GovCon Unscripted

Chelsea Meggitt

5.0 (1)
MANAGEMENT
UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to GovCon Unscripted, where we dive into the unfiltered stories and strategies from all around the world of government contracting. Join host Chelsea Meggitt as she explores how to navigate, thrive, and win in this complex but rewarding industry.

3D AGO

Strategic Pricing Is Not An Afterthought with Marsha Lindquist

Strategic pricing is not a spreadsheet exercise; it is a leadership decision that affects risk, profitability, and execution long after award. In this episode of GovCon Unscripted, Marsha Lindquist, Managing Partner/President of Granite Leadership Strategies Inc., explains why pricing must be involved early, why fixed-price contracts demand sharper strategy, and how contractors get into trouble when pricing is treated as an afterthought. Timestamps: 00:01:00 – Why strategic pricing matters 00:05:18 – The danger of “average pricing.” 00:08:34 – Pricing is not something you slap together 00:12:58 – Fixed price vs cost-plus risk 00:16:45 – Inflation, escalation, and long-term risk 00:24:45 – LPTA realities and race-to-the-bottom traps Resources: Secrets of Strategic Pricing for Government ContractorsGranite Leadership StrategiesMarsha Lindquist's LinkedIn profileChelsea Robert's LinkedIn profile 🎧 Listen now on: 🔹 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/govcon-unscripted/id1766384482 🔹 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1NL0kFAvmgECLTJpUZYNHy Like and follow us: 🔹 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GovConUnscriptedUS 🔹 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/govconunscriptedpodcast/ 🔹 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/govcon-unscripted/posts/ 🔹 Join our #govcon #community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14618490/ New to GovCon? Here’s a guide for you: https://share.hsforms.com/288nO18bsRCCmdJZL66pClwbzmvx 21 AI Prompts to Supercharge Your GovCon BD Engine: https://collaborativecompositions.com/21-ai-prompts-to-supercharge-your-govcon-bd-engine/

31 min
12/22/2025

Serving Without the Uniform Lawrence 'Larry' Pokroy on Transition and Growth

In this special 'Success After Service' episode of GovCon Unscripted, Chelsea sits down with Lawrence "Larry" Pokroy, Vice President of Business Development of BayInfotech, LLC, a veteran leader who shares what it really means to continue serving after military life, just without the uniform. Larry talks candidly about transitioning into government contracting, the mindset shift required to succeed, and the hard lessons small businesses learn as they grow. From relationships and reputation to finding your true differentiator, this conversation is packed with practical insight for veterans and non-veterans alike, navigating GovCon. On this episode, we discuss: Transitioning from military service into govconWhy relationships matter more than titlesThe mistake small businesses make when they oversellFinding your niche and true differentiatorServing with purpose beyond the uniform Timestamps: [00:00] – Welcome to GovCon Unscripted [02:18] – Transitioning from military service [05:40] – Mindset shifts after service [08:55] – Relationship-driven growth in govcon [11:53] – Why small businesses oversell [14:20] – Finding your niche and differentiator [18:10] – Lessons learned along the way [22:45] – Final advice for growing companies Links & Resources: Larry Pokroy on LinkedIn Chelsea Roberts on LinkedInBayInfotech Website 🎧 Listen now on: 🔹 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/govcon-unscripted/id1766384482 🔹 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1NL0kFAvmgECLTJpUZYNHy Like and follow us: 🔹 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GovConUnscriptedUS 🔹 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/govconunscriptedpodcast/ 🔹 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/govcon-unscripted/posts/ 🔹 Join our #govcon #community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14618490/ New to GovCon? Here's a guide for you: https://share.hsforms.com/288nO18bsRCCmdJZL66pClwbzmvx 21 AI Prompts to Supercharge Your GovCon BD Engine: https://collaborativecompositions.com/21-ai-prompts-to-supercharge-your-govcon-bd-engine/

