Best Dod Contracts Podcasts (2025)

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Love Rutledge on Life After DOD and the Future of Federal Talent 27:41

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16m ago27:41

27:41

This week, the GovNavigators welcome Love Rutledge, host of the Fed Upward Podcast and recently retired Senior Executive from the Department of Defense. From her start as a GS-7 working two jobs to leading readiness and talent initiatives at the Pentagon, Love shares lessons from 25 years in federal service—and why she’s optimistic about what comes…

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The Lending Brief Podcast: Ben Wallace on Modernizing Federal Loan Systems 20:26

5h ago20:26

20:26

Welcome back to The Lending Brief, brought to you by the GovNavigators and sponsored by Allocore. The Lending Brief shares stories of innovation, challenge, and impact in federal lending. In this episode, Allocore Managing Director Ben Wallace joins to discuss how government lending programs can finally catch up to the scale and speed of modern fin…

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10 Most Promising Contract Categories In FY2026 10:40

10h ago10:40

10:40

Send us a text The new fiscal year is underway — and for small and mid-sized government contractors, FY 2026 is already shaping up to be full of promise. In this episode of FedBiz’5, we break down the ten most strategic contracting categories where smaller firms can gain traction, from facility maintenance and infrastructure projects to healthcare …

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Ted Kaouk on AI and the Future of Federal Innovation 27:19

1h ago27:19

27:19

This week on the GovNavigators Show, Robert and Adam welcome Ted Kaouk, former Federal Chief Data Officer and (as Adam puts it) the godfather of the federal CDO community. Now founder of Generative Work AI, Ted joins the hosts to discuss how generative AI is transforming the way organizations think, learn, and lead. From his “30 AI apps in 30 days”…

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Cyber AB Town Hall Breakdown: Legal Lessons, Ecosystem Growth, and CMMC Phase 2 Progress 28:40

2h ago28:40

28:40

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! In this episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast, Brooke and Stacey from Justice IT Consulting unpack the biggest updates from the Cyber AB’s October 2025 Town Hall and what they mean for defense contractors preparing for CMMC certification. You’ll learn: Why the government shutdown i…

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Dave Wennergren Reflects on the First Nine Months of Trump 2.0 27:29

3d ago27:29

27:29

This week on the GovNavigators Show, ACT-IAC CEO Dave Wennergren sits down with Robert and Adam to talk about how ACT-IAC and similar organizations are staying the course through the recent big shifts in the federal management and technology. Throughout sweeping cost-cuts, shifting priorities, and the AI wave, Dave and everyone on his team have bee…

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Highlights from CS5 East 2025: Operation Midnight Hammer, CMMC Updates, and AI Insights 46:32

6d ago46:32

46:32

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! Get the inside scoop from CS5 East 2025, the largest cybersecurity and compliance event for the Defense Industrial Base. In this episode, Brooke and Stacey from Justice IT Consulting breaks down the biggest CMMC updates, Operation Midnight Hammer, and how AI is reshaping compliance. Learn…

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The Lending Brief Podcast: Doug Criscitello on the Future of Federal Lending 22:02

13d ago22:02

22:02

Welcome to The Lending Brief, a brand new show brought to you by the GovNavigators and sponsored by Allocore. The Lending Brief shares stories of innovation, challenge, and impact in federal lending. Our first guest is Doug Criscitello, former CFO at HUD and SBA, and now a fellow at Arnold Ventures. Doug unpacks how the federal government quietly b…

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Why Smart Contractors Don’t Panic During a Shutdown 6:24

16d ago6:24

6:24

Send us a text When Washington grinds to a halt, many contractors do too. The smart ones don’t. They use shutdowns as a strategic reset; a window to strengthen relationships, sharpen operations, and prepare for the surge when funds return. In this episode of FedBiz’5, we break down the calm contractor’s playbook: how to triage active contracts, man…

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Welcome Aboard, Hilery Sirpis! 28:26

