Best Govcon Community Podcasts (2026)

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Why COMPLEX Proposals FAIL Before Pricing Is Even Reviewed 6:58

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1h ago6:58

6:58

In this episode of the Federal Help Center Podcast, Zach Golden walks listeners through a real county-level proposal from Union County, North Carolina to expose why complex scopes overwhelm even experienced contractors. Using a 70-page janitorial solicitation as an example, Zach explains how multi-site coordination, security requirements, staffing …

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Why YOUR Proposal LOST! (And It Wasn't the Price) 7:15

1d ago7:15

7:15

In this episode of the Federal Help Center Podcast, Zach Golden breaks down one of the most painful losses contractors can experience—a technical loss. Using a real $29M janitorial proposal as a case study, Zach explains how proposals fail not because of price, but because they miss small, easily overlooked requirements buried in the scope. He walk…

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ICYMI: Innovation from the Unconventional 44:56

10h ago44:56

44:56

This panel features a discussion on innovative approaches to cybersecurity within various federal agencies. Key contributions come from James Donlon, Vice President at Oracle Group, and panelists Beckie Koonge (CIO of the National Weather Service), Anthony Brannum (CISO at the Department of Agriculture), and Jonathan Kraden (former federal policy a…

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Human-Centered Leadership in Action: Em Allan on Impact and Innovation 11:49

3h ago11:49

11:49

Send us a text In this episode of IMPACT: Women in Leadership, host Mary Ann Brown talks with Em Allan, Vice President of VA Operations at Oddball. Em shares how she leads multidisciplinary teams of engineers, program managers, UX designers, and product leads to deliver the seamless digital experiences and high-quality care veterans deserve. She ex…

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309: The BRUTAL TRUTH About Teaming, Lawsuits, and Survival in GovCon with RJ Blake 1:22:24

1h ago1:22:24

1:22:24

In this episode, Eric Coffie sits down with RJ Blake, Founder & CEO of Blake Wilson Group, for a real conversation about what it actually takes to build a GovCon business—from the first dollar of revenue to growing into prime contracts. RJ shares how his early "arena mindset" (trying, failing, refining) shaped his entrepreneurial journey, why most …

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Why GENERIC Proposals Quietly Kill Your CHANCES 4:45

3d ago4:45

4:45

In this episode of the Federal Help Center Podcast, Eric Coffie breaks down why technically correct proposals still lose when they ignore mission context and agency culture. He explains how over-engineering proposals, relying on generic buzzwords, or treating mission-driven environments like standard corporate facilities can quietly disqualify othe…

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INSIDE the Federal Help Center: How Members Actually WIN Contracts 6:10

4d ago6:10

6:10

In this episode of the Federal Help Center Podcast, Eric Coffie breaks down how contractors can leverage the Federal Help Center community to access opportunities, education, and strategic connections—without relying heavily on cold outreach. He explains the difference between Starter and Pro memberships, how webinars and trainings are structured, …

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The FASTEST Way to LOSE a Government Contract After You Win It 7:39

7d ago7:39

7:39

In this episode of the Federal Help Center Podcast, Eric Coffie breaks down one of the most dangerous mistakes contractors make when bidding on government work: overpromising what they can't realistically deliver. From unrealistic response times and staffing promises to inflated delivery schedules and "state-of-the-art" claims that don't yet exist,…

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This ONE Proposal Habit Is QUIETLY DISQUALIFYING You! 7:17

8d ago7:17

7:17

In this episode of the Federal Help Center Podcast, Eric Coffie breaks down one of the most common—and costly—mistakes contractors make in proposals: restating requirements instead of demonstrating understanding. Eric explains why copy-and-paste language fails evaluators and how winning proposals clearly show why requirements matter, how work will …

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Happy New Year! A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Community 2:02

5d ago2:02

2:02

In this brief New Year episode host Yoanna Baez extends a heartfelt thank you to the federal community for their unwavering commitment and quiet perseverance over the past year. Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform to never miss an episode! For more from ACT-IAC, follow us on LinkedIn or visit http://www.actiac.org. Learn more about membersh…

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308: From 90% Revenue LOSS to 2 Prime WINS: The Relationship Strategy That Worked For Christine Hopkins 44:25

