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GovCon Executive Slice

A Government and Business podcast

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About the show

Welcome to GovCon Executive Slice, the podcast where we hear perspectives from leaders who’ve built, scaled, and delivered while shaping the future of government contracting. Each episode features candid conversations with those who share insights on their company’s growth, challenges they’ve overcome, and the personal milestones that drive their success. From innovation and strategy to leadership and legacy, we uncover the stories behind the titles.

Newest episodes

Beyond AI Hype: GovEagle CEO Akash Mandavilli on What's Changing in GovCon

30 min Video

AI is moving fast, and for GovCon leaders, the conversation is getting a lot more interesting. It's no longer simply about what these tools can do. It's about how they're changing the way sophisticated organizations operate, where purpose-built solutions have an advantage, and whether the technology is actually delivering on its promise. OrangeSlices CEO David Blackburn recently connected with Akash Mandavilli, CEO and Co-Founder of GovEagle, for a conversation about the evolving role of AI in government contracting and what it means for organizations looking to compete more effectively. GovEagle is bringing AI directly into the GovCon growth lifecycle, connecting business development, capture, proposal, and delivery teams through a shared platform designed to help organizations make better use of the knowledge, insights, and expertise developed throughout the pursuit process. Rather than focusing solely on individual productivity gains, the company is working to help teams operate more effectively across the entire lifecycle. Mandavilli brings a distinctive perspective to that mission. A two-time founder with AI experience at Meta and federal sales experience at IBM, he understands both the rapid evolution of technology and the realities of the federal market. The conversation gets into some of the questions GovCon leaders are increasingly wrestling with. When does a purpose-built AI solution offer advantages over general-purpose tools? How are organizations actually changing the way they operate as AI capabilities advance? And perhaps most importantly, where is the technology still falling short of expectations? For GovCon executives evaluating their next technology investments, rethinking how their teams operate, or simply trying to separate meaningful advances from the noise, this is a conversation worth hearing. To connect with Akash, follow him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about GovEagle by visiting their webpage here.

CEO Perspectives: Different Paths to Success with West 4th Strategy's Robert Dowling, VivSoft's Navin Gunalan, and Antean Technology's Sia Floyd

49 min Video

One of the most interesting things about the federal market is watching accomplished leaders take very different paths to building exceptional companies. You see the teams they attract, the strategic decisions they make, and the increasingly important missions their organizations take on. And when you bring together three leaders with such different backgrounds and perspectives, there's a lot to learn from how they think about building for what's next. OrangeSlices recently had the opportunity to host Robert Dowling, President and CEO of West 4th Strategy; Navin Gunalan, Co-Founder and CEO of VivSoft; and Sia Floyd, President and CEO of Antean Technology, for our latest CEO Perspectives conversation. Robert brings a fascinating combination of financial expertise, strategic vision, and company-building experience. With a background spanning investment banking, private equity, and major government services transactions, he's bringing that experience to West 4th Strategy, where strategic acquisitions, disciplined growth, and a commitment to mission delivery are helping shape an expanding federal technology and professional services company. Navin has spent his career connecting technology, business growth, and people, and that philosophy is reflected in what he's building at VivSoft. He's bringing together exceptional engineers, a collaborative culture, and emerging technologies to help defense and civilian agencies solve complex challenges through cloud, DevSecOps, AI, and modern software delivery. It's a company built around the belief that great technology starts with great people. Sia brings a different but equally compelling perspective, having worked directly on complex federal cybersecurity challenges before building Antean Technology. She's translating that firsthand experience into a growing federal technology company focused on cybersecurity, cloud modernization, Zero Trust, and emerging AI, with an emphasis on helping agencies innovate and move faster wi...

Cognizance CEO Mehul Shah on Nutex and Making AI Work in Federal Health and Regulated Environments

26 min Video

What if one of the biggest opportunities in AI isn't about making the technology smarter, but about making it work in the environments where the stakes are highest? In healthcare, biomedical research, and federal missions, speed matters. But so do trust, accountability, and keeping the right people in control. OrangeSlices CEO David Blackburn recently connected with Mehul Shah, CEO of Cognizance Technologies, for a conversation about the next chapter of enterprise AI and what it takes to turn powerful technology into practical, mission-focused solutions. Founded in 2013, Cognizance is a woman-owned small business supporting government and commercial customers through health information technology, systems engineering, and innovative technology solutions. Building on that experience, the company recently introduced Nutex, an enterprise AI platform designed to orchestrate AI tools and agents within governed workflows, helping organizations move faster while maintaining human oversight where it matters most. Shah brings more than 25 years of experience across healthcare, technology, strategy, and business transformation. His understanding of both the business and operational realities of innovation brings an important perspective to Cognizance's continued evolution. The conversation explores why increasingly powerful AI hasn't automatically translated into better organizational outcomes, what it takes to build trust in highly regulated environments, and how companies like Cognizance are approaching the challenge of moving AI beyond experimentation into real-world use. For GovCon executives, federal health leaders, and anyone thinking seriously about where enterprise AI is headed, this is an opportunity to hear from a CEO whose company is putting its experience to work building for what's next. To connect with Mehul, follow him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Cognizance Technologies by visiting their webpage here.

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All episodes

Beyond AI Hype: GovEagle CEO Akash Mandavilli on What's Changing in GovCon

30 min Video

AI is moving fast, and for GovCon leaders, the conversation is getting a lot more interesting. It's no longer simply about what these tools can do. It's about how they're changing the way sophisticated organizations operate, where purpose-built solutions have an advantage, and whether the technology is actually delivering on its promise. OrangeSlices CEO David Blackburn recently connected with Akash Mandavilli, CEO and Co-Founder of GovEagle, for a conversation about the evolving role of AI in government contracting and what it means for organizations looking to compete more effectively. GovEagle is bringing AI directly into the GovCon growth lifecycle, connecting business development, capture, proposal, and delivery teams through a shared platform designed to help organizations make better use of the knowledge, insights, and expertise developed throughout the pursuit process. Rather than focusing solely on individual productivity gains, the company is working to help teams operate more effectively across the entire lifecycle. Mandavilli brings a distinctive perspective to that mission. A two-time founder with AI experience at Meta and federal sales experience at IBM, he understands both the rapid evolution of technology and the realities of the federal market. The conversation gets into some of the questions GovCon leaders are increasingly wrestling with. When does a purpose-built AI solution offer advantages over general-purpose tools? How are organizations actually changing the way they operate as AI capabilities advance? And perhaps most importantly, where is the technology still falling short of expectations? For GovCon executives evaluating their next technology investments, rethinking how their teams operate, or simply trying to separate meaningful advances from the noise, this is a conversation worth hearing. To connect with Akash, follow him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about GovEagle by visiting their webpage here.

CEO Perspectives: Different Paths to Success with West 4th Strategy's Robert Dowling, VivSoft's Navin Gunalan, and Antean Technology's Sia Floyd

49 min Video

One of the most interesting things about the federal market is watching accomplished leaders take very different paths to building exceptional companies. You see the teams they attract, the strategic decisions they make, and the increasingly important missions their organizations take on. And when you bring together three leaders with such different backgrounds and perspectives, there's a lot to learn from how they think about building for what's next. OrangeSlices recently had the opportunity to host Robert Dowling, President and CEO of West 4th Strategy; Navin Gunalan, Co-Founder and CEO of VivSoft; and Sia Floyd, President and CEO of Antean Technology, for our latest CEO Perspectives conversation. Robert brings a fascinating combination of financial expertise, strategic vision, and company-building experience. With a background spanning investment banking, private equity, and major government services transactions, he's bringing that experience to West 4th Strategy, where strategic acquisitions, disciplined growth, and a commitment to mission delivery are helping shape an expanding federal technology and professional services company. Navin has spent his career connecting technology, business growth, and people, and that philosophy is reflected in what he's building at VivSoft. He's bringing together exceptional engineers, a collaborative culture, and emerging technologies to help defense and civilian agencies solve complex challenges through cloud, DevSecOps, AI, and modern software delivery. It's a company built around the belief that great technology starts with great people. Sia brings a different but equally compelling perspective, having worked directly on complex federal cybersecurity challenges before building Antean Technology. She's translating that firsthand experience into a growing federal technology company focused on cybersecurity, cloud modernization, Zero Trust, and emerging AI, with an emphasis on helping agencies innovate and move faster wi...

Cognizance CEO Mehul Shah on Nutex and Making AI Work in Federal Health and Regulated Environments

26 min Video

What if one of the biggest opportunities in AI isn't about making the technology smarter, but about making it work in the environments where the stakes are highest? In healthcare, biomedical research, and federal missions, speed matters. But so do trust, accountability, and keeping the right people in control. OrangeSlices CEO David Blackburn recently connected with Mehul Shah, CEO of Cognizance Technologies, for a conversation about the next chapter of enterprise AI and what it takes to turn powerful technology into practical, mission-focused solutions. Founded in 2013, Cognizance is a woman-owned small business supporting government and commercial customers through health information technology, systems engineering, and innovative technology solutions. Building on that experience, the company recently introduced Nutex, an enterprise AI platform designed to orchestrate AI tools and agents within governed workflows, helping organizations move faster while maintaining human oversight where it matters most. Shah brings more than 25 years of experience across healthcare, technology, strategy, and business transformation. His understanding of both the business and operational realities of innovation brings an important perspective to Cognizance's continued evolution. The conversation explores why increasingly powerful AI hasn't automatically translated into better organizational outcomes, what it takes to build trust in highly regulated environments, and how companies like Cognizance are approaching the challenge of moving AI beyond experimentation into real-world use. For GovCon executives, federal health leaders, and anyone thinking seriously about where enterprise AI is headed, this is an opportunity to hear from a CEO whose company is putting its experience to work building for what's next. To connect with Mehul, follow him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Cognizance Technologies by visiting their webpage here.

