The Future of GovCon

Jake Frazer
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Government contracting is changing fast—driven by foreign policy shifts, new technology, and major talent moves. The Future of GovCon is your front-row seat to the leaders shaping what’s next. Hosted by Jake Frazer, CEO of Precision Talent Solutions, the show features candid conversations with CXOs, Flag Officers, diplomats, and innovators across defense, intelligence, space, and cybersecurity. Most of us only see from our own foxhole—this podcast pulls the camera back to show the whole battlefield, offering clear insights without spin or partisanship.

  1. Patrick Malcor: From the Balkans to Building GovCon’s Future

    EPISODE 1

    Patrick Malcor: From the Balkans to Building GovCon’s Future

    Welcome to the very first episode of The Future of GovCon with Jake Frazer. This podcast gives you a front-row seat to the leaders, innovators, and decision-makers shaping government contracting. Today’s guest, Patrick Malcor, has worn many hats. Army officer, international contractor, CEO, and now founder of Ajax Defense. From running checkpoints in Bosnia to managing multimillion-dollar contracts, Patrick has seen government contracting from every angle. He and Jake go back nearly 30 years, from serving together in the Army to leading businesses in some of the most complex environments in the world. In this kickoff episode, Patrick shares how culture and values drive organizational success, why talent is the defining challenge in defense manufacturing, and how decentralization and technology will reshape GovCon in the years ahead. Key Moments: (00:00) Why values and culture drive organizational success (00:35) Jake introduces The Future of GovCon and its mission (02:00) Parallel military upbringings and early careers in the Army (07:28) How contractors in Bosnia inspired the leap into GovCon (11:05) First jobs in contracting and lessons from the Balkans support contract (14:30) The “parking lot moment”: realizing they could run a business (18:14) Transitioning from big primes to entrepreneurial leadership (21:03) The power of values, culture, and alignment in building companies (25:12) Founding Precision Talent Solutions and focusing on people challenges (29:28) Why Patrick is passionate about M&A and defense manufacturing (35:47) Talent shortages in skilled trades and defense manufacturing (38:29) Big trends shaping GovCon Connect with Patrick: Patrick’s LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/patrickmalcor Patrick’s Website - patrickmalcor.com Visit pts.careers for more information on Jake Frazer and Precision Talent Solutions.

    55 min
  2. Andrew Rohling: How NATO’s Evolution Will Impact Government Contracting

    EPISODE 2

    Andrew Rohling: How NATO’s Evolution Will Impact Government Contracting

    What are the opportunities and challenges for government contractors in the NATO market? In this episode, Lieutenant General (Ret.) Andrew Rohling joins Jake Frazer to break down how NATO operates behind the curtain and what that means for government contracting. Drawing from nearly four decades in the U.S. Army and top NATO roles, Andy explains how multi-nation politics, standardization challenges, and the new 5% defense pledge are reshaping opportunities for contractors. With candid stories from his military journey and insights from NATO’s highest levels, he paints a clear picture of where GovCon leaders should be looking next. Key moments: (00:00) Andy introduces NATO’s 32-nation decision-making process and its challenges. (05:40) Andy shares his Milwaukee upbringing, ROTC path, and early Army career. (09:26) ROTC vs. West Point: Andy reflects on cadet life and commissioning. (13:36) Andy’s encounters with contracting support, from grass-cutting contracts to billion-dollar service agreements. (18:27) NATO contracting flexibility versus U.S. systems in Iraq and Afghanistan. (23:24) Leading NATO’s Allied Rapid Reaction Corps and balancing national vs. NATO requirements. (29:29) Inside NATO headquarters: Andy’s role as Deputy Chair of the Military Committee. (33:53) The importance of standardization and compliance in NATO contracting. (37:10) 2025 NATO summit outcomes: defense spending, and new pledges. (43:26) Where NATO will invest: command-and-control, hardware, and emerging tech. (47:49) NATO’s resilience, Ukraine, and how protracted conflict impacts global security. (51:56) Andy’s one word for GovCon’s NATO future: Opportunity. Thanks to Lieutenant General Andrew Rohling for being on the show.  Connect with Lieutenant General Rohling: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-rohling/  Visit https://pts.careers/ for more info on Jake Frazer and Precision Talent Solutions.  Follow Jake on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakefrazer/  The Future of GovCon explores the trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the government contracting industry. If you’re navigating acquisition strategy, workforce challenges, technology adoption, or global opportunities, be sure to subscribe to the Future of GovCon:  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-future-of-govcon/id1838189132  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0aMgbnT4lLK1BVPqqYG32A  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFutureOfGovCon

    55 min
  3. Bill Bodie: Navigating Political Shifts and Policy Gaps in GovCon

    EPISODE 3

    Bill Bodie: Navigating Political Shifts and Policy Gaps in GovCon

    How should the U.S. defense industry prepare for a Pacific-focused posture? In this episode, Jake Frazer sits down with GovCon legend Bill Bodie to explore how decades of global experience shaped his perspective on the industry’s future. From Cold War think tanks to leading KBR during the Iraq War, Bill shares how government contracting has evolved—and where it’s falling behind. Together, they discuss technological disruption, geopolitical urgency, and why he’s cautiously optimistic about the years ahead. Bill Bodie is a seasoned GovCon executive and strategist who’s worn just about every hat in the field—from Cold War analyst to boots-on-the-ground leader in Iraq. He’s led major divisions at KBR, Parsons, and Northrop Grumman, and advised on policy at the Department of the Air Force. Today, he blends his rich government and industry experience at the Center for Strategic and International Studies—while moonlighting as a Shakespearean actor. Key moments: (6:06) Bill’s New York upbringing and early fascination with Russian history and theater. (10:58) The collapse of the Soviet Union. (17:07) Northrop and corporate communications. (23:15) Air Force Secretariat during 9/11 and its aftermath. (28:11) Leading KBR’s government and infrastructure unit during the height of the Iraq War. (34:13) Parsons pivoting toward high-tech services during the post-Iraq drawdown. (38:04) Fading demand signals from DoD and Congress’s waning defense leadership. (44:31) DoD leaders embracing innovation from defense startups and Silicon Valley. (52:31) The Ukraine war and why its outcome will shape global security. Thanks to Bill Bodie for being on the show. Connect with Bill: https://www.csis.org/people/william-bodie https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-bodie-5b1a8b4/ Visit https://pts.careers/ for more info on Jake Frazer and Precision Talent Solutions. Follow Jake on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakefrazer/ The Future of GovCon explores the trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the government contracting industry. If you’re navigating acquisition strategy, workforce challenges, technology adoption, or global opportunities, be sure to subscribe to the Future of GovCon: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-future-of-govcon/id1838189132 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0aMgbnT4lLK1BVPqqYG32A YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFutureOfGovCon

    58 min
  4. The Future of Medicine Through a GovCon Lens with Telita Crosland

    EPISODE 4

    The Future of Medicine Through a GovCon Lens with Telita Crosland

    How does military medicine prepare leaders differently than civilian healthcare? In this episode, Jake Frazer sits down with recently retired Lieutenant General Telita Crosland to explore how military medicine intersects with government contracting. From her journey growing up in Queens to leading a $61 billion military healthcare system, Telita shares powerful lessons about leadership, service, and partnership. Together, they discuss the role of AI and why GovCon must embrace agility and innovation to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Telita Crosland has lived a life of service that spans soldier, physician, and leader. Born and raised in NYC, she went from West Point cadet to running the entire Military Health System as the first woman and first African American to serve as Director of the Defense Health Agency. Known for her humility and vision, Telita brings a powerful voice on how GovCon partnerships can transform healthcare for service members, their families, and the nation. Key moments: (00:00) Telita explains why speed, agility, and partnerships are essential to GovCon success. (03:06) Telita’s decision at age five to become a doctor. (05:52) How a recruiter led her to West Point despite no family military background. (10:13) Going to medical school and choosing family medicine. (12:41) First assignment in Korea as a young Army physician. (17:40) The unique leadership training military doctors receive compared to civilian peers. (20:41) How mentors shaped her path from student to senior leader. (25:36) The vital role contractors play in delivering military healthcare worldwide. (30:54) What Covid-19 revealed about innovation, agility, and partnerships in GovCon. (44:46) AI, sensors, and a data-driven future for military medicine. Thanks to Telita Crosland for being on the show.  Connect with Telita: https://www.linkedin.com/in/telita-crosland/  Visit https://pts.careers/ for more info on Jake Frazer and Precision Talent Solutions.  Follow Jake on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakefrazer/  The Future of GovCon explores the trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the government contracting industry. If you’re navigating acquisition strategy, workforce challenges, technology adoption, or global opportunities, be sure to subscribe to the Future of GovCon:  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-future-of-govcon/id1838189132  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0aMgbnT4lLK1BVPqqYG32A  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFutureOfGovCon

    53 min
  5. Ukraine MP Andrii Nikolaienko: Reconstruction, Korea Parallels, and Baseball