21 min
12/08/2025

GovSignals AI and the Future of Procurement with Derek Hoyt

In this episode of GovCon Unscripted, Chelsea sits down with Derek Hoyt, CEO of GovSignals AI, to explore how AI is transforming federal acquisition, collapsing procurement timelines, and reshaping compliance expectations across the DoD and government agencies. Derek breaks down what true end-to-end AI-powered acquisition looks like, why most tools in the market fall short, and how GovSignals is addressing challenges like CMMC, FedRAMP, IL5, data silos, proposal automation, market research, contract management, and multi-portal fragmentation. On this episode, we discuss: Why acquisition is really a linear data pipeline government never automatedHow AI accelerates capture, proposals, and post-award workflowsHow FedRAMP, CMMC, and IL5 differ and why misinterpretation creates riskWhy disconnected systems force contractors into manual workHow semantic search replaces keyword-based huntingCollapsing procurement timelines from months to minutesWhat GovSignals is doing with DIU and enterprise-level workflowsThe vision for a 10-minute transaction in federal contractingTimestamps: [00:00] – Welcome and introduction [01:10] – What GovSignals AI is and who it serves [04:10] – The limitations of today’s acquisition workflow [06:45] – Why AI is an enabler, not the entire solution [09:50] – Replacing legacy tech stacks in business development [13:20] – Crawl-walk-run adoption and internal process maturity [17:30] – Proposal, capture, and contract management as “projects” [21:40] – DIU workflows, IL5 environments, and compliance foundations [24:00] – FedRAMP vs CMMC: common industry misconceptions [27:50] – Making WAWF/PIEE invoicing easier for contractors [33:20] – The data management problem behind opportunity search [36:45] – Semantic search, reasoning agents, and enrichment [40:10] – Navigating data silos and IDIQ task orders [44:30] – Solving entity resolution and historical linkage [50:00] – Feature sets coming in 2026 [52:20] – The vision of a 10-minute procurement [55:00] – How to reach Derek and learn more Links & Resources: • GovSignals AI • Derek Hoyt on LinkedIn • Chelsea Roberts on LinkedIn 🎧 Listen now on: 🔹 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/govcon-unscripted/id1766384482 🔹 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1NL0kFAvmgECLTJpUZYNHy Like and follow us: 🔹 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GovConUnscriptedUS 🔹 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/govconunscriptedpodcast/ 🔹 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/govcon-unscripted/posts/ 🔹 Join our #govcon #community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14618490/ New to GovCon? Here's a guide for you: https://share.hsforms.com/288nO18bsRCCmdJZL66pClwbzmvx 21 AI Prompts to Supercharge Your GovCon BD Engine: https://collaborativecompositions.com/21-ai-prompts-to-supercharge-your-govcon-bd-engine/

37 min
12/08/2025

David Schiff on Strategy, Pivoting, and Surviving DoD Shifts

In the GovCon Unscripted Podcast's another special episode of 'Success After Service', Chelsea sits down with David Schiff, a Navy veteran and VP of Navy Strategic Growth at Govini, for a deep dive into what it takes for companies to adapt, stay competitive, and succeed in the evolving landscape of DoD innovation. David shares hard lessons from working across the Navy, Space Force, and broader defense ecosystem, including the realities of risk, collaboration, uncertainty, and what separates the companies that cross the “valley of death” from those that never make it. On this episode, we discuss: Why understanding your customer’s mission matters more than everHow newer DoD organizations innovate (and why they learn faster)Why companies should stop “pivoting with the wind.”Traits of founders and teams who survive the valley of deathThe role of data in shaping battlefield advantageCollaboration, timing, and how companies can stay relevant Timestamps: [00:00] – Introducing David Schiff [03:15] – What’s changing in DoD innovation [05:00] – Why newer organizations innovate differently [09:40] – Adapting to changing requirements [15:22] – How companies lose momentum [23:10] – The role of data in decision-making [29:45] – What founders misunderstand about DoD customers [35:00] – Why companies should “stay the course” instead of pivoting [42:55] – Lessons from working across Navy and Space Force [48:10] – What success looks like for companies in defense Links & Resources: • Chelsea’s LinkedIn Profile • David Schiff LinkedIn • Govini's Website 🎧 Listen now on: 🔹 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/govcon-unscripted/id1766384482 🔹 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1NL0kFAvmgECLTJpUZYNHy Like and follow us: 🔹 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GovConUnscriptedUS 🔹 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/govconunscriptedpodcast/ 🔹 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/govcon-unscripted/posts/ 🔹 Join our #govcon #community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14618490/ New to GovCon? Here's a guide for you: https://share.hsforms.com/288nO18bsRCCmdJZL66pClwbzmvx 21 AI Prompts to Supercharge Your GovCon BD Engine: https://collaborativecompositions.com/21-ai-prompts-to-supercharge-your-govcon-bd-engine/

