060: Dr. Ramsey Smith - Helping engineers and researchers find applications for their technologies

In today’s episode, we had the privilege of sitting down with the remarkable Vanessa Savas, a retired Air Force Colonel with an impressive 29 years of Department of Defense experience. Her extensive and distinguished career reached its pinnacle as a Congressional and Government Relations expert for the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

Over the course of 12 years, Vanessa played a pivotal role in advising and collaborating with senior officials in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the U.S. Southern Command, and the U.S. Air Force to secure annual congressional authorizations and appropriations for the Department. Her strategic insights, tenacity, and reputation for integrity have been instrumental in navigating the complex landscape of government relations.

Beyond her illustrious Air Force career, Vanessa has worn many hats, including serving as a Customer Support Senior Engineer for Bombardier Aerospace-Learjet, the Lead Beechjet Instructor Pilot and Flight Examiner at CAE SimuFlite, and even as a Commercial Airline Pilot for various airlines. 

In this engaging conversation, Vanessa shared her wealth of knowledge and experiences, shedding light on the intricacies of government relations within the Department of Defense. Tune in to gain valuable insights into her role, the challenges she faced, and the importance of building relationships in the Executive and Legislative branches of government. 

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of military service, government relations, and the aerospace industry. Let’s welcome our next giant, Vanessa Savas.

Website: https://delphiworldgroup.com/ 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-savas/ 

Email: vanessa@delphiworldgroup.com

Contact: https://delphiworldgroup.com/contact-us

In this episode, we are honored to have a powerhouse guest, Shalaya Morissette, who is making waves as the Chief of the Minority Business and Workforce Division in the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), stationed within the Office of Energy Justice and Equity. Shalaya is a highly sought-after collaborator in the clean technology space, bringing a wealth of experience from her recent role in the utility sector, focusing on safety and compliance.

We talked about remarkable opportunities in clean energy manufacturing, where eight winners stand to receive $250,000. We also highlighted the importance of a clear and concise roadmap over lengthy proposals and recommend checking out the user-friendly website for all the details.

We delve into the topic of unsolicited proposals and touch on an exciting future prize for nonprofits involved in community outreach. As we expand our scope internationally, we engage listeners toward USAID and the Minority Business Development Agency for global initiatives. Lastly, we delve into practical advice on strategic plays and making the most of the opportunities available, emphasizing the significance of networking and collaboration within the Govcon community.

Tune in for a dynamic discussion on elevating minorities in the energy sector and navigating the evolving landscape of clean technology. You don't want to miss this episode with a true giant in the industry!

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shalayam/

US Department of Energy Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/energy/ 

Website: https://www.energy.gov/ 

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

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/energy 

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

Solve it Prize: https://www.herox.com/SOLVEIT 

MAKE IT Prize: https://www.herox.com/make-it-strategies 

Ask Us Anything Series: https://energy.gov/justice/ask-us-anything-series 

EERE Funding Opportunity Exchange: https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/ 

Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) https://arpa-e.energy.gov/ 

Federal Help Center: https://federalhelpcenter.com/ 

Today we had the privilege of hosting Pete Ragone, an esteemed Audit Director at SC&H Group. Pete has been a vital member of the SC&H team since 2015, bringing with him a wealth of experience in public accounting dating back to 1990.

Throughout his career, Pete has emerged as a leader in financial statement audits, reviews, and compilations for a diverse range of domestic and international organizations. His clientele spans certified small businesses, including those participating in the SBA 8(a) program, as well as middle- and large-market clients across industries such as Government Contracting, Manufacturing, Construction, Technology, Healthcare, and Nonprofit sectors.

Pete's extensive background includes audit management roles in both "Big 4" firms and regional accounting firms. His expertise encompasses a spectrum of financial areas, including cost accounting, DCAA audit compliance, FAR, CAS, foreign currency translation accounting, fair value accounting, complex revenue recognition issues, and more. He has a remarkable track record of providing clients with valuable insights, from accounting software selection and implementation to general business consulting advice.

Beyond his client-focused responsibilities, Pete is actively engaged in firm initiatives. He plays a pivotal role in recruiting efforts for the Tysons Corner office and places a strong emphasis on training within his team. Pete has developed and delivered training sessions on various topics, including audit methodology, financial reporting, effective communication, and the impact of new accounting standards.

This interview is conducted by our very own Randie Ward, who has graciously decided to step into the role of Middle Market representative for Govcon Giants. So expect to hear more from her in upcoming episodes. 

We are truly grateful to have had Pete Ragone on the show, sharing his wealth of knowledge and insights into the intricate world of auditing and financial consulting. Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations with industry giants on the Govcon Giants Podcast.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-ragone-4124bb3 

Website: https://www.schgroup.com/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SCHGroup 

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

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

Contact number: 800-832-3008

In our latest episode, Randie Ward had the privilege of interviewing Giacomo Apadula, an authority in government contract and grant administration. Giacomo's extensive expertise lies in cost accounting, regulatory compliance, and business process improvement/system design.

