Month: February 2024

In this episode, we are honored to have a powerhouse guest, Shalaya Morissette, who is making waves as the Chief of the Minority Business and Workforce Division in the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), stationed within the Office of Energy Justice and Equity. Shalaya is a highly sought-after collaborator in the clean technology space, bringing a wealth of experience from her recent role in the utility sector, focusing on safety and compliance.

We talked about remarkable opportunities in clean energy manufacturing, where eight winners stand to receive $250,000. We also highlighted the importance of a clear and concise roadmap over lengthy proposals and recommend checking out the user-friendly website for all the details.

We delve into the topic of unsolicited proposals and touch on an exciting future prize for nonprofits involved in community outreach. As we expand our scope internationally, we engage listeners toward USAID and the Minority Business Development Agency for global initiatives. Lastly, we delve into practical advice on strategic plays and making the most of the opportunities available, emphasizing the significance of networking and collaboration within the Govcon community.

Tune in for a dynamic discussion on elevating minorities in the energy sector and navigating the evolving landscape of clean technology. You don’t want to miss this episode with a true giant in the industry!

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shalayam/

US Department of Energy Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/energy/

Website: https://www.energy.gov/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/energy

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/energy/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/energy

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/USdepartmentofenergy

Solve it Prize: https://www.herox.com/SOLVEIT

MAKE IT Prize: https://www.herox.com/make-it-strategies

Ask Us Anything Series: https://energy.gov/justice/ask-us-anything-series

EERE Funding Opportunity Exchange: https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/

Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) https://arpa-e.energy.gov/

Federal Help Center: https://federalhelpcenter.com/

Today we had the privilege of hosting Pete Ragone, an esteemed Audit Director at SC&H Group. Pete has been a vital member of the SC&H team since 2015, bringing with him a wealth of experience in public accounting dating back to 1990.

Throughout his career, Pete has emerged as a leader in financial statement audits, reviews, and compilations for a diverse range of domestic and international organizations. His clientele spans certified small businesses, including those participating in the SBA 8(a) program, as well as middle- and large-market clients across industries such as Government Contracting, Manufacturing, Construction, Technology, Healthcare, and Nonprofit sectors.

Pete’s extensive background includes audit management roles in both “Big 4” firms and regional accounting firms. His expertise encompasses a spectrum of financial areas, including cost accounting, DCAA audit compliance, FAR, CAS, foreign currency translation accounting, fair value accounting, complex revenue recognition issues, and more. He has a remarkable track record of providing clients with valuable insights, from accounting software selection and implementation to general business consulting advice.

Beyond his client-focused responsibilities, Pete is actively engaged in firm initiatives. He plays a pivotal role in recruiting efforts for the Tysons Corner office and places a strong emphasis on training within his team. Pete has developed and delivered training sessions on various topics, including audit methodology, financial reporting, effective communication, and the impact of new accounting standards.

This interview is conducted by our very own Randie Ward, who has graciously decided to step into the role of Middle Market representative for Govcon Giants. So expect to hear more from her in upcoming episodes.

We are truly grateful to have had Pete Ragone on the show, sharing his wealth of knowledge and insights into the intricate world of auditing and financial consulting. Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations with industry giants on the Govcon Giants Podcast.

In our latest episode, Randie Ward had the privilege of interviewing Giacomo Apadula, an authority in government contract and grant administration. Giacomo’s extensive expertise lies in cost accounting, regulatory compliance, and business process improvement/system design.

Throughout the episode, Giacomo shared his wealth of knowledge, drawing on his experience serving clients in the government contracting and grantee sectors, spanning both profit and non-profit organizations. His clientele includes large defense contractors, biotechs, and not-for-profits, encompassing complex Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) and international relief organizations.

Giacomo specializes in guiding these entities on mitigating compliance risks and implementing robust internal controls. One of Giacomo’s key areas of focus is helping organizations establish the internal control framework necessary to obtain government-approved business systems, such as accounting/billing, estimating, and purchasing.

During the conversation, Giacomo highlighted his proficiency in Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), 2 CFR 200, as well as agency-specific supplements such as NIH/DFARS/AIDAR/HHS. He showcased his analytical skills by emphasizing the use of Microsoft Access and Excel for statistical modeling and analysis.

Overall, Randie’s discussion with Giacomo delved deep into the intricacies of government contract and grant administration, shedding light on the importance of compliance, cost accounting, and effective business processes. Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights from a true expert in the field.

Click here to learn more about Giacomo:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giacomo-apadula-67411b5/

Company Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rsm-us-llp/

Website: https://rsmus.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rsmusllp/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rsmusllp/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/rsmusllp1