The Peel

thepeel

Join hosts Shelley McGuire and David Blackburn as they have one on one conversations with government and industry leaders on trends, challenges, and opportunities in GovCon.

Play

Open in

34 episodes
Avg 23 min
English

Episodes 34

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.

#141
Yesterday · 21 min· Video
The Future of GovCon Growth: Unanet’s Matt Simonson on AI, Technology, and What’s Next
The way government contractors compete, pursue opportunities, and grow is changing, and the next wave of technology could reshape the GovCon growth landscape in ways we're only beginning to understand. OrangeSlices founder and CEO David Blackburn recently connected with Matt Simonson of Unanet for a forward-looking conversation about where the GovCon growth technology market is headed, the expanding role of AI, and what these changes could mean for contractors over the next five years. Unanet brings an interesting perspective to this discussion. As a leading provider of purpose-built ERP and CRM solutions, supporting more than 3,200 project-driven organizations, the company has deep roots in helping GovCons connect their people, projects, financials, and growth strategies. And as the market evolves, Unanet is evolving alongside it, with an expanding focus on the emerging GovCon growth software marketplace. But this conversation goes well beyond Unanet. What does the future of GovCon growth software actually look like? How should contractors be thinking about frontier AI models and their potential role in business development and growth? And as new technologies and capabilities emerge, what will distinguish the companies that capitalize on these changes from those that struggle to keep pace? Matt shares his perspective on where the market is moving, how Unanet is positioning itself within that changing landscape, and what GovCon leaders should be paying attention to as they plan for the years ahead. If you're a GovCon executive thinking about how technology will change the way your company competes and grows, this is a conversation worth your time. To connect with Matt, follow him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Unanet on their website here.
#140
Friday · 24 min· Video
From Award-Winning Chef to Orals Coach: Vericol’s Kate Parkinson on Building Winning Teams
Winning a major government contract has never been just about what you put on paper. Increasingly, teams have to walk into the room, own the solution, work together, and perform under pressure. And as Vericol’s Kate Parkinson knows firsthand, there may be more in common between building a winning orals team and running a high-performing kitchen than you might think. OrangeSlices CEO David Blackburn recently connected with Parkinson, Principal Consultant at Vericol, to explore what it takes to prepare teams for that moment. Parkinson brings more than 25 years of GovCon growth experience and, for the past five years, has led Vericol’s Orals Coaching offering. An ICF-certified coach, she helps teams strengthen the collaboration, messaging, credibility, and delivery required to perform when the stakes are high. That expertise is part of Vericol’s broader work helping government contractors grow and compete more effectively, from business development and capture through solutioning, proposals, pricing, and orals. The company works alongside clients as an extension of their teams, bringing experienced practitioners into the challenges and pursuits that matter most. Blackburn and Parkinson dig into what is driving the growing emphasis on orals, how requirements are evolving, what Parkinson looks for when she first begins coaching a team, and what separates a group of capable individuals from a team that can confidently deliver together. And then there’s the chef connection. Midway through her career, Parkinson took an unexpected detour from GovCon and became an award-winning chef before ultimately returning to the industry. What does that have to do with how she coaches GovCon teams for high-stakes orals today? You’ll have to listen in for that one. But for GovCon leaders with a major pursuit ahead, there may be more worth taking from the kitchen into the orals room than you think. To connect with Kate, follow her on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Vericol on their website here.