10d ago28:26

28:26

This week on the GovNavigators podcast, Robert and Adam sit down with the newest member of the GovNavigators team, Chief Strategy Officer Hilery Sirpis! Hilery shares her insight gained from her 27 years helping government contractors connect with public-sector audiences. She shares with the navigators about her love for the state and local market,…

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The Shutdown Playbook: How to Keep Winning When D.C. Hits Pause 4:51

25d ago4:51

4:51

Send us a text A federal shutdown can stall agency spending, delay awards, and leave even seasoned contractors wondering what’s next. But here’s the truth — a shutdown is federal, not final. While Washington pauses, procurement across state, local, and education (SLED) markets keeps moving. In this episode of FedBiz’5, we explore how government con…

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Gordon Gillerman on Standards, Testing, and Building Trust in Government Technology 29:38

17d ago29:38

29:38

This week, the GovNavigators welcome Gordon Gillerman, former Director of the Standards Coordination Office at NIST, to talk about how standards and testing programs quietly keep the federal government and the products it relies on running safely and efficiently. Gordon shares how collaboration between government and industry helps ensure innovatio…

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Special Episode: Inside Process Intelligence Day—From Legacy Pain to Measurable Gain 30:01

1M ago30:01

30:01

This week on the GovNavigators, we bring you a special episode from Celonis’s Process Intelligence Day. we’re taking you inside Celonis Process Intelligence Day—where government and industry leaders shared how data-driven insights are reshaping public sector operations. Robert and Adam talk with Colin Wardlaw, Gary Wang, Aubrey Vaughn, and Sairah I…

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How to Prove CMMC Compliance to Prime Contractors (Before You Lose Contracts) 26:08

27d ago26:08

26:08

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! 🎯 Get your Free SPRS Roadmap Session: https://cmmccomplianceguide.com/free-sprs-roadmap Our experts will review your SPRS score, documentation, and setup to help you hit 110 with a clear action plan at no cost. Prime contractors like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Parker Hannifin are dema…

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Oliver Wise on Data, AI, and the Future of Public Service 27:13

1M ago27:13

27:13

This week, the GovNavigators welcome Oliver Wise, former Chief Data Officer at the Department of Commerce and now Executive Director of the Bloomberg Center for Government Excellence at Johns Hopkins University. Oliver discusses his experience leading data initiatives across Commerce, including efforts to make federal data usable in an AI-driven wo…

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Cyber AB Town Hall September 2025: Key CMMC Compliance Updates 33:55

1M ago33:55

33:55

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! The September 2025 Cyber AB Town Hall dropped big updates for contractors navigating CMMC and NIST 800-171 compliance. In this episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast, Brooke and Austin break down what the final CMMC rule (Title 48A) means for defense contractors, subcontractors, and…

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New FAR Part 19 Explained: A Win For Small Businesses? 7:45

2M ago7:45

7:45

Send us a text The FAR rewrite is the most sweeping change in federal procurement in decades, and for small business contractors, Part 19 is where the stakes are highest. This section of the FAR governs how and when contracts must be set aside for small firms, how socio-economic certifications like 8(a), WOSB, HUBZone, and SDVOSB are applied, and h…

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The Future of Shared Services with John Marshall and Steve Goodrich 24:52

2M ago24:52

24:52

This week, the GovNavigators sit down with John Marshall and Steve Goodrich of the Shared Services Leadership Coalition to chart the past, present, and what’s next in federal shared services, from payroll consolidation and NASA’s model to today’s QSMOs and a legislative plan to turn modernization from pilots into standard practice. Show Notes SSLC:…

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Handling CUI Correctly: Compliance Risks and Best Practices 17:06

1M ago17:06

17:06

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! Worried about mishandling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)? In this episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast, Brooke and Stacey break down what CUI really is, why it matters in defense contracting, and the biggest mistakes contractors make when handling it. You’ll also learn …

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Golden Dome’s SHIELD Contract: A $151B Opportunity for Contractors 6:58

