Tag: Eric Coffie

183: From Military Service to Business Triumph: Unveiling the Journey of Raymond Jardine Jr., Chairman and Founder of Kina’ole Foundation

Posted on by Eric Coffie

Today’s show is an absolute powerhouse of insights and inspiration as we sit down with the remarkable Raymond Jardine Jr., an incredible entrepreneur, leader, and military veteran. Raymond Jardine Jr., a true titan in the business world, sharing his extraordinary journey from a distinguished 33-year career in the Army to becoming the Chairman and CEO at Kina’ole Foundation. Notably, he recently earned the prestigious distinction of being named Second Runner-up for the US Small Business Administration’s National Small Business Person of the Year Award.

During his military tenure, Raymond showcased his unwavering dedication and commitment by serving in various capacities, from an enlisted soldier to retiring as a Colonel. His multifaceted experience equipped him with a wealth of leadership skills that he seamlessly transitioned into the world of entrepreneurship.

Raymond’s involvement extends beyond the boardroom. His outstanding business acumen is evident through a string of accolades including the Asian Enterprise Entrepreneur of the Year, Pacific Edge Business Executive of the Year, SBA Small Business Person of the Year, SBA Veterans Small Business of the Year, SBA 8(a) Graduate Business of the Year, and SBA Veterans Business Champion, to name just a few.

His dedication to community service is truly commendable, having received the Senator Daniel K. Inouye Leadership and Community Service Award, the Gordon H. Mansfield National Veterans Advocated award, and the FBI Director’s Community Leadership award. Raymond’s influence reaches far beyond the business realm, as he has served as an appointee to Presidents Bush and Obama, Secretary Shinseki of the VA, and Governors Abercrombie and Ige.

Education is another corner of his impressive repertoire, with Raymond holding multiple degrees including a BA, MA, MSS, MBA, and Ph.D. These academic achievements mirror his continuous pursuit of excellence in all facets of his life.

In this episode, we dive deep into Raymond’s journey, his strategies for success in both business and life, and the invaluable insights he’s gained from his incredible experiences. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a business leader, or someone who simply appreciates stories of triumph, Raymond Jardine Jr.’s interview is one you won’t want to miss. So, join us as we unravel the layers of wisdom and inspiration this remarkable guest brings to the table. Let’s welcome our next giant, Raymond Jardine Jr.

178: Unleashing Success in Government Contracting Through Innovative IT Solutions with Bryant Lynch and Pierce Robinson

Posted on by Eric Coffie

In today’s episode, we have Mr. Bryant Lynch, the President of Valen Solutions LLC. Bryan is an accomplished and innovative entrepreneur and IT professional with over 10 years of experience in improving business efficiency through IT solutions.

Bryant is a multi-skilled professional who serves as a trusted business advisor, providing valuable guidance to entrepreneurs and customers. With his vision, passion, and expertise, Bryant works with aspiring and growing tech businesses, championing and promoting entrepreneurship.

In this episode, he shares how his determination to learn about government contracting through videos and podcast has led him to reach his milestones in his GovCon journey. Now, he has six contracts under his belt.

As a highly qualified IT Advisor and Consultant, Bryant has a keen eye for excellence and a deep understanding of technical concepts. He excels in translating business requirements into effective solutions, providing technical leadership, and overcoming challenges with smart strategies. His infectious optimism, deep sector knowledge, and extensive network enable him to bring immediate value to any IT project or business.

Join Pierce and Bryan in this enlightening conversation as Bryant shares his insights, experiences, and strategies for achieving success in the government contracting space. Learn from his wisdom as he discusses the importance of IT solutions, visionary leadership, and building a strong team.

Let’s welcome our next guest, Mr. Bryant Lynch.

If you want to connect with Bryant, you can click these links:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryant-lynch/ 

Company Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/valen-solutions/ 

Website: https://www.valencorporateservices.com/

https://valen-corporate-services-40093162.hubspotpagebuilder.com/valen-corporate-services 

Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/valencorporateservices 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valencorporateservices/

166: Navigating Procurement and Supplier Diversity with Diane Dempsey

Posted on by Eric Coffie

In this episode, we have Diane Dempsey, the Director of Small Business Programs for BAE Systems Intelligence & Security Sector. With her extensive experience in procurement, subcontracts, and supplier diversity, Ms. Dempsey is a highly respected advocate for small businesses in the DC Metropolitan area.