CEO Perspectives: Building Companies That Make a Difference with Bixal's Carla Briceño, APV's Nandita Desai Gududuri, and Aptive's Rachele Cooper

54 min Video

There is no shortage of innovation or ambitious ideas in the federal market. What's far more interesting is watching exceptional leaders turn those ideas into organizations that attract great people, tackle important missions, and consistently deliver results. And when you look at the caliber of leaders, teams, and companies represented in this latest CEO Perspectives conversation, it's hard not to be impressed. OrangeSlices recently had the pleasure of bringing together Carla Briceño, Co-Founder and CEO of Bixal; Nandita Desai Gududuri, President and Co-Founder of APV; and Rachele Cooper, Founder and CEO of Aptive, three accomplished leaders who have taken very different paths to building organizations making a meaningful difference across the federal market. Carla has built Bixal into a mission-driven digital transformation company where talented strategists, designers, and technologists combine human-centered design, data, and technology to help federal agencies fundamentally improve how they connect with and serve the public. Her leadership reflects a belief that innovation should ultimately make people's lives better, a philosophy that has helped shape both Bixal's culture and the work it delivers. Nandita has taken APV from a home-based startup into a respected federal technology company with more than 125 professionals and a track record of over 70 successful prime contracts. She's combined that growth with deliberate investments in AI, automation, and emerging technologies through APV's Emerging Technology Lab, while building a culture around the company's guiding philosophy: Always Provide Value. Rachele, a Navy veteran and award-winning entrepreneur, has built Aptive into a recognized federal health company supporting some of the nation's most demanding healthcare programs. Her team brings together clinical expertise, technology, research, and mission-focused execution to help agencies improve healthcare outcomes, while her commitment to veteran engage...

The Government We Haven't Built Yet: Imagineeer's Jose Arrieta on What's Next

41 min Video

There's no shortage of people with big ideas about transforming government. But how many have actually been in the room, managed billions in federal investments, navigated the complexities of acquisition and cybersecurity, and helped introduce emerging technologies before they became the next big thing? OrangeSlices founder and CEO David Blackburn recently connected with Jose Arrieta, former CIO and Chief Data Officer at HHS and founder of Imagineeer, for a fascinating conversation about rethinking how government operates and what the next generation of federal technology could look like. Arrieta has spent more than two decades at the intersection of federal technology, acquisition, and innovation. His leadership experience spans HHS, GSA, DHS, and Treasury, including oversight of major IT investments, federal acquisition programs, and cybersecurity operations. He's been a contracting officer, managed complex government initiatives, and helped bring technologies like AI, blockchain, and automation into federal operations long before they became mainstream talking points. Today, he's channeling that experience into Imagineeer, a mission studio built around a powerful idea: combining imagination, technology, and unconventional thinking to help organizations move beyond how things have always been done and start building what's possible. And this is where the conversation gets particularly interesting. Blackburn and Arrieta explore what it really takes to move AI from experimentation into mission delivery, how autonomous agents could fundamentally reshape government operations, and why traditional approaches to cybersecurity, trust, and accountability may need to evolve alongside the technology. Arrieta also looks ahead at what the next three to five years could mean for federal agencies and the companies supporting them. For federal and GovCon leaders trying to understand not just where technology is going, but what it will take to actually get there, this is a...

Growth, Grit and Mission: Tria Federal CGO Diana Ceban on Competing in Federal Health

22 min Video

There's something different about the federal health community. It's hypercompetitive, constantly evolving, and driven by people who are passionate about the missions they support. It's also a market that rewards those who never stop learning and recognize that yesterday's success doesn't guarantee tomorrow's. OrangeSlices CEO David Blackburn recently connected with Diana Ceban, Chief Growth Officer at Tria Federal, to explore where federal health is headed, how the competitive landscape is changing, and what it takes to build organizations positioned for sustained growth. Tria has spent two decades helping federal agencies build, modernize, and operate mission-critical health systems supporting service members, Veterans, and civilian beneficiaries. Central to its mission is the healthcare trilemma: expanding access to care, enhancing quality, and reducing costs. It's a challenge that sits at the heart of federal health and one Tria is working to address. Ceban has helped drive growth for some of the sector's leading organizations and is known as a true student of the federal health market. A past president of HIMSS-NCA and a 2027 Engage Federal Health 150 honoree, she brings the experience, curiosity, and passion that have made her a respected voice in the community. The conversation gets into what it takes to lead a growth organization in 2026, how federal customer priorities and expectations are shifting, and why Tria's healthcare trilemma initiative matters. Ceban also shares her perspective on building growth teams capable of delivering sustained success in an increasingly competitive market. For GovCon executives watching the federal health market evolve, this is a chance to hear from someone who has helped shape growth strategies across the sector and has a clear perspective on what comes next. To connect with Diana, follow her on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Tria by visiting their webpage here.

CEO Perspectives: Building Companies That Last with RBCI’s Robert Betters and SoftDev’s Robin Major

47 min Video

In a federal market obsessed with what's next, there's something especially valuable about leaders who have already navigated multiple waves of change. Building a successful company is hard enough. Keeping it relevant, competitive, and growing through decades of evolving technology, customer expectations, and market pressures takes an entirely different kind of leadership. That's what made it such a pleasure for OrangeSlices to bring together Robert Betters, President and CEO of RBCI, and Robin Major, President and Co-Founder of SoftDev, for our latest CEO Perspectives conversation. These are two accomplished executives who have spent more than two decades building organizations that continue to adapt, innovate, and deliver for their customers. Robert has spent more than 20 years shaping RBCI into a mission-focused company that combines deep domain expertise, technology, and operational solutions to help federal agencies tackle complex challenges. His leadership extends beyond the company through his work with the National Veteran Small Business Coalition, where he helps champion opportunities for veteran-owned businesses. It's a perspective informed by both building a successful organization and helping strengthen the broader GovCon community. Robin brings an equally compelling company-building story. For more than 25 years, she has helped lead and evolve SoftDev, a woman-owned, HUBZone-certified technology company supporting federal customers through health informatics, digital services, enterprise data, and analytics. Her experience reflects the value of strong customer relationships, disciplined execution, and continually adapting a business without losing the principles that made it successful. What makes this pairing especially interesting is that Robert and Robin have experienced multiple generations of change in the federal market, and they're still building for what's next. Their perspectives offer a valuable look at leadership, technology, people, grow...

Beyond the AI Hype: How CVP Is Building AI for the Realities of Government

24 min Video

Everyone is talking about bringing AI into government. But building AI that can actually operate in secure, highly regulated federal environments, where accuracy, accountability, and mission outcomes matter, is an entirely different challenge. OrangeSlices founder and CEO David Blackburn recently connected with Cal Zemelman, Chief AI Officer, and Faqir Ahmed, Chief Technology Officer at CVP, a federal technology and consulting firm combining deep mission expertise with emerging technologies to help government agencies solve complex challenges. With a strong foundation in federal health and civilian markets, CVP is doing more than exploring AI's potential. The company is investing in practical solutions designed around the unique demands of federal operations. One example is Fifer, CVP's AI suite developed with government security, compliance, and operational requirements in mind. During this conversation, Cal and Faqir offer an inside look at the thinking behind Fifer, including how their team is tackling challenges such as AI reliability, hallucinations, and the complexities of deploying technology in secure federal environments. They also share perspectives on what agencies and industry partners should consider as AI moves from experimentation toward broader adoption. For government and industry leaders navigating the rapidly evolving AI landscape, this discussion offers a closer look at how one established federal partner is approaching the challenge of turning AI innovation into practical, mission-focused capabilities. To connect with Faqir, follow him on LinkedIn here. To connect with Cal, follow him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about CVP by visiting their webpage here.

What AI Is Uncovering in GovCon: Matt Pinkston on Procurement Sciences' Latest Experiment

24 min Video

What if artificial intelligence could do more than help government contractors win business? What if it could actually help protect the integrity of the competition itself? We spend a lot of time talking about how AI is changing capture, proposals, and business development. But there's another side to this conversation worth exploring. With billions of dollars flowing through government contracts and grants, could AI help uncover things that have historically been difficult, if not impossible, to connect? OrangeSlices' David Blackburn connects with Matt Pinkston, Chief Growth Officer at Procurement Sciences, a seasoned GovCon growth leader with nearly four decades of experience helping some of the industry's largest organizations compete, grow, and navigate the federal market. Procurement Sciences is doing some interesting work at the intersection of AI and government contracting. Its Awarded AI platform is helping contractors rethink how they find opportunities, make pursuit decisions, and develop proposals. And with its recent acquisition of HigherGov, the company has added a substantial government market intelligence capability to the mix. Matt recently shared how his team used AI agents to examine government spending data, identifying 53 potential leads warranting further review. Not findings of fraud, but patterns and relationships worth investigating. That caught David's attention and sparked a broader conversation about what prompted the effort, what surprised the team, and what they're learning as they bring AI and connected government data together. They also explore how the HigherGov acquisition expands what's possible, what this could mean for contractors making growth and teaming decisions, and where Matt sees the market heading next. The bigger question may be what else is hiding in plain sight across government contracting data, and what happens when AI makes it easier to find and understand. If you're interested in where this technology is heade...

