One of the biggest misconceptions I see in government contracting is that finding opportunities is complicated, fragmented, or locked behind expensive tools.

It’s not.

Almost every federal contracting opportunity you need—RFIs, Sources Sought notices, RFPs, and RFQs—lives in one place: SAM.gov.

I...

Government Contracting: The Opportunity Most Small Businesses Still Overlook

One of the most surprising things about government contracting is how few small businesses actually participate in it.

The U.S. government is the largest buyer of goods and services in the world—yet less than a quarter of...

Government Contracting Isn’t Complicated—But It Is Unforgiving

One of the biggest misconceptions I see—especially among consultants and small businesses trying to enter government contracting—is the belief that success comes down to knowing the right regulation, having the perfect product, or landi...

Every so often, I talk with someone whose career path immediately grabs your attention—not because it was planned perfectly, but because it unfolded in a way that most people would never expect.

Greg Coleman is one of those people.

On paper, his background doesn’t follow a straight line at all. He...

Every once in a while, I meet someone whose background is so unexpected—and whose trajectory is so unusual—that their story sticks with me long after the conversation ends.
Andy Main is one of those people.

Most folks in the defense contracting world come from predictable paths: military, engineeri...

If there’s one thing I’ve learned after spending years as a government acquisitions officer—and later training hundreds of business owners—it's this: government contracting is absolutely worth it, but it is not easy.

Every day, I meet entrepreneurs who are excited about selling to the U.S. governme...

Let’s be honest—writing a proposal that actually wins a government contract is one of the hardest skills to master in federal contracting.
Even for seasoned professionals, interpreting a solicitation, understanding the government’s intent, and crafting a compliant, persuasive response can feel like ...

If you’ve been following the world of small business government contracting this year, you already know—it’s been a rollercoaster.

The SBA’s small business certification programs—the ones designed to help small businesses compete against large federal contractors—have been under more scrutiny than ...

Veterans: You’re Sitting on One of the Most Valuable Assets in Federal Business — Your Security Clearance

If you’re a military veteran, you’ve probably been told you have an advantage when it comes to finding your next job. And that’s true — especially if you have an active security clearance. But ...

There’s a growing conversation happening across the country right now — one that every parent, student, and young professional should be paying attention to.

It’s about the value of college.

With tuition prices rising faster than ever and student debt weighing down millions, more people are asking...

If you’re serious about winning government contracts in 2026, it’s time we talk about one of the most misunderstood tools in federal sales — SAM.gov.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Rick, isn’t SAM.gov where all the contracts are?”

Technically, yes. But here’s the truth that most people miss: S...

If you’re in government contracting, consulting, or even just selling to the federal market as an account executive — chances are, you’re focused on proposals, meetings, and compliance.

But let me tell you something that surprises a lot of people in this space:
Email marketing can make or break you...