Struggling to hire elite, often-cleared technical talent in GovCon? In this episode, Jessica Oliver shares practical ways to source beyond the usual platforms and cut through the noise. Learn where top engineers actually hang out online, how to personalize outreach with transparent offers and real-life perks, and how to assess both technical skill and culture fit. We also cover managing remote teams, using employee-driven branding on LinkedIn, keeping momentum in the interview process, and when to leverage niche recruiting agencies. If you need a faster, smarter hiring engine for government contracting, this playbook will help you land the right people, faster.
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Frustrated with your government contracting journey? Join our group coaching community here: federal-access.com/gamechangers
Grab my #1 bestselling book, "I'm New to Government Contracting. Where Should I Start?" Here: https://amzn.to/4hHLPeE
Book a call with me here: https://calendly.com/michaellejeune/govconstrategysession

Ep 394: Hiring Top Tech Talent in GovCon with Ninja Recruiting Strategies

Non-traditional contracting is exploding in government contracting, and small businesses can win faster by learning the rules. In this episode, Michael LeJeune and guest expert Angela Webb break down BAAs, CSOs, OTAs, and SBIR/STTR, when to use each, and where to find them on SAM.gov. You will learn the typical cadence from five-page white paper to full proposal, realistic timelines to award, how consortiums like AFWERX and SOFWERX fit in, and smart pipeline mix recommendations for tech and non-tech firms. We also cover pricing tips, prize challenges, and practical guidance for educating contracting officers with one-pagers that show exactly how to buy from you. If you want faster paths to revenue in GovCon, this is your playbook.
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Frustrated with your government contracting journey? Join our group coaching community here: federal-access.com/gamechangers

Grab my #1 bestselling book, "I'm New to Government Contracting. Where Should I Start?" Here: https://amzn.to/4hHLPeE

Book a call with me here: https://calendly.com/michaellejeune/govconstrategysession

Ep 390: Non-Traditional Contracting 101 OTAs, BAAs, CSOs, and SBIRs

In this episode of Game Changers for Government Contractors, host Michael LeJeune welcomes back Lori Revely, CEO of Cavalry Consulting and chair of SAME’s Small Business Council, to preview the upcoming SAME Small Business Conference in Phoenix, AZ. With more than 6,000 attendees last year, SAME SBC has become the premier government contracting event for the AEC industry and beyond drawing small businesses, large primes, and government partners alike. Lori shares insider tips on how to prepare with pre-conference webinars, maximize matchmaking sessions, and take advantage of capability statement reviews with experts. They also discuss the importance of SAME’s regional posts, industry days, and how one well-planned conference can fuel your business development pipeline for the entire year. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned SBC veteran, this episode will help you make the most of one of GovCon’s most valuable networking and learning opportunities.
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Frustrated with your government contracting journey? Join our group coaching community here: federal-access.com/gamechangers

Grab my #1 bestselling book, "I'm New to Government Contracting. Where Should I Start?" Here: https://amzn.to/4hHLPeE

Book a call with me here: https://calendly.com/michaellejeune/govconstrategysession

Ep 392: How to Thrive at GovCon's Premier Conference of the Year

CMMC is officially here. The DoD finalized the DFARS rule on September 10, with CMMC clauses eligible in solicitations by November 10 and a three-year phase-in through November 10, 2028. We break down Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3, the 180-day conditional grace period, prime flowdowns, and COTS exemptions. The headline: Level 2 can be a self-assessment on some programs, dramatically lowering cost and keeping more small and mid-sized firms in the game. We also cover smart “ghosting” moves to right-size requirements during pre-acquisition and Q&A, plus examples of where Level 2 self-assessment may be appropriate. Act early, budget now, and align your subs so you are not stuck in the rush.
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Frustrated with your government contracting journey? Join our group coaching community here: federal-access.com/gamechangers

Grab my #1 bestselling book, "I'm New to Government Contracting. Where Should I Start?" Here: https://amzn.to/4hHLPeE

Book a call with me here: https://calendly.com/michaellejeune/govconstrategysession

Ep 391: CMMC is Final:  Deadlines, Levels, and How to Stay Competitive

In this episode of Game Changers for Government Contractors, host Michael LeJeune welcomes back legal expert Steven Koprince to dissect the latest wave of proposed federal contracting changes. From GSA’s push to raise thresholds and alter the “Rule of Two,” to the potential expansion of veteran-owned small business opportunities under the NDAA, this conversation dives deep into what these changes could mean for small businesses. Michael and Steven debate the risks, share strategies to adapt, and highlight how innovative contractors can still thrive, even as giants like Amazon enter the competition. Whether you’re a seasoned prime or a newcomer navigating subcontracting, this episode gives you the insight you need to prepare for 2025 and beyond.
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Frustrated with your government contracting journey? Join our group coaching community here: federal-access.com/gamechangers

Grab my #1 bestselling book, "I'm New to Government Contracting. Where Should I Start?" Here: https://amzn.to/4hHLPeE

Book a call with me here: https://calendly.com/michaellejeune/govconstrategysession

Ep 393: Adapting to Change: FAR Overhauls, NDAA Updates, and the Future of GovCon

In this solo episode of Game Changers for Government Contractors, Michael LeJeune breaks down the federal government’s OneGov strategy, a move that centralizes enterprise agreements with giants like Microsoft, Oracle, AWS, and Google. For years, many contractors relied on the “middleman” model, making margins by simply reselling software and hardware licenses. But those days are coming to an end.