Beyond Cloud-First: ScienceLogic's Lee Koepping on Where Government AI Is Headed

22 min Video

As government agencies accelerate their adoption of artificial intelligence, some of the biggest questions are no longer just about what AI can do, but where it should live, how it should be managed, and whether the strategies that got organizations here are the right ones to carry them forward. David Blackburn recently connected with Lee Koepping, Vice President of Global Sales Engineering at ScienceLogic, for a timely conversation about the changing AI landscape and some of the difficult decisions facing government and industry leaders. ScienceLogic is a leader in AI and observability, helping organizations gain greater visibility, intelligence, and control across increasingly complex IT environments. With deep expertise in infrastructure monitoring, automation, and AI-driven IT operations, the company brings a particularly valuable perspective to a conversation that is becoming increasingly important across the federal market. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience spanning technology, engineering, and business leadership, Lee offers a thought-provoking perspective on where AI adoption is headed and why some long-standing assumptions about cloud deployment may deserve a second look. The discussion explores the growing shift toward workload-specific AI strategies, the security and financial risks that may be hiding in plain sight as agencies embrace third-party AI tools, and the increasingly difficult challenge of maintaining visibility and control over data and AI workloads spread across multiple environments. Perhaps most interesting is Lee's bold perspective on where all of this is headed, and what government and industry leaders should be thinking about now as they make decisions that could shape their technology environments for years to come. For federal technology leaders, CIOs, and industry partners navigating the next phase of AI adoption, this is a conversation worth hearing. To connect with Lee, follow him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about...

Greystones Group COO John Hopkin on Why Small Businesses Could Lead the Next Wave of Defense AI

17 min Video

There's no shortage of companies talking about artificial intelligence and what it might someday do for the federal government. But there's a much smaller group working to turn that promise into real capabilities supporting defense missions today. And not all of them are the big defense contractors you might expect. OrangeSlices CEO David Blackburn recently connected with John Hopkin, Chief Operating Officer at Greystones Group, for a conversation about the rapidly evolving defense AI landscape and why innovative small businesses may be particularly well positioned to lead the next wave of change. Founded in 2000, Greystones is a woman-owned small business with more than 25 years of experience supporting defense and civilian agencies. Building on its foundation in cybersecurity, advanced analytics, software development, and mission support, the company is advancing AI capabilities through work involving the Army Research Laboratory, Navy programs, and technologies like Soleite, designed to bring AI into secure, mission-critical environments. Hopkin brings a perspective shaped by years in engineering staffing, business development, strategic partnerships, and operational leadership. Today, he's helping guide Greystones as the company builds on its established capabilities and pursues new opportunities in defense technology. The conversation explores what it takes to move AI beyond demonstrations and into real-world defense operations, why smaller, agile contractors may have advantages over traditional primes, and how Greystones is approaching that challenge through its own technology and customer relationships. And Hopkin doesn't shy away from making some bold predictions about where defense AI is headed, how the competitive landscape could shift, and why the next generation of successful defense technology companies may look very different from the giants that have traditionally dominated the market. For GovCon executives thinking about where the next wave of...

CEO Perspectives: Tech, Growth, and What’s Next with GRS’s Michelle Rubie-Smith, Inclined’s Lena Trudeau, and Saliense’s Nikita Singh

49 min Video

Growth gets attention and transformation gets headlines, but the leaders really worth watching are the ones who can build through all of it. They grow strong organizations, embrace new technology, develop great people, and continue delivering while the market changes around them. That's what made it such a pleasure to bring together Michelle Rubie-Smith, President of Global Resource Solutions (GRS); Lena Trudeau, Owner and CEO of Inclined; and Nikita Singh, CEO of Saliense, for our latest CEO Perspectives conversation. Michelle Rubie-Smith brings more than 30 years of GovCon leadership and has helped transform GRS from roughly 30 employees into a mature federal contractor supporting critical defense, intelligence, and security missions. Her story is one of sustainable scale, building not only the business, but the operational, financial, compliance, and organizational discipline needed to support increasingly important missions. Lena Trudeau has spent more than two decades at the forefront of technology and public-sector transformation, from helping create 18F and serving as its first Executive Director to leading AWS Public Sector in Canada and global expansion efforts. Today, she's putting that experience behind Inclined, building a woman-owned company that combines advanced analytics, deep technical expertise, and a human-centered approach to help organizations create lasting progress. Nikita Singh has spent the past decade building Saliense into a high-growth federal technology company delivering engineering, modernization, and cybersecurity solutions. Seven consecutive Inc. 5000 appearances tell one part of the story. More than 150 employees and 90 percent retention tell another, reflecting Nikita's focus on building a company where sustained growth, strong teams, and culture reinforce one another. If you're a GovCon executive trying to understand where the market is headed and how accomplished leaders are approaching technology, growth, people, and the cha...

From Federal CIO to ServiceNow Federal CTO: Jonathan Alboum on What’s Next for AI and Cybersecurity

32 min Video

Government isn't short on AI ideas, pilots, or investment. The bigger challenge now is turning all of that momentum into measurable mission impact, without creating a whole new set of risks along the way. OrangeSlices CEO David Blackburn recently sat down with Jonathan Alboum, Federal CTO at ServiceNow, for a wide-ranging conversation about where federal AI really stands today, where agencies are beginning to find success, and what could change over the next 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Jonathan brings a perspective that few technology leaders can. Before joining ServiceNow, he served as CIO of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, helping lead modernization across a roughly $3 billion annual technology environment. He also held senior technology and acquisition leadership roles at GSA and served as CIO of USDA's Food and Nutrition Service. In other words, Jonathan hasn't just watched federal modernization happen. He's been responsible for making it happen. He's navigated the technology, acquisition, workforce, governance, risk, and mission considerations that come with trying to drive meaningful change inside government. Today, from his role at ServiceNow, he gets to look at many of those same challenges from the other side of the table. And that makes this conversation particularly interesting. Jonathan shares what he's seeing across the federal landscape, where agencies are finding traction with AI today, how the technology is beginning to change government operations and constituent experiences, and where he believes the biggest opportunities are still ahead. He also offers some bold predictions about what the next two years could bring as agencies move beyond experimentation and begin thinking much more seriously about AI at enterprise scale. The conversation also gets into an increasingly important challenge: visibility. As agencies deploy more AI, how do leaders know what's actually operating across their environment, where it's being used, whether it's deli...

CEO Perspectives: When the Playbook Changes. MKS2 Technologies CEO Brendan Mullen and STS CEO Adrian Rich on Leading Through Disruption

49 min Video

Change isn't coming to the federal market. It's already here. And for CEOs, the bigger question isn't how to get through the latest round of disruption. It's how to build a company capable of adapting, performing, and growing when constant change becomes the new normal. OrangeSlices recently had the opportunity to explore that challenge with two accomplished founders who have spent years building successful federal technology companies: Brendan Mullen, Founder and CEO of MKS2 Technologies, and Adrian Rich, Founder and CEO of Simple Technology Solutions (STS). Brendan brings a remarkable builder's perspective. A West Point graduate and Army combat veteran, he has spent 18 years growing MKS2 into a global federal technology and services company supporting defense, intelligence, civilian, and commercial customers. Eight Inc. 5000 appearances demonstrate the consistency of that growth, while building MKS2 debt-free from inception speaks to the discipline behind it. Adrian has built an equally compelling story at STS. He founded the company around a belief that complex government technology can, and should, be made simpler. That philosophy has helped turn STS into a nationally recognized federal technology company, earning recognition for rapid growth and as a great place to work while helping government customers navigate cloud, Agile, DevOps, and enterprise transformation. Leading the conversation is Eric Mothershead, Senior Partner at The Baldwin Group, who advises hundreds of scaling federal contractors and brings a valuable perspective on the workforce, cost, benefits, and organizational decisions that inevitably accompany growth and change. And that's where this conversation gets especially interesting. Brendan and Adrian look back at the lessons accumulated over years of building their companies, how those lessons have been tested by the extraordinary pace of change over the past two years, and what they're doing now to prepare MKS2 and STS for what comes ne...

CEO Perspectives: Building Companies That Adapt, Execute, and Deliver with IBR’s David Chafin, South River Federal’s Matthew Tarjick, and Tech2i’s Par Rachakonda

50 min Video

Technology moves fast. Building a great company is harder. In today’s federal market, the leaders separating themselves aren’t simply adopting AI, cloud, and data. They’re building the teams, culture, and discipline to turn those capabilities into mission results. OrangeSlices recently brought together three accomplished CEOs for a CEO Perspectives conversation: David Chafin, CEO of Imagine Believe Realize (IBR); Matthew Tarjick, CEO and Managing Director of South River Federal Solutions; and Parvathi “Par” Rachakonda, CEO of Tech2i. David has helped grow IBR from a one-person startup into an established federal technology company known for strong teams, exceptional customer performance, and modern capabilities spanning digital transformation, DevSecOps, cloud, low-code, and AI. Matthew brings more than two decades of military leadership to South River Federal, a mission-driven SDVOSB supporting healthcare, readiness, and transformation across the federal landscape. And Par brings deep technical and operational experience to Tech2i, applying a career built around data, technology, and large-scale delivery to practical cloud, data, and Salesforce solutions. Moderating the discussion is Ryan Reiskin, Partner at The Baldwin Group. The Baldwin Group is a cohesive group of experts in business insurance, employee benefits, retirement planning, and all areas of private and personal insurance. At The Baldwin Group, they help provide the solutions clients need to have confidence and gain peace of mind as they pursue what’s possible for themselves, their families, and their businesses. The conversation gets into what CEOs are wrestling with right now: building high-performing teams, investing intelligently in technology, protecting culture while growing, and staying disciplined as the federal market changes around them. If you want to hear how three very different company builders are thinking about leadership, growth, technology, and what it takes to stay relevant and d...