#138
October 13 · 9 min· Video
The Great Digital Debate: Government and Industry Face Off
Forget the traditional panel discussion. The Digital Services Coalition (DSC) is putting government and industry on opposite sides of the conversation—and asking them to debate some of the biggest questions facing digital services and procurement today. On this episode of The Peel, Shelley McGuire sits down with Nico Ojeda, President of the Digital Services Coalition, for a preview of The Great Digital Debate, taking place November 5 at District Winery in Washington, D.C. The event will bring together federal, state, and local government leaders alongside industry experts for a lively debate on the future of digital services and digital procurement. Is digital services still a distinct discipline, or has it evolved into something entirely different? How should government procurement evolve as technology changes rapidly? And where do government and industry see things differently? The conversation also explores issues DSC members will tackle in a more intimate government-industry session, including “AI as an FTE,” what happens when AI-driven efficiencies significantly lower proposed costs, and how agencies should balance innovation against traditional past-performance requirements. The goal isn't simply to debate—it’s to create the kind of candid government-industry dialogue that can uncover concerns on both sides and help everyone get closer to “yes.” Add audience participation, tabletop discussions, networking and a waterfront happy hour, and The Great Digital Debate promises a very different kind of GovCon conversation. For more information about the event and registration, click here. To connect with Nico, follow him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about DSC at their website here.
#137
October 7 · 22 min· Video
The GWACs to Watch in FY27 with Eric Nusbaum
A new federal fiscal year is underway, and GWACs could play an even bigger role in how agencies buy in FY27. But which vehicles should government contractors be watching—and what can companies do if they don’t already have a seat at the table? On this episode of The Peel, Shelley McGuire welcomes back Eric Nusbaum, Founder and CEO of ENcompass Consulting Group, for his monthly GovCon check-in and a look at the GWAC outlook for FY27. Eric breaks down the major vehicles shaping the market, including SEWP VI, Alliant 3, Polaris, 8(a) STARS III, VETS 2 and OASIS+, along with what FY26 utilization may signal for the year ahead. With SEWP VI expanding beyond its traditional IT product focus and OASIS+ continuing to gain momentum, contractors could see significant opportunities as agencies increasingly turn to familiar governmentwide vehicles. Not already a prime? Eric explains why traditional GWACs can be difficult to enter after award—and why OASIS+ stands apart with its continuous on-ramping, broad scope and ability to add domains over time. His message for companies looking for a prime position is clear: OASIS+ deserves serious attention. The conversation also explores what happens after you win a vehicle. With OASIS+ task orders sometimes carrying extremely short proposal windows, early intelligence, teaming, customer research and positioning become critical long before the RFP drops. If GWACs are part of your FY27 growth strategy—or you’re wondering whether they should be—this episode provides a practical look at where the market is headed and how to position your company for what comes next. To connect with Eric, visit him on LinkedIn here. To learn more about ENcompass Consulting Group, visit their website here.
#136
October 6 · 19 min· Video
The Rise of Agentic AI with RELI Group's Jason Balser
AI can answer a question. But what happens when AI starts making decisions and taking action on your behalf? On this episode of The Peel, Shelley McGuire sits down with Jason Balser, Senior Director of AI and Data Strategy at RELI Group, to break down one of the hottest topics in technology today: agentic AI. Jason explains the concept through a simple travel analogy—traditional AI can help with individual pieces of planning a trip, while agentic AI is more like handing the entire itinerary to a travel agent and giving them the autonomy to make decisions to accomplish your goal. But with greater autonomy comes greater responsibility. Jason explores what happens when AI agents make unexpected decisions, why hallucinations and weak controls can create significant risks, and why organizations need the right governance and guardrails in place before turning over too much control. The conversation also tackles a critical question every leader should ask before deploying an AI agent: What’s the worst thing that could go wrong? From managing an email inbox to decisions affecting healthcare or national security, not every use case carries the same consequences—and not every decision should be automated. Jason shares three considerations for responsible agentic AI: define the outcome, understand the consequences, and make sure a real person remains accountable. As agentic AI evolves, the challenge won’t simply be adopting it—it will be determining where autonomy makes sense and building governance that matches the risk. To connect with Jason, follow him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about RELI Group at their website here.