Throughout the episode, Giacomo shared his wealth of knowledge, drawing on his experience serving clients in the government contracting and grantee sectors, spanning both profit and non-profit organizations. His clientele includes large defense contractors, biotechs, and not-for-profits, encompassing complex Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) and international relief organizations.

Giacomo specializes in guiding these entities on mitigating compliance risks and implementing robust internal controls. One of Giacomo's key areas of focus is helping organizations establish the internal control framework necessary to obtain government-approved business systems, such as accounting/billing, estimating, and purchasing. 

During the conversation, Giacomo highlighted his proficiency in Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), 2 CFR 200, as well as agency-specific supplements such as NIH/DFARS/AIDAR/HHS. He showcased his analytical skills by emphasizing the use of Microsoft Access and Excel for statistical modeling and analysis.

Overall, Randie’s discussion with Giacomo delved deep into the intricacies of government contract and grant administration, shedding light on the importance of compliance, cost accounting, and effective business processes. Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights from a true expert in the field.

Click here to learn more about Giacomo:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giacomo-apadula-67411b5/ 

Company Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rsm-us-llp/ 

Website: https://rsmus.com/ 

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

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/rsmusllp1 

In today’s episode we have a true expert in the field, Ryan C. Bradel. Ryan is a seasoned attorney representing government contractors in a myriad of federal, state, and local procurement matters. With a cross-industry practice, Ryan has become a go-to authority for companies in defense, intelligence, contingency operations, private security, weapons manufacturing, information technology, healthcare, and more. His extensive experience includes bid protests, contract disputes, FAR counseling, and navigating the complexities of SBA programs.

In our conversation, Ryan delves into his specialty—government contracts litigation. He shares insights into successfully representing protestors and interveners/awardees in bid protests before key bodies like the Court of Federal Claims and the Government Accountability Office (GAO). Notably, his accomplishments extend to leading the prosecution of multi-million-dollar claims before various boards and appeals processes.

One of Ryan's unique strengths lies in his expertise with the Small Business Administration (SBA) government contracting programs. He guides companies through certification processes and advises on effective participation in programs for socially and economically disadvantaged businesses, HUBZone small businesses, SDVOSBs, WOSBs, ANC, and Tribally-owned businesses. His counsel goes beyond initial certifications, encompassing ownership changes, mentor-protégé arrangements, joint ventures, teaming agreements, and strategic alliances.

Before joining Ward & Berry, Ryan served as Associate Counsel to McCain-Palin 2008 and later as Counsel at an AmLaw15 law firm. Today, he brings his wealth of experience to our discussion, sharing valuable insights into compliance programs, employment matters, and the intricate landscape of M&A within the highly-regulated government contracting industry.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the government contracting space, from seasoned professionals to those just starting. Join us as we uncover the strategies and lessons that have made Ryan Bradel a standout figure in the Govcon Giants landscape.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-bradel-4560982/ 

Website: https://www.wardberry.com/ryan-bradel/ 

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

Email: info@wardberry.com 

Contact: (202) 331-8160

In today's episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with the remarkable Angie Martinez, an executive professional with over 25 years of extensive experience in federal construction, business development, and facilities management. Angie's impressive career spans various facets of the industry, including construction management, contracting, and facilities planning. Her commitment to guiding teams toward a common vision and developing practical solutions to complex problems makes her a true problem solver in the field.

Angie's passion for accomplishing challenging projects is evident in her belief that there's nothing more fun than achieving success in endeavors that initially seemed insurmountable. Her pride in contributing to projects ranging from supporting national security to preserving our national parks is truly commendable. 

As an active member of the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME), Angie has not only served on the national board for the SAME Foundation but has also been a valuable part of the Leader Development Community of Interest.

Passionate about leadership and continuous personal and professional growth, Angie Martinez thrives on challenging the status quo to improve processes. She takes "that's how it's always been done" as a personal challenge, embodying the spirit of innovation and forward-thinking. Our conversation delves into Angie's insights on leadership, growth, and her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact.

Don't miss this engaging episode with Angie Martinez, where she shares her wisdom, experiences, and perspectives on leadership and the ever-evolving landscape of federal construction. Tune in now to gain valuable insights from this influential leader in the industry!

Click here to learn more about Angie:

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/angie-martinez-6724235/ 

Company Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/martinez-construction-services/ 

Website: https://martinezconstruction.com/ 

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

Contact number: 321-349-2000 

In today's episode, we had the privilege of sitting down with Solution Engineer Peter Lierni, a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in designing and developing winning solutions in the federal, state, local, and international market spaces.

