Unveiled: GovCon Stories

About Unveiled: GovCon Stories

Welcome to Unveiled: GovCon Stories, the podcast that brings you the real stories and experiences of small businesses in government contracting. We are your hosts Tasha Jones and Yas Wynn. Join us as we peel back the curtain and explore the often overlooked world of doing business with the U.S. Public Sector as a small business. Through engaging interviews and candid conversations, we uncover the challenges, opportunities, and triumphs that small business owners encounter on their journey. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned government contractor, this podcast provides invaluable insights and practical advice to navigate the complexities of the industry and thrive in the world of government contracting. Get ready to unveil the untold stories of resilience, innovation, and success in the GovCon community. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

Publisher

Tasha Jones

Category

business · education · government

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

24 May 2023

Latest episode

7 Jan 2026

Latest episodes

60 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   7 Jan 2026

   The Future-Ready Small Business

   In today’s government marketplace, the rules aren’t just changing, they’re being rewritten; and agencies are rethinking risk, innovation, cybersecurity, and the role small businesses play in the mission. Procurement reform, mission shifts, cybersecurity pressure, and the rise of data-driven acquisition are transforming how small businesses compete. And for small GovCon firms, especially the ones trying to position themselves for the future, the biggest question isn’t “How do we survive?” It’s “How do we stay ready?” Guest Bio: Lisa Wood is the Statewide Director of the Virginia APEX Accelerator, hosted by George Mason University. Before joining the APEX community in 2010, Lisa was a Procurement Specialist for Bechtel Plant Machinery, Inc. in the Greater Pittsburgh Area. In this role, she performed contract administration and negotiation duties. She also recommended bidders, handled issue inquiries, negotiated bids, performed cost and price analysis, and prepared comprehensive letters to justify recommended contract actions. Ms. Wood holds an MBA from the University of New Haven and is also an Adjunct Professor of Management at George Mason University. Call(s) to Action: Have you heard of My Bid Match? Here’s the step-by-step, how a small business can register with their APEX Accelerator (registration is required) and activate MyBidMatch, which is a very valuable but underutilized tools. Go to your APEX Accelerator site (https://www.apexaccelerators.us/#/) (GMU AA: https://virginiaapex.org (https://virginiaapex.org)) and locate the “Request Counseling” or “Client Registration” link/tab; and then: Create a Client Profile Typical information required may include: Business name, UEI, NAICS codes, Contact info, and a Summary of needs Step 3: Activate MyBidMatch Select preferred agencies and NAICS codes / PSCs, choose keyword filters, and set frequency (daily or weekly) Step 4: Meet with an APEX Counselor Counselor helps refine: Target agencies, market intelligence, bid/no-bid criteria, and opportunity alignment Step 5: Begin a Consistent Forecasting Routine Review MyBidMatch alerts Check agency forecasts Map opportunities 6–18 months out Build capture sequences early Help spread the word about Unveiled: GovCon Stories (https://shows.acast.com/unveiled-govcon-stories): https://shows.acast.com/unveiled-govcon-stories (https://shows.acast.com/unveiled-govcon-stories) Do you want to be a guest or recommend a topic that you would like to learn or hear about on the podcast? Let us know through our guest feedback and registration form (https://forms.gle/WWEQ9A29DPff2Jb19). Links & Resources: GMU Apex Accelerator (https://virginiaapex.org) Unveiled: GovCon Stories Cheat Sheet – “Make it Make Sense for Small Business (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RXBpTNMGGjg-nNG5gHLApnyTyobHNvb3/view?usp=drive_link)” Project Spectrum (https://www.projectspectrum.io/#/) Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul) Sponsors: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests, and do not reflect the views or endorsements of our sponsors. Withum – Diamond Sponsor! (https://www.withum.com/industries/government-contractors/?utm_source=twenty39&utm_medium=sponsorship&utm_campaign=govcon&utm_content=unveiled%20podcast) Withum is a forward-thinking, technology-driven advisory and accounting firm, helping clients to be in a position of strength in today’s complex business environment. Go to Withum’s website (https://www.withum.com/industries/government-contractors/?utm_source=twenty39&utm_medium=sponsorship&utm_campaign=govcon&utm_content=unveiled%20podcast) to learn more about how they can help your business! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

2. 