9d ago44:25

44:25

In this episode, Eric Coffie sits down with Christine Hopkins, the CEO behind ASCII Federal Services, a 4PL (fourth-party logistics) company that manages end-to-end supply chain—from procurement and tracking to warehousing, inventory optimization, deliveries, and disposal. Christine shares how an existential crisis during COVID wiped out nearly 90%…

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The Quiet Tools Smart Contractors Use to Uncover Locked Doors 7:15

10d ago7:15

7:15

In this episode of the Federal Help Center Podcast, Randie Ward pulls back the curtain on one of the most frustrating barriers in GovCon: finding the right person to talk to. From leveraging tools like ZoomInfo and federal data sources to dissecting agency budgets and understanding why program managers are intentionally harder to find, this episode…

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Why Program Managers Don't Respond—And What to Do Anyway 5:58

11d ago5:58

5:58

In this episode of the Federal Help Center Podcast, Randie Ward breaks down one of the most overlooked but powerful strategies in government contracting: using industry day materials to identify and connect with real decision-makers before opportunities hit the street. Randie explains how experienced contractors mine industry day PDFs for program m…

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Why "Just Submitting the Bid" Is a Losing Government Contracting Strategy 9:22

15d ago9:22

9:22

In this episode of the Federal Help Center Podcast, Randie Ward walks newer contractors through the unsexy but critical research process most small businesses skip—how to identify the real decision makers behind a federal requirement. From tracking solicitation numbers and awards in SAM.gov to using LinkedIn, forecast lists, and small business offi…

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Why Contracting Officers Aren't the Real Decision Makers 9:47

15d ago9:47

9:47

In this episode of the Federal Help Center Podcast, Randie Ward breaks down the critical difference between tactical and strategic contracting. Randie walks through how experienced contractors identify expiring contracts, research incumbent awards, and uncover the real people behind the requirement—before the RFP ever hits SAM.gov. The episode rein…

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2025: Year in Review 12:47

13d ago12:47

12:47

This episode reviews the standout moments in government innovation and leadership from 2025. Key themes include the humanization of technology, the evolution of government contact centers, reimagined leadership in a hybrid world, the integration of AI in procurement, and the future of value creation through digital networks. Discussions highlight t…

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307: After 32 Years as a CONTRACTING OFFICER, Here's Why Most Small Businesses LOSE with Shelley Hall 1:03:46

16d ago1:03:46

1:03:46

In this episode of the Govcon Giants Podcast, Eric Coffie sits down with Shelley Hall, a former warranted contracting officer with 32 years inside the federal government and now VP of Client Services at Skyway Acquisition Solutions. Shelly shares a rare behind-the-desk perspective—from her time supporting Air Force and Space Force missions to helpi…

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Why Most SAM.gov RFPs Are TRAPS (And How to Avoid Them!) 9:09

17d ago9:09

9:09

Not every RFP on SAM.gov is worth chasing—and bidding the wrong ones can drain your time, money, and momentum. In this Federal Help Center episode, Ryan Atencio breaks down how to spot "pre-wired" solicitations, why ultra-specific requirements are often a warning sign, and how smart contractors win by understanding the end user, not just the contra…

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The Federal Contracting Mistake That Keeps You INVISIBLE! 8:00

20d ago8:00

8:00

Federal contracts aren't won by chasing contracting officers or blindly responding to solicitations—they're captured by getting to the customer first. In this episode, Ryan Atencio explains how large integrators lock in work by identifying key stakeholders, shaping requirements early, and turning services and supplies into unbeatable solutions. Fro…

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Why the "BORING" Government Contracts Quietly Make the MOST Money 7:26

23d ago7:26

7:26

Professional services may get you in the door—but supplies are often how you scale faster inside federal agencies. In this episode, Ryan Atencio breaks down why selling services as supplies can dramatically reduce friction, shorten buying cycles, and unlock easier revenue. From packaging services into supply contracts to exploiting the government's…

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The SIMPLEST Government Contracting STRATEGY Most Contractors Overcomplicate 6:22