Taking On the Hard Problems. MAJUS CEO Sean Brijbasi and Bracari CEO Melissa Sharp Britton on Technology, Teams, and Execution

45 min Video

There is no shortage of new technology entering the federal market. The harder challenge is building the companies, teams, and solutions capable of turning that technology into something agencies can actually use to solve difficult mission problems. In this latest CEO Perspectives conversation, OrangeSlices connected with Sean Brijbasi, Founder and CEO of MAJUS Consulting, and Melissa Sharp Britton, CEO of Bracari, two accomplished company builders bringing distinct perspectives on leadership, innovation, growth, and execution. Sean has spent more than 15 years building high-performing teams and shaping business and technology strategy. At MAJUS, he's building an AI-driven federal technology company around technical excellence, agility, and practical innovation, focused on applying emerging technology where it can make a meaningful difference for government customers. Melissa brings more than 20 years of experience building companies, taking products to market, and helping customers succeed. At Bracari, she's built a culture around a refreshingly direct philosophy: It's fun to do hard things. Her team combines engineering, software, and creative problem-solving with strong execution and a relentless focus on the customer's mission. Moderating the discussion is Eric Mothershead, Senior Partner at The Baldwin Group, where he advises hundreds of scaling federal contractors on employee benefits strategy, benchmarking, regulatory compliance, M&A due diligence, and payroll and HCM strategy. Together, Sean, Melissa, and Eric dig into what it takes to build great teams, invest intelligently in emerging technology, manage growth, and create companies prepared for what's next. If you want to hear how successful company builders are thinking about technology, culture, growth, and execution in today's federal market, this conversation is worth your time. To connect with Sean, follow him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about MAJUS Consulting by visiting their webpage here....

Forum One CEO Elisabeth Bradley on Why Digital Trust Has Become Government's Most Valuable Asset

23 min Video

Trust has become one of government's most valuable assets. Increasingly, it's earned, or lost, through a digital experience. For nearly three decades, Forum One has helped government agencies and mission-driven organizations navigate that reality, combining strategy, design, data, and technology to create digital experiences that strengthen public trust, improve engagement, and help organizations deliver greater mission impact. As digital expectations continue to evolve and artificial intelligence reshapes the way organizations think about service delivery, the need for thoughtful, mission-first digital strategy has never been greater. David Blackburn recently sat down with Elisabeth Bradley, CEO of Forum One, for a conversation about what nearly 30 years of helping organizations modernize has taught the firm about digital transformation, public trust, and the future of government technology. Elisabeth's leadership journey mirrors Forum One's own evolution. After helping shape the firm's strategy through a series of executive leadership roles, she now leads one of the industry's most respected digital consultancies serving government agencies and mission-driven organizations. Her perspective is informed by years spent helping organizations align strategy, technology, communications, and human-centered design to create measurable outcomes that matter. Throughout the conversation, David and Elisabeth explore why digital trust has become inseparable from public trust, how agencies can think differently about creating meaningful digital experiences, and why successful AI adoption has far less to do with chasing the latest technology than it does with solving real mission challenges. They also reflect on what has changed, and what hasn't, across nearly three decades of supporting organizations working to improve lives, strengthen communities, and deliver on some of government's most important missions. Whether you're a government leader, GovCon executive, digital st...

DecisionPoint CEO Brian Flood and Prescient Edge CEO Alexander Granados on Leading Through Change, Innovation, and National Security

36 min Video

The next generation of federal leaders won't be defined by the technology they adopt. They'll be defined by how effectively they help government solve increasingly complex mission and national security challenges. OrangeSlices recently had the opportunity to sit down with Brian Flood, Founder and CEO of DecisionPoint Corporation, and Alex Granados, CEO of Prescient Edge, for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, innovation, growth, and what it takes to build organizations that consistently deliver in today's evolving federal market. Brian has spent his career helping organizations anticipate change and turn complexity into opportunity, building DecisionPoint into a trusted innovation partner delivering enterprise IT, modernization, and mission support solutions that strengthen government performance. Under Alex's leadership, Prescient Edge has emerged as one of the federal market's premier intelligence and national security partners, combining operational expertise with advanced technologies to help the Department of Defense, the Intelligence Community, and federal agencies stay ahead of rapidly evolving mission challenges. Moderating the discussion is Ryan Reiskin, Partner at The Baldwin Group. The Baldwin Group is a cohesive group of experts in business insurance, employee benefits, retirement planning, and all areas of private and personal insurance. At The Baldwin Group, they help provide the solutions clients need to have confidence and gain peace of mind as they pursue what's possible for themselves, their families, and their businesses. Throughout the discussion, these leaders share candid perspectives on leading through change, investing in innovation without losing operational discipline, building organizations prepared for what's next, and the leadership decisions they believe will define the next generation of successful federal contractors. If you're interested in how respected GovCon CEOs are thinking about growth, mission execution, national...

OmniTrust CEO David Sequino on Why Digital Trust Is Becoming the Next Cybersecurity Battleground

17 min Video

What if the biggest cybersecurity challenge facing government and industry isn't stopping the next attack, but proving who, or what, can actually be trusted? As AI, connected devices, software supply chains, and machine identities continue to expand, trust has become one of the most strategic issues organizations face. The organizations that can establish and govern trust across these increasingly complex ecosystems will be far better positioned to manage risk, accelerate innovation, and prepare for what's next. David Blackburn recently sat down with David Sequino, Co-Founder and CEO of OmniTrust, to discuss why digital trust is rapidly becoming a boardroom issue. With decades of experience securing more than two billion connected devices and enabling more than three billion secure software updates annually, David shares how OmniTrust has evolved from securing embedded systems to delivering Trust Lifecycle Management across devices, cloud environments, digital identities, cryptographic assets, software supply chains, and emerging AI ecosystems. During the conversation, they explore why post-quantum security timelines are far more urgent than many executives realize, the technical realities of migrating to quantum-safe cryptography, and why traditional security models struggle in a future where autonomous AI agents are making decisions at machine speed. If you're responsible for cybersecurity, technology strategy, digital transformation, AI, or enterprise risk, this conversation provides a practical look at where digital trust is headed and what leaders should be thinking about today. It's a timely discussion for executives who want to understand not just the technology, but the strategic decisions that will shape the next generation of secure systems. To connect with David, follow him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about OmniTrust by visiting their webpage here.

Exited Founder Alex Cohen on Why Statecraft Is Reimagining the Future of Government Work

25 min Video

For decades, we've tried to make government work better by adding more people, more processes, and more technology. But what if the next breakthrough isn't another software platform. What if it's a fundamentally different way of thinking about work itself? David Blackburn recently connected with Alex Cohen, Co-Founder and CEO of Statecraft. Alex is an exited founder who has spent years building technology for government and other highly regulated environments. After successfully building and selling his previous company, he's back with a new venture focused on a bold vision for the future of government work. Statecraft is building what it calls an AI workforce, helping agencies automate the work that slows organizations down so public servants can spend more time focused on the mission. Rather than simply making individual tasks more efficient, the company's vision is to rethink how government work gets accomplished from end to end. In this conversation, Alex shares what inspired him to launch Statecraft, why he believes the timing is right for this next evolution of AI, and how emerging technologies such as AI agents could reshape the way agencies operate. Whether you're a government leader, technology executive, or GovCon innovator, you'll come away with a better understanding of where AI is headed, what challenges still need to be solved, and why this may be one of the most important conversations taking place in the federal market today. To connect with Alex, follow him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Statecraft by visiting their webpage here.

Why Most SBIR Technologies Never Reach Phase III. Nicole Tripputi of Bidwell Solutions Explains Why

25 min Video

Most SBIR companies know how to win research funding. Far fewer know how to turn that success into a funded Phase III contract. In a recent conversation with OrangeSlices Founder David Blackburn, Nicole Tripputi, Founder of Bidwell Solutions and former Air Force Contracting Officer with an unlimited warrant, pulled back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood challenges in the federal market: transitioning innovative technologies from SBIR success to operational adoption. Drawing on more than two decades of experience across contracting, program offices, and industry, Nicole shares what she learned from sitting on the government side of the table, where promising technologies often stall, why contracting teams and industry frequently struggle to align, and what agencies risk when they wait too long to engage with innovative companies. The discussion goes beyond theory, exploring the realities of Phase III execution, stakeholder engagement, acquisition strategy, and the decisions that ultimately determine whether a technology becomes a funded capability or remains a successful prototype. For SBIR awardees, technology innovators, growth leaders, and companies trying to understand how government actually buys innovation, this conversation offers an inside look at the challenges and opportunities that exist between a successful Phase I or Phase II award and a signed Phase III contract. If you've ever asked, "We have the technology, so why isn't this moving forward?" this is a podcast you'll want to hear. To connect with Nicole, follow her on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Bidwell Solutions by visiting their webpage here.

After 15 Years Driving Acquisition Innovation in Government, Britteny Chappell Brings Her Perspective to Alpha Omega

26 min Video

Federal acquisition is changing fast, and few people have had a front-row seat to that transformation quite like Britteny Chappell. David Blackburn recently sat down with ⁠Britteny Chappell⁠, Vice President of Capture at Alpha Omega, to discuss the evolving landscape of federal acquisition, technology modernization, and mission delivery. Many across government and industry know Britteny from her work inside federal agencies, where she spent more than 15 years helping shape acquisition strategy and procurement innovation at organizations including NASA, GSA's Technology Transformation Services, FEDSIM, the Department of Transportation, and the Executive Office of the President. Throughout her career, she has been at the forefront of efforts to modernize procurement practices, strengthen supplier engagement, and leverage emerging technologies to improve outcomes across government. Today, Britteny brings that experience to Alpha Omega, where she is helping organizations navigate an increasingly dynamic federal market. As a company focused on digital modernization, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and mission transformation, Alpha Omega continues to support agencies as they pursue new approaches to delivering capabilities faster and more effectively. In this conversation, David and Britteny explore how the federal acquisition environment continues to evolve, what recent innovation efforts may mean for agencies and contractors alike, and how organizations can better position themselves to capitalize on changing priorities and emerging opportunities. For government leaders, industry executives, capture professionals, and anyone interested in the future of federal acquisition, this discussion offers valuable perspective from someone who has successfully navigated both sides of the federal marketplace. Listeners can expect practical insights on modernization, acquisition innovation, technology adoption, and the changing relationship between government and indust...

