Author: Eric Coffie

Eric Coffie, is an entrepreneur, author, podcaster, speaker and creator of Govcon Giants TV @ YouTube. The #1 YouTube channel on the internet teaching companies how to navigate the federal marketplace. Widely considered one of the world’s leading experts on procuring federal contracts.

080: Robb Wong – Best tips and advice from the Former Associate Administrator, Govt. Contracting & Business Development

Posted on by Eric Coffie

In today’s episode. We meet with the man who spent the last four years fighting for the little guy. Robb Wong was sworn in as Associate Administrator Office of Government Contracting and Business Development, GCBD, in March of 2017, where he advocated for small businesses and represents them on behalf of the President of the United States. Historically the Associate Administrator Government Contracting Business Development overseas over $500 billion and total federal spending, helps ensure that small businesses can compete for federal opportunities. Robb strategy was straightforward. #1, make SBA certifications more useful. #2, Increase the supply of contracts reserved for the various small business programs and #3 improved GCBD customer service. Highlights of the team’s three-year accomplishments include small business contract opportunities grew a total of 33%, HUBZone program revamped for the first time in 20 years, WOSB formal certification, improving teaming opportunities for all 8a, HUBZone, WOSB, SDVOSB’s, subcontract and goals increase to create more opportunities. Rob’s philosophy is cemented. And the belief that Small businesses are the job generators that will help make America great again.

In today’s episode, we talk about Rob’s accomplishments at the SBA. What changes are needed to ensure small businesses continue to win at receiving government contracts? What he would like to see happen after his retirement to push the needle forward for small firms. He continues to give to small businesses. He regularly meets with and counsel small business farms weekly at a local breakfast spot down the street from his residence. Stay tuned for our next Govcon Giant.

Sources Sought: Integrated Competency and Learning Management System

Posted on by Eric Coffie

The work is required to be performed in the continental U.S. This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes. It does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFP in the future. This request for information does not commit the FRTIB to contract whatsoever. Further, the FRTIB is not at this time seeking proposals and will not accept unsolicited proposals. Respondents are advised that the FRTIB will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this RFI; all costs associated with responding to this RFI will be solely at the interested party’s expense. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future RFP.

  • Original Set Aside:
  • Product Service Code:
  • NAICS Code: 525110 – Pension Funds
  • Place of Performance: Washington, DC 20001 the USA

Full details via beta.sam.gov

govcon giants logo Check out our RESOURCES page for a sample letter that we use in response to government market research.

Rebecca Aguilera-Gardiner: From Receptionist and Radio Personality to VIB Network Founder

Posted on by Eric Coffie

Vice-President of a second-generation printing business and co-founder of VIB Network, Rebecca Aguilera-Gardiner shares how these two organizations started and what is her motivation for helping veteran-owned businesses across the board. 

BACKGROUND

Rebecca Aguilera-Gardiner has over twenty-five years of experience in sales and marketing. She started her career as a receptionist and then a radio sales and on-air personality.

Then, in 1996, she started managing their SDVOSB/DVBE second-generation printing business in San Diego, the Diego & Son Printing, as the Vice President and co-owner.

For 48 years in business, the company has won several awards including the MBE Supplier of the Year and Family-Owned business of the Year. Rebecca was also given various awards including the Leadership Award at the Women of Excellence event with Diversity Professionals in 2019. 

Apart from that, she is also an active member of the Business Leaders United and Business Forward and the co-founder of Veterans In Business (VIB) Network, a nonprofit 501(c)3 that advocates for all veteran-owned businesses nationwide.

THE ORIGIN OF DIEGO & SON PRINTING BUSINESS

The Diego & Son Printing started with Rebecca’s parents in 1972 after her dad, who was a Pressman, got laid off and saw an opportunity for them to get an SBA loan if they would start a business. 

Fortunately, they were able to get a loan worth $30,000. With it, they bought an old school letter press and bits and pieces of equipment and papers needed. Then, they worked in their little garage, not knowing that they will grow and last for almost 50 years. 

