BEST8A Podcast

Tracy Marcinowski, Managing Partner of Strategic Acquisition Solutions and former Assistant Commissioner for Acquisitions at GSA's Public Building Service, joins the podcast for a candid look at what it actually takes to navigate federal acquisitions from both sides of the table. Tracy traces her career from contingency contracting in the Air Force to overseeing a multi-billion dollar leased and owned property portfolio at GSA, sharing what she learned along the way about the relationship between contracting offices and program offices, and why collaboration almost always beats the silo. The conversation covers the upheaval of 2025. paused RFPs, workforce reductions, centralization under GSA, and the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul. and what those changes mean for companies trying to compete today. Tracy breaks down how outcome-based acquisitions are reshaping what government actually asks industry for, why shorter solicitation timelines are already showing up in the market, and how companies that connect their work to the agency's mission consistently outperform the ones that don't.

Leslie Steele has been running InterImage for 30 years. She started it on a dare from her husband and never went back to corporate America.In this episode, she talks about what it actually takes to get in front of the right people in federal — and why relentlessness is the only strategy that has ever worked for her. She also gets into how she thinks about priming versus subbing, competing full and open against large businesses, and navigating a market where government contacts are disappearing faster than you can replace them.

Lonye Ford started at the Air Force at 19. Today she is the CEO of Arlo solutions, a DC-based government contracting firm specializing in cyber, governance, risk, and compliance. In this episode, she breaks down why so many federal agencies are still confusing compliance with actual risk management, what it really takes to go from practitioner to CEO, and the one hiring decision that made building her company possible.

Mehul Shah has been inside NIH for over 30 years. He is the Modernization and Growth Director at CTIS, a health informatics firm with deep roots across NCI, NIAID, NHLBI, and CMS. In this episode, Mehul breaks down what this administration is actually prioritizing in federal health IT. HR consolidation first. Financial systems second. AI adoption running in parallel. He explains why those two forces are not competing. They are converging. And what that means for firms trying to position now.

In this episode, Ezekiel sits down with Oli Cooperwood, CEO of P3 Consulting Services, to unpack his journey from active duty Marine to federal employee to government contractor. Oli shares hard-won lessons from his time at NAVSUP, TSA, and beyond — including a brutal daily commute from Pennsylvania to Arlington — and how those experiences shaped his approach to small business development. He breaks down practical strategies for breaking into federal contracting, getting in front of the right program offices, and how his "People, Process, Partnership" framework helps agencies make smarter decisions. Plus, Oli teases an exciting new prioritization methodology in development that aims to bring scientific rigor to one of the hardest challenges in government: deciding what to do first.

Most small GovCon firms measure success by contract longevity. Wintrio measures it by what the agency can do without them. In this episode, Musharaf Rashid and Quan Myles Boatman talk about building a reputation on delivery, diversifying before the 2025 disruption hit, and why the hardest jobs in the agency keep landing on their desk.

In Part 2 of the Best8a Podcast's second conversation with former U.S. Air Force and Space Force Chief Software Officer Nicolas Chaillan, the discussion shifts from AI disruption to what the future of government contracting, proposals, and software development actually looks like in an agent-driven world.Nicolas explains how AI agents are already transforming how work gets done across federal programs, why traditional proposal writing may soon become obsolete, and how organizations can start adapting to a workforce where autonomous systems operate 24/7.He also shares insights on the risks AI introduces into the federal acquisition process, including proposal quality challenges, evaluation complexity, and the growing need for technical expertise inside government review teams.Topics covered in Part 2:• How AI agents are changing government contracting workflows• Why proposal writing may not survive the next wave of automation• The future of SaaS in an agent-based software environment• AI’s impact on the federal workforce and acquisition processes• How professionals can prepare for the next phase of AI-driven transformation

Artificial intelligence is moving fast — but federal policy is moving slower.In this episode of the BEST8A Podcast, Caleb Max, President and CEO of the National Artificial Intelligence Association (NAIA), explains what’s happening right now in Washington around AI regulation, why states are stepping in before the federal government, and what this means for government contractors.We also discuss how Congress is pushing agencies to adopt AI tools, where opportunities are emerging across DHS, VA, State Department, and DoD environments, and why implementation—not experimentation—will define the next wave of AI contracts.Caleb shares practical insights on:• why the federal government still lacks a unified AI framework• how state-level AI regulation is accelerating nationwide• what contractors should expect from upcoming AI requirements• why implementation support will become a major opportunity area• how startups can compete alongside legacy primes• why certifications like ISO 42001 and NIST frameworks will matter more than everHe also explains how NAIA represents hundreds of AI companies before Congress and the executive branch — helping shape policies that affect the future of innovation across federal agencies.If your company is tracking AI adoption across government, this conversation provides a clear picture of where the market is heading next.