We talked about her current role as Director of Small Business Programs for BAE Systems Intelligence & Security Sector and the responsibilities that come with it. She also shared about her experience as a small business advocate for several prime contractors in the DC Metropolitan area. In this episode, you get to hear her advice for small businesses looking to work with larger companies, including the importance of networking and building relationships and the resources available to small businesses, such as Small Business Development Centers and Procurement Technical Assistance Centers.

Diane Dempsey provides valuable insights and advice for small businesses looking to work with larger companies and navigate the government procurement process. Her extensive experience in procurement, subcontracts, and supplier diversity make her a valuable resource for anyone looking to succeed in the world of government contracting.

Tune in to our episode with our next Giant, Diane Dempsey.

If you want to connect with Diane, you can go through these links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diane-dempsey-a625b249/ 

Corporate Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/baesystemsinc/

Website: https://www.baesystems.com/en/home 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BAESystemsplc 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baesystems/ 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/BAESystemsplc 

Contact Bae Systems: https://www.baesystems.com/en/contactus 

165: Empowering Small Businesses: Insights and Strategies for Federal Contracting with Lori Smith

Posted on by Eric Coffie

Today’s guest is Lori Smith, founder of Acu-Elligent LLC, a consulting agency specialized in helping small businesses successfully obtain government contracts. With 40+ years of experience as a Procurement decision maker & Contracting Officer, Lori provides insider perspective and guidance to navigate the government marketplace. In this episode, Lori shares her insights and tips on how to successfully win federal, state & local contracts for your business.

Lori is committed to helping black women-owned and other small businesses obtain lucrative contracts and simplify the federal contracting process. She also shares her journey from federal service to founding Acu-Elligent LLC, highlighting the difficulties small businesses often face when trying to secure government contracts. She explains how her team of seasoned business strategists collaborates to develop cost-effective solutions that help companies achieve their contracting goals.

Navigating the government marketplace can be a challenging and complex process, but with Lori’s insights and guidance, small businesses can successfully win government contracts. So let’s welcome our next Giant, Lori Smith.

If you want to connect with Lori, you can go through these links:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-smith-17985a18/ 

Corporate Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/acuelligent/about/ 

Email: [email protected] 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/acuelligent

161: How My Dad Got Started In Trucking with Eric Coffie

Posted on by Eric Coffie

Today’s guest is my Father. My parents have been married 60+ years and for most of that time (40+ years) he was a truck driver.

He shares his experiences growing up during those times and fun times on the road driving trucks.

We do not always get to capture the story of our parents and I thought it worth sharing this month with the world. Hope you enjoy.

156: 3x Inc Award Winner provides IT Staffing support to industry and government – Manish Gorawala

Posted on by Eric Coffie

In today’s episode, we bring our guest Manish Gorawala, a serial entrepreneur, Technology Expert, and a Chief Visionary and CEO of Tri-Force Consulting Services, Inc., headquarter in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, USA.

Since 2000, under Manish’s leadership, Tri-Force has executed projects worldwide focusing on enterprise application development, business intelligence, process automation and mobile solutions for government and commercial clients.

Tri-Force has managed a number of private and US government IT projects over the last 15+ years. Manish’s rich experience in the industry has fueled the rapid development of Tri-Force Consulting Services, Inc., as a five-time winner among Philadelphia’s 100 fastest growing companies and winner among Inc. 5000 List of America’s Fastest Growing companies.

Manish’s deep personal and professional interest in technological trends and his excellent management skills have helped him bring quick success to the company.

Let’s welcome our next giant, Manish Gorawala.

Links from the episode:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manish-gorawala-972693/ 

Website: https://triforce-inc.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/triforce_usa/ 

Corporate Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tri-force-consulting-services-inc./ 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/mgorawala1 

Contact number: +1 215-362-2611

Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

Zero To One by Blake Masters and Peter Thiel

Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter

155: Which Certifications Matter the Most in 2023 and Why?

Posted on by Eric Coffie

In today’s podcast episode, we replay a recent Youtube Live interview that I did on the topic of minority certifications. In this interview we featured two guests, Kevin Williams of TekConnX and Heather Cox of CertifyMyCompany.

Throughout the interview we discuss the Big 5 certifications that the Fortune 1000 recognize.

Now, a little bit more about the guests, Kevin Williams of TekConnX, CEO and Strategic Advisor to emerging and innovative minority owned businesses. He’s also the Treasurer for the National Minority Business Enterprise Input Committee which is a critical part of the leadership of the National Minority Supplier Diversity Council.

