This Week in Procurement

Abby Souffrant
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This Week in Procurement™ (TWIP) is a weekly broadcast that breaks down what state, local, and education (SLED) agencies are buying, so small & medium sized businesses can stop guessing and start positioning. Each episode delivers a clear snapshot of active opportunities, buying patterns, and practical next steps you can use immediately. Whether you are brand new to government contracting or ready to grow a consistent pipeline. Expect: Top 5 Contracts of the Week Weekly TipsRegional Forecast TrendsDear AbbyNew episodes weekly.

Episodes

  1. Pitch Denied | This Week in Procurement Ep 16

    23H AGO

    Pitch Denied | This Week in Procurement Ep 16

    Stop submitting bids you aren't positioned to win. On This Week in Procurement, host Abby Souffrant breaks down the latest in state, local, and education government contracting to help you see the signals before the awards are made. Every week, we go beyond pricing and capability to analyze the top opportunities hitting the market. From multi-million dollar infrastructure projects in Oregon to specialized marketing services in Arkansas. What you’ll get in each episode: The Top 5 Opportunities: A deep dive into current high-value contracts, their budgets, and the specific firms that are the "best fit" to win.The Signal vs. The Noise: Understand why agencies are buying now, whether it's a focus on economic development, recreation upgrades, or critical facility maintenance.Regional Market Maps: A breakdown of contracting trends across the East Coast, South, Midwest, and West Coast.Strategic Advice: Learn how to stop being a "vendor" and start becoming a long-term partner by bringing proof and measurable stability to government agencies.Stop burning out on volume and start winning with focus. Join us to find the clarity and selectivity you need to succeed in government contracting.

    9 min
  2. Contracts for Reels are Real | TWIP Ep 15

    APR 22

    Contracts for Reels are Real | TWIP Ep 15

    📣 Episode Highlights: The "Reels" Revolution: We explore how California is leading a shift toward mobile-first citizen engagement by contracting for platform-native, short-form video content.Regional Market Engines: Discover why the South is currently the nation's undisputed volume leader and how California alone accounts for 70% of West Coast activity.Winning Through Outcomes: Learn the "Tip of the Week" on how to secure renewals by pitching measurable community impact—like health metrics and engagement rates—over simple activities.Procurement Readiness: In our "Dear Abby" segment, we break down the foundational documentation you need to start bidding, from EINs to identifying your NAICS codes.State Portal Training: Get a first look at our upcoming free training series designed to help you register for state procurement portals, starting with California.📣 Whether you specialize in creative services, wellness programming, or leadership development, this episode reveals where the funding is moving and how your business can capture it.

    13 min
  3. TWIP 14 | High Value Contracts on the Rise

    APR 17

    TWIP 14 | High Value Contracts on the Rise

    Stop waiting on the sidelines for budget certainty and start winning. This Week in Procurement is your essential weekly outlook on state, local, and education (SLED) government contracting opportunities. Hosted by Abby Souffrant, this episode breaks down the massive surge of 28,888 new opportunities nationwide between April 3rd and April 9th, 2026. In this episode, we cover: The Top 5 Opportunities of the Week: High-value contracts ranging from security system maintenance in Massachusetts to a $4.1 million amphitheater project in Texas and geotechnical engineering in Washington.National Market Trends: Why facility management (30% of new contracts) and compliance services (26% of new contracts) are currently dominating the market.Regional Breakdowns: Strategic insights into active markets across the East Coast, South, Midwest, and West Coast—including dominant activity in Texas and California.Strategy & Advice: In our "Dear Abby" segment, we discuss how to stop "hiding behind your computer" and instead build the vendor relationships and execution plans necessary to win.Whether you are a general contractor, a consultant, or a nonprofit leader, learn how to position your firm as the "least risky" choice for agencies buying outcomes. Join the Academy to access all the links for this week's opportunities and more. https://www.skool.com/undercontract/about

