April 7, 2022 LinkedIn live | Federal contracting sales expert Neil McDonnell shows :1. how to identify your core SME status 1. how to demonstrate your subject matter expertise by getting you strategic social media content in front of the right audiences You need to stand apart is to raise your SME profile as a visible expert and become recognized as the go-to Subject Matter Expert in your field.Read the blog notes on the Chamber websitehttps://www.govconchamber.com/blog/how-to-prove-to-federal-buyers-that-you-are-a-sme-subject-matter-expertNeil McDonnell brings 20+ years of government contracting experience. As a small business owner, he has personally won and supported government contracts for the Army, Navy, Air Force, HHS,VA, Transportation, Interior, Energy and the Executive Office of the White House.As a business coach and mentor, Neil is famous for making complicated topics easy to understand, helping businesses 'find their niche' and for providing specific, achievable, actionable steps any business owner could follow.

"How to Find Small Business Federal Contracting Opportunities "In this LinkedIn LIVE recorded in April, 2022, Neil McDonnell talks about the best places to research small business opportunities with large prime contractors and federal agencies.Neil McDonnell brings 20+ years of government contracting experience. As a small business owner, he has personally won and supported government contracts for the Army, Navy, Air Force, HHS,VA, Transportation, Interior, Energy and the Executive Office of the White House.As a business coach and mentor, Neil is famous for making complicated topics easy to understand, helping businesses 'find their niche' and for providing specific, achievable, actionable steps any business owner could follow.

"Federal Contracting Small Business Matchmaking Done Right" In this LinkedIn LIVE recorded on April 04, 2022, Neil McDonnell shows how to make the most of an industry day hosted by federal government for small businesses, larges and federal agencies. Neil McDonnell brings 20+ years of government contracting experience. As a small business owner, he has personally won and supported government contracts for the Army, Navy, Air Force, HHS,VA, Transportation, Interior, Energy and the Executive Office of the White House.As a business coach and mentor, Neil is famous for making complicated topics easy to understand, helping businesses 'find their niche' and for providing specific, achievable, actionable steps any business owner could follow.

Federal Capture | How to Identify and Understand the Buyer ObjectivesNeil McDonnell daily LinkedIn LIVE this week focus on the Capture process of federal sales.Visit the Blog: https://www.govconchamber.com/blog/federal-capture-how-to-identify-and-understand-the-buyer-challenges-neil-mcdonnell-linkedin-liveNeil McDonnell brings 20+ years of government contracting experience. As a small business owner, he has personally won and supported government contracts for the Army, Navy, Air Force, HHS,VA, Transportation, Interior, Energy and the Executive Office of the White House.As a business coach and mentor, Neil is famous for making complicated topics easy to understand, helping businesses 'find their niche' and for providing specific, achievable, actionable steps any business owner could follow.

Federal Capture | How to Identify and Understand the Buyer Challenges | Neil McDonnell LinkedIn LIVEAll week Neil McDonnell is focusing on the Capture process of federal sales. Neil McDonnell brings 20+ years of government contracting experience. As a small business owner, he has personally won and supported government contracts for the Army, Navy, Air Force, HHS,VA, Transportation, Interior, Energy and the Executive Office of the White House.As a business coach and mentor, Neil is famous for making complicated topics easy to understand, helping businesses 'find their niche' and for providing specific, achievable, actionable steps any business owner could follow.

Federal Capture | How and WHY to Form Winning Teams for Government Contract Opportunities | Neil McDonnell LinkedIn LIVEAll week Neil McDonnell is focusing on the Capture process of federal sales. If you are a small businesses struggling to find viable teammates when pursuing federal contracts, you can improve your chances of finding the right match by using GovvCon Chamber's Neil McDonnell's strategic Gap Analysis to assess opportunities according to scope and acquisition requirements.Neil McDonnell brings 20+ years of government contracting experience. As a small business owner, he has personally won and supported government contracts for the Army, Navy, Air Force, HHS,VA, Transportation, Interior, Energy and the Executive Office of the White House.As a business coach and mentor, Neil is famous for making complicated topics easy to understand, helping businesses 'find their niche' and for providing specific, achievable, actionable steps any business owner could follow.

