Govcon Giants Eric Coffie

In today's episode, we're diving deep into the strategic insights of a true powerhouse in the realm of defense and business, Darren Whiddon of DKW Consulting LLC. You might remember last year's episode with Gene Moran, where we delved into the importance of early engagement with government customers. Well, following that episode, Gene invited me to speak at his event, the Ringmaster, where I had the pleasure of connecting with Darren.
What makes Darren's story fascinating is his journey from being an Armor Officer in the US Army to now running DKW Consulting LLC, where he assists US small businesses and international mid-size businesses with business development, marketing, and competitive intelligence. Darren's specialty? Pyrotechnics, explosives, munitions—you know, the real War Dogs kind of stuff.
With over 12 years of experience, including a tour in Iraq as an Infantry Advisor to the Iraqi Army, Darren has a wealth of knowledge to share. He held significant roles within the defense industry, serving as VP of Programs and VP of Business Development for companies like Chemring and Nammo. In fact, he was responsible for hiring and promoting 10 program managers during his tenure.
In today's conversation, Darren shares invaluable insights on what makes program managers successful, the art of crafting winning proposals, and how to navigate past performance questionnaires. He sheds light on the challenges of being the incumbent in manufacturing and emphasizes the importance of a strong BD team and having the right program managers in place for success.
Despite his demanding schedule—traveling 40 weeks last year—Darren's commitment to unraveling the truths of the manufacturing world remains unwavering. So, join us as we uncover the strategic mindset of Darren Whiddon, a true giant in the world of defense and business. Tune in to Govcon Giants for this enlightening conversation!

In today's episode, we're thrilled to have Corliss Udoema back on the show. Corliss is the CEO of Contract Solutions, Inc. (CSI), an organization dedicated to excellence in service provision. With a focus on stability, growth, and expansion, CSI offers acquisition support, training, and staff augmentation services to its clients.
Corliss, a recipient of two Congressional awards for her work in small business development, brings her innovative and results-oriented leadership to the forefront. She believes in leading by example, consistently seeking the best talent to ensure her clients receive top-notch professional services.
During our conversation, Corliss sheds light on the essential operations provided by organizations, emphasizing the importance of excellence in service delivery and addressing any gaps impeding operational goals. Her commitment to exceeding client expectations resonates throughout our discussion. Moreover, Corliss emphasizes the significance of fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment.
Tune in to this enlightening episode as Corliss Udoema shares her insights, experiences, and the exceptional work being done at Contract Solutions, Inc. If you're looking for solutions to essential business needs or seeking to partner with a company that prioritizes excellence and integrity, this episode is a must-listen. Join us as we delve into the world of contracting solutions with a true leader in the field.
 
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corliss-udoema-4b972910/
Website: https://contractsolutions-inc.com/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/contractcsi/ 
Company Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/contract-solutions-inc--csi-/ 
Email: csi@contractsolutions-inc.com 
 

Today, we have the honor of hosting Frank Spencer III, President at Aztec Contractors, a true titan in the realm of small business and entrepreneurship. Frank's journey from his roots in West Texas to his current role as a serial entrepreneur and mentor is nothing short of inspiring.
After graduating from Texas A&M University, Frank embarked on a journey that led him to acquire Aztec Contractors, Inc. in 2006. With a humble investment of a thousand dollars, Frank's prudence and fortitude transformed Aztec Contractors into a multimillion-dollar, award-winning general contracting company in the El Paso region.
Beyond his entrepreneurial endeavors, Frank is deeply committed to giving back to his community and nurturing the next generation of leaders. His involvement in various advisory boards, chambers of commerce, and mentorship programs highlights his dedication to fostering growth and opportunity.
When he's not busy running his companies or shaping the future of business leadership, Frank finds solace in spending quality time with his family, pursuing outdoor adventures like hunting and hiking, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle through regular workouts.
Through his unwavering dedication to success and his community, Frank Spencer III epitomizes the essence of a true Govcon Giant, tirelessly working to build a game worth playing for all those around him. Join us as we delve into his insights, experiences, and the lessons he's learned along the way. Stay tuned for an enriching conversation that is sure to inspire and motivate.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankspenceriii/ 
Website: https://www.azteccontractors.com/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/azteccontractors/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/azteccontractors
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxdzrMAwU7E 
 

