Month: February 2025

In this episode of The Daily Windup, we delve into a gripping story of a high-stakes ransomware attack that unfolded four years ago. Jeff Stutzman, shares his firsthand experience of being called to Houston to handle a massive ransomware attack on a three and a half billion dollar company. The situation was dire, with only three days remaining before the attackers would cause irreversible damage. Jeff takes charge and guides the CEO and chief security officer through the complex negotiations and payments. 

Additionally, Jeff expresses his concern about the growing threat of ransomware attacks and the potential for a large-scale incident. He emphasizes the need for heightened cybersecurity measures and discusses the vulnerabilities exposed by the staggering number of open ports in Ukraine and the United States. This cautionary tale serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proactive cybersecurity strategies in today’s interconnected world.

Don’t miss this episode of The Daily Windup as Jeff recounts his harrowing encounter with ransomware and offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of cyber threats.

In this episode of The Daily Windup, host Eric Coffie dives into a captivating story of leadership and organizational transformation. Starting with an unexpected turn of events, Austin Tsosie recounts how he found himself taking on the role of CEO after the turbulent times experienced by DDC IT Services. As the holding company, Nova Corporation, underwent a transformative phase, Austin faced the challenge of aligning subsidiaries and implementing a competitive strategy to overcome revenue loss and ensure future growth.

We explore the critical importance of early strategic planning, highlighting the “cliff” phenomenon that companies face when exiting programs and the need to establish competitive strategies beforehand. Austin also emphasizes the significance of the Navajo heart, expressing the journey of infusing tribal identity into the organization and fostering connections with various stakeholders, including the Navajo Nation government, military personnel, contracting offices, and internal subsidiaries. The creation of a robust governance model, incorporating audits, processes, policies, authority matrices, and ethical guidelines, further exemplifies the commitment to excellence and economic development.

Tune in now as we unravel the remarkable story of Austin’s journey from unexpected leadership to building the Navajo heart, showcasing the power of vision, adaptability, and collaboration in organizational success.

Welcome back to another powerhouse episode of the GovCon Giants Podcast! Today, I sit down with Cara Wulf, a government contracts attorney at McCarter & English LLP, to tackle the critical legal issues surrounding subcontracting. Whether you’re navigating subcontract percentages, compliance requirements, or the latest contractual updates, this episode is packed with insights that could save your business from costly penalties—or worse, legal trouble. We break down the False Claims Act, key subcontract templates, and the latest restrictions, including the ban on TikTok in federal contracts.

If you’re a small business or a seasoned contractor, understanding these legal nuances is the key to scaling successfully in government contracting. Cara shares insider strategies from both the government and private sector, helping you avoid common pitfalls and protect your bottom line. Stay tuned until the end—you won’t want to miss these expert tips that could make or break your next contract!

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cara-wulf-a9b7a518/ 

Company Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mccarter-&-english-llp/ 

Website: https://www.mccarter.com/ 

In this episode we dive into the challenges and opportunities within the government procurement process with Chrissy Farrington, a military spouse and senior proposal specialist at H2L solutions. We begin by highlighting the slow and often disconnected solicitation process, where there is a lack of clarity on both sides: what the government agencies want and what the businesses can provide.

In today’s episode, we discuss the chronic issues observed, such as miscommunication, misconceptions, and the detrimental effects of delays and cancellations. We explore the importance of understanding the nuances within specialized fields like cybersecurity and engineering, emphasizing that assumptions about uniformity can hinder progress. Listen as we discuss the need for a more responsive and efficient procurement process, bridging the gap between government needs and innovative solutions.

In today’s episode we delve into the complexities of managing employee performance and the difficult decision of firing someone. Reflecting on personal experiences, Ronnette Meyers, President/CEO of JLAN Solutions, recounts a poignant moment when she had to let go of an employee due to their consistent lateness and failure to communicate sick leave. He discusses the emotional impact of such actions, recognizing the ripple effects on the individual’s livelihood and the company’s reputation. Drawing from recent experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, she emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive work environment and meeting customer needs to uphold the organization’s image.

Engaging in a conversation about the hiring process, Ronnette admits to occasionally misjudging a candidate’s suitability despite reference checks. She highlights the significance of character, passion, and relevant skills in assessing potential employees. Listen in this episode now to learn more!

In this episode we discuss the alarming potential of cyber warfare and its unintended consequences with the Former DoD Cyber Crime Director Jeff Stutzman. Jeff highlighted the vulnerability of surveillance systems and physical security protection due to outdated firmware and neglectful maintenance, emphasizing the critical need for constant vigilance in safeguarding critical infrastructure.

Jeff urges listeners, particularly small defense contractors and businesses, to prioritize robust cybersecurity measures, including firewalls, antivirus software, two-factor authentication, and email protection, to mitigate risks in the face of a rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape. Listen now to learn more!

In today’s episode, we dive into the challenges and triumphs of employing Navajo individuals in federal contracting. We highlighted the unique obstacles faced by Navajos in securing jobs, such as outdated technologies and the complexities of obtaining security clearances. Also in this episode, we discuss the cultural context and historical mistrust that influence Navajo perspectives on government involvement.

In this episode, we talk about the importance of recognizing and addressing these barriers, ultimately aiming to empower Navajo leaders within their organization, DDCI. By fostering partnerships and providing valuable experiences alongside company executives, DDCI aims to fulfill their mission of tribal development while honoring the Navajo Nation and creating opportunities for their people. Listen in this insightful episode as we explore the efforts and successes of DDCI in supporting Navajo leaders in federal contracting and creating a positive impact within their community.

In this episode of The Daily Windup, we have expert guests talk about the SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) process. They discuss the challenges of turning an idea into a business and taking it to the commercial market, which is where most entrepreneurs fail. We explore how venture capitalists come in to fund commercialization, but if entrepreneurs do not know how to scale and enter into a business, the funding becomes pointless.

We also talk about how the SBIR process is not just about technology transfer, as entrepreneurs are seeking to control their technology, sell it to the government, and then take it to the commercial marketplace. They caution against throwing ideas at the SBIR that do not match the needs of the agencies. SBIR helps entrepreneurs market themselves by providing a platform to build on their technology and expertise, so listen to this episode to know how.

In today’s episode, I highlight a conversation with Carlton Harris, the Chief Technology Officer of End-End Enterprise Solutions. Harris discusses how his company’s strong cyber background in network security led them to specialize in advanced technologies and services. He also shares how they faced rejection while trying to grow their business and overcame it by getting their SDVOSB certification and forming partnerships with other small businesses to eliminate the “no”.

Harris further explains how the technical solution is not always what a company is looking for. Enterprises are more interested in knowing how it affects their mission and operations and how the solution will support them. Therefore, it is important to approach clients with an agile mindset and provide them with a solution that fits their budget. This episode offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs on growing a small business, overcoming rejection, and building partnerships, so listen now if you want to know more!

In this episode, I sit down with Chris Moore, an entrepreneur who went from having zero contracts to landing three government deals in just one week! Chris shares how he leveraged trust, persistence, and strategic relationship-building to break into the industry—without needing traditional certifications. From working with city parks and airports to securing major institutional projects, Chris proves that success in GovCon is all about the right mindset and approach.

I first met Chris through our community, where his relentless hustle in San Antonio, Texas caught my attention. In this episode, he lays out his blueprint for winning contracts through relationships, pricing strategies that actually work, and overcoming early setbacks.

If you’re struggling to break into government contracting or think certifications are your only way in—think again. Chris’ insights are a game-changer for small business owners looking to fast-track their GovCon success. Tune in and discover how to turn your network into net worth!

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-moore-519b07247/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrismoore23910/