This week Neil McDonnell is focusing on the Capture process of federal sales. Most small businesses are not winning enough of the proposals that they submit. Today Neil McDonnell focuses on how to use the PWIN (probability of win) process and the gap analysis tool to strategically assess your chances of winning a business opportunity.The most common reason a business doesn't win a contracts is because they are not focusing on their true core competency. Too many firms pursue opportunities they can 'generally' do and clutter their pipeline with longshots.Truly successful firms focus exclusively on work that they can perform better than their competitors.Neil McDonnell brings 20+ years of government contracting experience. As a small business owner, he has personally won and supported government contracts for the Army, Navy, Air Force, HHS,VA, Transportation, Interior, Energy and the Executive Office of the White House.As a business coach and mentor, Neil is famous for making complicated topics easy to understand, helping businesses 'find their niche' and for providing specific, achievable, actionable steps any business owner could follow.

In today's LinkedIn LIVE session, Neil McDonnell explains how your small business can earn $10 million simply by subcontracting on existing federal contracts. Winning a prime contract with a federal agency can be hard if you're new to the federal government market. Subcontracting is far easier than pursuing a prime and delivers revenue far quicker. Neil McDonnell brings 20+ years of government contracting experience. As a small business owner, he has personally won and supported government contracts for the Army, Navy, Air Force, HHS,VA, Transportation, Interior, Energy and the Executive Office of the White House.As a business coach and mentor, Neil is famous for making complicated topics easy to understand, helping businesses 'find their niche' and for providing specific, achievable, actionable steps any business owner could follow.

In today's LinkedIn LIVE session, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell explains how to push past your fear of cold calling so you can advance your federal contracting business development. Every successful relationship starts from that first awkward conversation and requires courage to step into the unknown. With proper preparation, you can put an end to 'constructive procrastination' and make cold calling just another predictable task in your day.WHAT ARE THE THREE KEY STEPS FOR COLD CALLING?1. Master your fear 2. Control the Call3. Recognize the difference between a "great" call and a "successful" callRead the blog: https://www.govconchamber.com/blog/how-to-make-successful-cold-calls-into-federal-agencies Neil McDonnell brings 20+ years of government contracting experience. As a small business owner, he has personally won and supported government contracts for the Army, Navy, Air Force, HHS,VA, Transportation, Interior, Energy and the Executive Office of the White House.As a business coach and mentor, Neil is famous for making complicated topics easy to understand, helping businesses 'find their niche' and for providing specific, achievable, actionable steps any business owner could follow.

In today's LinkedIn LIVE session, Neil McDonnell explains how (and why!) you want to reach federal buyers before the RFI (request for information) drops. This follows our recent episode 'Understanding the Federal Acquisition Lifecycle from a Sales Perspective.' By "shifting left" (referencing to placement of the life cycle) and engaging earlier in the process, small businesses actually have an opportunity to influence the contract process. If you can participate in the discussion while the requirements are still being developed, you can share your expertise in the field to help refine the RFI . By the time an opportunity is posted on SAM and the RFP drops, it's too late to respond. That's why you want to be engaged with an opportunity (doing capture) during the RFI / Sources Sought phase. Neil brings 20+ years of government contracting experience. As a small business owner, he has personally won and supported government contracts for the Army, Navy, Air Force, HHS,VA, Transportation, Interior, Energy and the Executive Office of the White House.As a business coach and mentor, Neil is famous for making complicated topics easy to understand, helping businesses 'find their niche' and for providing specific, achievable, actionable steps any business owner could follow.