“Then they went and they worked their butts off and they were in like a little garage kind of place. And then they grew. And they grew and grew. And then we eventually moved to our own corner lot. And I had several large presses. We had about almost 30 people working for us at the time at our height. You know, our bill alone for print was almost 40,000 for paper. So it’s always so funny you think, okay, that’s what they started off with.”

Being part of a growing company, Rebecca also learned about business and how to communicate with people. While her dad inspired her to think outside the box and be creative, her mom also kept telling her that everything’s negotiable in business. 

“So, my mom would always say, everything’s negotiable. You know, now nothing is ever set in stone. So I was so, I mean, I grew up that way.”

OVERCOMING STRUGGLES IN BUSINESS

One of the greatest struggles that she had faced while managing the business was during and after the recession where they took another two or three years just to get out of debt.

“When everybody says the recession’s over, you’re like, ‘Okay, it’s not over,’ because you still have those bills that, you know, you got into it in the first place. So, you know, getting all of yourself out of the debt that you’ve got into, if you’re still in business.”

However, they were able to overcome it. That struggle even helped the business to become lean and streamlined and for her to put value on her personal growth. 

“Well, this year, we’re gonna stay lean and, you know, we just keep on learning and learning, developing new courses, you know, taking everything, every webinar I possibly can take to learn different things. So, you know, really utilizing this time to grow, I think that personally.”

VETERANS IN BUSINESS (VIB) NETWORK

For years, Rebecca’s company is certified as a service-disabled veteran-owned business and they were also part of an organization for about 13 years. 

However, Rebecca then felt that veteran business community needed something different: a place and a more streamlined approach to connect with each other, the corporations, and government agencies; so, she and Cole Woodman established VIB Network.

“You know, if we’re going to make, we really want to make a real change. We’re the ones there— if we want to see real change in the veteran business space, then we’re going to, we’re going to do it.”

With the use of the organization and the platform, veterans can then join the directory of veteran members and use the event calendar and opportunity board.

The organization is also developing different webinars, applications, and programs to help them in matters including communicating with their staff and growing their business, among others. 

Most importantly, it is free to join VIB Network because the organization is run with the help of different organizations and corporate and government sponsors. 

“We wanted to make this a free organization for veterans to join and participate because we feel that a veteran, you have already served their time and they’ve already, you know, they have served the country and, you know, to nickel and dime them for to be part of a directory, we didn’t feel that that was appropriate.”

RESOURCES

If you want to learn more on how Rebecca Aguilera-Gardiner managed their second-generation printing business and the VIB Network, then be sure to click the resources below.

You can also visit the GovCon Giant website or the new GovCon Edu where you learn everything about government contracting!

071 – Rebecca Aguilera-Gardiner – the women behind the vision and mission of the VIB Network

https://govcongiants1.wpengine.com/podcast/071-2/

From RADIO PERSONALITY to VIBNETWORK.ORG

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zQpK6ywMMQ&t=1s

Sources Sought: Janitorial Services: Hood Cleaning Canteen Marion Campus

Posted on by Eric Coffie

VA Northern Indiana Health Care System (VA NIHCS) Marion Campus, has a requirement for Kitchen Hood Cleaning Service. This procurement has been set-aside 100% for award to Small Business concerns. Offers from other than SB concerns will not be considered and shall be rejected. The anticipated award date is January 1, 2021, for a base period of one (1) year plus four (4) option years to be exercised at the discretion of the Government.

  • Product Service Code: S201 – HOUSEKEEPING- CUSTODIAL JANITORIAL
  • NAICS Code: 561720 – Janitorial Services
  • Place of Performance: USA
  • Updated Date Offers Due: Dec 11, 2020, 02:00 pm EST

Full details via beta.sam.gov

govcon giants logo Check out our RESOURCES page for a sample letter that we use in response to government market research.