Building the Next Generation of Federal Technology Companies. A Conversation with Beverly Beavers of ProclivIT, Brandon Muniz of HeiTech Services, and Dr. Zhensen Huang of Precise Software Solutions

46 min Video

Every federal contractor is investing in AI, modernization, and operational efficiency. The real differentiator isn't who adopts new technology first. It's who can successfully turn those investments into measurable mission outcomes. In this episode of CEO Perspectives, David Blackburn sits down with Beverly Beavers, CEO of ProclivIT, Brandon Muniz, CEO of HeiTech Services, and Dr. Zhensen Huang, CEO of Precise Software Solutions for a conversation about leadership, modernization, growth, and preparing organizations for what's next. ProclivIT is helping agencies execute complex enterprise modernization initiatives spanning cybersecurity, enterprise IT, electronic health records, and mission support, building on Beverly's decades of leadership across military healthcare transformation. HeiTech Services continues its 25-year legacy by helping agencies securely manage and leverage massive volumes of mission-critical information through AI, information governance, and enterprise data solutions. Precise Software Solutions has become a trusted digital transformation partner, helping agencies modernize legacy systems, accelerate cloud adoption, and build secure, scalable platforms that improve mission performance. Moderating the discussion is Tyler Stewart, Partner and Retirement Plan Advisor at The Baldwin Group. The Baldwin Group is a cohesive group of experts in business insurance, employee benefits, retirement planning, and all areas of private and personal insurance. At The Baldwin Group, they help provide the solutions clients need to have confidence and gain peace of mind as they pursue what's possible for themselves, their families, and their businesses. Along the way, the conversation explores how leaders are adapting their organizations for a changing market, balancing investment in innovation with operational discipline, rethinking workforce strategy, and preparing for the next wave of federal contracting. If you want to hear how accomplished CEOs are posit...

From Conversation to Action: APV's Manuel Miranda on the Federal AI Revolution

44 min Video

Artificial intelligence is moving into a new phase, and for federal agencies and government contractors alike, the implications are significant. The conversation has shifted beyond asking AI to generate content. Today, organizations are increasingly exploring how AI can execute tasks, automate workflows, and support mission-critical operations through intelligent agents. David Blackburn recently sat down with Manuel Miranda, Chief AI and Growth Officer at APV, to discuss how this evolution is changing the federal technology landscape. Drawing on APV's work developing AI, automation, and emerging technology solutions for government, the conversation explores what separates AI agents from traditional chat tools, where agencies are already putting these capabilities to work, and the governance and security considerations that come with giving AI greater autonomy. The discussion also examines what this shift means for the GovCon community, from how agencies may buy technology differently to how contractors will need to rethink the value they deliver. If you're trying to understand where AI adoption is headed next, and why the move from conversation to action may be the most important technology transition facing the federal market, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. To connect with Manuel, follow him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about APV by visiting their webpage here.

Automation as a Competitive Advantage: Resolute Solutions and UiPath on Winning in Today's Federal Market

22 min

Winning federal work has never been harder. Yet many contractors are still approaching recompetes, modernization efforts, and operational challenges with playbooks designed for a very different market. David Blackburn recently connected with Christopher Cadle, President of Resolute Solutions, and Hillary Anne Sheehan, Federal Strategic Engagement Executive at UiPath, for a conversation focused on the intersection of automation, modernization, and competitive advantage in today's federal marketplace. As founder and president of Resolute Solutions, Christopher has built a company focused on helping federal agencies improve mission outcomes through intelligent automation, enterprise modernization, SAP transformation, and AI-enabled solutions. Resolute's work spans defense and civilian agencies, helping organizations eliminate manual processes, modernize legacy environments, and increase operational efficiency through practical, mission-focused technology solutions. Joining the discussion is Hillary Anne Sheehan, whose background includes leadership roles across the Air Force and Space Force, where she helped drive acquisition, workforce modernization, and digital transformation initiatives. Today, she brings that government perspective to UiPath, helping agencies and industry partners better understand how automation can accelerate mission delivery and improve operational performance. Together, the group explores how agencies and contractors are adapting to an increasingly competitive environment, where modernization is no longer optional and operational efficiency has become a mission imperative. The discussion examines how automation is changing expectations across government, where organizations may be overlooking opportunities to improve outcomes, and what forward-looking contractors should be doing today to strengthen their position for future growth. For contractors preparing for upcoming recompetes, technology leaders evaluating modernization strategies, an...

Building High-Impact Federal Businesses. A Conversation with Greg Smallwood of Prometheus Federal Services, Suman Biswas of Niyam IT, and Denise Rainey of Rainmakers Strategic Solutions

53 min Video

As federal agencies push for greater efficiency, modernization, and measurable outcomes, contractors are being challenged to do more than deliver technology. They're being asked to lead change, navigate complexity, and drive mission results in an increasingly demanding environment. In this episode of CEO Perspectives, we sit down with Greg Smallwood, CEO of Prometheus Federal Services, Suman Biswas, Founder and CEO of Niyam IT, and Denise Rainey, President and CEO of Rainmakers Strategic Solutions, three leaders whose organizations are helping agencies tackle transformation from different angles, from healthcare innovation and business modernization to technology enablement, stakeholder engagement, and program execution. Prometheus Federal Services supports agencies navigating healthcare transformation, innovation, and organizational change. Niyam IT helps federal clients harness technology, data, and emerging solutions to improve mission performance. Rainmakers Strategic Solutions brings deep expertise in stakeholder engagement, training, program management, and operational excellence to help agencies turn strategy into action. Moderating the discussion is Ryan Reiskin of The Baldwin Group, bringing a unique perspective from working alongside federal contractors as they navigate growth, workforce challenges, and long-term business strategy. The conversation explores what it takes to lead through uncertainty, balance innovation with execution, invest in people while maintaining performance, and position organizations for long-term success in a rapidly evolving federal marketplace. If you're interested in how successful leaders are thinking about growth, transformation, and the future of government contracting, this is a conversation worth listening to. To connect with Greg, follow him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Prometheus Federal Services (PFS) by visiting their webpage here. To connect with Suman, follow him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Niyam I...

Sheila Duffy of Greystones Group on Moving Beyond Labor Hours to Deliver Mission Outcomes

19 min Video

Twenty-five years ago, the technology landscape looked completely different. The mission didn't. Dave Blackburn recently sat down with Sheila Duffy, Founder and CEO of Greystones Group, for a conversation centered on leadership, technology, innovation, and the realities of navigating constant change in the government contracting market. As the leader of a company that has supported critical defense, cybersecurity, and infrastructure missions since 2000, Sheila brings more than two decades of experience operating at the intersection of mission requirements and emerging technology. Throughout the discussion, Dave and Sheila explore how organizations evaluate commercial technologies versus mission-specific solutions, the accelerating pace of technological change, and the opportunities and challenges that come with keeping pace in an increasingly dynamic environment. The conversation also examines the rapid emergence of artificial intelligence and what that acceleration means for both government and industry. As new technologies continue to evolve faster than ever before, organizations across the federal market are facing important questions about adoption, implementation, and long-term competitiveness. Additionally, Dave and Sheila discuss the evolution from traditional services-based contracting toward products and intellectual property, and how that shift can influence business strategy, workforce development, and the ability to create differentiated value in the marketplace. For those working in government contracting, supporting federal missions, tracking technology trends, or thinking about the future of the GovCon sector, this conversation provides valuable perspective on some of the most important topics shaping the market today. From technology adoption and AI to talent strategy and business evolution, listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of the forces influencing the next chapter of government and industry collaboration. To connect with S...

From Octo and IBM to IDS. Why Sujey Edward Made the Move Now

16 min Video

There are very few leaders in federal technology who have helped build, scale, and modernize organizations at the level Sujey Edward has over the last decade. From helping drive Octo’s extraordinary rise and eventual acquisition by IBM in a deal reportedly valued at approximately $1.2 billion, to serving as a Senior Partner at IBM, Sujey has operated at the center of some of the most important conversations shaping the future of government technology and innovation. So when he made the move earlier this year to become Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at Integrated Data Services (IDS), people across the market took notice. In this conversation, David Blackburn sits down with Sujey to talk about why IDS, why now, and what drew him to an Arlington Capital-backed company that is quietly building serious momentum across the federal landscape. Known for its deep expertise supporting defense, aerospace, intelligence, space, and civilian agencies, IDS has built a reputation delivering software and mission-focused solutions designed to improve operational visibility, financial management, and efficiency, particularly within the Office of the CFO environment. With proven success supporting complex Department of War missions, the company is now positioning itself for its next phase of growth and expansion. This discussion dives into what IDS is building, where Sujey sees opportunity in today’s market, the kinds of partnerships the company is pursuing, and how technology, AI, automation, and modernization are reshaping expectations across government. To connect with Sujey, follow him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Integrated Data Services (IDS) by visiting their webpage here.

Subject How Dave Zvenyach and MakeGov Are Simplifying Federal Contracting Data

27 min Video

Government contracting runs on data. But for years, that data has been fragmented, difficult to access, and even harder to use effectively. In this episode, OrangeSlices’ CEO David Blackburn sits down with Dave Zvenyach, CEO and co-founder of MakeGov, to discuss how his team is working to simplify access to federal procurement data through Tango, a unified API connecting sources like SAM.gov, FPDS, USAspending, Grants.gov, and more. Drawing on his experience leading innovation efforts at 18F and the GSA Technology Transformation Services, Dave shares why he believes better data infrastructure will play a critical role in the future of GovCon, how AI is changing expectations around procurement intelligence, and what builders, contractors, and technology providers should be thinking about as the market evolves. Whether you're developing GovCon software, pursuing federal opportunities, or simply trying to understand where procurement technology is headed next, this conversation offers an insightful look at the data layer powering the future of government contracting. To connect with Dave, follow him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about MakeGov by visiting their webpage here.