    14 min
  4. TWIP 13 | Stop Bidding on RFPs

    APR 8

    TWIP 13 | Stop Bidding on RFPs

    In this episode, we unpack why “more RFPs = more wins” is one of the most expensive myths in SLED growth and what to do instead. We walk through a practical lens you can use to decide which opportunities deserve your time and which ones you should let go. In this episode, we dive into: The Top 5 Live Opportunities: We highlight high-value contracts across the U.S., including marketing services in Georgia ($623K), capacity building in Los Angeles ($300K), and a massive vehicle registration system in Alaska.Regional Market Trends: Why New York and Texas are dominating the volume right now, and how the Midwest is bridging the gap between healthcare delivery and IT modernization.The "Use It or Lose It" Season: Understanding the current surge in facilities maintenance, janitorial services, and professional legal services as agencies enter execution mode.Winning Through Relationships: Our "Tip of the Week" explains why government contracts are won through trust and early positioning with stakeholders, not just by submitting a bid.Expert Advice (Dear Abby): A deep dive into how to choose the right agency by evaluating risk and proving stability rather than just pitching capabilities.Are you ready to scale?Don't let the market move without you. Free Resource: Take the 5-minute Government Contracting Readiness Assessment to see where your firm stands. https://form.jotform.com/260323708054047Go Deeper: Join the Academy for expert support in positioning your firm before the next solicitation drops. https://www.skool.com/undercontract/about

    13 min
  5. This Week in Procurement: Ep 12 | 30K+ Contracts

    APR 3

    This Week in Procurement: Ep 12 | 30K+ Contracts

    📣Welcome to another episode of This Week in Procurement, your weekly guide to state, local, and education (SLED) government contracting. This week, host Abby Souffrant breaks down record-breaking opportunities across the nation, highlighting over 30,000 new solicitations released between March 20th and March 26th. From environmental consulting in Washington to large-scale infrastructure in Florida, the window to get in front of buyers is wide open. Abby also provides a crucial tip for winning proposals: lead with your "win theme" to capture the attention of overworked contracting officers. Timestamps: 📣 00:55 – Washington: Recycling and Waste Station Program ($50,250) 📣 01:41 – Washington: Marketing, Information, Education, and Research ($500k–$800k) 📣 02:35 – New York: Landscape Architecture Design Service ($4M) 📣 03:32 – New York: Laboratory Testing Services ($230,000) 📣 04:30 – Florida: Employer of Record Staffing Service ($3.6M) 📣 05:18 – Tip of the Week: Winning proposal structures. 📣 06:28 – National Map: A record-breaking 30,000 new opportunities 📣 07:08 – East Coast Regional Outlook: IT and compliance in NY and NJ 📣 07:59 – South Regional Outlook: Infrastructure and healthcare in TX and FL 📣 08:43 – Midwest Regional Outlook: Maintenance and IT stabilization in MI and MO 📣 09:34 – West Coast Regional Outlook: Digital tools and environmental planning in CA and WA 📣 10:28 – Dear Abby: SLED vs. Federal procurement misunderstandings. If you want access to these contracts, join us in the Academy: https://www.skool.com/undercontract/about

    12 min
  6. This Week in Procurement: Ep 11 | $3.6M Media, AI Pilots, & More!

    MAR 27

    This Week in Procurement: Ep 11 | $3.6M Media, AI Pilots, & More!

    This Week in Procurement: AI Pilots, Multi-Million Dollar Media, and Regional Trends Host Abby Souffrant explores five standout government contracting opportunities across the United States. This episode breaks down active solicitations in artificial intelligence, child care, media, branded merchandise, and real estate valuation, while providing a nationwide analysis of procurement trends for March 13th through the 19th. Episode Highlights Targeted AI in Maryland: A look at a specialized AI service contract perfect for boutique tech firms and consultants.Sustained Services in Oregon: Discussion on a long-term child care program management contract in Portland.Big Budgets in California: Details on a $3.6 million media consulting engagement for PR and communication agencies.Consolidated Branding in Colorado: Exploring an ongoing procurement relationship for branded apparel and merchandise.Specialized Expertise in New York: How local appraisers can leverage geographic advantages for real estate market valuations in Little Falls.National Procurement Map: An analysis of 28,000 new opportunities released nationwide, highlighting top categories like software and facility maintenance.Regional Trends: Deep dives into the buying patterns of the East Coast, South, Midwest, and West Coast.Dear Abby: A guide on how to determine if a contract is worth bidding or a potential time waster.Timestamps 00:00 – Coming up on This Week in Procurement00:39 – Opportunity 1: Maryland AI Service Contract ($25k–$50k)01:21 – Opportunity 2: Portland, OR Child Care Service Contract02:05 – Opportunity 3: California Media Consulting Service ($3.6M)02:54 – Opportunity 4: Colorado Branded Merchandise & Apparel03:43 – Opportunity 5: Little Falls, NY Real Estate Valuation04:24 – Tip of the Week: The Importance of Strategy04:39 – National Market Overview: 28,000 New Opportunities05:34 – East Coast Regional Analysis06:24 – Southern Region Trends: Growth and Outsourcing07:08 – Midwest Regional Analysis: Operational Stability07:59 – West Coast Regional Analysis: High Volume & Complexity09:11 – Dear Abby: Evaluating Contract Worthiness10:20 – Readiness Assessment and Academy Information