In today's LinkedIn LIVE session, Neil McDonnell walks through an important sales process known as SPIN selling to help you ask the right questions specific to federal sales. If you arrive prepared with your solution, you miss the opportunity to really understand the customers current challenges from their perspective. The SPIN selling process guides you through a series of questions pertaining to Situation, Problem, Implication and Need.Neil brings 20+ years of government contracting experience. As a small business owner, he has personally won and supported government contracts for the Army, Navy, Air Force, HHS,VA, Transportation, Interior, Energy and the Executive Office of the White House.As a business coach and mentor, Neil is famous for making complicated topics easy to understand, helping businesses 'find their niche' and for providing specific, achievable, actionable steps any business owner could follow.

In today's LinkedIn LIVE session, Neil McDonnell explains how small businesses who are pursuing federal contracting revenue sell themselves short. Don't introduce yourself as 'a small business'. That's the wrong focus. Your size is not the important factor. This is what matters to government buyers :* Your competence and qualifications* Your capabilities and subject matter expertise* Your past experience with similar projects* Your ability to deliver on budget and on timeNeil brings 20+ years of government contracting experience. As a small business owner, he has personally won and supported government contracts for the Army, Navy, Air Force, HHS,VA, Transportation, Interior, Energy and the Executive Office of the White House.As a business coach and mentor, Neil is famous for making complicated topics easy to understand, helping businesses 'find their niche' and for providing specific, achievable, actionable steps any business owner could follow.

Are GovCon #Matchmaking Sessions Worth It? Today, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell discusses industry matchmaking events that are designed by federal agencies to match #smallbusinesses with federal 'buyers'. Is there really any true value in these 'speed dating' style events?How could these events be better designed to the mutual benefit of all participants? Neils offers his tips.Neil brings 20+ years of government contracting experience. As a small business owner, he has personally won and supported government contracts for the Army, Navy, Air Force, HHS,VA, Transportation, Interior, Energy and the Executive Office of the White House.As a business coach and mentor, Neil is famous for making complicated topics easy to understand, helping businesses 'find their niche' and for providing specific, achievable, actionable steps any business owner could follow.

There are 7 Mentors who provide their services for free to small businesses trying to build their federal government business development and contracting revenue. The SBA is just the most recognizable but the rest of the alphabet includes :• SBDC | Small Business Development Centers• WBC | Women's Business Centers• VBOC | Veterans Business Outreach Centers• PTAC | Procurement Technical Assistance Center• SBP | Small Business Professionals• BOS | Business Opportunity Specialists• PCRs | Procurement Center RepresentativesGovCon Chamber of Commerce president Neil McDonnell explains the unique services provided by each mentor and how you can best prepare for and benefit from their advice and expertise.Neil brings 20+ years of government contracting experience. As a small business owner, he has personally won and supported government contracts for the Army, Navy, Air Force, HHS,VA, Transportation, Interior, Energy and the Executive Office of the White House.As a business coach and mentor, Neil is famous for making complicated topics easy to understand, helping businesses 'find their niche' and for providing specific, achievable, actionable steps any business owner could follow.Connect with Neil to be alerted in this new LinkedIn LIVE serieshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/Neil-McDonnell/ Join Neil at noon for daily LinkedIn LIVE free training. Reach out to him directly via LinkedIn if you are struggling with a sales issue and perhaps he will address your topic directly.Visit the GovCon Chamber of Commerce to get your free 2022 federal contracting small business directories The FREE Small Business Special directory provides :• 1,000+ names, emails and phone numbers for key small business specialists• 100+ Federal Agencies• 100+ large prime Small Business Liaison Officers (SBLOs)90+ PTACs• 100 % free (sponsored by @GovConChamber)https://www.govconchamber.com/