Nic Chaillan joins the podcast for a blunt conversation about where artificial intelligence is heading and why he believes the market has already moved beyond AI as simple augmentation. Drawing from his experience building and exiting Ask Sage, he breaks down the current AI landscape, from frontier model providers to tools and platforms, and explains why model access, security, and flexibility matter so much in both government and regulated environments.

Neil McDonnell joins the podcast for a candid conversation on what is changing in government contracting and how small businesses can respond. He breaks down the current environment as one of chaos, but argues that chaos is not necessarily bad if contractors know how to adapt, rethink where the money is moving, and focus on what they can actually control.

In this episode of the Best8(a) Podcast, we sit down with Suzanne Lesko, former NAVY public affairs officer and current National Security Leader for IBM to talk about trust, coherence, and what it really takes to build strong relationships in high-stakes environments. We explore why alignment in how you think, feel, and show up matters more than transactional networking.

What does it take for minority-owned firms to survive in GovCon?Gloria Aderinokun doesn’t sugarcoat it: "GovCon is a long game".In this clip, Gloria talks about walking into rooms that weren’t built for her, commanding respect anyway, and learning not to tie personal worth to contract outcomes.Her message is simple and hard-earned:Command respect, trust your work, and don’t let imposter syndrome take the wheel.

Gloria Aderinokun explains why she rejects “empathy” as a GovCon strategy and why confusing empathy with sympathy can quietly kill a business.

What does a 27-year federal career teach you about opportunity, transition, and the private sector?Prisco Eric Ravelli, former SBA, VA, Army, and Corps of Engineers small business leader, shares how federal employees can prepare for unexpected career shifts, leverage relationships, understand their market value, and successfully navigate the move from government service into consulting and industry.

How do military leaders successfully transition into the GovCon and tech industry?Indira Rice Donegan, retired U.S. Army Battalion Commander and Chief Executive Officer, federal CTO at Broadcom, and founder of RIDO Technology Consulting, LLC, shares how cyber leadership, mission-focused experience, and strategic relationship-building shape successful careers across government, industry, and consulting, and how transitioning professionals can find the right path forward.Listen to the latest episode of the Best8(a) Podcast!#podcast #govcon #smallbusiness #8a #businessdevelopment

What truly drives the value of a small business in GovCon?Stephanie Smith, Government Contracting Senior Analyst and Valuation Services Director at RSM US LLP, shares how relationships, diversification, and strategic planning can shape a company’s long-term value and position it for a successful exit.Listen to the latest episode of the Best8(a) Podcast!#podcast #govcon #governmentcontracting #smallbusiness #8a #businessdevelopment #valuation #strategy #federalcontracts #mergersandacquisitions

What trends are reshaping small business contracting?Sam Le, Former member of the SBA as a director of Policy and Liason, breaks down consolidation, the future of the Rule of Two, and how small businesses can adapt to the FAR overhaul.Listen to the latest episode of the Best8(a) podcast!#podcast #govcon #smallbusiness #governmentcontracting #federalprocurement #8a #sba #federalgovernment #far #ruleoftwo #government

Jennifer Dougherty, PCI Federal BD Executive and former TSA Program Manager, continues our discussion on the importance of building relationships and having structures for BD processes.

Jennifer Dougherty, PCI FEderal BD Executive and former TSA Program Manager, discusses her career, the cultural difference across agencies and how to build relationships in federal contracting.

Leslie Faircloth, former OSBP at Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division and founder of Small GovCon Solutions, discusses her federal career joruney, her advocacy for small businesses and how AI is going to impact the GovCon process.

Government contracting is going to become less consistent across agencies. How will that impact BD?Keith Boyea, DOE Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations Director of Contracts and Awards, discusses how to diferentiate proposals, engage with contracting officers and the changes in government contracting regulations.Listen to the Best8(a) Podcast! -

Can a Contracting Officer help a small business with proposals? What?! Are you crazy?! Shauna Weatherly, president of FedSubK and former GSA senior procurement analyst, discusses her federal career journey, the challenges of starting a business while working for the government, and her advice for small businesses in the current GovCon upheaval.

GovCon rules are changing: How can small businesses navigate this moment?E. Darlene Bullock, former Executive Director of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security' OSDBU, talks about her federal career journey, the emerging challenges in procurement processes and how small businesses can advocate for themselves.