   17 Dec 2025

   Leading Through Change: How We Built a Culture of Innovation

   Behind every successful digital transformation is a human story. In this episode of Unveiled: GovCon Stories, we explore how innovation in government contracting goes far beyond technology—it starts with people, culture, and the willingness to adapt in the face of constant change. As competition intensifies across GovCon, small businesses that rethink how they operate—not just what they deliver—are shaping the future of federal modernization. Our guests pull back the curtain on how they’ve built a people-centered approach to innovation, blending change management, process discipline, and emerging technology to drive meaningful transformation across government and industry. From embedding innovation into organizational culture, to making change repeatable through frameworks and systems, to leveraging learning and collaboration as a strategic advantage, this conversation offers practical insights for leaders navigating growth, uncertainty, and modernization in GovCon. Guest Bio: Angie Sanders Angie is a seasoned change management and communications professional with over 15 years of experience across public and private sectors. She has led digital transformations and IT modernization initiatives for organizations like the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board and the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. With a strong background in strategic communications, project management, and training development, Angie excels in guiding organizations through complex changes, ensuring successful outcomes by aligning leadership and engaging teams. Angie holds certifications as a Prosci Change Management Practitioner, Project Management Professional (PMP), and Certified ScrumMaster. Omari Sanders With extensive expertise in leading large-scale projects for both government and commercial clients, Omari has successfully developed web-based solutions, implemented cloud platforms, and driven digital transformation initiatives. His proficiency in software architecture, database design, and user interface development has been pivotal in delivering high-impact solutions. As COO, Omari ensures operational excellence, overseeing strategic initiatives that streamline processes and enhance organizational efficiency. He holds certifications in AWS Cloud, Google Cloud Architecture, and Change Management. Call(s) to Action: Help spread the word about Unveiled: GovCon Stories (https://shows.acast.com/unveiled-govcon-stories): https://shows.acast.com/unveiled-govcon-stories (https://shows.acast.com/unveiled-govcon-stories) Do you want to be a guest or recommend a topic that you would like to learn or hear about on the podcast? Let us know through our guest feedback and registration form (https://forms.gle/WWEQ9A29DPff2Jb19). Links: CMGT Federal: https://www.cmgtfederal.com/ (https://www.cmgtfederal.com/) Sponsors: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests, and do not reflect the views or endorsements of our sponsors. Withum – Diamond Sponsor! (https://www.withum.com/industries/government-contractors/?utm_source=twenty39&utm_medium=sponsorship&utm_campaign=govcon&utm_content=unveiled%20podcast) Withum is a forward-thinking, technology-driven advisory and accounting firm, helping clients to be in a position of strength in today’s complex business environment. Go to Withum’s website (https://www.withum.com/industries/government-contractors/?utm_source=twenty39&utm_medium=sponsorship&utm_campaign=govcon&utm_content=unveiled%20podcast) to learn more about how they can help your business! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

3. 

   3 Dec 2025

   Local Roots, Big Impact: What the DC SBDC Is Seeing, Solving, and Shaping

   In today’s small business landscape, nothing is business as usual. Economic pressures, shifting policies, and the pace of innovation are changing how entrepreneurs survive and thrive, especially those navigating the public sector. In this episode we turn to the DC Small Business Development Center to explore how they're meeting the need in this moment. With a mission rooted in hands-on guidance, deep partnerships, and real-world experience, the DC SBDC is helping local businesses move from uncertainty to action – and we’re diving into what that support really looks like today. Guest Bio: Mr. Carl Brown is the State and Executive Director of the DC Small Business Development Center at Howard University, bringing 25+ years of experience in HR, marketing, procurement, and government contracting, including roles at Verizon, Pepsi, and in federal and local government as a warranted contracting officer. He is also the creator and host of The Small Business Report on SiriusXM, with insights featured in The Wall Street Journal, MSNBC.com, and The Washington Informer, and is known for developing the financial literacy comic series Sammy the Saver. As a speaker, coach, and media voice, he brings a comprehensive, real-world perspective on how small businesses grow and thrive. Call(s) to Action: Visit dcsbdc.org (http://dcsbdc.org) to schedule a session or explore upcoming workshops. Not in DC? Find your local SBDC anywhere in the country at americassbdc.org (https://americassbdc.org/). Help spread the word about Unveiled: GovCon Stories (https://shows.acast.com/unveiled-govcon-stories): https://shows.acast.com/unveiled-govcon-stories (https://shows.acast.com/unveiled-govcon-stories) Do you want to be a guest or recommend a topic that you would like to learn or hear about on the podcast? Let us know through our guest feedback and registration form (https://forms.gle/WWEQ9A29DPff2Jb19). Links: DC SBDC: www.dcsbdc.org (http://www.dcsbdc.org) The Small Business Report (https://www.thesmallbusinessreport.biz/) The Small Business Report on Sirius XM Channel 141: https://www.thesmallbusinessreport.biz/ Sammy The Saver - Financial Literacy Superhero (https://www.sammythesaver.com/): https://www.sammythesaver.com/ Sponsors: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests, and do not reflect the views or endorsements of our sponsors. Withum – Diamond Sponsor! (https://www.withum.com/industries/government-contractors/?utm_source=twenty39&utm_medium=sponsorship&utm_campaign=govcon&utm_content=unveiled%20podcast) Withum is a forward-thinking, technology-driven advisory and accounting firm, helping clients to be in a position of strength in today’s complex business environment. Go to Withum’s website (https://www.withum.com/industries/government-contractors/?utm_source=twenty39&utm_medium=sponsorship&utm_campaign=govcon&utm_content=unveiled%20podcast) to learn more about how they can help your business! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

Who has been a guest on Unveiled: GovCon Stories

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Mac Liu
• Noura Bashshur
• Teresa Moon

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

7 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 52 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

70

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

85

Contact Unveiled: GovCon Stories

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.