In this episode, we are mixing things up a bit. Instead of the usual suspects of SBA Award winners, former federal contract officers, program managers and fast rising small businesses we decided to feature someone in the (D&I) space… diversity and inclusion.

If you have heard this is sort of the new buzz word floating around for what was formerly considered minority contracting. In today’s episode I bring on a company who is leading the regulatory compliance side of minority, women, disadvantaged and small business compliance.

Today we talk with Brian Sanvidge, the Principal and Leader of Regulatory Compliance and Investigations of Anchin’s Litigation, Forensic and Valuation Services Group. In Brian’s previous career he worked as the Inspector General for the New York State Labor Department for ten years. In that capacity, he oversaw the civil and criminal investigations conducted by the Department of Labor.

We take a deep dive into the complexity of being compliant on a project that has federal, state and local dollars. Why? Because each entity has various SMB goals that they want to achieve. Federal government wants HUBZone, VOSB, WOSB, 8a, the State wants DBE/MBE, the municipal government may want CSBE, CBE, local regulations.

Also, you will hear how Brian and his team helped one state completely turn around their DBE program. You will also learn how the commercial industry is placing an emphasis on D&I compliance in the wake of George Floyd. How the state and local government viewpoint is being re-shaped and how finally a certification may be worth its salt. I truly was encouraged by this interview having seen for 2 dozen years companies skirt the rules and get waivers to comply with small business goals. Meeting Brian gave me hope that finally there may truly be value in DBE and other certifications other than helping the government receive more funding dollars.

Let’s welcome Brian Salvidge on the Govcon Giants podcast.