#135
September 29 · 11 min· Video
More Than a Finish Line: Building Belonging Through Athletes Serving Athletes
What if crossing a finish line could mean more than completing a race? For Athletes Serving Athletes (ASA), it’s about creating community, belonging, friendship, and the opportunity for athletes with limited mobility to experience the excitement of accomplishing something together. On this episode of The Peel, Shelley McGuire sits down with Julia Kardian, Chief Operating Officer of Athletes Serving Athletes, to share the mission behind an organization that has spent 18 years helping individuals with disabilities participate in running events throughout Maryland, southern Pennsylvania, and Northern Virginia. From 5Ks to full marathons, ASA provides the specialized equipment, race registrations, practices, and volunteer “WingMen” needed to help its athletes get to—and across—the finish line. But ASA is about much more than running. Julia shares how the organization creates an inclusive community where athletes who may otherwise experience isolation are surrounded by people who know their names, celebrate their accomplishments, and make sure they know they belong. The conversation also offers a challenge to the GovCon community: get involved. ASA needs volunteer runners, joggers, and even those who prefer a slower pace to help more athletes participate. Speed doesn’t matter. As ASA’s tagline says, “Together We Finish.” ASA will also be featured as a giving-back organization at the upcoming Looking Ahead at CMS for 2027 event on October 21 in Columbia, Maryland. To connect with Julia, follow her on LinkedIn here. Learn more about ASA at their website here.
#134
September 15 · 17 min· Video
Beyond the AI Hype: Turning Data Into Mission Value with REI Systems' Wagish Bhartiya
On this episode of The Peel, Shelley McGuire sits down with Wagish Bhartiya, Chief Growth Officer at REI Systems, to explore what federal agencies need to get right before AI can truly transform how they operate. At the center of the challenge is data. Agencies often have enormous amounts of information spread across disconnected systems—and AI can confidently deliver an answer even when it’s working with incomplete data. Wagish also shares how REI Systems is applying AI internally throughout the software development lifecycle, from requirements gathering and coding to testing, while learning firsthand why governance, standards, training and human expertise remain critical. But perhaps the biggest challenge is moving AI from pilot to production. Wagish explains why government AI must go beyond producing an answer—it needs to produce an answer that can be defended. That means explainability, traceability, and repeatability, because in government, as he says, “every answer needs a receipt.” To connect with Wagish, follow him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about REI Systems at their website here.
#133
September 9 · 23 min· Video
Tilt the Table: Winning the FY-End GovCon Feeding Frenzy Eric Nusbaum
The end of the federal fiscal year is here—and in GovCon, that can feel a lot like a game of Hungry Hungry Hippos. The opportunities are moving fast, but simply chasing everything that hits the market isn't a winning strategy. In this episode of The Peel, Shelley McGuire and ENcompass Consulting Group's CEO, Eric Nusbaum, talk about how contractors can finish FY26 strong while positioning themselves for FY27. Eric shares practical strategies for tilting the table in your favor, from leveraging customer relationships and differentiating your capabilities to making it easier for government buyers to access what you offer. They also tackle the realities of quick-turn September bids, including how to spot opportunities that may favor an incumbent, prepare go-to teaming partners, use AI responsibly in proposal development, and add surge support when your internal team is stretched thin. Looking ahead, Eric breaks down what contractors should expect from OASIS+, MDA SHIELD and SEWP VI, along with three issues to watch closely in FY27: CMMC, increased use of OTAs and CSOs, and potentially significant changes to SBA small business size standards. If you're navigating busy season while trying to plan your next move, this episode offers a roadmap for closing out FY26 strategically and entering FY27 ready to compete. SBA proposed a new rule on SB sizes. Depending on how this turns out, it could have a massive impact on the entire federal contracting industry. Make sure you submit comments on this by Sept 21. Click here to provide your feedback. To connect with Eric, visit him on LinkedIn here. To learn more about ENcompass Consulting Group, visit their website here.
#132
September 8 · 16 min· Video
Security by Design: Getting Cyber Involved Earlier with Kevin Spease
Cybersecurity can’t be something added at the end of a project. In this episode of The Peel, Shelley McGuire sits down with Kevin Spease, President and Co-Founder of ISSE Services, to talk about why security requirements need to be integrated much earlier in the systems development lifecycle. Kevin breaks down where friction often appears when teams try to translate frameworks like NIST and RMF into practical engineering requirements, why developers and cybersecurity teams can sometimes find themselves at odds, and what security professionals can do differently to become enablers instead of blockers. The conversation also explores what happens after a system goes live. How do organizations maintain compliance while continuing to respond to new vulnerabilities and emerging threats? And how can cybersecurity teams stay involved in change management without simply showing up with another “no”? For anyone working in cybersecurity, systems engineering, federal IT, or mission-critical environments, this episode offers a practical look at building security into the process from the very beginning. To connect with Kevin, follow her on LinkedIn here. Learn more about ISSE Services at their website here.
