Govcon Giants Eric Coffie
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- Business
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After the real estate market crashed in 2007 Mr. Coffie launched a successful consulting company helping small business owners earn millions in revenues via federal small business programs. In 2012 he launched Evankoff Construction, a steel erection company building airplane hangars and metal buildings for government agencies around the country. In 2017 Mr. Coffie launched Scorecontracts @ YouTube a channel to help other small businesses achieve their revenue goals using the power of federal contracts.
The podcast Govcon Giants is dedicated to showcasing the scalability of growing a business harnessing the power of federal dollars. The marketplace is wide open for all that want to gain a piece.
Meet some of the world’s greatest masterminds behind the trillion-dollar behemoth.
We interview small firms, large firms, past and current contract officials, government agencies and their representatives all in the name of helping the small business get a leg up in the industry.
If you want to participate in this market then you are in the right place.
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Strategic Insights and Tenacity: Securing Department of Defense Funding with Vanessa Savas
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 -
Scoring Major Bid Opportunities in The Department of Energy with Shalaya Morissette
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/ -
Behind the Numbers: An In-Depth Discussion with Audit Director Pete Ragone
Today we had the privilege of hosting Pete Ragone, an esteemed Audit Director at SC&H Group. Pete has been a vital member of the SC&H team since 2015, bringing with him a wealth of experience in public accounting dating back to 1990.
Throughout his career, Pete has emerged as a leader in financial statement audits, reviews, and compilations for a diverse range of domestic and international organizations. His clientele spans certified small businesses, including those participating in the SBA 8(a) program, as well as middle- and large-market clients across industries such as Government Contracting, Manufacturing, Construction, Technology, Healthcare, and Nonprofit sectors.
Pete's extensive background includes audit management roles in both "Big 4" firms and regional accounting firms. His expertise encompasses a spectrum of financial areas, including cost accounting, DCAA audit compliance, FAR, CAS, foreign currency translation accounting, fair value accounting, complex revenue recognition issues, and more. He has a remarkable track record of providing clients with valuable insights, from accounting software selection and implementation to general business consulting advice.
Beyond his client-focused responsibilities, Pete is actively engaged in firm initiatives. He plays a pivotal role in recruiting efforts for the Tysons Corner office and places a strong emphasis on training within his team. Pete has developed and delivered training sessions on various topics, including audit methodology, financial reporting, effective communication, and the impact of new accounting standards.
This interview is conducted by our very own Randie Ward, who has graciously decided to step into the role of Middle Market representative for Govcon Giants. So expect to hear more from her in upcoming episodes.
We are truly grateful to have had Pete Ragone on the show, sharing his wealth of knowledge and insights into the intricate world of auditing and financial consulting. Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations with industry giants on the Govcon Giants Podcast.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-ragone-4124bb3
Website: https://www.schgroup.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SCHGroup
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SCandHGroup
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sch_group/
Contact number: 800-832-3008 -
Mastering Compliance Risks in Government Contracting: A Conversation with Giacomo Apadula
In our latest episode, Randie Ward had the privilege of interviewing Giacomo Apadula, an authority in government contract and grant administration. Giacomo's extensive expertise lies in cost accounting, regulatory compliance, and business process improvement/system design.
Throughout the episode, Giacomo shared his wealth of knowledge, drawing on his experience serving clients in the government contracting and grantee sectors, spanning both profit and non-profit organizations. His clientele includes large defense contractors, biotechs, and not-for-profits, encompassing complex Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) and international relief organizations.
Giacomo specializes in guiding these entities on mitigating compliance risks and implementing robust internal controls. One of Giacomo's key areas of focus is helping organizations establish the internal control framework necessary to obtain government-approved business systems, such as accounting/billing, estimating, and purchasing.
During the conversation, Giacomo highlighted his proficiency in Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), 2 CFR 200, as well as agency-specific supplements such as NIH/DFARS/AIDAR/HHS. He showcased his analytical skills by emphasizing the use of Microsoft Access and Excel for statistical modeling and analysis.
Overall, Randie’s discussion with Giacomo delved deep into the intricacies of government contract and grant administration, shedding light on the importance of compliance, cost accounting, and effective business processes. Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights from a true expert in the field.
Click here to learn more about Giacomo:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giacomo-apadula-67411b5/
Company Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rsm-us-llp/
Website: https://rsmus.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rsmusllp/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rsmusllp/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/rsmusllp1
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The Insider's Guide to Government Contracts Litigation with Ryan C. Bradel
In today’s episode we have a true expert in the field, Ryan C. Bradel. Ryan is a seasoned attorney representing government contractors in a myriad of federal, state, and local procurement matters. With a cross-industry practice, Ryan has become a go-to authority for companies in defense, intelligence, contingency operations, private security, weapons manufacturing, information technology, healthcare, and more. His extensive experience includes bid protests, contract disputes, FAR counseling, and navigating the complexities of SBA programs.