    11 min
  7. This Week in Procurement | Ep 10: Why Smart Vendors are Bidding in "Underdog" States

    MAR 18

    This Week in Procurement | Ep 10: Why Smart Vendors are Bidding in "Underdog" States

    Most vendors are chasing the same crowded contracts in the same big states. Meanwhile, government agencies in places like Connecticut, Maine, and Idaho are posting high-value opportunities with almost zero competition. In this episode of This Week in Procurement™, host Abby Souffrant breaks down 28K+ new solicitations released this week. We dive deep into five active contracts, ranging from $45K remote legal work to a $2M election infrastructure deal and reveal why your "positioning" matters more than your "price" when it comes to winning. In This Episode, You Will Learn: The Data Pulse: Why software and pre-procurement (MRB) contracts are surging right now.The "Underdog" Advantage: Why you should look at states like Oregon, Nebraska, and Maine to build your past performance faster.Outcome vs. Service: The simple framing shift that makes buyers feel "safe" saying yes to your proposal.🔗 Resources & Links Readiness Assessment: Find out if you're actually ready to bid.Under Contract Academy: Get access to the contracts in this episode and more!The Substack Briefing: Get these insights in your inbox every Friday.Connect with Abby: LinkedInYouTubeDisclaimer: Always verify solicitation details directly with the issuing agency before submitting. Data is sourced from public portals and summarized for intelligence purposes only.

    14 min
  8. This Week in Procurement | Ep 9: The Great Digital Modernization Surge

    MAR 12

    This Week in Procurement | Ep 9: The Great Digital Modernization Surge

    27,583 new government contracts dropped between February 27th and March 5th. Most vendors didn't see a single one. This week Abby breaks down five live SLED opportunities across EdTech, climate communications, AI evaluation, maternal health, and physical security, plus the regional forecast telling you exactly where the money is moving right now. And if you've ever wondered whether to niche down or stay broad, Dear Abby has a direct answer for you. The contracts aren't waiting. Neither should you. In This Episode: [0:00] Intro — Why every region is buying software and AI right now [0:45] Opportunity #1 — Iowa K-12 PE Curriculum ($10K, fast win for shelf-ready EdTech) [2:00] Opportunity #2 — California Climate Outreach ($430K, 2-year statewide engagement) [3:15] Opportunity #3 — Massachusetts AI Decision Support Tools ($1M, global health scope) [4:30] Opportunity #4 — South Dakota Doula Workforce Program (no posted budget, tribal component) [5:45] Opportunity #5 — New Hampshire Exterior Surveillance Replacement (hard deadline: bids due March 30) [7:00] Tip of the Week — The easiest contract to win is the one you already have [7:30] Nationwide Forecast — 27,924 opportunities and what the regional heatmap is telling us [10:30] Dear Abby — "Should I niche down or stay broad to increase my chances?" Resources Mentioned: Government Contracting Readiness Assessment: https://form.jotform.com/260323708054047Under Contract Academy: https://www.skool.com/undercontract/aboutNew episodes every week. Subscribe so you never miss an opportunity.

    12 min
  9. This Week in Procurement™- Ep. 8 | "Someone Else is Getting Paid"

    MAR 6

    This Week in Procurement™- Ep. 8 | "Someone Else is Getting Paid"

    Right now, a contract is being awarded in your state. Not to the most qualified vendor. Not to the biggest company. To the one who showed up. Episode 8 is about that gap between vendors who are ready and vendors who are actually winning. Abby breaks down five live opportunities, what the buyers are signaling, and exactly who needs to be in the room (that means you). If you've been watching contracts go to someone else and wondering how this episode is your answer. Dear Abby is back with the questions you're too afraid to ask in a LinkedIn comment. The money is moving. The only question is whether it's moving toward you. This Week in Procurement™ drops every week with five real opportunities, zero gatekeeping, and the strategy to back it up.