#131
September 2 · 31 min· Video
Former State Department Acquisition Leader Matt Colantonio on How AlphaSix and Quantify Are Rethinking Federal Acquisition
AI is moving fast. Federal acquisition isn’t always built to. So what happens when the two collide? David recently connected with Matt Colantonio, Product Manager for Quantify at AlphaSix and a former senior Federal acquisition leader who brings more than 15 years of firsthand experience navigating the very challenges agencies are now looking to technology to help solve. Matt’s perspective matters. Before joining AlphaSix, he served as a Contracting Officer and held senior acquisition and digital transformation roles, including serving as Chief of Staff for the Senior Procurement Executive within the State Department’s Global Acquisition organization. He knows Federal acquisition from the inside. The processes, the pressures, the workforce challenges, and the realities that can make meaningful transformation difficult. Now he is bringing that experience to AlphaSix, helping translate years of Federal acquisition expertise into technology built around how government acquisition actually works. That makes for a timely conversation. David and Matt dig into what Matt sees differently now that he has worked on both sides of the acquisition equation, what AlphaSix is building with its Q-Suite and AI-powered Quantify platform, and what “AI-native” acquisition could mean in practice. They take on some of the biggest questions facing Federal acquisition leaders right now. Can AI become a trusted collaborator for the acquisition workforce? How should agencies think about buying versus building? What does workforce transformation actually require? And beyond the hype, what could agentic AI realistically do inside the acquisition process? For Federal acquisition and GovCon leaders trying to understand where this is going, this is a chance to hear from someone who spent more than 15 years inside the system and is now helping build what comes next. To connect with Matt, follow him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about AlphaSix at their website here.
#130
September 1 · 27 min· Video
Stop Pitching, Start Understanding the Agency with Reggie Mitchell
Breaking into government contracting takes more than a great capability and a desire to win federal work. It takes an understanding of how the acquisition process actually works. On this episode of The Peel, Shelley McGuire sits down with acquisition professional Reggie Mitchell for a candid conversation about what small businesses need to know before pursuing the federal market. Reggie shares why GovCon isn’t simply a place to find contracts—it’s a process—and why understanding acquisition rules, agency needs, procurement methods, and the people involved can make the difference between spinning your wheels and building a real strategy. They explore the expectations new contractors often get wrong, the importance of targeting agencies that actually need what you sell, and why small business professionals can be valuable advocates and entry points into an agency. Reggie also breaks down the different roles of program, contracting, and small business professionals, and why companies need to understand who they’re talking to before walking into that critical meeting. From relationships and readiness to performance and consistency, this episode delivers practical advice for companies looking to compete and keep winning in GovCon. To connect with Reggie, follow him on LinkedIn here.