How can federal agencies' work be made more efficient?Ann Dunkin, DOE CIO, discusses government efficiency challenges, the value of federal agencies' missions and working across the public-private divide.Listen to the latest episode of the Best8(a) podcast!#podcast #govcon #cio #innovation #governmentcontracting #governmentprocurement #federalprocurement #8a #smallbusiness #8asmallbusiness #departmentofenergy #doe #energy

How do DHS S&T and industry help each other develop new technology? Tod Companion, Senior Advisor at DHS Science and Technology Directorate, discusses his career journey, inter-agency and industry collaboration and the development of technology readiness and innovation.Check out the latest episode of the Best8(a) podcast! #podcast #innovation #dhs #interview #smallbusiness #8a #8asmallbusiness #bd #businessdevelopment #govcon #scienceandtechnology

How can you earn your PM's trust? Monica Padron Harris, former Sr. Acquisition Advisor at USCIS and founder of The Procurement Pros, continues our discussion on the importance of building relationships, collaborating and sharing knowledge in the govcon space.Check out the latest episode od the Best8(a) podcast!

How can you make the most of one-on-one meetings with the government?Monica Padrón Harris, former Sr. Acquisition Advisor at USCIS and founder of The Procurement Pros, discusses her career journey, best practices for engaging with the federal government, and the importance of networking and perseverance.Check out the latest episode od the Best8(a) podcast!#podcast #govcon #governmentcontracting #governmentcontractor #federalacquisition #acquisition #federalprocurement #procurement #bd #businessdevelopment #8a #8asmallbusiness #smallbusiness

Can AI lighten the load of federal agents?John Bergin, Director at Microsoft and former DOD IT & Business System Reform Leader, continues our talk about his participation in AFCEA NOVA, cybersecurity and Microsoft productivity tools.Listen to the latest episode of the Best8(a) Podcast!#podcast #govcon #governmentcontacting #dod #cybersecurity #leadership #bd #businessdevelopment #smallbusiness #8a #8asmallbusiness

How do you find the "cool new thing"? Alec Longarzo, VP of Growth at Aperio Global, LLC, and AFCEA NOVA Board Member, continues our discussion on small businesses' agility for innovation, relationship-building in the contracting space, and what changes may the new adminstration bring. Listen to the latest episode of the Best8(a) podcast! - #podcast #businessdevelopment #bd #govcon #governmentcontracting #federalacquisition #federalprocurement #innovation #modernization #it #itmodernization

How will the new administration's promise to increase fed spending efficency affect GovCon industry?Alec Longarzo, VP of Growth at Aperio Global, LLC, and AFCEA NOVA Board Member, discusses his career journey, building relationships and understading costumer needs, and how to stay ahead in the technology field.Listen to the latest episode of the Best8(a) podcast! - #podcast #businessdevelopment #bd #govcon #governmentcontracting #federalacquisition #federalprocurement #innovation #modernization #it #itmodernization

John Bergin, Director at Microsoft and former DOD IT & Business System Reform Leader, discusses leadership pholosophy, and the contrast between government and commercial sector operations.Listen to the latest episode of the Best8(a) Podcast!#podcast #govcon #governmentcontacting #dod #cybersecurity #leadership #bd #businessdevelopment #smallbusiness #8a #8asmallbusiness

Can federal employees own a company? Tarrazzia Martin, HUD Senior Advisor of Enterprise Technology, Planning and Change Management, continues our discussion on the challenges of leadership, navigating power, and some of her career hihglights.Listen to the latest episode of the Best8(a) podcast#podcast #leadership #federalleadership #govcon #governmentcontracting #CEO #8a #smallbusiness #8asmallbusiness #federalacquisition #federalprocurement

Federal IT Careers: Going Solo or Thriving in a Team?Tarrazzia Martin, HUD Senior Advisor of Enterprise Technology, Planning and Change Management, discusses her journey working in the federal government, owning your technology, and what leadership and mentorship mean to her.Listen to the latest episode of the Best8(a) podcast#podcast #leadership #federalleadership #govcon #governmentcontracting #CEO #8a #smallbusiness #8asmallbusiness #federalacquisition #federalprocurement

Reaching out to the governemnt: email or phone call?Jay Visconti, former CBP Director of STAT Division, talks about KO's challenges, the importance of enganging in industry days, and how telework has been transformational for interactions in the federal sector.Check out the latest episode of the Best8(a) Podcast!#podcast #smallbusiness #8a #8asmallbusiness #businessdevelopment #bd #federalcontracting #federalacquisition

Can AI help us focus more on relationship building?Scott Simpson, digital transformation lead at DHS, continues our dicussion on the impact of AI in federal procurement and the importance of collaboration between the technical and the procurement teams.Check out the latest episode of the Best8(a) Podcast!#podcast #ai #artificialintelligence #smallbusiness #8a #8asmallbusiness #businessdevelopment #bd #federalacquisition #federalprocurement #contractingofficers #programmanagers

Can GAO reports help with BD and relationship building?This is the final part of my talk with Bill Pratt, Executive Director of Customer Relations at RELI Inc. and former IT Director at DHS, where we discuss some of the persistant challenges in federal IT and what advice he'd give to federal employees transitioning into the private sector based on his own experience.Check out the latest episode of the Best8(a) Podcast!#podcast #smallbusiness #8a #8asmallbusiness #govcon #governmentcontracting #federalacquisition #federalprocurement #industry #informationtechnology #it

