GovCon Uncensored

Jack Coley and LIsa Dolan
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Business

Welcome to GovCon Uncensored, where Jack and Lisa share their more than 60 years of firsthand experience building small businesses and competing in the federal marketplace. Tune in to learn as they share their journey through the government contracting maze.

Episodes

  1. 4d ago

    The Art of Communicating with the Government: Key Insights for Contractors

    Navigating the world of government contracting requires not just skill but also effective communication. In this episode, Jack and Lisa share their insights on how to engage with government agencies at different stages of the contracting process. This conversation delves into the intricacies of communicating with government entities in the context of contracting. It emphasizes the importance of understanding who to communicate with, the timing of communication, and the potential consequences of miscommunication. The discussion covers key players in government contracting, strategies for effective communication during various phases of the contracting process, and the significance of RFIs and industry days. Chapters 00:00 Understanding Government Communication 03:10 Key Players in Government Contracting06:12 Navigating Pre-Solicitation Strategies 09:07 The Importance of RFIs and Industry Days 12:09 Effective Communication During Solicitation 15:05 Post-Award Communication and Protests 28:33 Navigating Protests and Debriefs 34:31 Post-Award Compliance and Communication 47:39 Strategic Relationships in Government Contracting Keywords: #government communication, #contracting officer, #communication strategies, proposal evaluation, contract management, #protests, #debriefs, #strategic relationships, #contract management, #project execution, Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: 6KTN8C1P07PUNERQ

  2. Oct 30

    Getting Your Foot in the Door: Strategies for Success

    In this episode, Jack and Lisa discuss the importance of building relationships, networking, and conducting thorough research to identify opportunities. The conversation highlights personal anecdotes and practical advice on navigating the complexities of government contracting. The speakers share personal anecdotes and practical tips on how to leverage small opportunities and the significance of persistence in following up with potential clients. Overall, the discussion provides valuable insights for entrepreneurs looking to succeed in the competitive landscape of government contracts Chapters 00:00 Getting Your Foot in the Door 03:14 Building Relationships for Success 06:05 The Importance of Networking 08:56 Researching Opportunities 11:46 Multi-Approach Strategies 14:58 Understanding the Decision-Makers 17:57 Navigating Gatekeepers 26:33 Navigating Gatekeepers: Strategies for Accessing Decision Makers 29:45 The Importance of Research and Preparation 34:10 Networking: Building Relationships for Success 38:54 Leveraging Small Opportunities for Growth 43:13 The Power of Persistence and Follow-Up Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: NB3IQRMSEBQLO2J9 #business development, #government contracts, #networking, #small business, #contracting officers, #decision makers, #gatekeepers, #govcon

  3. Oct 23

    Navigating the Complex World of Government Contracting

    In this conversation, Jack and Lisa discuss the complexities of government contracting, emphasizing that registration on platforms like SAM.gov does not guarantee contract opportunities. They explore the importance of proper positioning, understanding payment delays, and the need for financial planning to navigate the challenges of cash flow in government contracts. The discussion also highlights the realities of winning contracts and the unique challenges faced by subcontractors. The discussion also covers the impact of inflation on labor costs and the necessity of negotiation in contract terms. Finally, they address how new businesses can build credibility without past performance and the importance of having a solid plan before pursuing government contracts. Chapters 00:00 Understanding Government Contracting Basics 03:01 The Importance of Positioning and Alignment 06:08 Navigating Payment Delays and Cash Flow Challenges 08:50 The Reality of Winning Contracts 11:56 Planning for Success in Government Contracts 15:03 Financing Options for Government Contractors 17:46 The Subcontractor Perspective 23:51 Navigating Cash Flow Challenges for Small Businesses 26:31 The Power of Subcontracting Among Small Businesses 27:09 Compliance and Insurance: Lessons Learned 29:55 Managing Inflation and Labor Costs in Contracts 36:32 Negotiating Terms and Insurance Requirements 39:37 Building Credibility Without Past Performance Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: GBOTAFFZLLSDPOUP

  4. Oct 16

    Is There Money in Government Contracting?