In today’s episode, we had the pleasure of welcoming a returning guest, Wade B. Watts, the University Program Director (UPD) at the University of Nebraska at Omaha for the National Security Innovation Network (NSIN). With over 20 years of experience as an Air Force Officer and subsequent roles at Booz Allen Hamilton, Wade brings a wealth of knowledge to the table.
In this episode, we delved deeper into the workings of NSIN, a Department of Defense program office under the Defense Innovation Unit. NSIN, formerly known as the MD5 National Security Technology Accelerator, has become a powerhouse in fostering innovation and solving challenges within the DOD through collaborations with universities and community startups.
The National Service portfolio offers individuals a chance to contribute to the DOD without formal membership, while the Collaboration portfolio gathers diverse talent for nationwide problem-solving initiatives. The Acceleration portfolio supports those ready to transition from conceptual solutions to forming companies, building prototypes, or entering government contracts.
Mr. Wade discussed how interested parties can bring solutions to NSIN, emphasizing the role of University Program Directors in establishing local ecosystems. He encouraged engagement with NSIN events, checking their website, or reaching out via email to info@nsin.us.
Wade clarified the crucial role of university affiliations as civilian think tanks, handling many DOD problems. Whether you're in the conceptual stages or already have a validated solution, NSIN offers mentorship, introductions to hubs and accelerators, and tailored programs to support your journey.
This episode provides invaluable insights into NSIN's operations, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in defense innovation, collaboration, and solving complex problems. Tune in and join the conversation with Govcon Giants!
Website: https://www.nsin.mil/ 
Contact: https://www.nsin.mil/join-us/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NSINus/ 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NSIN_us 
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nsinus/ 

In today’s episode, we had the privilege of sitting down with the remarkable Vanessa Savas, a retired Air Force Colonel with an impressive 29 years of Department of Defense experience. Her extensive and distinguished career reached its pinnacle as a Congressional and Government Relations expert for the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
Over the course of 12 years, Vanessa played a pivotal role in advising and collaborating with senior officials in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the U.S. Southern Command, and the U.S. Air Force to secure annual congressional authorizations and appropriations for the Department. Her strategic insights, tenacity, and reputation for integrity have been instrumental in navigating the complex landscape of government relations.
Beyond her illustrious Air Force career, Vanessa has worn many hats, including serving as a Customer Support Senior Engineer for Bombardier Aerospace-Learjet, the Lead Beechjet Instructor Pilot and Flight Examiner at CAE SimuFlite, and even as a Commercial Airline Pilot for various airlines. 
In this engaging conversation, Vanessa shared her wealth of knowledge and experiences, shedding light on the intricacies of government relations within the Department of Defense. Tune in to gain valuable insights into her role, the challenges she faced, and the importance of building relationships in the Executive and Legislative branches of government. 
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of military service, government relations, and the aerospace industry. Let’s welcome our next giant, Vanessa Savas.
Website: https://delphiworldgroup.com/ 
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-savas/ 
Email: vanessa@delphiworldgroup.com
Contact: https://delphiworldgroup.com/contact-us

In this episode, we are honored to have a powerhouse guest, Shalaya Morissette, who is making waves as the Chief of the Minority Business and Workforce Division in the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), stationed within the Office of Energy Justice and Equity. Shalaya is a highly sought-after collaborator in the clean technology space, bringing a wealth of experience from her recent role in the utility sector, focusing on safety and compliance.
We talked about remarkable opportunities in clean energy manufacturing, where eight winners stand to receive $250,000. We also highlighted the importance of a clear and concise roadmap over lengthy proposals and recommend checking out the user-friendly website for all the details.
We delve into the topic of unsolicited proposals and touch on an exciting future prize for nonprofits involved in community outreach. As we expand our scope internationally, we engage listeners toward USAID and the Minority Business Development Agency for global initiatives. Lastly, we delve into practical advice on strategic plays and making the most of the opportunities available, emphasizing the significance of networking and collaboration within the Govcon community.
Tune in for a dynamic discussion on elevating minorities in the energy sector and navigating the evolving landscape of clean technology. You don't want to miss this episode with a true giant in the industry!
 
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shalayam/
US Department of Energy Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/energy/ 
Website: https://www.energy.gov/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/energy 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/energy/ 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/energy 
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/USdepartmentofenergy 
Solve it Prize: https://www.herox.com/SOLVEIT 
MAKE IT Prize: https://www.herox.com/make-it-strategies 
Ask Us Anything Series: https://energy.gov/justice/ask-us-anything-series 
EERE Funding Opportunity Exchange: https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/ 
Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) https://arpa-e.energy.gov/ 
Federal Help Center: https://federalhelpcenter.com/