2M ago6:58

6:58

Send us a text The Missile Defense Agency is preparing to launch one of the largest contracting vehicles in U.S. history: SHIELD—the Scalable Homeland Innovative Enterprise Layered Defense contract, valued at up to $151 billion over 10 years. This episode of FedBiz'5 explains what SHIELD is, how it fits into the broader Golden Dome initiative, and …

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The GovNavigators Take a Deep Dive: Discussing Developments From the Last Few Weeks 24:52

2M ago24:52

24:52

Robert and Adam are sailing solo on this special episode of the GovNavigators Show, featuring an in-depth discussion of recent developments from OPM, OMB, GAO, and more. With the end of the fiscal year fast approaching, the GovNavigators are here to make sense of the storm. Hold on tight! Show Notes: OPM: New Guidelines for Performance Reviews OMB:…

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CMMC Final Rule Explained: Deadlines, Requirements, and Next Steps for Defense Contractors 15:33

2M ago15:33

15:33

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! The wait is over: the Department of Defense has finalized the CMMC rule, officially making it part of DFARS. That means compliance isn’t “coming soon”, it’s now in your contracts. In this episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast, Austin and Brooke from Justice IT Consulting break down…

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Charles Cooper on Congress’s Tumultuous Fall Agenda 26:04

2M ago26:04

26:04

This week, the GovNavigators welcome back Charles Cooper of Brumidi Group for a frank look at Congress’s crowded to-do list. From looming shutdown risks, rescissions, and the fight over appropriations to the fate of healthcare extenders, the farm bill, and other expiring programs, Charles explains why the path forward is rockier than ever—and where…

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The Role of NIST 800-171 in Your CMMC Assessment 29:46

2M ago29:46

29:46

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! Confused about where NIST 800-171 fits into your CMMC 2.0 assessment? You’re not alone. In this episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide, Brooke and Stacey from Justice IT Consulting break it all down in plain English. We cover the foundation of NIST 800-171, how it maps into the CMMC levels,…

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Thresholds on the Rise: What October 1 Means for Small Business Contractors 7:48

2M ago7:48

7:48

Send us a text On October 1, 2025, major acquisition thresholds shift across federal contracting—and small businesses stand to benefit. In this episode of FedBiz'5, we break down the new rules from FAC 2025-06, including the micro-purchase threshold rising to $15K and the simplified acquisition threshold jumping to $350K. We explain what’s changing…

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Anne Meeker on Making Congress Work Better 30:16

2M ago30:16

30:16

This week, the GovNavigators welcome Anne Meeker, Deputy Director of the PopVox Foundation, for a conversation on making Congress work better. From the overlooked power of casework to AI’s role in shaping legislative oversight, Anne shares how small reforms can strengthen trust and improve service delivery across government. Show Notes OMB: Circula…

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Pop-up Episode: Honoring the Labor Movement 3:48

3M ago3:48

3:48

In this special Labor Day pop-up episode of the GovNavigators Show, Adam and Robert reflect on the importance of the labor movement, tease some big news for the Navigators family, and preview what’s ahead as Congress returns to town. With the fiscal year’s end approaching, expect debates over rescissions, reconciliation, the NDAA, and the President…

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The Truth About CMMC Enclaves: Pros, Cons, and Compliance Risks 29:27

3M ago29:27

29:27

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! Thinking about building an enclave for CMMC compliance? Not so fast. In this episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast, Austin and Brooke from Justice IT Consulting break down: What an enclave actually is (in plain English) When an enclave makes sense (and saves you money) When it can …

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The 10 Easiest Government Contracts to Win (and Why They’re a Smart Starting Point) 5:23

3M ago5:23

5:23

Send us a text In this episode of FedBiz'5, we break down the 10 easiest government contracts to win and, more importantly, explain why they’re easier entry points for small and veteran-owned businesses. From janitorial services and office supplies to IT support, medical equipment, and staffing, these opportunities are recurring, accessible, and of…

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FAR Part 12 Overhaul: What Contractors Need to Know Now 3:57