AI, Cybersecurity, and Digital Transformation. Insights from Easy Dynamics CEO Poupak Afshar and CivicActions CEO Henry Poole

27 min Video

The conversation around AI, cybersecurity, and digital transformation has moved beyond what's possible and shifted squarely to what's practical. The leaders winning today are the ones figuring out how to turn innovation into measurable mission outcomes. In this episode of CEO Perspectives, we sit down with Poupak Afshar, CEO of Easy Dynamics, and Henry Poole, CEO and Co-Founder of CivicActions, for a candid discussion on how federal contractors and agencies are navigating the next phase of modernization. Easy Dynamics has built its reputation helping agencies secure, modernize, and optimize critical systems through cybersecurity, cloud computing, and information-sharing solutions. CivicActions has spent years helping government improve lives through open-source technologies, thoughtful digital experiences, and a commitment to making public services more accessible and effective. Moderating the discussion is Tyler Stewart, Partner and Retirement Plan Advisor at The Baldwin Group. The Baldwin Group is a cohesive group of experts in business insurance, employee benefits, retirement planning, and all areas of private and personal insurance. At The Baldwin Group, they help provide the solutions clients need to have confidence and gain peace of mind as they pursue what's possible for themselves, their families, and their businesses. The conversation explores how technology leaders are thinking about AI adoption, digital transformation, cybersecurity, workforce strategy, and the realities of delivering innovation inside government. Along the way, Poupak and Henry share their perspectives on what agencies are getting right, where challenges remain, and what organizations must do to stay relevant as expectations around speed, efficiency, and mission delivery continue to rise. If you're interested in where federal technology is heading, how leading firms are approaching modernization, and what it takes to build organizations that can adapt to constant change, this is a c...

Proposals Don’t Win Contracts. With Krystn Macomber, Summit Strategy

12 min Video

GovCon has a proposal problem. Not because teams are not working hard, but because too many firms still believe the proposal is where the win happens. It is not. By the time you are writing, most of the outcome has already been decided. In this episode, David Blackburn sits down with Krystn Macomber, Founder and CEO of Summit Strategy, a win studio built for growth-obsessed teams who want results. Summit Strategy focuses on helping organizations connect business development, capture, proposals, marketing, and training into one integrated system that actually drives wins. Not just submissions. With more than 20 years of experience, Krystn has built a reputation for challenging how GovCon companies approach growth. She gets inside organizations, exposes the gaps leaders do not see, and forces alignment across teams that are often operating in silos. The result is not just better proposals. It is better positioning, stronger capture, and a system that performs long before the RFP drops. This conversation takes on one of the biggest misconceptions in the market, where firms are getting growth wrong, what surprises leaders most when they bring in outside perspective, and what they should actually be doing right now to grow smarter. If you are still betting on proposals to carry the load, this one will reset how you think about winning. Most GovCon firms think they have a growth strategy. What they actually have is activity: Pipeline dashboards. Proposal volume. A lot of motion, with very little alignment behind it. To learn more about the Summit Win Academy™ click here. OrangeSlices member can use the code OSWIN at checkout to receive $1,000 off. The discount code expires 12/31/26. For more information about how you can WIN, visit our dedicated page here. To connect with Krystn, follow her on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Summit Strategy by visiting their webpage here.

iWorks CEO Kumar Gnanamurthy on the Collision of AI, Security Compliance, and Federal Acquisition Reform

28 min Video

Federal contractors are being hit from every direction at once. Acquisition reform. AI acceleration. Zero trust mandates. Cloud modernization. CMMC 2.0. New compliance pressures. And for many mid-tier firms, the challenge is no longer just growth. It is figuring out how to adapt fast enough to stay competitive. In this episode of GovCon Executive Slice, Kumar Gnanamurthy, CEO of iWorks Corporation, joins the conversation to discuss how companies can navigate one of the most rapidly evolving federal markets in years. Founded in 2005, iWorks has built a reputation as a trusted federal partner across personnel security and vetting solutions, Agile, DevOps, DevSecOps, data analytics, and cloud services. With a continuous process improvement mindset, deep mission expertise, CMMI Level 4 appraisal, multiple ISO certifications, and recognition as a Washington Post Top Workplace, the company represents the type of disciplined, technically grounded organization agencies continue to rely on as modernization pressures increase. Kumar has spent more than two decades operating across both government and industry, helping architect and lead mission-critical systems and security initiatives. Under his leadership, iWorks continues to evolve alongside the market, balancing operational execution with emerging technology demands and changing acquisition realities. The conversation explores the changing acquisition landscape, including OTAs, software acquisition pathways, and evolving procurement models. It also digs into the growing pressure around AI adoption, IL5 and IL6 cloud migration, zero trust, and modernization priorities, alongside the operational realities contractors face with CMMC 2.0, DFARS requirements, SPRS scoring, and supply chain scrutiny. We also touch briefly on Kumar’s work around Tru-Vetting and the broader push to modernize security management and compliance operations in a more complex federal environment. For leaders trying to understand where the federa...

How Proven Leader Len Discenza Built Vericol Around What High Performers Do Differently

35 min Video

Most GovCon firms still think the proposal is where the win happens. It is not. By the time teams are writing, the outcome is often already set. That gap, between effort and actual win probability, is where Len Discenza has built his career. With more than 25 years in the federal market, Len has operated inside growth, capture, and delivery roles at some of the most recognized firms in the space. He has seen firsthand what separates teams that consistently win from those that are always reacting: Not just better writing, better alignment, better systems, and better execution long before the RFP hits. As President and CEO of Vericol LLC, Len has turned that experience into a company designed to step directly into the work. Vericol helps government contractors rethink how they approach business development, capture, and proposals; not as isolated functions, but as a connected system built to drive outcomes. From reshaping BD organizations to supporting high-stakes recompetes to embedding directly into proposal teams, the focus is simple: Help clients win and become the kind of partner they want to bring back again. In this conversation, Len breaks down how he views the proposal process today, what is actually missing in how most firms approach growth, and where the market is creating real pressure on teams. He also shares hard-earned perspective on leadership in a people-driven business, including what works, what does not, and where leaders often get it wrong. If you are responsible for growth, capture, or delivery. Or if you are trying to understand why your team is working harder but not winning more. This is a conversation worth your time. To connect with Len, follow him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Vericol by visiting their webpage here.

AI, Efficiency, and the Next Federal Market Shift. Insights from Infotrend’s Gurpreet Singh and Evans’ Bob Etris

46 min Video

As agencies push harder on efficiency, modernization, and measurable mission outcomes, federal contractors are being forced to rethink how they scale, invest, and compete. In this episode of CEO Perspectives, we sit down with two leaders operating directly at the center of that shift. Gurpreet Singh, CEO of Infotrend, and Bob Etris, Managing Partner at Evans, share how their organizations are approaching AI, automation, data, modernization, and sustainable operational growth in a market that is demanding more with less. Infotrend continues to advance mission-focused AI/ML, investigative, and emerging technology capabilities for government clients through its rapidly evolving CoreSuite ecosystem, helping agencies transform complex data into actionable mission intelligence. Evans is helping organizations deploy technology solutions that not only modernize systems but create long-term operational impact through human-centered implementation and measurable execution. Moderating the discussion is Ryan Reiskin, Partner at The Baldwin Group. The Baldwin Group is a cohesive group of experts in business insurance, employee benefits, retirement planning, and all areas of private and personal insurance. At The Baldwin Group, they help provide the solutions clients need to have confidence and gain peace of mind as they pursue what’s possible for themselves, their families, and their businesses. The conversation explores how leaders are adapting to a tighter and more scrutinized market, balancing investment in AI and innovation against operational discipline, redefining leadership expectations, and reevaluating what strong strategic partnerships look like in today’s federal landscape. The group also tackles a forward-looking question many in the market are thinking about, but not discussing enough. What hard shifts will federal contractors need to make over the next two years to remain competitive? If you are trying to understand where federal technology, modernization, and...

The Win System. Why Most GovCons Don’t Actually Have One. With Krystn Macomber, Summit Strategy

10 min Video

Most GovCon firms think they have a growth strategy. What they actually have is activity. Pipeline dashboards. Proposal volume. A lot of motion, with very little alignment behind it. In this first episode, David Blackburn sits down with Krystn Macomber, Founder and CEO of Summit Strategy, a win studio built for growth-obsessed teams who want results. Summit Strategy is not a traditional consulting firm. It is designed to help organizations connect business development, capture, proposals, marketing, and training into one integrated system that drives revenue. The focus is not on checking boxes. It is on building a repeatable way to win. Krystn has spent more than 20 years working across startups to enterprise organizations, helping teams identify the gaps most miss and turning disconnected efforts into disciplined execution. Through Summit Strategy, she has built a model that challenges how GovCon companies think about growth, pushing them to move beyond siloed functions and into true alignment. This conversation gets into why misalignment is the real growth killer, what it actually looks like day to day, and why so many leaders fail to see it. They also dig into the Summit Win System™, where firms tend to fall short, and the mindset shift required to stop outsourcing pieces of growth and start owning the outcome. If your pipeline is full but your win rate is not moving, this is worth your time. To learn more about the Summit Win Academy™ click here. To connect with Krystn, follow her on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Summit Strategy by visiting their webpage here. For more information about how you can WIN, visit our dedicated page here.