Sources Sought: Hammerhead Barracks Renovation

Posted on by Eric Coffie

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District has been tasked to solicit for and award a project to revitalize/renovate two Hammerhead Barracks, at Fort Hood, TX.  The proposed project will be a competitive, firm-fixed-price, Design-Build contract. The government intends to issue a solicitation; however, the results and analysis of the market research will finalize the determination of the procurement method. The type of set-aside, if any, the decision to be issued will depend upon the capabilities of the responses to this synopsis.

  • Product Service Code: Y1FC – CONSTRUCTION OF TROOP HOUSING FACILITIES
  • NAICS Code: 236220 – Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
  • Place of Performance: Fort Hood, TX 76544 USA
  • Original Response Date: Dec 28, 2020 02:00 pm CST

Full details via beta.sam.gov

govcon giants logo Check out our RESOURCES page for a sample letter that we use in response to government market research.

Honeywell International Inc. Awarded a $72.9M Contract For the Repair Of Six Weapon Repairable Assemblies

Posted on by Eric Coffie

Honeywell International Inc., Tempe, Arizona, is awarded $72,944,708 for a long-term, firm-fixed-priced requirements contract for the repair of six weapon repairable assemblies in support of the V-22 aircraft. This contract includes a five-year base period with no options. Work will be performed in Torrance, California (44%); Tucson, Arizona (35%); San Diego, California (15%); and Tempe, Arizona (6%). Work is expected to be completed by November 2025. Annual working capital funds (Navy) will be obligated as individual task orders are issued and funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One firm was solicited for this non-competitive requirement under authority 10 U.S. Code 2304 (c)(1), with one offer received. The Naval Supply Systems Command, Weapon Systems Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity (N00383-21-D-XP01).

Honeywell International Inc. is a worldwide technology and manufacturing company. The Company provides aerospace products and services, control, sensing, and security technologies for commercial buildings, safety, and productivity solutions, specialty chemicals, advanced materials, process technology for refining and petrochemicals, and energy-efficient products and solutions. (www.bloomberg.com)

NAVY Awards $397.6M Contract To Bechtel Plant Machinery Inc. For Naval Nuclear Propulsion Components

Posted on by Eric Coffie

Bechtel Plant Machinery Inc., Monroeville, Pennsylvania, is awarded a $397,611,585 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to previously awarded contract N00024-19-C-2114 for Naval nuclear propulsion components. Work will be performed in Monroeville, Pennsylvania (68%); and Schenectady, New York (32%). Fiscal 2021 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funding in the amount of $397,611,585 will be obligated at the time of award and funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

Bechtel Plant Machinery, Inc. operates as a contractor. The Company provides design, manufacturing, and procurement management for the fabrication, testing, delivery, installation, and field support of nuclear power plant components for installation in submarines and aircraft carriers. Bechtel Plant Machinery operates in the State of Pennsylvania. (www.bloomberg.com)

 

Sources Sought: Philadelphia Fire Systems Services

Posted on by Eric Coffie

The Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Affairs Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Philadelphia VA Medical Center, has required labor, materials, and travel to provide Fire System Services at the Philadelphia VA Medical Centers and associated buildings/locations (listed in the SOW). Potential Sources shall respond with their ability to provide these services as outlined in the draft SOW (Attachment 1). The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code being considered for this procurement is 561621 Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths), and the Product Service Code (PSC) is J063 Maint/repair/rebuild Of Equipment- Alarm, Signal, and Security Detection Systems. The Small Business Size Standard is $22.0 million.

  • Product Service Code: J063 – MAINT/REPAIR/REBUILD OF EQUIPMENT- ALARM, SIGNAL, AND SECURITY DETECTION SYSTEMS
  • NAICS Code: 561621 – Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths)
  • Place of Performance: VAMC Philadelphia, 19104 USA
  • Original Response Date: Dec 16, 2020, 10:00 am EST

Full details via beta.sam.gov

govcon giants logo Check out our RESOURCES page for a sample letter that we use in response to government market research.