3M ago3:57

3:57

Send us a text In this episode of FedBiz'5, we unpack the sweeping overhaul of FAR Part 12, the section that governs the acquisition of commercial products and services. Driven by Executive Order 14275, this reform simplifies procurement, raises acquisition thresholds, reduces red tape, and better aligns federal buying with commercial practices. Le…

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Jason Miller on the Future of Federal Procurement 25:23

3M ago25:23

25:23

This week, the GovNavigators welcome Jason Miller, Executive Editor at Federal News Network, for a wide-ranging conversation on the state of federal acquisition and IT leadership. From the long-awaited FAR overhaul and GSA’s contracting shifts to the evolving role of the federal CIO, Jason unpacks what these changes mean for agencies, industry, and…

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Are You Really Ready for a CMMC Assessment? 31:54

3M ago31:54

31:54

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! Think you’re ready for your CMMC assessment? In this episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast, Austin and Brooke break down the difference between being “paper ready” and truly “assessment ready.” From documentation gaps to overlooked technical controls, they share insider tips to hel…

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Contracting Goals for VOSBs? Breaking Down the DoD’s New Proposal 3:03

3M ago3:03

3:03

Send us a text In this episode of FedBiz'5, host Sam Fields explores a proposed amendment by Rep. Derrick Van Orden that would direct the Department of Defense to establish annual contracting goals specifically for Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs). While it hasn’t become law yet, this amendment holds promise for increased set-aside opportunit…

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Unlocking Federal Real Estate: Efficiency, Partnerships, and the Path Ahead 29:53

3M ago29:53

29:53

This week on the GovNavigators Show, Adam and Robert sit down with George Guszcza, President and CEO of the National Institute of Building Sciences, along with Tom Scott and Paul Firth of Alvarez & Marsal, for a timely discussion on modernizing federal real estate. From shifting work patterns and aging infrastructure to public-private partnerships,…

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When ‘Not Applicable’ Can Cost You Contracts 16:51

3M ago16:51

16:51

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! Marking a CMMC control as “Not Applicable” might feel like an easy shortcut but get it wrong, and you could fail your assessment, lose contracts, or even face legal trouble. In this episode of The CMMC Compliance Guide, Brooke and Stacey from Justice IT Consulting break down the real risk…

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Remember the Mission: Darren Ash Reflects on His Career in Public Service 24:55

3M ago24:55

24:55

This week on the GovNavigators Show, Robert and Adam meet with Darren Ash, former federal CIO of multiple agencies, most recently at the Department of the Interior. Ash shares wisdom gained over an expansive career in government, including how IT innovation can transform public service. Show Notes NEW EO: Improving Oversight of Federal Grantmaking …

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Empowering Public Servants with Karen Lee 29:47

4M ago29:47

29:47

Karen Lee, co-founder of FedsForward, joins the GovNavigators to talk about her journey through federal service, the challenges of transitioning in and out of government, and how her organization is building scalable tools to help civil servants navigate career change. Show Notes FedsFoward Website The Data Foundation FCC Rural Healthcare Program U…

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How to Make Real CMMC Progress: Even if Compliance Isn’t Your Full-Time Job 45:44

4M ago45:44

45:44

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! Schedule your free SPRS Roadmap Session and get a step-by-step plan to close gaps and stay defensible: 👉 https://cmmccomplianceguide.com/free-sprs-roadmap Is CMMC just one of many hats you wear at your company? You’re not alone and you’re not out of luck. In this episode of the CMMC Compl…

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Crack the Code: How to Actually Stand Out in the Government Marketplace 6:50

4M ago6:50

6:50

Send us a text In this episode of FedBiz’5, host Bobby Testa dives into a challenge every contractor faces—cutting through the noise in an increasingly competitive federal marketplace. You’ve got the qualifications. You’re in SAM. Maybe you even have some past performance under your belt. So why are you still getting passed over? Because in today’s…

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Understanding Federal Procurement Consolidation with Brian Friel 30:20

4M ago30:20

30:20

This week, the GovNavigators sit down with Brian Friel, Co-Founder of BD-Squared, for a discussion on how federal procurement looks in the age of consolidation. An expert in procurement data, Friel offers great insight into how past efficiency efforts have led us to this administration's push to rid the federal government of duplicative and unneces…

