Month: May 2024

In this episode of the Govcon Giants podcast, we welcome back Roberta Moore, the President and CEO of Amoorer Incorporated. Known for her formidable enterprise and compelling journey, Roberta delves deep into the intricacies of federal contracting, sharing her experiences and the challenges she faced. From her leap into entrepreneurship after leaving a secure federal job to battling legal skirmishes, Roberta’s story is a powerful testament to resilience and tenacity.

Roberta shares her transition from a secure federal job to starting her own business, detailing the initial challenges and hurdles faced during the early stages of entrepreneurship. She provides a detailed account of the legal battles and darker sides of the business world she encountered, offering insights into how these experiences shaped her both personally and professionally. Throughout the conversation, the critical role of mentorship and strategic networking is highlighted, with Roberta emphasizing how key relationships and mentors provided opportunities and support.

Additionally, Roberta discusses her innovative approaches to overcoming financial challenges, such as her strategies for managing payroll and cash flow, which have been vital in sustaining her business operations. She imparts invaluable advice to other entrepreneurs about the importance of perseverance and building genuine relationships. Roberta also emphasizes the necessity of preparing for life after significant business milestones, such as graduating from the 8(a) program.

This episode is not just about the successes but also the substantial hardships and lessons that come with navigating the complex terrain of government contracting. Roberta’s profound insights and experiences offer both guidance and inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs. Eric Coffey encourages listeners to check out Roberta’s previous interviews in episodes 91 and 89 for more in-depth stories and lessons.

This episode is filled with valuable insights and advice for anyone looking to make their mark in the business world. Roberta’s journey is a testament to resilience and tenacity, and her story is sure to inspire and motivate. Let’s welcome our returning guest, Roberta Moore.

Website: https://www.amoorer.com/

LinkedIn account: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roberta-moore-mba-9560b46

LinkedIn corporate: https://www.linkedin.com/company/amoorer-incorporated

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

Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/amoorer_inc/

Twitter handle: Amoorer Inc (@amoorer_inc) / X (twitter.com)

In this episode of the Govcon Giants Podcast, Randie Ward sits down with Shauna Weatherly, President and Founder of Federal Subcontract Solutions LLC, to delve into Weatherly’s extensive experience in Federal acquisition. With over 35 years of hands-on experience and a career spanning various crucial roles within the General Services Administration (GSA), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and more, Weatherly brings a wealth of knowledge to the table.

Throughout the discussion, Weatherly shares insights gleaned from her tenure as a Senior Procurement Analyst at GSA, where she served as an advisor to the Civilian Agency Acquisition Council, analyzing the impacts of new laws, executive orders, and Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense FAR Supplement (DFARS) rules on SAM.gov. Her roles as Lead Business Management Specialist and Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) on the governmentwide GSA SmartPay 3 contracts provided her with invaluable experience in navigating complex procurement processes.

Weatherly’s leadership positions, including Director of the National Airspace System, Logistics, and Facilities O&M Contract Branch at FAA, and Contracting Chief at USACE’s Tulsa District, showcase her expertise in developing acquisition strategies, evaluating sources, and negotiating contracts across various industries. Additionally, her deployment to the Afghanistan Engineer District highlighted her commitment to overseeing compliance processes for construction contracts in challenging environments.

As a seasoned instructor and sought-after speaker on Federal acquisition topics, Weatherly brings a unique perspective to the conversation, offering practical advice for small businesses looking to navigate the intricacies of Federal acquisition policies and processes. Her dedication to supporting the Department of Defense (DoD), FAA, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), GSA, and civilian agencies underscores her passion for ensuring mission success.

Join us as we explore Weatherly’s journey from Federal Civilian Service to entrepreneurship, and gain valuable insights into the world of Federal acquisition from one of the industry’s most respected experts.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-weatherly/

Website: https://www.fedsubk.com/about

Contact: https://www.fedsubk.com/contact-us

Email: info@mysite.com

Today we delve into the intricate world of federal contracting with our esteemed guest, Katelyn Rigle. As the Operations Audit Liaison Small Business Coordinator for the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA), Katelyn brings a wealth of experience and insight into the dynamics of government contracting, particularly for small businesses.

Katelyn serves as the Operations Audit Liaison Small Business Coordinator for DCAA, stationed at Fort Belvoir, VA. With over a decade of experience, Katelyn has been an integral part of the DCAA team since 2009. She currently holds the role of small business liaison, providing invaluable education, guidance, and support to small and medium-sized businesses navigating federal contracts.

In this episode, Katelyn shares her insights into the unique challenges and opportunities that small businesses encounter in the federal contracting arena. She discusses the importance of compliance, transparency, and accountability in securing and maintaining federal contracts. Katelyn sheds light on the role of the Defense Contract Audit Agency and its impact on ensuring the integrity of government contracts.

