Hey there! Looking for information about this blog? You are in the right place.
But first, a quick note: Some people will find the content here incredibly valuable. Other people would rather watch paint dry. This page provides a fun way to figure out which one you are.
Does what I write matter to you?
Since we are talking about RFPs and proposals, I’ll answer this question as if I am responding to an RFP. Except I don’t know your evaluation criteria, so you get both the Best Value response and the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) response. If you resonate with my attempt at LPTA humor, then it doesn't actually matter how you evaluate this, to be honest. You are my audience and we should be friends.
Disclaimer: The quality presented here does not represent what would ever go in actual proposals. I refuse to put that much stress and energy into something that is meant to be entertaining.
It’s All the Things (Best Value)
Intro: I’ve never worked in DC, yet I’ve helped a whole bunch of small businesses over $30 Billion in government contracts. From this experience, I have developed a very unique perspective related to small businesses and how they are represented when the term “industry” is used. Simply put, most of them don’t have a voice, and are forced to spend too much money just to keep up with bigger players who have the means and influence to tilt the scales for procurements. At the same time, government is shouting from the rooftops that they need more small businesses, and there is all this money to go around. I call BS. I know the struggle, and not from seeing one or two companies go through it, but from seeing HUNDREDS of companies go through it.
Capabilities: I’ve been writing and managing federal proposals for the last 12 years, and prepared commercial proposals before that. Earlier in my career, I held positions such as Capture Manager and Business Development Manager while writing proposals full-time. In 2016 I started a consulting firm that has served over 100 clients. In the past five years, we’ve maintained a ridiculous win rate over 90%. True story.
Some of my notable recent activities and accomplishments include:
40 Under 40 award by the Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP) 2019
Bestselling author GameChangers for Government Contractors (contributed chapter on proposal management)
Vice President 2019 Society of American Military Engineers, Chicago Post
Multiple speaking engagements at industry conferences
Founder of government tech startup, with SBIR contract and private investment
Techstars Chicago 2020 alumni
Technical Approach: From my point of view, information that actually lowers barriers to entry into government contracting is not really accessible to those who need it most. Sure, there is information on the internet, and there are consultants and agencies available to help small businesses that want to get involved — but for the typical person who isn’t yet an expert and doesn’t speak the language, this information is utterly confusing and complicated. It is practically written in a different language.
With this blog, I’m going to tell the stories that you don’t get to hear through the official channels (which are pretty much the only channels right now thanks to Covid). These are the stories we’d share if we were having drinks at Happy Hour, or chatting at the Opening Reception at the Society of American Military Engineers Small Business Conference. This is real talk. By sharing here, now we can be even more inclusive.
And speaking of inclusive, I write in plain words — I don’t need to impress you with how many acronyms I know. This way, if you aren’t familiar with the jargon, you can still follow along.
Schedule: One post per week.
Price: $0
It’s More than Nothing (LPTA)
Price Factors: $0. Literally no cost.
Technical Factors: By subscribing, you’ll get access to information that is tried and true, from someone who’s been in the trenches.
So, how did I do?
Hint: This table is the secret to success. Learn it. Love it. Keep reading!