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What You Missed: June Cyber AB Town Hall CMMC Highlights 31:26

4M ago31:26

31:26

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! 48 CFR UPDATE: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-48/chapter-2/subchapter-A/part-204/subpart-204.75 Missed the June 2024 Cyber AB Town Hall? We’ve got you covered. In this episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide, Brooke and Austin break down the biggest takeaways — including how recent leade…

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The Performance Playbook with Nick Mastronardi 28:59

4M ago28:59

28:59

This week on the GovNavigators Show, Nick Mastronardi, founder and CEO of Polco and a former Air Force economist, joins the show to talk about transforming local government with data. Nick shares his journey from national security to civic tech, explains how cities are using performance metrics to make better decisions, and reveals what 400 jurisdi…

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6 Critical CMMC Questions Every Small DoD Contractor Should Know 17:30

4M ago17:30

17:30

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! Are you trying to navigate CMMC and NIST 800-171 with a small team and limited resources? You're not alone. In this episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide, we’re breaking down six of the most common and confusing questions small DoD contractors ask—and giving you clear, practical answers yo…

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The Past, Present, and Future of FEMA with Eric Leckey 24:53

4M ago24:53

24:53

This week on the GovNavigators Show, Adam and Robert dive in with Eric Leckey, former Associate Administrator for Mission Support at FEMA, about the state of emergency response management. With hurricane season upon us and the administration considering big changes to the agency, Eric reveals how FEMA has adapted overtime, and offers valuable insig…

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From OMB to IRS: Danny Werfel on Making Reform Stick 26:51

4M ago26:51

26:51

This week on the GovNavigators Show, former IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel joins us to unpack the Trump administration’s rapid-fire push to modernize the IRS—and what gets lost when speed outruns strategy. Drawing on decades of federal service, including senior roles at OMB and DOJ, Danny reflects on his team’s detailed IRS transformation plan, cont…

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CMMC on the Shop Floor: A No-BS Guide for CNC & Aerospace Machine Shops 26:51

5M ago26:51

26:51

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! Happy 4th of July from the team at CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast! While you're celebrating freedom, hot dogs, and fireworks — don’t forget about safeguarding the data that defends that freedom. 🛡️ In this special edition, we're tackling what really works for CMMC compliance on the shop fl…

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Pop-up Episode: Celebrating Independence Day! 7:57

5M ago7:57

7:57

The GovNavigators prepare for Independence Day weekend in this special pop-up episode of the GovNavigators Show. Unfortunately, leadership in Congress likely won't be enjoying the fireworks, as the administration insists everyone stay in town until the "Big, Beautiful Bill" is on the President's desk. Meanwhile, Russ Vought calls for a shakeup in f…

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Executive Order 14240 and the Future of Government Procurement 7:53

5M ago7:53

7:53

Send us a text In this episode of FedBiz'5, Bobby Testa breaks down Executive Order 14240—"Eliminating Waste and Saving Taxpayer Dollars by Consolidating Government Procurement"—and why it’s shaking up the entire landscape of federal contracting. If you’re a current or aspiring government contractor, this EO isn’t background noise—it’s your new pla…

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Ceasefire’s Here, But Your Shop’s Still a Target: What the DoD CIO Just Told Defense Contractors 23:44

5M ago23:44

23:44

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! 🆓 Need help getting your SPRS score to 110? Schedule your free SPRS Roadmap Session and get a step-by-step plan to close gaps and stay defensible: 👉 https://cmmccomplianceguide.com/free-sprs-roadmap The Department of Defense just issued a critical cybersecurity memo—and it's not just for …

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Karen Kerrigan on Small Business at a Crossroads 29:58

5M ago29:58

29:58

This week on the GovNavigators Show, Karen Kerrigan, head of the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council, shares insights from 30 years at the forefront of small business advocacy. From tax uncertainty and regulatory challenges to the promise of technology and smarter federal procurement, Karen breaks down what small businesses need now—and what …