RELI Group CEO Mohammad Elias and CVP CEO Anirudh Kulkarni on Positioning for the Next Wave of Federal Innovation

50 min Video

Some companies talk about transformation. Others are actually delivering it at scale across the federal market. In this episode of CEO Perspectives, we sit down with two leaders who are doing exactly that. Mohammad Elias, CEO of RELI Group, and Anirudh Kulkarni, CEO of CVP, are building organizations that don’t just support government missions. They help execute them, reaching millions of Americans through Health IT, advanced analytics, cybersecurity, and next-generation digital solutions. RELI Group has grown into a nationwide force supporting critical public services that impact more than 300 million people. CVP continues to push forward at the intersection of healthcare and emerging technology, helping agencies modernize and deliver better outcomes in some of the most complex environments in government. Moderating the conversation is Tyler Stewart of The Baldwin Group, bringing a unique perspective from working alongside hundreds of federal contractors navigating growth, cost pressures, and workforce strategy. That lens helps shape a discussion that goes beyond theory and gets into what it actually takes to scale and sustain performance in today’s market. This conversation gets into how these leaders are managing growth while staying close to delivery, where they see real opportunity right now, and what separates companies that are consistently winning from those that aren’t. If you’re trying to understand how high-performing firms are operating in this environment, this is worth your time. To connect with Mohammad, follow him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about RELI Group by visiting their webpage here. To connect with Anirudh, follow him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about CVP by visiting their webpage here. Thank you to The Baldwin Group for sponsoring this podcast.

A-TEK in Motion. What’s Next Under New COO Stephanie Cumberbatch

13 min Video

Nearly 30 years of delivery across complex federal missions doesn’t happen by accident. A-TEK has built its reputation on execution. Now, with Stephanie Cumberbatch stepping into the COO role, the focus turns to what’s next. In this conversation, we dig into how A-TEK is evolving how it operates across the federal civilian and health markets, supporting agencies like DHS and HHS, including NIH, FDA, and CMS, and continuing to deliver where mission, data, and performance intersect. This is about execution. How strategy turns into delivery, how growth stays grounded in operations, and how teams stay close to the customer while scaling. A look at where A-TEK is headed, and what it takes to get there. To connect with Stephanie, follow her on LinkedIn here. Learn more about A-TEK by visiting their webpage here.

From the Inside Out. Roshni Ghosh on VA Experience Powering RGP’s Approach

19 min Video

What does federal health transformation actually look like from the inside? In this episode, David Blackburn sits down with Dr. Roshni Ghosh, a physician and former leader within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, who has spent years working at the center of care innovation, clinical strategy, and system-level change. She has seen firsthand where efforts stall, where they succeed, and what it really takes to move from ideas to outcomes in one of the most complex healthcare environments in the country. Now serving as Public Sector Industry Leader at RGP, Dr. Ghosh brings that inside perspective into a broader conversation about how agencies and partners can actually deliver results, not just plans. This is not a theoretical discussion. It is a grounded look at the real barriers leaders face today, from making data useful to navigating limited budgets, and the practical shifts required to keep momentum. If you care about how federal health modernization actually gets done, and what separates teams that move forward from those that stall, this conversation is worth your time. To connect with Roshni, follow her on LinkedIn here. Learn more about RGP by visiting their webpage here.

From Requirement to Advantage. David Lawrence, CEO at ISI, on How Top Firms Use CMMC

19 min Video

CMMC has been “coming” for years. Now it is here. And the real challenge for contractors is not awareness, it is deciding how to move forward without wasting time, money, or momentum. In this episode, we sit down with David Lawrence, CEO of ISI, a firm supporting more than 900 defense contractors across CMMC and NIST compliance, FSO services, facility and personnel clearances, and managed IT and cybersecurity. ISI’s position in the market is unique. They are not just advising on compliance, they are helping companies operationalize it alongside security, which is where many efforts break down. David brings a perspective shaped by private equity, operational transformation, and scaling technology-driven businesses. From leadership roles at firms like Bain & Company and EY-Parthenon, to driving growth and performance inside portfolio companies, his lens is grounded in value creation and execution, not theory. This conversation steps back from the noise and focuses on the decisions contractors are making right now. Where companies are still waiting, where they are overcorrecting, and where they are misallocating resources in ways that will be hard to unwind later. It also reframes CMMC as more than a compliance requirement. For some, it is becoming a strategic path that shapes how they compete, grow, and position themselves in the defense market. If you are a CEO, growth leader, or operator trying to determine how CMMC fits into your business over the next 12 to 24 months, this discussion offers a clearer, more practical way to think about the path forward. To connect with David, follow him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about ISI by visiting their webpage here. Get more information and insight into CMMC at this dedicated page, here.

Nick Marchand on AI, Capital, and the Future of GovCon Execution

29 min Video

The federal market is entering a new phase. Not because of a single technology shift, but because the underlying model for how innovation is funded, owned, and delivered is being challenged. In this episode, David Blackburn sits down with Nick Marchand, Operating Partner at Pleasant Land, for a conversation that moves well beyond the usual discussion of modernization and AI. Nick operates at the intersection of investment, strategy, and mission execution. In his role, he helps shape portfolio strategy and market positioning to drive long-term enterprise value across technology-enabled services. His work spans identifying scalable growth opportunities, prioritizing R&D and platform capabilities, and aligning companies to evolving federal mission needs. He also leads go-to-market strategy, supports acquisition diligence, and drives integration and value creation across portfolio companies, connecting long-term vision to measurable outcomes. That vantage point shows up throughout this discussion. Together, they unpack how the relationship between government and technology investment has evolved, where traditional approaches begin to break down, and why many transformation efforts struggle to deliver sustained impact. The conversation also explores what it really means to think like a strategic owner inside a federal environment, and why that shift is becoming critical as agencies push for faster, more meaningful results. They spend time on AI as well, but from a different angle. Moving past the typical constraints and into the deeper challenges that ultimately determine whether adoption succeeds. If you are trying to understand where the federal market is heading, how investment strategy is reshaping execution, and what it takes to align mission with real outcomes, this is a conversation worth your time. To connect with Nick, follow him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Pleasant Land by visiting their webpage here.

CEO Perspectives: Execution, Cyber, and Digital Delivery with Jessica Morris, Al Sowers, and Colin Corlett

46 min Video

As pressure builds across the federal market, the difference between companies that are growing and those that are falling behind is becoming clearer. Execution. That was the center of this OrangeSlices CEO Perspectives conversation, bringing together three CEOs who are operating in some of the most critical areas of today’s GovCon landscape. Jessica Morris of Pluribus Digital is helping reshape how government delivers services through modern digital products. Al Sowers of OneZero Solutions is leading in high-stakes cybersecurity and enterprise infrastructure. And Colin Corlett of Excentium is guiding agencies through the increasingly complex world of cloud, compliance, and FedRAMP. Moderated by Tyler Stewart of The Baldwin Group, the discussion stays grounded in how leaders are actually responding to today’s environment. From tightening margins and rising expectations, to the need for stronger operational discipline and smarter investment in innovation. The group shares candid perspectives on what is changing, what is not, and where leaders need to be paying closer attention. If you want a clearer view into how CEOs are navigating complexity while continuing to deliver, this conversation is worth a listen. To connect with Jessica, follow her on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Pluribus Digital by visiting their webpage here. To connect with Al, follow him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about OneZero Solutions by visiting their webpage here. To connect with Colin, follow him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Excentium by visiting their webpage here. Thank you to The Baldwin Group for sponsoring this podcast.

Delivering Rural Health Transformation Where It Matters Most. Yael Harris and Laurel Health Advisors

15 min Video

Healthcare in this country doesn’t have a shortage of ideas. It has a shortage of execution, especially in the places that need it most. Rural communities, underserved populations, and systems that still struggle to connect. The challenges are well known. What’s less clear is who’s actually turning insight into impact, and what that really looks like in practice. This conversation gets into that. Dr. Yael Harris, founder of Laurel Health Advisors, brings a perspective shaped by more than 16 years inside the Department of Health and Human Services, with leadership roles spanning CMS, ONC, HRSA, and the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health. She’s helped shape national programs around access, quality, interoperability, and health equity, and now applies that experience directly to state and community-level transformation efforts. Through her work today, including recent efforts supporting Ohio, Dr. Harris is focused on translating policy and data into real-world outcomes, helping organizations move beyond analysis and into action. In this discussion, listeners will get a grounded view of what’s actually working right now, how states are approaching transformation in a more practical way, how data can be used to drive better decisions, and what separates organizations that talk about impact from those that consistently deliver it. If you’re trying to understand where healthcare transformation is heading, and what it really takes to execute in today’s environment, this is a conversation worth your time. To connect with Yael, follow her on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Laurel Health Advisors, LLC by visiting their webpage here.

Three CEOs. Three SDVOSBs. Kentro, Ibility, and LMR Redefining Federal Performance

37 min Video

The federal market is at a turning point. The bar is higher, the pace is faster, and the companies breaking through are the ones closest to the mission, built to move, built to adapt, and built to deliver. This episode of our CEO Perspectives series, part of the OrangeSlices community, brings together three CEOs leading Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) that are operating at that level. Pinakin Patel, Kentro. Innovation-driven. Design thinking at the core. A culture of continuous improvement helping agencies cut through complexity and execute with clarity. Danielle Krakora, Ibility / Tribility. People-first leadership. Mission-focused transformation. Driving real impact across federal healthcare through integrated, outcomes-oriented solutions. Chris Larkin, LMR Technical Group. Warfighter-focused. Performance-driven. Integrating training, human performance, data, and technology to directly support Department of Defense mission success. Moderated by Tyler Stewart of The Baldwin Group, an organization built to help businesses operate with confidence through expertise in insurance, employee benefits, and long-term financial strategy. This is a group defined by execution. Leaders and companies that understand the environment, align to the mission, and deliver where it counts. If you are in the federal market, or want to understand where it is going, this is the kind of perspective you do not want to miss. These are the operators setting the pace. Listen now to stay ahead. To connect with Danielle, follow her on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Ibility by visiting their webpage here. To connect with Pinakin, follow him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Kentro by visiting their webpage here. To connect with Chris, follow him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about LMR Technical Group by visiting their webpage here. Thank you to The Baldwin Group for sponsoring this podcast.  