Rejecting a federal contract might be smarter than accepting one under the wrong conditions. GovCon Chamber of Commerce president Neil McDonnell shares his story of what happened when he rejected a White House contract as a Sharepoint expert and how the conversations that followed resulted in his firm securing multiple Sharepoint contracts in several other agencies. Neil brings 20+ years of government contracting experience. As a small business owner, he has personally won and supported government contracts for the Army, Navy, Air Force, HHS,VA, Transportation, Interior, Energy and the Executive Office of the White House.As a business coach and mentor, Neil is famous for making complicated topics easy to understand, helping businesses 'find their niche' and for providing specific, achievable, actionable steps any business owner could follow.Connect with Neil to be alerted in this new LinkedIn LIVE serieshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/Neil-McDonnell/ Join Neil at noon for daily LinkedIn LIVE free training. Reach out to him directly via LinkedIn if you are struggling with a sales issue and perhaps he will address your topic directly.Visit the GovCon Chamber of Commerce to get your free 2022 federal contracting small business directories The FREE Small Business Special directory provides :• 1,000+ names, emails and phone numbers for key small business specialists• 100+ Federal Agencies• 100+ large prime Small Business Liaison Officers (SBLOs)90+ PTACs• 100 % free (sponsored by @GovConChamber)https://www.govconchamber.com/

GovCon Chamber of Commerce president Neil McDonnell explains the US government's Federal Acquisition Lifecycle from a sales perspective. Neil brings 20+ years of government contracting experience and has personally won and supported government contracts for the Army, Navy, Air Force, HHS,VA, Transportation, Interior, Energy and the Executive Office of the White House.As a business coach and mentor, Neil is famous for making complicated topics easy to understand, helping businesses 'find their niche' and for providing specific, achievable, actionable steps any business owner could follow.Connect with Neil to be alerted in this new LinkedIn LIVE serieshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/Neil-McDonnell/ Join Neil at noon for daily LinkedIn LIVE free training. Reach out to him directly via LinkedIn if you are struggling with a sales issue and perhaps he will address your topic directly.Visit the GovCon Chamber of Commerce to get your free 2022 federal contracting small business directories The FREE Small Business Special directory provides :• 1,000+ names, emails and phone numbers for key small business specialists• 100+ Federal Agencies• 100+ large prime Small Business Liaison Officers (SBLOs)90+ PTACs• 100 % free (sponsored by @GovConChamber)https://www.govconchamber.com/

In his first LinkedIn LIVE event, GovCon Chamber of Commerce president Neil McDonnell walks you through the three ways to earn revenue as a federal government contractor. Whether you're a new business or a billion-dollar firm, it's the same. Your size and experience with federal contracting will determine whether you should be partnering with other small businesses, priming on your own agency contract or subcontracting with large primes on major contracts.Neil brings 20+ years of government contracting experience and has personally won and supported government contracts for the Army, Navy, Air Force, HHS,VA, Transportation, Interior, Energy and the Executive Office of the White House.As a business coach and mentor, Neil is famous for making complicated topics easy to understand, helping businesses 'find their niche' and for providing specific, achievable, actionable steps any business owner could follow.Connect with Neil to be alerted in this new LinkedIn LIVE serieshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/Neil-McDonnell/ Join Neil at noon for daily LinkedIn LIVE free training. Reach out to him directly via LinkedIn if you are struggling with a sales issue and perhaps he will address your topic directly.Visit the GovCon Chamber of Commerce to get your free 2022 federal contracting small business directories The FREE Small Business Special directory provides :• 1,000+ names, emails and phone numbers for key small business specialists• 100+ Federal Agencies• 100+ large prime Small Business Liaison Officers (SBLOs)90+ PTACs• 100 % free (sponsored by @GovConChamber)https://www.govconchamber.com/

GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell gathered 5 Small Business Liaison Officers from large prime contractors to discuss best practices and tips to help small businesses succeed as subcontractors. Over 90 minutes, they answered over 50 questions submitted by event attendees. (event held live 25 June 2020)COMPANIES REPRESENTED –• AECOM | Shawn Ralston• Deloitte| Teanna Jones• Honeywell Aerospace | Cruz Andino • Dynetics (a Leidos Company) | Jennifer Torbic Delaney• Manson Construction | Melinda MartirosianTOPICS DISCUSSED–• What SBLOs Do and Don’t Do• Traits of Successful Small Business Partners• Right and Wrong Way to Knock on Their Door• How To Increase Chances to Get on Their Team• Biggest Myths About Working with Large Primes* Please like, share and "subscribe" for future videosREAD OUR BLOG FOR MORE DETAILS –• https://www.GovConChamber.com/blog/how-to-work-with-large-prime-contractorsHOST Neil McDonnell, president of the GovCon Chamber of CommerceNeil interviews government and small business experts in search of useful tips and insights to help government contractors become better federal partners Discover how your businesses can research opportunities, build relationships, promote their capabilities, request small business set-aside opportunities and secure government business contracts.

In a conversational format, Nell McDonnell’s expert panel demystifies CMMC, the DOD’s new Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification requirement for businesses working with the Department of Defense.Learn why the Department of Defense is requiring CMMC certification from industry. How can your business quickly achieve CMMC Level 1 compliance?What are the multiple levels and will PTACs help support industry? Panel includes–• Katie Arrington (CISO, Acquisition and Sustainment, OSD) • Stacy Bostjanick (Director of CMMC, DoD)• Sherry Savage (PTAP, Program Manager, DLA)• Vibhaa Vermani (CEO, Chitra Productions) • Katherine Deming (CISSP, BEI (Business Engineering, Inc.)WATCH the VIDEO PRESENTATION | https://www.GovConChamber.com/cmmcHOST Neil McDonnell, president of the GovCon Chamber of CommerceNeil interviews government and small business experts in search of useful tips and insights to help government contractors become better federal partners Discover how your businesses can research opportunities, build relationships, promote their capabilities, request small business set-aside opportunities and secure government business contracts.

Nell McDonnell interviews NAVSEA Deputy for Small Business Dan Duckwitz about the importance of research and small business solutions that address the pain points of specific program offices, the complexity of the NAVSEA structure and the need for small business feedback.Host Neil McDonnell, president Small Business Success Club and founder of the GovCon Chamber of Commerce interviews government and small business experts who generously offer useful tips and insights for GovCon Chamber members. Discover how small businesses can research opportunities, build relationships, promote their capabilities, request small business set-aside opportunities and secure government business contracts.https://www.GovConChamber.com

Nell McDonnell interviews author and RSM Federal managing director Josh Frank about the 'long-game' cycle of government contracting, how to combine business development with business strategy, grow through subcontracting and to directly influence acquisition.Host Neil McDonnell, president Small Business Success Club and founder of the GovCon Chamber of Commerce interviews government and small business experts who generously offer useful tips and insights for GovCon Chamber members. Discover how small businesses can research opportunities, build relationships, promote their capabilities, request small business set-aside opportunities and secure government business contracts.https://www.GovConChamber.com

Nell McDonnell interviews Solvability CEO Jenny W. Clark on financial fundamentals of direct and indirect costs, competitive pricing strategies for small businesses and the financial systems required for DCAA compliance, maturity and scalability in government contracting.Host Neil McDonnell, president Small Business Success Club and founder of the HUBZone Chamber of Commerce interviews government and small business experts who generously offer useful tips and insights for HUBZone Chamber members. Discover how small businesses can research opportunities, build relationships, promote their capabilities, request small business set-aside (SBSA) opportunities and secure government business contracts.https://www.GovConChamber.com

Nell McDonnell interviews Air Force Cyber/IT Acquisition Officer Sam Riehn on how to identify the Air Force program managers who buy what you sell, how acquisition is changing and how small businesses with cyber security capabilities can take advantage of exciting new opportunities.Host Neil McDonnell, president Small Business Success Club and founder of the HUBZone Chamber of Commerce interviews government and small business experts who generously offer useful tips and insights for HUBZone Chamber members. Discover how small businesses can research opportunities, build relationships, promote their capabilities, request small business set-aside (SBSA) opportunities and secure government business contracts.https://www.HUBZoneChamber.org/

