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Join us as we talk to Ekene Imbata, founder of Facility Management Supplies and People, Inc., about his journey into government contracting. Kenny shares how he transitioned from running a software solutions business to securing his first contracts with the government.

Learn about his strategic partnerships, insights into MRO products, and plans to expand into DoD and software contracts.

Ekene is just getting started and If you're looking for inspiration to break into government sales, this is the episode for you!

Timestamps:

1. [00:00:00] Introduction to Kenny Imbata and His Business Journey

   • Overview of Facility Management Supplies and People, Inc.
   • Initial motivation to pursue government contracting.

2. [00:00:45] Why Government Contracting?

   • Discovering the government as the largest buyer.
   • Importance of targeting higher-value clients.

3. [00:06:00] Starting Small: Registration and Early Challenges

   • Kenny’s first steps on SAM.gov and early difficulties with software contracts.

4. [00:08:30] Teaming Up for Success

   • Partnering with an experienced company for MRO product contracts.
   • How joint ventures and subcontracting can fast-track success.

5. [00:12:00] Fine-Tuning the GovCon Process

   • Focusing on niche markets to reduce competition.
   • Targeting specific agencies like the Navy shipyards.

6. [00:15:30] The Challenges of Pricing and Past Performance

   • Understanding the importance of supplier relationships and profit margins.
   • Strategies to secure past performance for future growth.

7. [00:18:45] Expanding into DoD and Software Contracts

   • Kenny’s exploration of custom software solutions for government needs.
   • Navigating cybersecurity requirements like FedRAMP and NIST.

8. [00:24:00] Building Relationships and Long-Term Success

   • Leveraging relationships with agencies and vendors for simplified acquisitions.
   • Kenny’s advice for aspiring GovCon professionals.

9. [00:26:00] Final Thoughts and Advice for New GovCon Entrants

   • Kenny’s top takeaways from his journey.
   • How to reach out to Kenny for advice or collaboration.

Ekene's Linkedin Profile

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

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

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

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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.

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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.

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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!