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Breaking into Government Contracting

An Introductory 4-Week Virtual Course for Small Businesses Interested in Federal, State and Local Government Opportunities.

Are you a small business owner or entrepreneur with ambitions to expand your opportunities and take your enterprise to new heights?

Unlock the door to a world of potential with our upcoming program – a transformative 4-week live virtual course designed exclusively for visionaries like you.

If you’re a small business owner or entrepreneur eager to explore and secure government contracts, this 4-week virtual course is designed for you. It’s an ideal opportunity if you’re aiming to expand into federal, state, and local government sectors, offering a comprehensive guide from industry veterans. Whether you’re new to government contracting or seeking to deepen your understanding, this course promises to equip you with the necessary knowledge and strategies to succeed in the competitive government procurement arena.

Over four intensive weeks, our expert-led course will provide you with the essential insights, strategies, and tools needed to position your small business for success in securing lucrative government contracts. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur looking to diversify your revenue streams or a budding business owner aiming to make your mark, this course is tailored to meet your needs.

Prepare to gain a competitive edge by demystifying the intricacies of government procurement processes and learning insider tips from industry professionals, Carrie-Ann Barrow and Ken Coleman.

Breaking into GovCon

May 9, 16, 23, 30 (Thursdays)

11:30 am – 1 pm (4 sessions)

  • Week 1:

    Overview of SLED and federal contracting

  • Week 2:

    Small and minority business certifications and contract vehicles

  • Week 3:

    Targeting agencies, finding opportunities, and the RFP/proposal process

  • Week 4:

    Contract Administration and Compliance

Price: $299
Registration starts March 18th

What You Get

Knowledge from industry experts who have “been there, done that” and ready to help you remove barriers to entry

A quick guide to targeting government agencies based on data related to your industry and government spending
Strategies for building relationships with government procurement officials, prime contractors, and key stakeholders
Course workbook and hand-outs for all resources shared during the session

About Your Instructors

Carrie-Ann Barrow, PCC, Founder, Executive Coach, Author

Carrie-Ann Barrow

PCC, Founder, Executive Coach, Author

Carrie-Ann, a certified Executive Coach and Amazon best-selling author of “The Queen’s Decree,” is a distinguished expert in government contracting with over twenty-five years of experience in both federal and state and local governments. Her journey began as a federal contract specialist at Naval Air Systems Command, providing her with valuable insights into government contracting from the government’s perspective.

In 2000, Carrie-Ann ventured into entrepreneurship, founding her first government contracting company in Washington, DC, specializing in information technology staffing. Under her leadership, the company achieved an impressive three-year sales growth of 444.7%, earning coveted Inc. 500 status. The company was recognized as a District of Columbia Certified Business Enterprise and federally certified Small Business Administration 8(a). Carrie-Ann’s achievements garnered attention, and she was featured in the Washingtonian Magazine as a “Woman to Watch.”

Currently, Carrie-Ann dedicates her expertise to executive coaching for high-performing leaders and teams, with a particular focus on coaching leaders of government contracting companies seeking to scale. Her coaching and consulting work has notably contributed to businesses achieving 8(a) and DC CBE status, leading to growth rates exceeding 1000%.

Carrie-Ann’s entrepreneurial journey includes creating and selling multiple businesses, ranging from information technology to property management to management consulting. Her passion for helping others achieve greatness and build successful businesses culminates in Scaling Strategies, a testament to her commitment to empowering individuals and fostering business growth.

Carrie-Ann holds a Bachelor of Administration in Psychology from Salisbury University and a Masters in Human Resources from Penn State. Her extensive experience and dedication to excellence make her a standout figure in the realm of government contracting.

Ken Coleman, MBA, Founder, Executive Coach, Fractional Executive

Ken Coleman

MBA, Founder, Executive Coach, Fractional Executive

Ken Coleman boasts an impressive 25-year career in government contracting, specializing in contract management, finance, and accounting. His journey includes managerial roles in the government contracting division of Argy, a prominent public accounting firm, and the position of Director of Finance and Operations at a thriving $500 million information technology company. Prior to founding Lewis-Price & Associates, Inc., Ken held key positions like CFO, COO, and director in companies with annual revenues spanning from $1 million to $200 million.