Nell McDonnell interviews Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane (NAVSEA) Director of Small Business Programs Matt Burkett about the scope of contracts available in support of the mission of NSWC Crane, tips and techniques to research opportunities and the primary acquisition procedures and vehicles used.Host Neil McDonnell, president Small Business Success Club and founder of the HUBZone Chamber of Commerce interviews government and small business experts who generously offer useful tips and insights for HUBZone Chamber members. Discover how small businesses can research opportunities, build relationships, promote their capabilities, request small business set-aside (SBSA) opportunities and secure government business contracts.https://www.HUBZoneChamber.org/

Nell McDonnell interviews Navy Small Business Program Director Emily Harman about DOD’s annual Small Business Training Week and her session on the power of positive small businesses storytelling. Emily Harman is one of the most vocal and visible champions for Small Businesses within the Navy, an immensely qualified and highly respected GovCon influencer. After 30 years of federal service, Emily retired from Navy in June 2019. As Director of the Department of the Navy's Office of Small Business Programs, Emily Harmon was the chief advisor to the Secretary of the Navy on all small business matters. Host Neil McDonnell of SV Mac Pack, Inc. and founder of the HUBZone Chamber of Commerce interviews government and small business experts who generously offer useful tips and insights for HUBZone Chamber members. Discover how small businesses can research opportunities, build relationships, promote their capabilities, request small business set-aside (SBSA) opportunities and secure government business contracts.https://www.HUBZoneChamber.org/

Neil McDonnell interviews Judy Bradt about the personal side of federal contracting and how building relationships is the most critical – but overlooked – secret to success in federal contracting. Judy Bradt is CEO of Summit Insight and has helped over 7,000 clients win more than $300 million dollars over the past 30 years. Author | Government Contracts Made EasierHost Neil McDonnell of SV Mac Pack, Inc. and founder of the HUBZone Chamber of Commerce interviews government and small business experts who generously offer useful tips and insights for HUBZone Chamber members. Discover how small businesses can research opportunities, build relationships, promote their capabilities, request small business set-aside (SBSA) opportunities and secure government business contracts.https://www.HUBZoneChamber.org/

Neil McDonnell interviews Emily Harman about developments in the Navy's Office of Small Business programs, how to develop strategic relationships with the 10 buying commands, developments in acquisition, federal contracting and subcontracting for HUBZone small businesses.Host Neil McDonnell of SV Mac Pack, Inc. and founder of the HUBZone Chamber of Commerce interviews government and small business experts who generously offer useful tips and insights for HUBZone Chamber members. Discover how small businesses can research opportunities, build relationships, promote their capabilities, request small business set-aside (SBSA) opportunities and secure government business contracts.https://www.HUBZoneChamber.org/

In this episode, Neil McDonnell interviews Valerie L. Muck, US Air Force Small Business Programs Director about the US Air Force Office of Small Business programs, how to develop strategic relationships with small business specialists, new developments in acquisition, subcontracting strategies and how companies must proactively convey how they can further the Air Force's mission.Participation of guest or views expressed do not constitute an endorsement of any kind.Host Neil McDonnell of SV Mac Pack, Inc. and founder of the HUBZone Chamber of Commerce interviews government and small business experts who generously offer useful tips and insights for HUBZone Chamber members. Discover how small businesses can research opportunities, build relationships, promote their capabilities, request small business set-aside (SBSA) opportunities and secure government business contracts.

In this episode, Neil McDonnell interviews Mark Amtower (Amtower & Company) one of the foremost government contracting consultants advising companies on how to grow and succeed in the federal government market. In this podcast, Amtower provides powerful tips for defining your business niche, highlighting differentiation, building strategic relationships, conducting effective research, and using social media and networks.Host Neil McDonnell of SV Mac Pack, Inc. and founder of the HUBZone Chamber of Commerce interviews government and small business experts who generously offer useful tips and insights for HUBZone Chamber members. Discover how small businesses can research opportunities, build relationships, promote their capabilities, request small business set-aside (SBSA) opportunities and secure government business contracts.