40 min
12/01/2025

Inside Federal Quality Control with Renee & Greg Glendenning

In this episode of GovCon Unscripted, Chelsea welcomes Renee and Greg Glendenning of Quality Control University, construction educators and QC experts with more than 30 years in the federal contracting industry. They break down what QC actually requires on federal construction projects, the most common mistakes that cost contractors time and money, and what inspectors are really looking for during site visits. On this episode, we discuss: What QC really requires on federal construction projectsWhy most contractors fail before they even step on siteQC pitfalls that cause delays, rework, or non-complianceWhat federal inspectors check beyond the paperworkWhy documentation determines whether QC passes or failsHow proper training protects contractors from costly mistakesTimestamps: [00:00] – Introducing Renee and Greg [03:10] – What QC actually means for federal contractors [07:20] – QC mistakes contractors don’t realize they’re making [11:45] – Why documentation is the backbone of compliance [16:30] – What inspectors really look for [21:55] – The role of a trained QC Manager [27:40] – Building QC systems that prevent rework [33:15] – Lessons from decades in federal construction [38:00] – Final advice for contractors before bidding Links & Resources: QC University WebsiteChelsea's LinkedIn ProfileRenee’s LinkedInGreg Glendenning's LinkedInQC University YouTubeInstagram – Quality Control CollectiveTikTok – QC Collective 🎧 Listen now on: 🔹 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/govcon-unscripted/id1766384482 🔹 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1NL0kFAvmgECLTJpUZYNHy Like and follow us: 🔹 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GovConUnscriptedUS 🔹 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/govconunscriptedpodcast/ 🔹 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/govcon-unscripted/posts/ 🔹 Join our #govcon #community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14618490/ New to GovCon? Here's a guide for you: https://share.hsforms.com/288nO18bsRCCmdJZL66pClwbzmvx 21 AI Prompts to Supercharge Your GovCon BD Engine: https://collaborativecompositions.com/21-ai-prompts-to-supercharge-your-govcon-bd-engine/

29 min
11/24/2025

Winning in Washington with Gene Moran: Strategy, Timing and Process

In this 'Success After Service' special episode of GovCon Unscripted, Chelsea sits down with Gene Moran, Founder of Capitol Integration, Navy veteran, lobbyist, and trusted advisor on federal budget strategy and congressional process. Gene breaks down how Washington truly works. Not the myths, but the real interplay of timing, process, funding cycles, and influence that determines outcomes for federal contractors. He shares what companies misunderstand about advocacy, why access alone is never enough, and how small businesses can position themselves long before decisions are made. On this episode, we discuss: Understanding the federal lifecycle and why timing changes outcomesLessons from Gene’s new book, Cleared HotWhy strategy requires patience, not shortcutsHow to build influence the right wayWhat contractors get wrong about Congress and advocacyHow to align actions with budget cycles and committee movement Timestamps: [00:00] – Introducing Gene Moran [02:12] – How Washington really works behind the scenes [06:32] – Timing, process, and aligning with the federal lifecycle [09:55] – Misconceptions about access and advocacy [13:40] – Where small businesses lose momentum [18:10] – Influence versus access in the federal environment [23:05] – Gene’s book Cleared Hot and its core message [28:44] – What companies should understand before engaging Congress [33:30] – Final insights on winning in Washington Links & Resources: • Chelsea’s LinkedIn Profile • Gene Moran Website • Gene’s LinkedIn • Gene’s Instagram • Gene’s YouTube Channel • Book – “Cleared Hot” 🎧 Listen now on: 🔹 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/govcon-unscripted/id1766384482 🔹 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1NL0kFAvmgECLTJpUZYNHy Like and follow us: 🔹 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GovConUnscriptedUS 🔹 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/govconunscriptedpodcast/ 🔹 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/govcon-unscripted/posts/ 🔹 Join our #govcon #community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14618490/ New to govcon? Here's a guide for you: https://share.hsforms.com/288nO18bsRCCmdJZL66pClwbzmvx 21 AI prompts to supercharge your govcon bd engine: https://collaborativecompositions.com/21-ai-prompts-to-supercharge-your-govcon-bd-engine/