Build Your Business Credit and Increase Your Paydex Score!

Posted on by Eric Coffie

Afraid that you can’t build your business credit because you have a poor personal credit? Don’t worry, John Bowen is here to help you!

UNDERSTANDING BUSINESS CREDIT

John Bowen is a government janitorial chemicals and supplies provider as well as the Vice-President of Credit360, a financial services firm providing credit restoration and business consulting services. 

“But because I know the process, I was able to set up and establish trade lines with my business and already kind of have a Paydex score and have a score register with Experian within a shorter period of time than it would take most people.”

Because he already understands the process of getting business credit, he was able to directly get a line of credit and a few credit cards. With this, he shares the step-by-step process of getting a business credit. 

1. Create a profile with Duns and Bradstreet.

The first step that you should take is by registering and creating a profile with Duns and Bradstreet.

Make sure that all of your information, from your abbreviations to your Employer Identification Number and business bank data, is the same as the information that you put when you registered your business as an entity. 

This way, it’s easier for them to approve because all of your information is identical. 

“When I say it has to be, that’s just what makes it easier because when you go to the lender and you put down on your application, that’s what they’re searching you buy.”

2. Establish trade lines. 

Afterwards, you need to start doing business with certain companies that report all of your transactions to Duns & Bradstreet. These include Quill, Uline, Crown, Summa Office Supplies, and Grainger. 

Once you then establish anywhere from three to five tradelines with these companies, you can then establish a Paydex score.

Your Paydex score is basically your FICO score. Once you have established that, then you’re going to start establishing profiles with companies that report to not only Duns & Bradstreet but Equifax.

3. Keep your Paydex score building.

Once you’ve established a Paydex score with Duns & Bradstreet, then you can start building trade lines with gas companies and other vendors. This will then help you increase your Paydex score from zero to a hundred. 

Just make sure to pay your bills on time and ask your vendors to supply trade references to Duns & Bradstreet to continue building your Paydex score.  

“As long as you pay your bills on time and you have anywhere from three to five trade lines, you’ll establish a Paydex score. The only thing you can do after that is keep building on that Paydex score and make sure you pay your bills early.”

4. Get different lines of credits.

Lastly, you establish a line of credit from banks. This is especially the end game when it comes to credit because you can use these to build relationships with different manufacturers in dealing with the government marketplace. 

“I learned from Eric that you can start leveraging contracts against them for more money because if you’ve already established a relationship and they know you pay well and you might not have the $100,000-$200,000 limit or whatever big large number you might need, but if you go to them and say, “Hey listen, I just want a contract. Yeah. Can we work together?” “Sure. Yeah. Of course.” Because you’ve already established that relationship.”

RESOURCES

If you want to learn more on how to build a business credit even with a poor personal credit, then be sure to click the resources below. You can also visit the GovCon Giant website or the new GovCon Edu where you learn everything about government contracting!

How to Build BUSINESS CREDIT and your Paydex Score!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSWGMzkD0Vg&t=4s

079: Judy Bradt – Fierce, Determined and Best Selling Author of Government Contracts Made EasiER.

Posted on by Eric Coffie

Judy Bradt needs no introduction in the government contracting world. For more than 32 years, she’s been helping people in federal contracting as a consultant, speaker and author. She’s helped thousands of businesses from solopreneurs to multi-million dollar corporations find their fast track success in the federal arena. Judy says there’s no such thing as doing business with the federal government, instead of asking what can I bid, winners focus on the right question, Who’s my buyer? That’s because winners know you do business with people whose needs, fears and priorities aren’t in those databases. Today, we go over her story and journey coming into the govcon world and how she led 5,000+ Canadian firms to win more than $250 million in US government contracts, publish guides on US federal solicitations, market for technology architect engineering services and her latest book. Please welcome our next Giant, Judy Bradt.