24d ago6:22

6:22

In this episode of the Federal Help Center Podcast, we have Ryan Atencio, a former Army Special Operations veteran turned government contracting insider, to break down how federal contracts actually get created, evaluated, and awarded. Drawing from years spent as the end user, COR, and technical evaluator, Ryan pulls back the curtain on why supplie…

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ICYMI: Cybersecurity Summit, Keynote Fireside Chat 40:12

20d ago40:12

40:12

Keynote event featuring Dustin Goetz, Acting Chief Information Officer for the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The event covers crucial topics such as modernization strategies, asset inventory, data standardization, and cybersecurity integration. Goetz emphasizes the importance of seamless cybersecurity integration, automating tier on…

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306: Veteran Entrepreneur Strategies: Why Doing It Alone Cost Him $100K with David Pere 1:04:13

25d ago1:04:13

1:04:13

In this episode, Eric sits down with David Pere, a veteran entrepreneur and real estate investor, for a brutally honest conversation about the real price of trying to do business alone. David breaks down how skipping mentorship led to six-figure losses, failed flips, lawsuits, and years of unnecessary stress—mistakes that could have been avoided by…

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Most People Fail in GovCon Because They Never Leave the House 9:03

26d ago9:03

9:03

In this episode, Eric breaks down how fast your situation can change in government contracting when you stop letting your current circumstances define your future. He shares the real story of going from financial desperation to landing a multi-million-dollar subcontract by taking responsibility, showing up consistently, and positioning himself wher…

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Inside the Creative Leadership of Dolores Kuchina-Musina, PhD: OTAs, Deep Work & STEM Inspiration with Whimsical Adventure Companion, Mura the Dinocorn® 20:50

24d ago20:50

20:50

Send us a text In this episode of Forum IMPACT: Women in Leadership, host Mary Ann Brown sits down with Dolores Kuchina-Musina, PhD, CEO and Founder of REXOTA® Solutions—a powerhouse leader recognized for her work in federal contracting, public procurement innovation, small business growth, and cross-sector strategy. A Jacques S. Gansler Fellow, NC…

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SAIC VP Exposes How Small Businesses Actually Get In the Door 9:20

27d ago9:20

9:20

In this power-packed conversation, Eric sits down with Shawn Kingsberry, VP of Cybersecurity & Treasury Account Executive at SAIC, one of the largest integrators in federal contracting. Sean explains exactly when small businesses should approach primes, how their small business intake process works, and what capabilities large primes are actively l…

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97% of Small GovCon Businesses Will Fail When Funding Returns — Don't Be One of Them 10:11

1M ago10:11

10:11

If you're a small business tired of losing to the same primes, submitting proposals into a black hole, or waiting for 8(a) magic that never arrives—this episode is your wake-up call. Eric sits down with four real former federal contracting officers who awarded contracts for AI weapon systems, billion-dollar construction, and tech transformation pro…

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You Got 8(a)... Now What? Why No Contracts Are Coming 12:42

1M ago12:42

12:42

In today's episode, Eric sits down with Venus Quates, President & CEO of LaunchTech, to unpack the real truth about certifications—how they open doors, how they fail you when you rely on them alone, and why hunger and capability win long-term. Venus shares how she landed her very first state contract by responding overnight, expanded the work, unde…

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ICYMI: CFO's Role in Delivering Value Through Customer Experience 1:36:11

27d ago1:36:11

1:36:11

An amazing panel discussion from a recent ACT-IAC CX SUMMIT, focuses on the synergy between financial management and service delivery. Moderated by Steven Boberski, with experts Clarence Crawford, Thomas Coleman, and Sarah Cunningham. They explore the role of CFOs in enhancing customer experience, strategic advising, and leveraging technology, like…

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305: AI Is Coming for Your Job: Why Most Workers Won't Survive Without New Skills with Justin Vianello 1:09:58

1M ago1:09:58

1:09:58

In this episode of Govcon Giants, Eric sits down with Justin Vianello, CEO and equity partner at SkillStorm, to unpack how federal agencies and large integrators can stop recycling the same expensive talent and start building net-new cleared technologists. Justin shares his global journey from chartered accountant at PwC to scaling multiple compani…

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Stop Wasting Your 20s: The 7 Skills That Actually Make You Rich 15:38