#129
August 26 · 41 min· Video
OASIS+ + DHS: ENcompass and Mild Red Break Down What’s Happening and What’s Ahead
OrangeSlices was recently invited to support a session with the GSA OASIS+ Special Interest Group, a community bringing together industry leaders around how companies can better understand the vehicle, position for opportunities and ultimately succeed on OASIS+. When we were invited to participate, we brought along a few people we trust when it comes to understanding OASIS+, GovCon growth and the DHS market. Eric Nusbaum, Founder and CEO of ENcompass Consulting Group, leads a team that lives BD, capture, proposals and GovCon growth every day. Eric has spent a lot of time thinking about what happens after companies earn a spot on OASIS+ and what it actually takes to turn that position into wins. Joining Eric is Daniel Abernathy, CGO at ENcompass, who takes part of the conversation down to the opportunity level with a look at specific DHS requirements companies should be tracking. And Katie Helwig, President and CEO of Mild Red, is a self-professed OASIS+ nerd who spends a tremendous amount of time focused on OASIS+, federal market intelligence and helping companies translate that intelligence into better growth decisions. The response to the original session was strong enough that Shelley McGuire and David Blackburn brought the group back together to share the conversation with a much broader audience. Among the topics covered: how to succeed after winning a spot on OASIS+, how DHS is using the vehicle today, where activity is concentrated across DHS components and OASIS+ domains, what growth teams should be doing now, and the coming transition of expiring CIO-SP3 work. That includes nearly $3 billion in potential value across expiring DHS CIO-SP3 task orders, creating a sizable follow-on market that contractors should understand, even though not all of that work will ultimately move to OASIS+. For those who aren't aware, ENcompass and Mild Red have also recently come together around a new OASIS+ offering, and you'll hear some of the natural synergy between the teams as they look to support the GovCon community. If OASIS+ and DHS are part of your growth strategy, this is an opportunity to hear the conversation we were invited to bring to the OASIS+ Special Interest Group, expanded and made available to the broader GovCon community. Listen to the podcast, and download the presentation for the supporting market data, analysis and opportunity details. To connect with Eric, visit him on LinkedIn here. To learn more about ENcompass Consulting Group, visit their website here. To connect with Dan, visit him on LinkedIn here. To learn more about ENcompass Consulting Group, visit their website here. To connect with Katie, visit her on LinkedIn here. To learn more about Mild Red, visit their website here.
#128
August 25 · 22 min· Video
Finding Opportunity Before the Bid: CloudSpark’s Growth Story with Colton Christensen
On this episode of The Peel, Shelley McGuire sits down with Colton Christensen, co-founder of CloudSpark, to talk about the company’s journey from startup to newly awarded NASA SEWP VI Category A prime contract holder. The win gives CloudSpark the opportunity to prime on one of the federal government’s most widely used technology acquisition vehicles and marks what Colton describes as the beginning of the company’s next chapter. Colton shares how relationships, persistence, and a willingness to do the hard work helped CloudSpark gain traction in the federal market. The conversation also explores SparkSight, the company’s market intelligence platform designed to help OEM partners identify opportunities earlier, and why CloudSpark is focused on using AI to find opportunities before they hit the bid stage. From building a business alongside his father to preparing to leverage SEWP VI and eventually expand into services, this episode offers a look at what it takes to grow a small business in GovCon while playing the long game. To connect with Colton, follow him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about CloudSpark at their website here.
#127
August 17 · 15 min
GovDash's Latest Market Report Points to a Very Different FY2027
David Blackburn recently connected with Brittany Winkler of GovDash to discuss the trends, data, and competitive shifts that are reshaping the federal contracting landscape. GovDash continues to advance as an autonomous AI platform purpose-built for government contractors, bringing opportunity identification, capture, proposal development, and contract management together in a single end-to-end platform. Alongside that evolution, GovDash has been expanding its investment in market intelligence, publishing research and data-driven insights that help contractors understand not just where opportunities exist, but where the market is headed. Brittany has been helping lead those efforts, and GovDash's latest report takes a deep dive into the FY2027 landscape. Together, David and Brittany explore what record defense spending actually means once the headlines fade, how contractors can identify and position for more than $200 billion in pre-RFP opportunities before the broader market catches on, and why evolving requirements like CMMC, FedRAMP 20X, and AI governance are becoming strategic differentiators that could determine who is positioned to compete for tomorrow's work. Whether you're a CEO shaping growth strategy, a chief growth officer planning your pipeline, or a capture leader looking for an edge, this conversation offers practical insights into where the market is moving and how leading organizations are using better data, stronger intelligence, and AI to stay ahead of the competition. Give it a listen. To connect with Brittany, follow her on LinkedIn here. Learn more about GovDash by visiting their webpage here.