    EPISODE 5

    Ukraine MP Andrii Nikolaienko: Reconstruction, Korea Parallels, and Baseball

    In this episode, Jake Frazer sits down with Ukrainian Member of Parliament Andrii Nikolaienko to discuss how Ukraine is navigating war, planning reconstruction, and finding hope in unexpected places—including baseball. Speaking from Kyiv, Andrii offers a rare, on-the-ground perspective of leadership during conflict and outlines what it will take to rebuild a modern, resilient Ukraine. From his early days as a diplomat and regional governor to helping defend Mariupol in 2014, Andrii shares hard-earned lessons on courage, unity, and the importance of partnerships with the U.S. and allies. He draws striking comparisons between South Korea’s post-war transformation and Ukraine’s path forward, explaining why transparency, privatization, and critical mineral development will be central to recovery. And in a surprising twist, Andrii, reveals how the sport has become a small but powerful symbol of connection between Ukrainians and their American partners. Key moments: (00:00) Life in Kyiv and the unseen costs of war (04:30) How South Korea’s post-war model could shape Ukraine’s future (09:00) Scenarios for Ukraine’s long-term stability (14:00) The story behind Ukraine’s baseball movement (18:00) Early career as diplomat and regional governor (22:00) Defending Mariupol and the birth of the Azov Battalion (31:00) Ukraine’s evolving political landscape during wartime (38:00) Building the “new Ukraine”: energy, infrastructure, and innovation (45:00) The strategic value of Ukraine’s critical minerals (50:00) Predictions for 2028 and why Ukraine’s future holds “great perspective” Thanks to Andrii Nikolaienko for being on the show. Follow Jake Frazer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakefrazer/ Visit https://pts.careers/ for more on Precision Talent Solutions. The Future of GovCon explores the trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the government contracting industry. If you’re navigating acquisition strategy, workforce challenges, technology adoption, or global opportunities, be sure to subscribe to The Future of GovCon: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-future-of-govcon/id1838189132 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0aMgbnT4lLK1BVPqqYG32A YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFutureOfGovCon

    54 min
  6. Chuck Prow: From IBM to V2X, The Future of GovCon, Consolidation, and Outcome-Based Delivery

    EPISODE 6

    Chuck Prow: From IBM to V2X, The Future of GovCon, Consolidation, and Outcome-Based Delivery

    What defines the next era of government contracting — and who will lead it? In this episode, Jake Frazer sits down with industry legend Chuck Prow, former CEO of V2X and longtime IBM executive, to explore how technology, operations, and leadership are converging to shape the future of GovCon. From his early career in distributed computing and consulting to transforming Vectrus into V2X, Chuck shares powerful insights on growth, innovation, and the evolving balance between commercial efficiency and public mission. Together, they discuss how robotics, AI, and automation are redefining operations and why the industry’s future depends on companies that sell outcomes, not inputs. Chuck Prow’s four-decade career spans consulting, technology, and defense services leadership. At IBM, he helped build one of the largest public sector businesses in the world and founded the IBM Center for the Business of Government, fostering collaboration between industry and government. As CEO of V2X, he led the company’s transformation into a diversified global leader in operational services, logistics, and technology integration. Key moments: (00:00) Chuck explains why the future belongs to companies that sell outcomes, not inputs (03:33) Growing up in St. Louis and discovering data before “data” was even a buzzword (06:01) Early career in distributed computing and consulting during the rise of digital technology (16:03) Entering government contracting in the late 1990s and the era of transformation under Clinton–Gingrich reforms (20:10) 9/11 memories — being in Roslyn, losing clients, and how the industry changed overnight (25:00) Building IBM’s public sector business and launching the IBM Center for the Business of Government (32:09) Taking over Vectrus in 2016 and transforming it into V2X (37:49) Winning LOGCAP and redefining operational excellence through technology (41:52) The Vectrus–Vertex merger: creating scale, diversity, and capability (44:04) The future of GovCon — bifurcation between technology-driven and operationally driven companies (47:14) Robotics, automation, and predictive analytics as the next frontier (53:58) Chuck’s one word for the future: acceleration Thanks to Chuck Prow for being on the show. Visit https://pts.careers/ for more info on Jake Frazer and Precision Talent Solutions. Follow Jake on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jakefrazer The Future of GovCon explores the trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the government contracting industry. If you’re navigating acquisition strategy, workforce challenges, technology adoption, or global opportunities, be sure to subscribe to The Future of GovCon: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-future-of-govcon/id1838189132 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0aMgbnTtSTB0ptzvfxk3Pf YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFutureOfGovCon

    57 min
  7. MG (R) Dusty Shultz — Data, Space, and Hope for the Future of GovCon

    EPISODE 7

    MG (R) Dusty Shultz — Data, Space, and Hope for the Future of GovCon

    In this episode, Jake Frazer sits down with Major General (Ret.) Dusty Schultz, former Director of Strategic Operations for the U.S. Army, to explore how data, space, and leadership are reshaping the future of defense and government contracting. From growing up on a small farm in Northern California to leading Army intelligence and operations worldwide, Dusty shares powerful lessons in service, innovation, and resilience. Together, they discuss how space and cyber are converging, why Latin America is becoming a key strategic front, and what it means to lead with integrity and hope in an age defined by technology. Dusty’s 37-year career spans command, intelligence, and strategy across the Army, SOUTHCOM, and the Pentagon. Known for her authenticity and forward-thinking leadership, she brings a unique perspective on how data, AI, and human-centered decision-making will define the next era of national security and GovCon. Key moments: (00:00) Are we on the brink of a global data war? (03:00) How did growing up on a small farm shape Dusty’s values and leadership style? (04:00) What did living in Spain as a teenager teach her about cultural diversity and dialogue? (06:00) Why did she apply to the Naval Academy — and what did her father say that changed her mind? (07:00) How did the New Mexico Military Institute set the foundation for her military career? (13:00) How did Dusty go from being a schoolteacher to an intelligence officer after 9/11? (20:00) What did she learn leading humanitarian coordination after the Haiti earthquake? (22:00) How did she build a “pickup team” battalion in Iraq and lead it to success? (24:00) What was it like standing up the first Intelligence Brigade for NORTHCOM? (27:00) How did she drive transformation in space, cyber, and data as Director of Strategic Operations? (29:00) Why does she believe data is the next domain of warfare? (37:00) How can truthful data create transparency and trust across GovCon? (48:00) What are the ethical challenges of AI and automation in national security? (52:27) Why does Dusty describe the future of GovCon in one word — Hopeful? Thanks to Major General (Ret.) Dusty Schultz for joining the show. Visit https://pts.careers/ for more info on Jake Frazer and Precision Talent Solutions. Follow Jake on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jakefrazer The Future of GovCon explores the trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the government contracting industry. If you’re navigating acquisition strategy, workforce challenges, technology adoption, or global opportunities, be sure to subscribe: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-future-of-govcon/id1838189132 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0aMgbnTtSTB0ptzvfxk3Pf YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFutureOfGovCon

    55 min
  8. Elizabeth Richard: Lessons from Lebanon, Women in Diplomacy, and Global Change

    EPISODE 8

    Elizabeth Richard: Lessons from Lebanon, Women in Diplomacy, and Global Change

    What happens when diplomacy meets defense? In this episode, Jake Frazer sits down with Ambassador Elizabeth Richard, former U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon, to explore how global power shifts, partnerships, and policy decisions are shaping the next chapter of government contracting. From her decades in the Foreign Service to leading one of America’s most complex embassies, Ambassador Richard shares lessons from a career spent navigating fragile states, global alliances, and the balance between government and industry. Together, they discuss how the world is moving beyond a unipolar system, the importance of strategic investment in regions like the Middle East and Latin America, and how private sector expertise will define the future of stability operations. Elizabeth Richard’s distinguished diplomatic career includes service as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Ambassador to Lebanon, and senior roles in Afghanistan, Yemen, and Pakistan. Known for her strategic insight and pragmatic leadership, she brings a candid and nuanced perspective on how policy, partnership, and resilience come together to shape the modern global order. Key moments: (00:00) Are we still living in a unipolar world — or has global power truly shifted? (05:15) How do diplomacy and defense work together in fragile states? (10:32) What lessons can industry learn from America’s long presence in the Middle East? (16:06) How did being a woman in the Middle East become an unexpected advantage in diplomacy? (26:05) What did Lebanon teach her about human resilience and adaptability? (37:47) Why are fewer nations looking to the U.S. to solve global problems? (47:47) How do contractors fill critical gaps when government downsizes? (54:31) Why does Ambassador Richard remain hopeful about the future? Thanks to Ambassador Elizabeth Richard for joining the show. Visit https://pts.careers/ for more info on Jake Frazer and Precision Talent Solutions. Follow Jake on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jakefrazer The Future of GovCon explores the trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the government contracting industry. If you’re navigating acquisition strategy, workforce challenges, technology adoption, or global opportunities, be sure to subscribe to The Future of GovCon: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-future-of-govcon/id1838189132 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0aMgbnTtSTB0ptzvfxk3Pf YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFutureOfGovCon Subscribe to the podcast: https://pts.careers/podcast

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About

Government contracting is changing fast—driven by foreign policy shifts, new technology, and major talent moves. The Future of GovCon is your front-row seat to the leaders shaping what’s next. Hosted by Jake Frazer, CEO of Precision Talent Solutions, the show features candid conversations with CXOs, Flag Officers, diplomats, and innovators across defense, intelligence, space, and cybersecurity. Most of us only see from our own foxhole—this podcast pulls the camera back to show the whole battlefield, offering clear insights without spin or partisanship.

Information

  • Creator
    Jake Frazer
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Jake Frazer
  • Show Website
    The Future of GovCon