The Future-Ready Small Business

In today’s government marketplace, the rules aren’t just changing, they’re being rewritten; and agencies are rethinking risk, innovation, cybersecurity, and the role small businesses play in the mission.Procurement reform, mission shifts, cybersecurity pressure, and the rise of data-driven acquisition are transforming how small businesses compete. And for small GovCon firms, especially the ones trying to position themselves for the future, the biggest question isn’t “How do we survive?” It’s “How do we stay ready?”Guest Bio:Lisa Wood is the Statewide Director of the Virginia APEX Accelerator, hosted by George Mason University. Before joining the APEX community in 2010, Lisa was a Procurement Specialist for Bechtel Plant Machinery, Inc. in the Greater Pittsburgh Area. In this role, she performed contract administration and negotiation duties. She also recommended bidders, handled issue inquiries, negotiated bids, performed cost and price analysis, and prepared comprehensive letters to justify recommended contract actions. Ms. Wood holds an MBA from the University of New Haven and is also an Adjunct Professor of Management at George Mason University.Call(s) to Action:Have you heard of My Bid Match? Here’s the step-by-step, how a small business can register with their APEX Accelerator (registration is required) and activate MyBidMatch, which is a very valuable but underutilized tools. Go to your APEX Accelerator site (GMU AA: https://virginiaapex.org) and locate the “Request Counseling” or “Client Registration” link/tab; and then:Create a Client ProfileTypical information required may include: Business name, UEI, NAICS codes, Contact info, and a Summary of needsStep 3: Activate MyBidMatchSelect preferred agencies and NAICS codes / PSCs, choose keyword filters, and set frequency (daily or weekly)Step 4: Meet with an APEX CounselorCounselor helps refine: Target agencies, market intelligence, bid/no-bid criteria, and opportunity alignmentStep 5: Begin a Consistent Forecasting RoutineReview MyBidMatch alertsCheck agency forecastsMap opportunities 6–18 months outBuild capture sequences earlyHelp spread the word about Unveiled: GovCon Stories: https://shows.acast.com/unveiled-govcon-storiesDo you want to be a guest or recommend a topic that you would like to learn or hear about on the podcast? Let us know through our guest feedback and registration form.Links & Resources:GMU Apex AcceleratorUnveiled: GovCon Stories Cheat Sheet – “Make it Make Sense for Small Business”Project SpectrumRevolutionary FAR OverhaulSponsors:The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests, and do not reflect the views or endorsements of our sponsors.Withum – Diamond Sponsor!Withum is a forward-thinking, technology-driven advisory and accounting firm, helping clients to be in a position of strength in today’s complex business environment. Go to Withum’s website to learn more about how they can help your business! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.