#126
August 11 · 17 min· Video
Why Prevention Is Reshaping Healthcare with Brenda Blunt
On this episode of The Peel, Shelley McGuire sits down with Brenda Blunt, Senior Director at ORAU and former CMS Division Director, for a conversation about the future of healthcare and what it will take to build healthier, more resilient communities. Drawing on her experience in both the clinical and federal sectors, Brenda explores why prevention is finally taking center stage, how nutrition and education can improve long-term health outcomes, and why "food as medicine" is becoming a critical part of the healthcare conversation. The discussion also dives into ORAU's role in strengthening the nation's healthcare workforce, preparing communities for public health challenges, and advancing research that improves resilience across the country. Brenda shares details about ORAU's new Rural Health Research Innovation Cluster, designed to bring together researchers, universities, industry, and government to address workforce shortages, access to care, emergency preparedness, and women's health in rural America. If you're interested in the future of public health, healthcare innovation, or how collaboration can drive better outcomes for communities, this episode offers valuable insights into where healthcare is headed next. To connect with Brenda, follow her on LinkedIn here. Learn more about ORAU at their website here.
#125
August 10 · 18 min· Video
CMMC Pause: Fact vs. Fiction with Eric Nusbaum
Is the CMMC program really on pause—or is that just one of the biggest misconceptions circulating through the defense contracting community? In this episode of The Peel, Shelley McGuire and ENcompass Consulting Group's CEO, Eric Nusbaum, separate fact from fiction following the Department of Defense's announcement to pause Phase 2 of the CMMC rollout. Together, they break down what the pause actually means, the difference between CMMC levels and phases, and why Phase 1 requirements remain very much in effect. The conversation tackles some of the most common myths contractors are asking about, including whether CMMC has been canceled, if companies should stop implementing cybersecurity controls, whether compliance is prohibitively expensive, and how the government is responding to industry feedback. Eric also shares practical recommendations for navigating self-assessments, preparing for potential audits, and avoiding costly compliance mistakes while the future of Phase 2 is being evaluated. If you're a defense contractor or planning to enter the Defense Industrial Base, this episode provides the clarity you need to understand what's changing, what's staying the same, and what steps you should be taking right now. The CMMC Reform Task Force has an open RFI to collect more feedback: Click here to view. Make sure to respond by Aug 14! To connect with Eric, visit him on LinkedIn here. To learn more about ENcompass Consulting Group, visit their website here.
#124
August 5 · 16 min· Video
Rise8's Adam Furtado on Why the Future of Government Software Is Being Rewritten
David Blackburn recently connected with Adam Furtado, Vice President of Enablement at Rise8, for a conversation about one of the biggest shifts underway in federal technology. Adam's career spans the U.S. Air Force, the Department of the Navy, Kessel Run, startup leadership, and now Rise8, where he helps organizations transform how they build and deliver software for critical missions. Rise8 has emerged as one of the federal market's leading voices on modern software delivery. As a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, the company is helping agencies and contractors move beyond legacy development models by combining modern engineering, product thinking, and human-centered design to continuously deliver software that improves mission outcomes. Their mission is both simple and ambitious. Create a future where fewer bad things happen because of bad software. In this episode, David and Adam explore why AI-assisted software development is generating so much attention, what many organizations misunderstand about adopting it, and how federal teams can embrace these capabilities without compromising security, quality, or mission success. They also discuss why hands-on learning, modern engineering practices, and organizational culture may be just as important as the technology itself. Whether you're a government technology leader, software engineer, program executive, digital transformation leader, or GovCon executive trying to understand where software development is headed, this conversation offers practical insight into how forward-looking organizations are preparing for the next generation of mission delivery and what that could mean for the federal market in the years ahead. Learn more about Prodacity and register to attend the event happening August 25-27 here. To connect with Adam, follow him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Rise8 at their website here.