Why FCL Timelines Slip. And What High Performers Do Differently. ISI

16 min Video

Most FCL delays are not caused by the system. They are caused by how companies prepare for it. Small gaps in documentation, unclear internal ownership, and fragmented workflows create friction that compounds over time. By the time it becomes visible, timelines have already slipped and contract opportunities are at risk.  In this episode, ⁠Cate Pearson⁠, President of FSO and Clearance Services at ISI, brings a front line view into where and why those breakdowns happen. Drawing on experience supporting hundreds of defense contractors, she unpacks what separates organizations that move through the FCL process with predictability from those that get stuck in cycles of delay and rework.  The conversation also introduces a more structured approach to the problem. ISI’s TurboFCL solution is designed to reduce variability in the process by bringing consistency to how data, documentation, and ownership are managed from the start. Not as a shortcut, but as a way to eliminate the common failure points that slow companies down.  This episode is built for executives, program leaders, FSOs, and operations teams who are navigating the clearance process or preparing to enter it. If you are responsible for timelines, eligibility, or growth in the federal space, this will give you a clearer lens on where risk actually shows up and how to stay ahead of it without overcomplicating your approach.  To connect with Cate, follow her on LinkedIn ⁠here⁠. Learn more about ISI by visiting their webpage ⁠here⁠.

Building Again: Scaling Inadev with Manish Agarwal

18 min Video

What happens when a proven builder steps back into the arena and puts his own conviction behind the bet? Manish Agarwal has done it before. As a founding member and President of Attain, he helped build the company into one of the most respected firms in the GovCon market, driving significant growth and ultimately helping lead it through a successful acquisition in 2021.  Then he stepped away for more than five years. Now he is back. Not just as CEO of Inadev, but as an investor in its future. A move that indicates more than a leadership change. It indicates belief. Inadev has spent over a decade building a strong foundation. Delivering AI-driven, mission-focused solutions across federal and commercial markets. A company known for speed, technical depth, and customer-centric execution. In this conversation, Manish shares why he chose to return, what he sees in Inadev that others might not, and how he plans to take that foundation and turn it into something bigger. He also offers a candid look at where the market is headed and the big bets he is making around AI and emerging technologies. If you care to hear where this market is going from a leader who has a track record of winning big, and who is positioning to lead what comes next, this is a conversation worth your time. To connect with Manish, follow him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Inadev by visiting their webpage here.

Everyone Builds JVs. Few Win Like This. Inside Alpha Omega and OneZero’s $160M Coast Guard Cyber Award

31 min Video

Winning the recompete is one thing. Proving a joint venture can operate as one and earn the right to stay is something else entirely. In this episode, we hear from two leaders who have seen firsthand what it actually takes to make that happen. Just months removed from securing a $160 million U.S. Coast Guard IDIQ, a high-stakes recompete that reinforces both trust and performance at scale, Eric Laychock of Alpha Omega and Bob Burnett of OneZero Solutions pull back the curtain on how OneOmega operated as a truly integrated team when it mattered most. They break down what changed operationally, from delivery discipline to governance to how teams execute day to day, and how those shifts translated into outcomes the Coast Guard could rely on. We also get into what the government was really buying in this decision. Not just continuity, but reduced transition risk, proven performance, and a team ready to deliver from day one. And then we go deeper into the work itself. What IA and RMF look like at enterprise scale in a maritime environment. How you stay audit-ready across shore, afloat, and deployable systems. And how you move security at mission tempo without slowing operators down. Because the reality is, most joint ventures do not make it this far. This one did. Let’s get into it. To connect with Eric, follow him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Alpha Omega by visiting their webpage here. To connect with Bob, follow him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about OneZero Solutions by visiting their webpage here.

CEO Perspectives: How GovCon Leaders Are Adapting with Leah Sanders, Naveen Krishnamurthy, and Tim Borchert

43 min Video

OrangeSlices recently hosted a new episode in our CEO Perspectives podcast series, bringing together three exceptional leaders from across the GovCon community for a candid conversation about what it takes to compete and lead in today’s evolving federal market. Joining the discussion were ⁠Leah Sanders⁠, CEO of D&G Solutions, ⁠Naveen Krishnamurthy⁠, CEO of RIVA Solutions, and ⁠Tim Borchert⁠, CEO of Tria Federal. Each of these organizations was recently recognized as a 2026 Elev8[X] finalist, emerging from a pool of more than 1,200 companies nominated and evaluated across the federal contracting ecosystem. These are companies that have built strong reputations supporting some of the government’s most critical missions. D&G Solutions continues to distinguish itself as a people-first, mission-driven logistics and supply chain partner supporting defense and homeland security customers. RIVA Solutions has earned recognition as a leader in digital transformation, helping agencies modernize through DevSecOps, cloud, data and analytics, and cybersecurity across federal civilian, national security, and health markets. And Tria Federal, with nearly two decades of mission support experience, remains a trusted partner delivering digital services and technology solutions that help agencies better serve veterans, service members, and civilians. The conversation was moderated by ⁠Eric Mothershead⁠, Senior Partner at The Baldwin Group, whose questions helped spark a thoughtful exchange among the CEOs as they unpacked some of the most timely issues facing federal contractors today. During the session, the leaders shared how they are adapting their organizations to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving GovCon market. The conversation touched on operational shifts, changing expectations for leadership and workforce performance as efficiency pressures grow, how companies are balancing innovation investments such as AI and automation with stronger margin discipline, and the harder...

CEO Perspectives: How GovCon Leaders Are Adapting

43 min Video

OrangeSlices recently hosted a new episode in our CEO Perspectives podcast series, bringing together three exceptional leaders from across the GovCon community for a candid conversation about what it takes to compete and lead in today’s evolving federal market. Joining the discussion were Leah Sanders, CEO of D&G Solutions, Naveen Krishnamurthy, CEO of RIVA Solutions, and Tim Borchert, CEO of Tria Federal. Each of these organizations was recently recognized as a 2026 Elev8[X] finalist, emerging from a pool of more than 1,200 companies nominated and evaluated across the federal contracting ecosystem. These are companies that have built strong reputations supporting some of the government’s most critical missions. D&G Solutions continues to distinguish itself as a people-first, mission-driven logistics and supply chain partner supporting defense and homeland security customers. RIVA Solutions has earned recognition as a leader in digital transformation, helping agencies modernize through DevSecOps, cloud, data and analytics, and cybersecurity across federal civilian, national security, and health markets. And Tria Federal, with nearly two decades of mission support experience, remains a trusted partner delivering digital services and technology solutions that help agencies better serve veterans, service members, and civilians. The conversation was moderated by Eric Mothershead, Senior Partner at The Baldwin Group, whose questions helped spark a thoughtful exchange among the CEOs as they unpacked some of the most timely issues facing federal contractors today. During the session, the leaders shared how they are adapting their organizations to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving GovCon market. The conversation touched on operational shifts, changing expectations for leadership and workforce performance as efficiency pressures grow, how companies are balancing innovation investments such as AI and automation with stronger margin discipline, and the harder shifts f...

GovDash, Agentic AI, and the Bold Future of GovCon. A Conversation with Sean Doherty

29 min Video

Fresh off a breakout year and a $30M Series B raise, Sean Doherty joins David Blackburn for a timely conversation about the future of AI in government contracting. As CEO of GovDash, Sean has helped scale the company from an AI native business development tool into a full scale, AI driven platform supporting capture, proposal, pricing, and contract workflows across nearly 200 contractors, including firms inside the top 100 federal market. Revenue surged 16x. The team expanded rapidly. FedRAMP Moderate Equivalency was achieved. And customers collectively won more than $5B in contracts in 2025. In this episode, Sean shares what is really happening behind that growth and where GovDash is heading next. We dig into: The launch of a new Pricer product and how it could reshape pricing strategy and competitive positioning • A major upgrade to GovDash’s opportunity identification algorithm, built to surface true good fit pursuits faster • Expanded agentic capabilities inside Dash, enabling teams to spin up and automate complex workflows across the business • One bold prediction about where GovCon AI platforms are heading and what the broader federal market could look like in 2027 If you want to understand how one of the fastest growing AI platforms in GovCon is thinking about scale, product evolution, and the next phase of the market, this is a conversation worth your time. To connect with Sean, follow him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about GovDash by visiting their webpage here.

The Discipline Behind FHAS with Jim Bobeck

14 min Video

On this episode of GovCon Executive Slice, Shelley McGuire chats with Jim Bobeck, CEO of FHAS Inc., shares how a 30-year-old company has remained a trusted small business in the federal healthcare space while navigating constant change in government contracting. An attorney by background and a longtime leader at FHAS, Jim explains how the company built its reputation around a clear niche, medical legal reviews and coverage determinations, and a disciplined, repeatable process that delivers measurable outcomes. In today’s environment, where agencies face increased scrutiny, regulatory complexity, and a shift toward firm-fixed-price contracts, he emphasizes that the government isn’t buying hours anymore; it’s buying operational peace of mind. Jim also discusses how FHAS is adapting to evolving requirements around interoperability, security, and AI-enabled services. After decades of primarily operating as a subcontractor, the company is expanding its footprint and investing in a health intelligence platform designed to turn medical coverage data into actionable insights for federal programs. The conversation highlights what it takes to stay relevant in FedHealth: focus on your niche, build trust through outcomes, form the right partnerships, and continuously evolve without losing sight of who you are. To connect with Jim, follow him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about FHAS by visiting their webpage here.

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