In this episode, Neil McDonnell interviews Department of Energy Small Business Program Manager Lani MacRae who offers specific tips and advice to help small businesses develop capability statements that grab the attention of contracting officers.Participation of guest or views expressed do not constitute an endorsement of any kind.Host Neil McDonnell of SV Mac Pack, Inc. and founder of the HUBZone Chamber of Commerce interviews government and small business experts who generously offer useful tips and insights for HUBZone Chamber members. Discover how small businesses can research opportunities, build relationships, promote their capabilities, request small business set-aside (SBSA) opportunities and secure government business contracts.

Albert Garza, GSA Region 7 (Ft Worth, TX) offers valuable tips for how small businesses connect with business specialists, maximizing the benefits of outreach events, 'doing the contracting officer homework for them!'The Small Business Success Tips podcast is hosted by Neil McDonnell, Founder & Chair of the HUBZone Chamber of Commerce, President of SV Mac Pack, Inc., a Veteran-Owned, HUBZone certified firm. Neil is a small business mentor, coach and trainer committed to helping small businesses achieve their goals.Participation of guest or views expressed do not constitute an endorsement of any kind.

In this episode, Neil McDonnell interviews Brent Owens, SBA Procurement Center Representative based at Hill Air Force Base in Utah supporting agencies spread across three states.Brent Owens (Hill Air Force Base) discusses purchasing trends for Air Force bases, regional training for small business and contracting officers, market research and the SBA's All Small Business Mentor-Protégé program.The Small Business Success Tips podcast is hosted by Neil McDonnell, Founder & Chair of the HUBZone Chamber of Commerce, President of SV Mac Pack, Inc., a Veteran-Owned, HUBZone certified firm. Neil is a small business mentor, coach and trainer committed to helping small businesses achieve their goals.Participation of guest or views expressed do not constitute an endorsement of any kind.

Alan Oakes offers perspective on the contract review process within USDA-FAM and how to seek small business opportunities within the agency.The Small Business Success Tips podcast is hosted by Neil McDonnell, Founder & Chair of the HUBZone Chamber of Commerce, President of SV Mac Pack, Inc., a Veteran-Owned, HUBZone certified firm specializing in training, scanning and records management. Neil is a small business mentor, coach and trainer that is committed to helping small businesses achieve their goals.Participation of guest or views expressed do not constitute an endorsement of any kind.

Dr Gary Heard, SBA, PCR Area III (Alabama)Dr. Gary Heard offers insights to SBA’s Certificates of Competency, CASL (Army’s Competition Advocates Shopping List), contracting officer review process and key prep required from small businesses.

SBA | Area V | Sally WaltonSally Walton (Albuquerque) offers powerful small business contracting strategies, clarifies the scope of agencies, and demystifies important regulations and limitations of sub-contracting for small business set asides.

SBA | Area III | Ken SilviaKenneth Silvia (Savannah), area wide PCR and CMR, provides insights on how contracting officers review market research, and offers specific technical suggestions and strategies for small business contractors

SBA | Area IV | Phil MacLeanPhil MacLean (OH) discusses important differences between OSDBUs, Small Business Specialists, and PCRs; procurement review; agency points of contact; researching historical awards, internal source lists, and subcontracting listings

SBA | Area V | Randy MarchiafavaRandy Marchiafava (New Orleans) discusses the many roles of PCRs, strategic approaches to government contracting, the power of FedBizOpps, and some lesser known SBA resources.

DAEDF | Lyle RoggowLyle Roggow (OK) discusses the critical support regional economic development organizations provide growing businesses including incubators and pivotal resources to help local entrepreneurs become successful.