How can professionals grow their careers in the federal government?Christian Macmillan, former Director of Staffing and Training Development at the US Marine Corps and Program Manager at the DHS, continues our discussion on personal and professional growth, the importance of networking and mentorship, and what industry leaders should do if they want to engage with DHS.🎙️ Check out the latest episode of the Best8(a) podcast! #podcast #smallbusiness #8asmallbusiness #govcon #governmentcontracting #federalacquisition #federalprocurement #nationalsecurity

You can't convince end users just by saying you have a great idea!Charlene Coon, president of the board of the directos of World Business Development Association, continues our discussion on relationship building, the importance of storytelling in proposals and how you can shape an opportunity through proactive conversations with end users.Check out the latest episode of the Best8(a) podcast!#podcast #smallbusiness #8a #8asmallbusiness #businessdevelopment #bd #govcon #governmentcontracting #federalacquisition #federalcontracting

Sometimes federal employees don't realize the effort that goes into a proposal!Jay Visconti, former CBP Director of STAT Division, discusses the highlights of his career in the federal sector, his transition into industry, and what he learned on each side of the fence.Check out the latest episode of the Best8(a) Podcast!#podcast #newepisode #smallbusiness #8asmallbusiness #8a #sme #subjectmatterexpert #govcon #governmentcontracting #governmentcontractor #federalacquisition #federalprocurement

How is AI going to change the tech landscape in 10 years? Abigail Haddad, a machine learning engineering at DHS, discusses the impact of AI and ML, the career path for technical professionals who move between the private and public sector, and whether the government should be open to sharing their codes. Check out the latest episode of the Best8(a) podcast! #podcast #ai #artificialintelligence #aiml #machinelearning #coding #govcon #tech #governmentcontracting #governmentcontractor #smallbusiness #8a #8asmallbusiness #federalacquisition #federalprocurement

How does the goverment ensure all GMEs are on equal footing?"Affordability and discovery!"Scott Simpson, digital transformation lead at DHS, discusses the need for more flexible federal procurement practices and what are the best approaches for Government Mission Enablers in their conversations with end users.Check out the latest episode of the Best8(a) podcast!#podcast #dhs #innovation #govcon #governmentcontracting #governmentcontractor #federalaacquisition #federalprocurement #smallbusiness #8a #8asmallbusiness

Can intrusive leadership be a good thing?Christian Macmillan, former Director of Staffing and Training Development at the US Marine Corps and Program Manager at the DHS, discusses the different leaderships styles in the military and civil services, and the challanges federal employees might encounter on their career path.#podcast #smallbusiness #8asmallbusiness #govcon #governmentcontracting #federalacquisition #federalprocurement

Working at a large company can be exciting, but also isolating. John C. King, former USMC Senior Logistics Manager and CEO of King Global Enterprise Solutions, continues our discussion about what it can be like for federal employees to transition into industry, the contrast between big and small companies, and some of the challenges with recruiting cleared personnel. Check out the latest episode of the Best8(a) podcast! #podcast #smallbusiness #8asmallbusiness #govcon #governmentcontracting #federalacquisition #federalprocurement

If you want to increase your PWIN, you have to know what makes you different and better! Beth Capello, former DHS Deputy CIO, continues our talk about how to build relationships with key leaders, how to make the be more strategic during meetings, and what her plans for the future are. 🎙️ Check out the latest episode of the Best8(a) podcast!

SMEs are more vital to contract writing than you imagine!Dr. Charlene Coon, president of the board of the directos of World Business Development Association, sat down to discuss her experience working with communities and companies in Africa, promoting cbersecurity and her previous role as an SME in the FBI.Check out the latest episode of the Best8(a) podcast!

John C King, former USMC Senior Logistics Manager and CEO of King Global Enterprise Solutions, discusses his transition into the private sector, what working at large and small companies taught him, and what advice he has to give to other federal employees looking to follow that same path.

Bill Pratt's best advice for meeting with fed end users: use the BBQ principle! Bill Pratt, Executive Director of Customer Relations at RELI Inc. and former IT Director at DHS, continues our talk about what end users need from vendors and why being bold, brief and quiet during meetings is the best strategy.

Beth Capello, former DHS Deputy CIO, tells us about how technology impacts the mission of federal agencies, what agencies expect from their vendors and her #1 tip for a succesful career in technology .

Bill Pratt, Executive Director of Customer Relations at RELI Inc. and former IT Director at DHS, talks about his experience working as a program manager, and the complexities and evolution of IT systems and procurement processes in the federal government.

Ryan Riccucci, Division Chief of US Customs and Border Protection's Enforcement Technology and Operational Programs, continues our discussion on the complexity of data management in federal agencies.