1M ago15:38

15:38

In this reflective and brutally practical episode, Eric reveals the seven lessons that turned his messy, uncertain 20s into the foundation for multiple million-dollar businesses. From mastering high-value skills to buying back his time, building quietly, learning real money math, and valuing relationships, Eric walks through the decisions, mentors,…

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The Government Doesn't Care About Your Small Business—Here's How You Win Anyway! 8:39

1M ago8:39

8:39

In this brutally honest episode, Eric tears down the myths that keep small businesses broke and frustrated in government contracting. He breaks down why the system was never designed with small businesses in mind, how weighted goals inflate the government's success numbers, and why relying on SAM.gov or SBA programs alone will keep you invisible. E…

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You're Approaching Primes Wrong—SAIC VP Reveals What Actually Works! 9:44

1M ago9:44

9:44

In this power-packed conversation, Eric sits down with Sean Kingsbury, VP of Cybersecurity and Account Executive for the Department of Treasury at SAIC, to reveal exactly how small businesses can partner with one of the biggest integrators in the game. Sean breaks down when to approach primes, how SAIC vets potential partners, the role of their sma…

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If You Don't Know About Vendor Pools, You're Losing Money Every Month 13:10

1M ago13:10

13:10

In this episode, Eric Coffie breaks down one of the most overlooked—but most powerful—entry points in government contracting: local vendor pool contracts. Using Miami-Dade County as an example, Eric shows how pre-qualification pools work, why they offer low competition, and how one of his students used this exact method to go from $0 to $90,000 per…

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ICYMI: The Future of AI Powered Digital Services 23:36

1M ago23:36

23:36

Angy Peterson explore the transformation of customer experience, with highlights from a recent ACT-IAC CX Summit event. Angy Peterson, VP of the Experience Group at Granicus, shares her journey from newspaper design to helping government agencies build digital-first services. She delves into the potential of AI in government services, reflecting on…

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304: From Zero GovCon Experience to Buying a 20-Year Federal Contractor with Mario Antwine 45:15

1M ago45:15

45:15

On this episode of the GovCon Giants Podcast, Eric sits down with Mario Antwine, Yale and Howard grad, M&A strategist, and new owner of Pearl Interactive Network, to break down how a finance guy bought an eight-figure federal contractor and is now scaling it like a private equity platform. Mario shares why he targeted GovCon specifically, how he ac…

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Why Your Community Is Your Greatest GovCon Advantage 8:03

1M ago8:03

8:03

In this episode of The Eric Coffey Show, Eric reflects on why he left Florida to plant himself in the heart of federal activity—because real opportunity often sits closest to the fire. Joined by seasoned former senior executives from NIH, USDA, and major federal organizations, the conversation touches on the importance of showing up, investing in c…

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Why Your Federal Meetings Aren't Working — Harsh Truth Ahead! 9:10

1M ago9:10

9:10

In this episode of The Eric Coffey Show, Eric is joined by Danielle and Amy for a tactical breakdown on how small businesses can still win—even in a slow, uncertain GovCon climate. They share real-world strategies on how to secure meetings with federal officials (including the "red dress recognition trick"), why tenacity beats desperation every tim…

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From DOE CIO to Distinguished Professor: A Conversation with Ann Dunkin of Georgia Tech & Dunkin Global Advisors 11:29

1M ago11:29

11:29

Send us a text EPISODE DESCRIPTION: In this episode of IMPACT: Women in Leadership, host Mary Ann Brown sits down with the extraordinary Ann Dunkin—External Fellow and Distinguished Professor of the Practice at the Georgia Institute of Technology, CEO of Dunkin Global Advisors, and one of the nation’s most respected voices in technology leadership.…

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Why Your Capability Statement Is Quietly Costing You Contracts 9:05

1M ago9:05

9:05

In this episode of The Eric Coffey Show, Eric sits down with Danielle, Amy, and Diane to break down the most overlooked moves small businesses should make during slow periods in GovCon. The panel shares actionable strategies on strengthening your brand visibility on LinkedIn, fixing the gaps inside your capability statement and pitch deck, refining…

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The #1 Reason Small GovCon Firms Fall Behind During a Shutdown 9:14