Our guest in this episode is Rob Sanchious, the Founder and CEO of SHR Consulting Group. SHR, an 8(a) certified small business formed in 2012, supports many key federal agencies (primarily the DoD) as well as customers outside the federal space. Rob comes from a technical background, like many of us, and worked at CSC as an Engineer immediately prior to starting SHR. Under his leadership, SHR has grown significantly as recognized by his company being listed in the number three spot of the 2017 Washington Technology Fast 50, which ranks fast growing small businesses in the government market.Thursday at 7:00 AM EST - new episodes releasedHosted by Neil McDonnell of SV Mac Pack, Inc. - a Veteran-Owned, HUBZone Certified firmParticipation of guest or views expressed do not constitute an endorsement of any kind.

Our guest in this episode is Kevin Boshears from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). He has served in various roles in his career such as Contracting Officer, Procurement Analyst, and OSDBU Director. Before becoming the Director of DHS's Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization in 2003, he served as the OSDBU Director for Treasury.Kevin is a strong advocate of the contribution small businesses can make within the federal government, not only in his role at DHS, but also as part of SBA's Small Business Procurement Advisory Council. In that role he shares best practices in support of small businesses and basically advocates for our success. That makes him an excellent source of information and a perfect guest on this podcast.DHS Small Business Portal: https://www.dhs.gov/do-business-dhs/Thursday at 7:00 AM EST - new episodes releasedHosted by Neil McDonnell of SV Mac Pack, Inc. - a Veteran-Owned, HUBZone Certified firm specializing in Microsoft 365 and SharePoint training and support.Participation of guest or views expressed do not constitute an endorsement of any kind.

Our guest in this episode is Tom Rogers, a Procurement Center Representative with the US Small Business Administration. He is well qualified to talk with us today, but also has walked a bit in our shoes. Prior to joining the SBA, Tom worked as a Procurement Analyst with the Army Corps of Engineers and as a Contracting Specialist with the Army Contracting Command. Before getting into acquisition he served as a program manager, a faculty member in two higher-ED organizations, and as a development manager with a techy background equal to any of us IT folks. In his current role, Tom supports the Army Corp Mobile District, Air Force SOCONS, the Navy Surface Warfare Center, Tyndall AFB, Maxwell AFB as well as a few others.Thursday at 7:00 AM EST - new episodes releasedHosted by Neil McDonnell of SV Mac Pack, Inc. - a Veteran-Owned, HUBZone Certified firm specializing in Microsoft 365 and SharePoint training and support.Participation of guest or views expressed do not constitute an endorsement of any kind.

Our guest in this episode is Joyce Thurmond from the Small Business Administration. She’s out of Atlanta, serving as the Area 3 Director. Joyce wears many hats, and one is as a Procurement Center Representative which basically is “An Advocate” and “A Resource” of small businesses within the federal government. While Joyce does have broad knowledge, her primary activities are in support of the CDC, Interior, Dobbins AFRC, GSA in Atlanta, and the VA Medical Center located in Decatur GA.Thursday at 7:00 AM EST - new episodes releasedHosted by Neil McDonnell of SV Mac Pack, Inc. - a Veteran-Owned, HUBZone Certified firm specializing in Microsoft 365 and SharePoint training and support.Participation of guest or views expressed do not constitute an endorsement of any kind.

Our guest in this episode is Mae Mathieu, the Deputy for Small Business Programs with the Marine Corps for base Quantico. She has been supporting small businesses throughout her career and has extensive knowledge about what works and does not work. She shares some thoughts on how the Marine Corps is different from other customers you might sell to, and why you'll only become successful when you understand and embrace that difference. Mae also shares her thoughts on two key outreach tools, the business card and your Capabilities Statement.Thursday at 7:00 AM EST - new episodes releasedHosted by Neil McDonnell of SV Mac Pack, Inc. - a Veteran-Owned, HUBZone Certified firm specializing in Microsoft 365 and SharePoint training and support.Participation of guest or views expressed do not constitute an endorsement of any kind.