categories for Government Contracting
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Government contracting Labor Categories or LCATs, are key to making sure you have the right people in your government contracting jobs. They categories are predefined roles and responsibilities within a project, including the qualifications someone must have to fit an LCAT. ✅ Today's Topics A high-level overview of LCATs How to look at labor catego…
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8 Tips for 8(a) Small Business Government Contractors
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People think the 8(a) small business program is a golden ticket. Too many qualified SBA-certified 8(a) small business government contractors never learn the basic sales techniques for government contracting. Today, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell shows how to strategically use your 8(a) status for better business development. 8 Tips for 8(a…
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Do SBA Programs for Small Businesses actually help wosb hubzone sdvosb etc?
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The federal government says it wants to level the playing field so small businesses have a shot at federal dollars. Will SBA socio-economic contracting program really help your small business? Which is best: HUBZone, 8(a), SDVOSB, WOSB? Today, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell starts with a reminder that tags do not determine your success in …
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How to Get Started in Government Contracting
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If you are just getting started as a government contractor or aren't making money yet… this training is for you. Government contracting is not a secret, it's just a process. Today, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell starts with a reminder that that government contracting is NOT a 'get rich quick scheme." Starting a sustainable business to crea…
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How to Get the Most from Contract Vehicles as a Government Contractor
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There are more than 100,000 separate contract vehicles used for federal contracting. How do you know where to find one to start selling to the government? Today, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell explainswhat a contract vehicles and how they are used? What are the 10 Common Goods Categories What is Category Management? What are the Category V…
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How to Win Government Contracts with No Past Performance
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It is possible to become a successful federal government contractor – even if you don't have past performance experience in the federal space or if you only have commercial experiences. Today, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell explains the difference between contracts and past performance and how to present your company to demonstrate your ex…
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Why Small GovCons Stop Growing and How to Start Growing Again
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Most new small business government contractors follow a predictable growth pattern. They have a quick burst of #contracts and revenue, and then crickets. Did that happen to you? Today, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell explains why so many small businesses get stuck when they are growing their government contracting business and what you can …
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5 Steps to Becoming a Subcontractor on 'Awarded' Contract Vehicles
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Even though a government contract vehicle has been awarded, you can still participate in the contract as a subcontractor. In this training GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell explains: What are the top myths about contract vehicles? Why Contract Vehicles are the right way to build your government contracting business? The 5 Step Process to beco…
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How to Email Federal Buyers about Government Contracting
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Imagine if you could write emails that get responses from federal buyers? Today, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell shares his templates for emailing federal buyers and government agencies. Learn to write emails that get answered and start conversations. Overview to the Art of Email for Government Contracting Rules for emailing government buye…
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Which Agencies Award the Most Government Contracts to Women-owned Business Owners?
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The majority of federal agencies say they support women owned businesses ... but they don't actually use the set-aside and sole-source tools designed for that reason! Year after year, we can see that the #wosb businesses who are landing government contracts did so in full and open competition, not because the government was committed to the officia…
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How To Find Federal Agency Buyers | Steps for Government Contractors
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Where can you find the right federal buyer in the right federal agency? Today we'll walk step by step to help you find the right person who can help you with your government contracting goals. Too many amazing small business government contracting vendors say they struggle to find the names of federal buyers to call. Where can I look to find the ri…
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20 Reasons Why Federal Buyers Are Ignoring You!
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Why do federal buyers ignore small business government contractors like you? Today, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell shows: 20 reasons why federal buyers may be ignoring you and what you can do to fix the situation Why federal buyers ignore small business government contractors | Inbound reasons Why Federal Buyers Ignore You | Outbound reaso…
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