As a seasoned corporate leader, Ken has adeptly overseen all facets of business operations, demonstrating hands-on management and providing strategic guidance to clients. His expertise extends to tactical roles, actively participating in strategic planning, securing funding from banks and financing institutions, and ensuring organizations are well-prepared for expansion and growth.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ken is deeply committed to community service. He serves on the board of directors for Prosperity Media, a grassroots non-profit organization dedicated to introducing youth to media arts. Additionally, he contributes to the Alexandria Olympic Boys and Girls Club Alumni Committee, actively supporting fundraising initiatives and campaigns.

Ken holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University and an MBA with a concentration in Management from Strayer University. His wealth of experience and commitment to excellence make him a standout figure in the field of government contracting.

Course Details

Price: $299

Course Outline

Week 1: Overview of Government Contracting Opportunities for Small Businesses – SLED and Federal Contracting
  • Introduction to Small Business Government Contracting – Myth versus Reality
  • State, Local, and Education (SLED) Opportunities
  • Federal Contracting Opportunities
  • Key Players and Stakeholders
  • Q & A
Week 2: Small and Minority Business Certifications and Contract Vehicles
  • Federal and SLED Small Business Certifications
  • Making the SBA Your Friend
  • Federal Governmentwide Acquisition Contracts (GWACs)
  • Overview of SLED Certifications
  • Q & A 
Week 3: Targeting Agencies, Finding Opportunities, & the RFP/Proposal Process
  • Targeting Government Agencies
  • Finding Contract Opportunities
  • Understanding the RFP/Proposal Process
  • Proposal Development Best Practices
  • Q & A
Week 4: Contract Administration & Compliance
  • Contract Award and Negotiation
  • Roles and Responsibilities in Contract Administration
  • Managing Contract Performance
  • Compliance and Ethics in Government Contracting
  • Closing Out Contracts
  • What’s Next for Your Business?
  • Q & A

Dates and Times

  • The course will take place four Thursdays in May – May 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th from 11:30am – 1pm.

  • The course is delivered virtually via Zoom.

  • All four sessions will be recorded and available to participants using an access code.


Recording Access

  • Access: Participants who attend the virtual event will have access to a recording post-event.

  • Availability Duration: The recordings will be available for a 180 days after the event.

  • Usage: Recordings are for personal use and educational purposes only. Redistribution or commercial use is strictly prohibited.

  • Technical Requirements: Participants are responsible for ensuring they have the necessary technology to access recordings.

  • Notification: Participants will be notified via email when the recordings are available, including instructions on how to access them.


Refund Policy

  • 100% refund if the cancellation request is made seven days prior to the course start date.

  • If a participant cancels on the day of the event, prior to the start of the first session, we offer a credit that can be applied to future courses or programs, ensuring value for the commitment made.

  • In cases of exceptional circumstances (e.g., illness, family emergencies), we will consider providing a full refund or credit.

  • Participants who fail to attend without any prior notice will not be eligible for a refund or credit. They may access the video recordings after the event.

Testimonials

Government Manager
“Carrie-Ann came to each session with a perfect mix of opportunities to reflect, concrete management tools to try out, and ways to hold myself accountable. By using coaching sessions to re-focus my attention from reacting to actually managing, I became an infinitely better manager and increased my job satisfaction.”
Government Manager
Executive Client
“..a transformatioanl experience. Through Carrie-Ann’s empowering and effective coaching, our conversations were always focused on her asking just the right questions that pushed me to think in ways I had not considered before.”
Executive Client
Senior Vice President, IT
“A unique trait is her ability to hold you accountable yet guide you through challenging situations…she coaches you through but allows you to arrive at the solution. The tools and skills we have developed together are priceless and invaluable.”
Senior Vice President, IT

Course Registration

Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your business to new heights. Join us on this transformative journey, and let’s break into government contracting together.

Your GovCon success story begins here!