- Eric Coffie
- October 7, 2025
Government Contracting EDGE: Why PMP, Lean & Six Sigma Separate Winners From Losers
In this episode of The Daily Windup, we explore why project management skills—not just certifications—can make or break your success in business and government contracting. From PMP to Agile to Lean Six Sigma, today’s guest explains how learning the language of project management changes the way veterans and small businesses enter the civilian market, build […]
Read More
- Eric Coffie
- October 6, 2025
The UGLY Truth: Why Your GovCon Loan Costs DOUBLE the Rate You Signed For
On this Daily Windup, Craig Cohen returns to break down one of the biggest landmines in government contracting finance: the “up to” trap. That line on your term sheet might sound generous, but it’s designed to keep you jumping through hoops while banks nickel-and-dime you with endless hidden fees. Eric shares his airline analogy that […]
Read More
- Eric Coffie
- October 3, 2025
Why Your Government Contract May Be TERMINATED Before It Starts
On today’s episode of The Daily Windup, we dive into the costly mistakes small businesses make when jumping into government contracting too soon. Our guest breaks down why rushing to bid without preparation backfires, the importance of aligning opportunities with your long-term strategy, and how proper market analysis and patience can make or break your […]
Read More
- Eric Coffie
- October 2, 2025
Government Contract WARNING: Banks Deny You Even When You Win $20M!
In today’s Daily Windup, I sit back down with Craig Cohen, VP of Business Development at Encore Funding, to uncover the hidden ways banks quietly deny small businesses—even when you’re holding multi-million-dollar government contracts. From rejecting companies for being “too liquid” to charging an “unused line” fee when you don’t even borrow, Craig exposes how […]
Read More
- Eric Coffie
- October 1, 2025
295: Government Contracting WARNING: Old Systems, New Wars, ZERO Opportunities?
On today’s episode of the Govcon Giants Podcast, I sit down with Andrew Hunter, former Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics, to unpack the realities of how the government buys—and where opportunities exist for contractors. With nearly two decades on Capitol Hill, years in the think tank space, and direct […]
Read More
- Eric Coffie
- September 30, 2025
14-Hour Days, 17 Years in GovCon—What Small Businesses STILL Get Wrong
On today’s Daily Windup, I’m addressing one of the most overlooked deal-killers in government contracting: poor follow-up and lack of preparation. My guest, with 17 years in supplier diversity and small business programs, shares behind-the-scenes insights from grueling conference days to procurement readiness training at DIA. Together, we highlight how simple actions—like sending a follow-up […]
Read More
- Eric Coffie
- September 29, 2025
From $30M to $40M: Government Contracting Secrets Revealed!
On today’s Daily Windup, I dive into how certifications can be the catalyst for massive growth in government contracting. From real-world success stories like Sarah scaling her 8A business to $30M, Marcus building his SDVOSB to $25M, and Lisa cracking $40M through combined certifications, this episode reveals why credentials aren’t just paper—they’re profit multipliers. I […]
Read More
- Eric Coffie
- September 26, 2025
Stop Saying This or Lose Your Shot at Government Contracts
On today’s Daily Windup, I’m revealing what it truly takes for small businesses to break into the supply chain of a major defense contractor like BAE Systems. With 17 years of insider experience, my guest explains why market research, industry days, and knowing the forecast are non-negotiable when 99% of contracts tie back to the […]
Read More
- Eric Coffie
- September 25, 2025
Government Contract Disaster: $128B Program Almost Failed!
On today’s Daily Windup, I’m diving into the Community Care Network (CCN) and how it reshaped the way the VA provides care to veterans across the country. My guest Lori Smith shares how she stepped up to support Region 4—covering 14 Western states—only to end up helping manage a $128 billion portfolio of healthcare contracts. […]
Read More
- Eric Coffie
- September 24, 2025
294: New $10B FEMA Pipeline: Government Contracting Gold Rush (Move NOW) with Rachael Lee
Rachael Lee—aka my pick for “Queen of FEMA”—joins me to rip the curtain back on how small businesses really win FEMA work. We unpack why readiness beats rushing to a disaster site, the exact first steps (check the Disaster Recovery box in SAM, register on FEMA’s vendor portal, tune your capability statement + NAICS to […]
Read More