40 min
11/17/2025

Leading with Integrity, Building Process, and Finding Grit in GovCon

In this episode of GovCon Unscripted, Chelsea sits down with Katie Bigelow, Founder & CEO of Mettle Ops, to talk about ethics, resilience, and the hard truths of competing in federal contracting. Katie shares her journey from Army aviation to GovCon CEO, breaking down what it really takes to lead a mission-driven company, build customer trust, and stay resilient in a market where you lose far more than you win. On this episode, we discuss: Why integrity, not shortcuts, drives long-term successHow process protects culture, employees, and customersArmy aviation, competition, and grit carried into entrepreneurshipLosing ten times for every win and pushing forward anywayWhat it means to build a mission-driven small business in GovConTimestamps: [00:00] – Introducing Katie Bigelow & Mettle Ops [06:12] – Ethics, mission, and doing business the right way [10:45] – Process, transparency, and fixing mistakes as a team [17:00] – Grit, competition, and lessons from Army aviation [19:20] – Losing ten times for every win in GovCon [24:30] – Building resilience as an entrepreneur [30:15] – What success really looks like inside a mission-driven company Links and Resources: • Chelsea’s LinkedIn Profile • Katie Bigelow’s LinkedIn Profile • Mettle Ops Website 🎧 Listen now on: 🔹 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/govcon-unscripted/id1766384482 🔹 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1NL0kFAvmgECLTJpUZYNHy Like and follow us: 🔹 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GovConUnscriptedUS 🔹 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/govconunscriptedpodcast/ 🔹 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/govcon-unscripted/posts/ 🔹 join our #govcon #community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14618490/ New to govcon? Here's a guide for you: https://share.hsforms.com/288nO18bsRCCmdJZL66pClwbzmvx 21 AI Prompts to Supercharge your GovCon BD Engine: https://collaborativecompositions.com/21-ai-prompts-to-supercharge-your-govcon-bd-engine/

44 min
11/10/2025

Flipping the Script: An inside Look at GovCon Unscripted

In this special introductory episode, we'll be adding a twist to our usual episode setting. This time, Chelsea Roberts, CEO of Collaborative Compositions and host of GovCon Unscripted, is being interviewed by one of our special guests, Melinda Milheim of Phoenix Canyon and Christopher Zebra International. Chelsea shares the story behind her entrepreneurial journey, as well as the podcast, why it started, how it connects industry and government, and what she’s learned by flipping the script and putting herself in the hot seat. From her work helping small businesses navigate government contracting to building real conversations that go beyond policy talk, Chelsea opens up about the human side of GovCon, the importance of trust, and why real voices matter more than corporate jargon. On this episode, we discuss: How GovCon Unscripted was born and what it aims to doWhy conversations, not soundbites, drive the industry forwardBalancing storytelling and technical substance in GovCon mediaHow Collaborative Compositions is bridging communication between agencies and businessesWhat’s next for the podcast and communityTimestamps: [00:00] - Chelsea introduces GovCon Unscripted’s origin and purpose [02:30] - The value of authentic conversations in GovCon [06:10] - How storytelling helps contractors and agencies connect [10:45] - What makes GovCon media different from mainstream business talk [13:25] - Future topics, trends, and guests shaping 2026 Links and Resources: Chelsea’s LinkedIn ProfileCollaborative Compositions WebsiteGovCon Unscripted Podcast PageHey GovCon, Get Help Amazon Link When Federal Growth Stalls, Pivot and Grow Again Webinar RecapMelinda Milheim's LinkedIn ProfilePhoenix Canyon's WebsiteChristopher Zebra International's Website

57 min

Welcome to GovCon Unscripted, where we dive into the unfiltered stories and strategies from all around the world of government contracting. Join host Chelsea Meggitt as she explores how to navigate, thrive, and win in this complex but rewarding industry.

Creator

Chelsea Meggitt
Years Active

2024 - 2025
Episodes

68
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© All rights reserved.
Show Website

GovCon Unscripted