Heather Cox, President of CertifyMyCompany is a Diversity Certification Expert who aids eligible diverse suppliers in the process of becoming Diversity Certified and maximize the benefits of their certification.

Without further ado, let’s help kick off the great start to 2023 with this conversation on Certifications.

Links from the episode:

Registration Open – VA Direct Access Program – Uprite Construction Virtual Business Opportunity Session: https://www.vetbiz.va.gov/events/event-detail/?id=4c0eaa60-1177-ed11-81aa-001dd807078a 

The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC): https://www.wbenc.org/certification/ 

National Minority Supplier Development Council: https://nmsdc.org/ 

National Veteran Business Development Council: https://nvbdc.org/ 

Disability:IN https://disabilityin.org/

The DBE Certification Program: https://www.fdot.gov/equalopportunity/dbecertification.shtm 

SBA Contracting assistance programs: https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs 

ServiceNow: https://www.servicenow.com/ 

U.S. AbilityOne Commission: https://www.abilityone.gov/ 

Free Government Contracting Course – https://www.freegovconcourse.com 

Kevin Williams Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinwilliams16/ 

Heather Cox Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/certifymycompany/ 

151: How non citizens can win Government Contracts – Vicky Mangano

Posted on by Eric Coffie

Real quick before we get started today, just want to let you know we have reopened Academy 3.0 our flagship program helping small businesses win large contracts, visit giantscourse.com for more info. Now back to our program.

Given the current crisis between Ukraine and Russia. What is happening overseas withAmazon in China. The building of military commands within Africa, it is a common question that people ask me, “Eric can I get contracts as a non citizen of the United States?”

My guest Today, Vicky Mangano reached out to me from Siciliy Italy stating that she was helping foreign companies win U.S. government contracts in Italy and she wanted to share her experiences. I thought wow this is incredible. So we discuss for the next 45 mins how she’s doing that.

What websites she uses to register foreign entities, how to find international bids, and how you as an American can work overseas and make money.

I had a dinner with a military contractor that told me he usually finds the places he wants to visit first and then seeks out contracts to work there so that it is essentially paid for.

I didn’t think that was a bad idea. So if you or someone you know wants to move to a foreign country, it may be worthwhile identifying contract opportunities there first so that at least you can be billable and travel at the same time.

Also worth noting that if you are a non citizen this is the episode to tune in.

Links from the episode:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicky-mangano

Corporate Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mangano-international-development/

Website: https://manganofederalprocurement.com/home

IDIQs and IDVs : MasterMinds Monday

Posted on by Eric Coffie

On this episode of MasterMinds Monday, Eric Coffie shares the benefits of IDIQs and IDVs and how to prepare your company in order to get these kinds of contracting opportunities.

BENEFITS OF IDIQs and IDVs

In the government contracting marketplace, there is a misconception that having a small business certificate would equate to a handful of contract opportunities. Although, this may slightly be true, you will not achieve much success from the programs if you are not ready yet. 

“I think everyone out here should get 8a program, it is a pathway to riches and fortunes and generational wealth (however) only if you get it when you’re ready. If you do not wait until you’re ready, it can be a pathway to destruction because you spend so much time consumed with trying to learn it and trying to figure it out.”

This is further proven by one of the recent guests of the GovCon Giants podcast who did research on the companies that are part of the 8a program. The conclusion of the research made clear that the successful companies are the ones getting indefinite delivery vehicle (IDV) contracts. They keep on rising in terms of sales and are extending the life of their multi-year contract vehicles. 

This is because IDVs are essentially a blanket purchase agreement that has hundreds and even thousands of smaller contract opportunities that only selected companies are eligible to compete. These types of vehicles also provide a definite time period that are usually 5 to 10 years but can be stretched up to more than that.

This is why if you’re doing your research for contract opportunities on beta.sam, you will find contracts that say ‘only vehicle holders are eligible to bid.’ In this case, regardless if you are part of the 8a or VOSB, you can’t still bid on these types of contracts. 

So now instead of going to beta.sam and bidding on contracts, spend more time and effort on pre-qualifying for a contract vehicle. 

PREPARE YOUR COMPANY FOR IDVs, IDIQs, AND OTHER CONTRACTING OPPORTUNITIES

In order to pre-qualify your company and take advantage of these indefinite delivery vehicles, you need to have a list of the IDV opportunities that are in your particular space first. Go to your nearest Procurement Technical Assistance Centers or small business organization. 