    11 min
  10. This Week in Procurement™ - Ep. 7 | "27,000 Contracts & You're Still Waiting on a Perfect RFP

    MAR 5

    This Week in Procurement™ - Ep. 7 | "27,000 Contracts & You're Still Waiting on a Perfect RFP

    27,583 new government contracts dropped this week. Most vendors didn't notice. We did. This week Abby is back breaking down five opportunities you can actually go after right now, plus the RFI strategy that too many small businesses are sleeping on. (Hint: if you think RFIs are just market research, this episode is for you.) We get into the contracts, the buyer signals, who's best positioned to win, and what the regional heat map is telling us about where the money is moving. Dear Abby is open. Real questions, real answers, no fluff. New episodes every week. The contracts aren't waiting, and neither should you.

    12 min
  11. Episode 6 Deep Dive | Top 5 Contracts: Snack Machines, Social Work & Why ChatGPT Won't Win You the Bid

    FEB 23

    Episode 6 Deep Dive | Top 5 Contracts: Snack Machines, Social Work & Why ChatGPT Won't Win You the Bid

    This week, Abby Souffrant of A&L Business Solutions is back in the saddle for a deep-dive pod companion to the This Week in Procurement broadcast and she's not holding back. From a surprising (and slightly controversial) vending machine contract in Oxford, Mississippi, to a brand-new $1.2M family support pilot program out of Washington State, Abby walks through five hand-selected government contracting opportunities across the SLED market (State, Local, Education, and beyond). Abby also gets on her soapbox (in the best way) about why agencies are starting to charge for bid documents, how ChatGPT is creating a wave of copy-paste proposals that get everyone disqualified, and why "proof of concept" will always matter more than passion alone in the government contracting arena. Contracts Covered This Week: 📣 Vending Machine Contract - Oxford, Mississippi | Due: March 19, 2026 | $50 bid doc purchase required📣 Basic Needs Support Pilot Program - Washington State | Up to $240K/vendor | Max $1.2M total | Due: TBD (May 2025–June 2027 term)📣 Beach Safety & Ocean Conditions Dashboard - California | Tech/data play | Proposals due March 20, 2026📣 Public Art Master Plan - New Jersey | Budget: $7,500 | Due: February 28, 2026📣 Life Skills Education Trainer - Ohio | 46-page RFP | Due: March 3, 2026Want access to these RFPs and hundreds more? Join the Under Contract Academy

    36 min
  12. TWIP | Top 5 Contracts + How to Pick the Right Procurement Portal

    FEB 19

    TWIP | Top 5 Contracts + How to Pick the Right Procurement Portal

    Are you positioned as the "fix it now" vendor? This week on This Week in Procurement, host Abby Souffrant breaks down five hand-selected government contracting opportunities across the country that are open and ready to bid; from vending machine contracts in Mississippi to life skills training in Ohio. In this episode, you'll learn: The top 5 SLED (State, Local & Education) contracting opportunities for the week of February 6–12th.What buying signals agencies are sending and how to position your business to win.A regional breakdown of government spending trends across the East Coast, South, Midwest, and West Coast.This week's Pro Tip: Why leading with your metrics (not burying them) is the fastest way to get agencies to stop scrolling.Dear Abby: Which vendor portal should you register with first: federal, state, or local?Whether you're a nonprofit, SaaS integrator, training firm, vending operator, or workforce development provider, there's an opportunity in this episode with your name on it. 📌 Want access to hand-selected contracts you can bid on right now? Join the Under Contract Academy. www.skool.com/undercontract 📌 Subscribe & turn on notifications! Our next series walks you through registering your business live in all 50 state procurement portals, starting with California.

    11 min
  • 12 Episodes

About

This Week in Procurement™ (TWIP) is a weekly broadcast that breaks down what state, local, and education (SLED) agencies are buying, so small & medium sized businesses can stop guessing and start positioning. Each episode delivers a clear snapshot of active opportunities, buying patterns, and practical next steps you can use immediately. Whether you are brand new to government contracting or ready to grow a consistent pipeline. Expect: Top 5 Contracts of the Week Weekly TipsRegional Forecast TrendsDear AbbyNew episodes weekly.

Information

  • Creator
    Abby Souffrant
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © A&L Business Solutions
  • Show Website
    This Week in Procurement