As the agency’s small business liaison, Katelyn highlights the various initiatives and programs aimed at empowering small and medium-sized businesses in the federal contracting space. She emphasizes the significance of collaboration between government agencies, the Small Business Administration, APEX Accelerators, and federal consulting firms in fostering the growth and success of small businesses. Join us in this enlightening conversation as we unravel the complexities of federal contracting and empower small businesses to thrive in the government marketplace. Tune in to The Daily Windup Podcast for this exclusive discussion with Katelyn Rigle!

DCAA Small Business Outreach Survey

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NN5MKMD

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katelyn-rigle-b97ba0282/

Corporate LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/defense-contract-audit-agency/mycompany/

Company Website: www.dcaa.mil

Today, we had the privilege of hosting Adam Austin, the Cybersecurity Lead at Totem.Tech, a minority veteran-owned Prime DoD contractor. With a decade of experience safeguarding classified, unclassified, and HIPAA-environment US Government IT systems, Adam brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with prestigious institutions like NASA, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS), and all branches of the Department of Defense.

Adam holds a Master’s in Information Assurance from Capitol Technology University and boasts certifications such as ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA). His mission is clear: to utilize his extensive background and education to aid small businesses in regulatory environments in implementing cost-effective, compliant, risk-based cybersecurity programs.

During our conversation, Adam shed light on his current endeavors at Haight Bey/H-Bar, where he spearheads cybersecurity and systems integration services for a US Air Force weather information system. Moreover, he shared insights into the concept of “Cybersecurity Empowerment” for small businesses, alongside the development of Totem™, a lightweight GRC tool designed to facilitate cybersecurity assessments for small enterprises.

With a specialization in security and software integration within the Aerospace industry, particularly in UAS and satellite ground control systems, Adam is well-versed in Windows and Linux operating systems, as well as various commercial and government-off-the-shelf software products. Notably, he has led multi-million dollar tactical systems through DIACAP/RMF certification and subsequent maintenance activities, serving in pivotal roles such as an IASO (ISSO) and technical lead.

Adam’s passion lies in information system risk assessment, assessment and authorization (A&A), and the formulation of risk mitigation strategies, security policies, and vulnerability remediation packages for networked systems, both in military and commercial settings. His expertise spans a broad spectrum, encompassing certifications like ISACA CISM, CISA, CompTIA Security+, and Core Impact Certified Professional (CICP), along with proficiencies in scripting languages for automation and constructing Windows group policy objects for enhanced domain security.

As we wrap up today’s episode, we extend our gratitude to Adam Austin for sharing his invaluable insights into the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity and his dedication to empowering small businesses in navigating regulatory complexities. Stay tuned for more enriching conversations with industry luminaries on GovCon Giants Podcast!

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-austin-cybersecurity/

Company Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/totem-tech/

Website: https://www.totem.tech/

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYKT-JYV0jqkvxFp-yUTjwg

Twitter: https://twitter.com/totem_tech

Today, we had the honor of welcoming back a true trailblazer in the IT industry, Narjis Ali. With over thirty years of progressive experience in IT research and development, strategy consulting, and managing startups, Narjis brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Currently serving as the President and CEO of Sure Secure Solutions, Narjis leads a company dedicated to providing targeted end-to-end IT solutions, Cloud Services, Cyber Security, Data Analytics, and Content Management for both government and commercial clients.

Throughout her illustrious career, Narjis has distinguished herself as a highly skilled manager and professional leader, showcasing exceptional organizational and project leadership skills. Her passion for her work is evident in her unwavering commitment, focus, and energy. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Narjis is renowned for her dedication to social and welfare activities, serving as a source of inspiration for those around her.

During our conversation, Narjis delved into her entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the challenges and triumphs she encountered along the way. She shared insights into the ever-evolving landscape of IT, emphasizing the importance of digital transformation and business process optimization in today’s competitive market.

As a mentor, Narjis continues to inspire and empower others, generously sharing her time, compassion, and expertise. Her multifaceted talents extend beyond the realm of technology, encompassing a deep appreciation for music, the arts, and charitable endeavors. It is clear that Narjis’s impact transcends the boundaries of the professional sphere, leaving a lasting legacy of innovation, compassion, and excellence.

Join us as we delve into the remarkable career and inspiring journey of Narjis Ali, a true giant in the world of IT and beyond.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/narjis-ali-78a5342/

Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sure-secure-solutions/

Website: https://www.suresecuresolutions.com/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SureSecure

Email: info@suresecuresolutions.com