2M ago9:14

9:14

In this timely episode of The Eric Coffey Show, Eric sits down with Danielle and Amy to unpack what small businesses should be doing right now as the shutdown slows federal acquisition. They break down the practical moves contractors can execute today—strategic partnerships, diversifying into state and commercial markets, staying visible online, an…

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Navigating Federal Tech: Scrum Mastery and Agile Principles at ACT-IAC Academy 30:28

1M ago30:28

30:28

In this episode we're in conversation with Manjit Singh, the president and founder of Agilious and an instructor at ACT-IAC Academy. They delve into the importance of agile frameworks, particularly scrum, for government IT acquisition and modernization. Manjit shares his extensive technical background and the significance of scrum mastery in managi…

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303: The Hard Truth: Your Market Doesn't Know You (or Trust You) with Tony Gray 1:03:36

2M ago1:03:36

1:03:36

In this episode, Eric sits down with Tony Gray from the Global Business Development Association to completely reframe what business development really is—and why most companies get it wrong. Tony explains how he built the Business Development Body of Knowledge after years of struggling to "break into BD," why traditional labels like B2B/B2C/B2G are…

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One Wrong Subcontractor Cost Them Everything—Here's How They Survived 7:32

2M ago7:32

7:32

In this episode of The Eric Coffie Show, Eric sits down with longtime student-turned-power player, Randy Ward, to unpack the real-life wins, losses, crises, and comebacks behind her remarkable GovCon journey—including how she landed $17M in contracts during COVID, survived a rogue subcontractor who tried to sabotage her, and how relationships insid…

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Listen! If You Wait for the Shutdown to End, You Already Lost 8:51

2M ago8:51

8:51

In this episode of The Eric Coffie Show, Eric challenges listeners to stop waiting for the shutdown to end and start preparing now—because when the government reopens, only the ready will win. He breaks down why agencies like DoD, CIA, FBI, and DHS are still fully funded and still awarding contracts, and shares real examples of entrepreneurs who ar…

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Emily Hsu: The Strategist with Soul — Designing for Impact in Government Technology 17:55

1M ago17:55

17:55

Send us a text Host Mary Ann Brown sits down with Emily Hsu, Senior Director of Solution Strategy at Steampunk, for a lively conversation about strategy, innovation, and leading with purpose in the ever-evolving world of government technology. Known as a “strategist with soul,” Emily brings both heart and precision to the GovTech space — turning co…

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The Scary Truth: Why Most Small Businesses Aren't Ready for Real GovCon Opportunities 8:53

2M ago8:53

8:53

In this episode of The Eric Coffie Show, Eric reveals why so many small businesses struggle in GovCon—not because opportunities are scarce, but because most aren't procurement-ready when it counts. He highlights how high-level relationships with major primes like SAIC, Encore Funding, Collins Aerospace, and federal agencies open doors to subcontrac…

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Shutdown Panic: The $22M Lesson Every Contractor Must Hear 10:26

2M ago10:26

10:26

In this episode of The Eric Coffie Show, Eric reconnects with Randy Ward, a longtime student-turned-partner who went from asking questions in 2017 to closing $22 million in PPE contracts during the 2020 shutdown. Together, they share the highs and lows of that experience — the excitement of massive wins, the painful lessons of unfilled orders, and …

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Collaboration at the Core: Inside ACT-IAC's Cyber COI 37:02

2M ago37:02

37:02

We get to talk to Ken Adams, the Chief Strategy Officer at Foxhole Technology and the long-serving Industry Chair of the ACT-IAC Cyber COI. Ken shares his career journey, insights into the collaborative dynamics within the gov tech community, and the importance of continuity and professional relationships. Ken highlights the significance of volunte…

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302: The FAR Council Just Redefined Small Business—Will You Survive 2025? With Chris Griesedieck Jr. 58:28

2M ago58:28

58:28

In this episode Eric sits down with Chris Griesedieck Jr. (GovCon counsel, Venable LLP) to unpack today's FAR Part 19 overhaul: the Rule of Two survives but is discretionary at the task-order level, size re-representation at the task-order level is removed, and 8(a) changes aim to boost post-graduation success. They also break down the CMMC rollout…