Michael explains why OneGov eliminates the need for traditional resellers, how it will save taxpayers billions, and why contractors must pivot from pass-through deals to high-value services like integration, customization, and managed solutions. He also shares strategies for teaming with vendors, building outcomes-based offerings, and shifting to work with higher margins.

If your business depends on reselling, this episode is a wake-up call. But if you’re ready to evolve into a true solution provider, OneGov could open massive opportunities.
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Frustrated with your government contracting journey? Join our group coaching community here: federal-access.com/gamechangers

Grab my #1 bestselling book, "I'm New to Government Contracting. Where Should I Start?" Here: https://amzn.to/4hHLPeE

Book a call with me here: https://calendly.com/michaellejeune/govconstrategysession

Ep 395: OneGov Explained: The Death of the Middleman Strategy

In this episode of Game Changers for Government Contractors, Michael LeJeune is joined by Kim Koster (VP of GovCon Strategy at Unanet) and John Sisson (EVP of CRM at Unanet) to discuss the newly released 2025 GAGE Report. Built from the input of over 1,200 GovCon leaders, the report benchmarks government contracting performance across compliance, accounting, utilization, growth, and efficiency.

The conversation highlights why 65% of contractors remain optimistic despite tighter competition, how 79% identify pipeline performance as their top challenge, and why firms with centralized PMOs submit 10+ more proposals annually. Kim and John also explore the rapid adoption of AI, where it’s adding value, where it’s overhyped, and how integration across BD, project management, and finance is becoming a true game changer.

If you want to benchmark your business and sharpen your GovCon strategy, this episode is packed with actionable insights.
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Frustrated with your government contracting journey? Join our group coaching community here: federal-access.com/gamechangers

Grab my #1 bestselling book, "I'm New to Government Contracting. Where Should I Start?" Here: https://amzn.to/4hHLPeE

Book a call with me here: https://calendly.com/michaellejeune/govconstrategysession

EP 396: 2025 GAGE Report: What GovCons Must Know About Growth & Efficiency

In this episode of Game Changers for Government Contractors, Michael LeJeune speaks with Alexa Tsui about the industry shift from traditional business development and capture toward disciplined go-to-market (GTM) strategies. Alexa explains why top tech entrants (Palantir, OpenAI, etc.) hire “go-to-market” leaders, not old-school BD roles, and why GovCon companies must stop piling up tools and start building a repeatable story, capability portfolio, and process. Learn the essentials: define what you sell, clarify your “why,” craft case-study-driven stories, use LinkedIn strategically, and prioritize painkillers over vitamins. If you want a focused pipeline, clearer decisions, and faster scale, this episode shows where to start.
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Frustrated with your government contracting journey? Join our group coaching community here: federal-access.com/gamechangers

Grab my #1 bestselling book, "I'm New to Government Contracting. Where Should I Start?" Here: https://amzn.to/4hHLPeE

Book a call with me here: https://calendly.com/michaellejeune/govconstrategysession

Ep 398-Target, Tell, Win- A Practical Guide to GovCon Go-to-Market

AI is no longer a buzzword, it is quietly reshaping how companies work, hire, and compete. In this episode, I sit down with AI and automation expert (and repeat founder) Luke Thompson to unpack the real state of AI and what it means for business leaders.

We talk about why free AI tools give you a false sense of security, why executives must lean in instead of banning AI, and how to build simple automations that tame your inbox and free up real time. Luke breaks down digital twins, MCP, agent workflows, and security risks in plain English, with practical examples you can apply this week.

If you are a CEO, founder, or executive trying to decide what to do next with AI, this conversation is your roadmap.
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Frustrated with your government contracting journey? Join our group coaching community here: federal-access.com/gamechangers

Grab my #1 bestselling book, "I'm New to Government Contracting. Where Should I Start?" Here: https://amzn.to/4hHLPeE

Book a call with me here: https://calendly.com/michaellejeune/govconstrategysession

Ep 397: The Current State of AI How It’s About to Reshape Your Entire Workflow

Ep 399: Winter is Coming for Your GovCon Strategy

Game Changers was designed BY government contractors FOR government contractors.  The focus of every episode is to give listeners a new tip, trick, or strategy that will help them find and win more contracts.  Each episode features Subject Matter Experts (SME), companies that are successfully winning contracts, or nationally recognized professional speakers and authors.  The show is hosted by government experts Michael LeJeune from Federal Access and Joshua Frank from RSM Federal.  Their award-winning program Federal Access has helped their clients win over $2 Billion in government contracts.  Game Changers releases a new episode every other week.

Keywords: Government Contractor, Government Sales, Government Contracting, Government Contracts, Government Subcontracting, How to Win Government Contracts, Where to Find Government Contracts, Government Contract Support, FPDS Training, The Government Sales Manual, How to Respond to RFPs, How to Write a Proposal, Capability Statement, Government Trainer, Government Coach, Government Consultant.

New tracks tagged #Government Contracting