    A listener sent us a simple question: can you actually make money in government contracting? Between us, we have more than 60 years in this business, so we gave it a full episode. The short answer is yes. The real answer is more interesting, and it's the difference between the companies that thrive and the ones that quit. Chapters 00:00 Exploring Government Contracting Opportunities 03:03 Challenges in Government Contracting 06:10 Understanding the Financial Landscape 08:52 The Role of Small Businesses in Government Contracts 11:50 Navigating Political and Economic Risks 14:54 The Future of Government Contracting 18:00 Why Businesses Stay in Government Contracting 24:30 Leveraging Federal Contracts for Small Businesses 30:33 Strategies for Winning Government Contracts 36:59 Building Relationships and Networking 41:05 Understanding the Competitive Landscape 47:43 The Path to Profitable Government Contracting Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: 6KAKCWQWSS56LDT8

  5. Oct 9

    From Air Force to Entrepreneur: Jack's Story

    In this conversation, Jack shares his journey from serving in the Air Force to becoming a successful entrepreneur in government contracting. He discusses his early interest in business, the challenges he faced transitioning to civilian life, and the steps he took to establish his consulting business and navigate the complexities of government contracts. Jack emphasizes the importance laying a solid foundation and being adaptable. He discusses the significance of networking, responding to RFIs, and understanding various contracting vehicles. The conversation highlights strategies for winning contracts and the lessons learned throughout his career, ultimately focusing on the goal of achieving financial independence through entrepreneurship. Chapters 00:00 Jack's Journey: From Air Force to Entrepreneurship 05:59 Transitioning to Civilian Life and Government Contracting 11:49 Building a Business: The Early Days of Consulting 17:49 The GSA Schedule and Government Contracting Success 23:47 The Flywheel Effect: Launching a Government Contracting Business 25:11 Laying the Groundwork for Success 26:52 Adapting and Pivoting in Business 28:46 The Importance of GSA Schedules 30:41 Navigating Contracting Vehicles 32:28 The Role of RFIs and Sources Sought 34:26 Building Relationships in Government Contracting 39:28 Strategies for Winning Contracts 43:43 Lessons Learned and Future Insights Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: EQ8MPIAOWKVV1MIP

  6. Oct 2

    From Corporate to Contracts: Lisa's Journey into Government Work

    In this conversation, Jack interviews Lisa about her journey into the world of government contracting. Lisa shares her origin story, detailing her transition from a product-based business in accident reconstruction to a service-based security firm. She discusses the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated industry, her pursuit of 8(a) certification, and the lessons learned from her first government contract. The conversation highlights the importance of persistence, networking, and understanding the nuances of government contracting compared to commercial work. Lisa and Jack also discuss the intricacies of government contracting, focusing on the importance of past performance, the challenges faced in the early stages, and strategies for winning contracts. The discussion also highlights the significance of GSA schedules and the lessons learned from both successes and failures in the government contracting landscape. Chapters 00:00 Lisa's Journey into Government Contracting 02:39 Overcoming Challenges in a Male-Dominated Industry 06:21 The Road to 8(a) Certification 10:04 First Steps into Government Contracts 12:06 Lessons from the First Government Contract 18:16 Comparing Commercial and Government Contracting 23:23 Navigating the Early Stages of Government Contracting 26:32 Leveraging Past Performance for Success 28:41 Winning Contracts: The Journey from First to Second 33:35 Expanding Opportunities through GSA Schedules 35:50 Lessons Learned: The Challenges of Government Contracting 39:05 Delivering on Contracts: Expectations and Responsibilities Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: 1F5AZDQN1U3NVOSS

  7. Sep 26

    Meet Jack & Lisa. Why a Podcast, Why Now?

    Welcome to GovCon Uncensored. Together, Jack and Lisa bring more than 55 years of experience building small businesses and competing in the federal marketplace. We aim to demystify the world of government contracting for small business owners and aspiring contractors. Listen to why they are doing this podcast, and why now.

  • 7 Episodes

About

Welcome to GovCon Uncensored, where Jack and Lisa share their more than 60 years of firsthand experience building small businesses and competing in the federal marketplace. Tune in to learn as they share their journey through the government contracting maze.

Information

  • Creator
    Jack Coley and LIsa Dolan
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Jack Coley and LIsa Dolan
  • Show Website
    GovCon Uncensored