In our conversation, Ryan delves into his specialty—government contracts litigation. He shares insights into successfully representing protestors and interveners/awardees in bid protests before key bodies like the Court of Federal Claims and the Government Accountability Office (GAO). Notably, his accomplishments extend to leading the prosecution of multi-million-dollar claims before various boards and appeals processes.
One of Ryan's unique strengths lies in his expertise with the Small Business Administration (SBA) government contracting programs. He guides companies through certification processes and advises on effective participation in programs for socially and economically disadvantaged businesses, HUBZone small businesses, SDVOSBs, WOSBs, ANC, and Tribally-owned businesses. His counsel goes beyond initial certifications, encompassing ownership changes, mentor-protégé arrangements, joint ventures, teaming agreements, and strategic alliances.
Before joining Ward & Berry, Ryan served as Associate Counsel to McCain-Palin 2008 and later as Counsel at an AmLaw15 law firm. Today, he brings his wealth of experience to our discussion, sharing valuable insights into compliance programs, employment matters, and the intricate landscape of M&A within the highly-regulated government contracting industry.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the government contracting space, from seasoned professionals to those just starting. Join us as we uncover the strategies and lessons that have made Ryan Bradel a standout figure in the Govcon Giants landscape.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-bradel-4560982/
Website: https://www.wardberry.com/ryan-bradel/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WardBerryLaw/
Email: info@wardberry.com
Contact: (202) 331-8160 -
Turning Vision into Reality: Exploring the Dynamics of Leadership in Federal Construction with Angie Martinez
In today's episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with the remarkable Angie Martinez, an executive professional with over 25 years of extensive experience in federal construction, business development, and facilities management. Angie's impressive career spans various facets of the industry, including construction management, contracting, and facilities planning. Her commitment to guiding teams toward a common vision and developing practical solutions to complex problems makes her a true problem solver in the field.
Angie's passion for accomplishing challenging projects is evident in her belief that there's nothing more fun than achieving success in endeavors that initially seemed insurmountable. Her pride in contributing to projects ranging from supporting national security to preserving our national parks is truly commendable.
As an active member of the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME), Angie has not only served on the national board for the SAME Foundation but has also been a valuable part of the Leader Development Community of Interest.
Passionate about leadership and continuous personal and professional growth, Angie Martinez thrives on challenging the status quo to improve processes. She takes "that's how it's always been done" as a personal challenge, embodying the spirit of innovation and forward-thinking. Our conversation delves into Angie's insights on leadership, growth, and her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact.
Don't miss this engaging episode with Angie Martinez, where she shares her wisdom, experiences, and perspectives on leadership and the ever-evolving landscape of federal construction. Tune in now to gain valuable insights from this influential leader in the industry!
Click here to learn more about Angie:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angie-martinez-6724235/
Company Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/martinez-construction-services/
Website: https://martinezconstruction.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MartinezServicesInc/
Contact number: 321-349-2000
Customer Reviews
Govcon Gem
Thank you so much for this podcast. It is so inspiring and full of so much information, for aspiring government contractors. I stumbled across this show about two weeks ago and have been on a binge ever since. I have been registered with Sam.gov since 2020, and even involved with my local PTAC, but because of all the confusing, overwhelming information, I left the idea of winning contracts alone for a while now. I am a full time entrepreneur, single mom to a college student, and I am also a college student myself. Listening to this podcast (while working, cooking, getting ready for the day) has inspired me to add government contracting back on my to-do list. I find myself learning so much and becoming very familiar with the terminology used in the industry. I love listening to the guests, hearing their stories, and even the questions that the listeners pose. Eric does a wonderful job as a host too. He keeps it real, entertaining, and adds a lot of value to the industry as a whole. This free resource is a blessing. I look forward to growing and blossoming with you all.
Thank you Eric and GovCon!
I learn a lot form Eric. I was even able to set up a meeting with Molly Mayhew here in Oklahoma City due to the interview he did with her. Luckily Molly gave the name of her company and I was able to find a phone number for her. I’ll continue to listen to Eric daily and hope to grow my Gov Con business through Eric and his guest’s guidance, tips and tricks of the trade. Thank you Eric and Gov Con!
Love Eric’s content!
All nuggets here!