Peter Lierni's expertise lies in the intricate world of government contracting, a field that demands strategic thinking and meticulous planning for success. During the episode, Peter shared invaluable insights into the critical role that winning proposals play in the government contracting cycle.

He emphasized that successful companies are those that can not only secure contracts but also deliver quality solutions with tangible benefits and risk mitigation that meet the customer's needs. Peter's Solution Engineering Framework™, a proven and fail-proof approach to proposal development, was a focal point of our conversation.

The Solution Engineering Framework™ is a game-changer for those navigating the complex landscape of government contracting. Peter explained that it provides a logical and repeatable methodology to produce winning proposals that are not merely written but engineered for success. 

Throughout the episode, Peter drew on his extensive experience, incorporating lessons learned from various domains such as the military, client delivery, solution development, capture management, and proposal development. His perspective was shaped by being part of a highly successful acquisition, and he gave credit to exceptional mentors and friends who played a crucial role in his journey. Peter Lierni's wealth of knowledge and experience make this episode a must-listen for anyone looking to thrive in the competitive world of government contracting.

Learn more about Peter:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-lierni-cap-apmp-and-cp-apmp-author-a882473/ 

Company Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/solutioneering-llc-united-states/ 

Website: https://solutioneering.company/ 

Email: info@solutioneering.company 

Let’s talk about the basics. In this episode, I talk about and discuss the critical balance between intelligence quotient (IQ) and emotional quotient (EQ) in achieving success, sharing anecdotes that underscored the vital role of emotional intelligence in professional settings. From my experience, success isn't just about technical skills but also about how we communicate, respond to challenges, and collaborate with others.

We dived deep into various aspects, including conflict resolution, effective communication strategies, and personal growth. I shared real-life scenarios where EQ proved pivotal, urging everyone to prioritize developing their emotional intelligence. Empathy, effective communication, and understanding diverse perspectives emerged as crucial themes, highlighting their impact on fostering robust business relationships and driving growth. Additionally, I shared my personal aspirations to contribute more, help others succeed, and make a positive impact, stressing the need for continuous learning and self-improvement to achieve these goals.

As we wrapped up the session, I encouraged everyone to reflect on their approach to business, relationships, and personal development. I reiterated that success isn't just about technical know-how; it's equally about how we communicate, empathize, and evolve as individuals within our professional spheres.

In this episode, we delved into the remarkable journey of Merry Korn, a seasoned clinical social worker turned entrepreneur, who shared her insights and experiences in building a unique social enterprise. With over 30 years of expertise and a background rooted in clinical social work from Ohio State University, Merry's trajectory from Wellness Systems to American Health Holding, Inc. offered a rich foundation for her eventual groundbreaking venture.

Merry Korn’s brainchild, Pearl Interactive Network, embodies a dual purpose: offering comprehensive contact center services and pioneering end-to-end telehealth solutions while prioritizing job creation for the most underserved demographics. The company’s commitment to social impact aligns seamlessly with its profit-generating operations.

Pearl Interactive Network stands out as a beacon of social enterprise by providing comprehensive contact center services and cutting-edge telehealth solutions. Their model isn't just about business success but centers on creating employment opportunities for marginalized communities. The primary aim of Pearl Interactive Network is to bridge the employment gap for the most challenged populations by leveraging their services, promoting inclusivity, and generating profits with a purpose.

Merry shared invaluable lessons from her journey navigating the complex federal landscape. She emphasized the importance of having a clear, compelling vision. Merry's vision guided her in establishing a business model that harmonized social impact with profitability. Integrity remains the cornerstone of success. Merry highlighted the significance of maintaining integrity in every facet of business dealings, especially within the intricate federal arena.

Merry’s journey from clinical social work to entrepreneurship exemplifies the potent fusion of social impact and business acumen. Her insights serve as a guiding light for those seeking to make a meaningful difference while achieving entrepreneurial success. Tune in to this episode for an inspiring narrative of resilience, innovation, and social responsibility in the entrepreneurial landscape.

In our latest episode, we brought together a formidable panel featuring four thriving startups entrenched in the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) marketplace. The conversation was a goldmine of insights vital for navigating the complex GovCon landscape.

Throughout the discussion, key themes emerged, starting with a deep dive into the DLA market, offering crucial insights for anyone seeking to explore this domain. Real-world experiences took center stage as panelists shared their encounters with industry-specific challenges, offering practical solutions that resonate across GovCon.

Innovation became a focal point, with startups revealing strategies to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry, stressing the importance of adaptability. Building strong partnerships emerged as a cornerstone for success, highlighting the significance of collaborative alliances in navigating contracts, compliance, and scaling operations.

Whether a seasoned industry player or a budding entrepreneur, the exclusive insights shared by these leaders provide actionable takeaways that transcend experience levels, making this discussion a pivotal resource for gaining a competitive edge in the GovCon arena.