Then, check if there are active or recently closed IDV opportunities in your industry, pull down the requirements, and analyze if you are qualified or not. 

If you are not qualified, then make sure that you are ready and qualified for the next opportunities. 

“If I were to give you a contract and give you an opportunity, you’re not even ready to receive it. So, how about we start getting ourselves ready and in a position so that we can receive opportunities.”

1. Get Funds.

Don’t use your own money to fund your company in order to get these contract opportunities. Rather, get supplier credit, vendor credit, or business credit.

This is for the reason that before the government pays, they still need to approve the products or services that you offer first. It’s not even about being financially stable or not. Unless the government has already approved the products that you sell, then don’t use your own money as it may go to waste. 

2. No Ability 

There are many requirements for a specific contract and you need to check all of these boxes. Because of this, contractors might be intimidated to do a project and just say that they can’t bid on it. 

But rather than avoiding an opportunity, why not put all the stuff in place in order to get qualified? IDV is going to probably require the highest levels in terms of requirements so you need to make sure that you achieve this. And the best way to do this is to find people or a team to help you. 

3. No Experience

Many people say that they don’t have enough experience and past performance to qualify for contracts. However, you can achieve this by including your team’s experience in your capability statement.

For instance if you’re bidding for a landscaping project. If you haven’t done anything like it before, you should not lie about your experience. However, you can hire another person who has experience in doing landscaping projects in the past and include their experience in your capability statement. This way, you are using that person’s performance to qualify for that specific project. 

Remember that you do not build a building alone, you have a team who have various experiences depending on their qualifications. You can use that to qualify for contracts that require past performance. Besides, in the government marketplace, they allow you to bring on people that complement your strength. 

RESOURCES

If you want to watch the full video where we talk about the benefits of IDIQs and IDVs and how to prepare your company in order to get these kinds of contracting opportunities, then be sure to click the links below:

Are you ready to win a contract, prepare your corporation for success using IDV

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqs1D_TKZIg

Multiple year contract award (IDIQ) explained in simple terms – Eric Coffie

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgVtj-Iv7yI

The Do’s and Don’ts in Performing Your Government Contracts

Posted on by Eric Coffie

As government contractors, you cannot freely do anything with your project the way you wanted it to be. You have guidelines to follow which are all in your contracts. To give you an idea, here are the do’s and don’ts in performing your government contracts.

FOLLOW THE SPECIFICATIONS. 

Contracting officers have a very specific set of guidelines that government contractors should follow. 

These people might not be the one who are the main reason why that project took place but for the fact that they have the authority to obligate the government’s spin and funds, then you shouldn’t defy them. 

“We should be thankful that we are in a position to where somebody is calling us with the contract and opportunity that is not publicly posted to do a negotiation and a potential sole source.”

COMMUNICATE IN TERMS OF CHANGES.

Then, you should also communicate with your contracting officer if you want certain changes in your contract or there are parts that you find difficult to understand.

In most cases, when you do something that is not part of your contract, contracting officers will either not pay you or only pay the agreed payment based on the contract. 

However, you can avoid it by writing all of your recommended changes in terms of a Request for Information and sending it to your contracting officers so that they can include the changes in your contract or exclude anything from the list of your responsibilities.  

“If there’s a change of scope, you put it in the form of an RFI and you let them make the determination.”

STOP THE PROJECT.

The last thing that you should do is to stop the project if there are changes that are not part of your scope of work.

Don’t just do all of the things that are being ordered by the agency that you’re working with. Rather, communicate with your contracting officer and make sure that what you’re doing is still under your contract and if you are sure it is not, then temporarily stop  your project. 

“Don’t come back and ask for money for things that you took upon yourself without getting permission.”

Remember that the government and the contracting officer will just pay you if a project is done or a product or service is delivered according to their contract. Other problems that you might face in doing the project is not part of their problem. So, it is best to ask for the permission of your contracting officer first.

RESOURCES

If you want to watch Eric Coffie’s full video, then be sure to click the links below.

Negotiating a $5 million dollar contract do’s and don’ts

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXj_oSdNKb8

How to price a FedBizOpps contract, things to consider?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98Rdcck0e0Q

How to Bid a Job?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drxbXzQSfG0&t=146s

International Contracts – How to register if you are a foreign company

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWbcnqp1ymE