#123
August 4 · 34 min· Video
The Certification Myth: What Really Wins Government Contracts with Monica Randall
In this episode of The Peel, Shelley McGuire sits down with Monica Randall, founder and CEO of the Randall Group and a former SBA leader, to challenge the misconceptions surrounding 8(a), Woman-Owned, HUBZone, SDVOSB, and GSA Schedule programs. Together, they unpack what these certifications actually provide, why they should be viewed as contracting vehicles—not revenue generators—and how today's policy changes are reshaping the certification landscape. Monica explains the latest SBA rule changes, the growing importance of the GSA Schedule under the current administration, and the compliance pitfalls companies need to understand before investing time and money into a certification. She also shares practical strategies for turning certifications into a competitive advantage—without making them the centerpiece of your business development efforts. If you're pursuing federal contracts or wondering whether a certification belongs in your growth strategy, this conversation delivers a candid reality check on what certifications can—and can't—do for your business, along with actionable advice for building relationships, proving your capabilities, and competing successfully in today's federal marketplace. To connect with Monica, follow her on LinkedIn here. Learn more about The Randall Group at their website here.
#122
July 30 · 22 min· Video
One of the Biggest GovCon AI Deals of the Year. Inside the GovSignals Acquisition of Turingon
If you think AI is still just about writing proposals faster, you're missing where this market is headed. Every once in a while, a deal comes along that tells you something much bigger than who acquired whom. It tells you where an entire industry is going. GovSignals' acquisition of Turingon is one of those moments. For years, GovCon has been a collection of disconnected tools. One platform for market intelligence. Another for capture. Another for proposals. Another for post-award. The real work has always happened in the gaps between them. That's why this acquisition deserves attention. More than simply one company acquiring another, it represents a vision for where AI is headed in government contracting, and a belief that the future belongs to connected workflows, not disconnected software. If you're responsible for growth, capture, proposals, competitive intelligence, or deciding where your organization is investing in AI over the next several years, this conversation is worth your time. In this episode of The Peel, OrangeSlices AI CEO David Blackburn sits down with Jeremy Doochin, Co-Founder of GovSignals, and Arthur Runno, Founder of Turingon and now Head of Sales at GovSignals, to discuss the strategy behind the acquisition, why the two companies decided to come together, and what it means for the future of AI in GovCon. Jeremy shares the vision that has fueled GovSignals' rapid momentum and its goal of supporting the entire government contracting lifecycle through a single AI platform. Arthur reflects on building Turingon, why Capture Pilot and Proposal Pilot resonated with capture and proposal professionals, and why joining GovSignals represented the right next step for both his team and their customers. The discussion goes well beyond the announcement itself, exploring how the acquisition came together, where AI is creating meaningful value for GovCon organizations, how growth teams should be thinking about technology investments, and where both leaders believe the market is heading next. Whether you're evaluating AI platforms, leading a capture organization, or simply trying to stay ahead of where the GovCon technology landscape is moving, this episode offers valuable perspective from two executives helping shape that future. To connect with Jeremy, follow him on LinkedIn here. To connect with Arthur, follow him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about GovSignals at their website here.
#121
July 28 · 21 min· Video
The Future of GovCon Intelligence. Charles Sanders on PrimeRFP, AI, and the Gaps Left by GovWin
The GovCon market has no shortage of data. The real challenge is turning all of that information into decisions. Every day, thousands of new opportunities, contract actions, and procurement documents are published. The companies that win aren't necessarily the ones with the most data. They're the ones that can find the right information, connect the dots, and act on it faster. David Blackburn recently connected with Charles Sanders, Founder of PrimeRFP, for a conversation about how AI is changing contract discovery, capture strategy, and the future of GovCon market intelligence. PrimeRFP has been building impressive momentum with its SCOUT intelligence platform, an AI-powered solution that brings together federal and state and local opportunities, historical contract data, and advanced search capabilities designed to help growth teams identify and prioritize the opportunities that matter most. During the discussion, Charles explains the thinking behind SCOUT, why it approaches market intelligence differently, and how that intentional approach is helping organizations uncover opportunities that traditional workflows often overlook. The conversation also highlights an exciting collaboration between OrangeSlices, Arctas, and PrimeRFP. Together, the teams are developing new capabilities for the Arctas platform that will bring PrimeRFP's intelligence directly into the community experience, giving GovCon professionals additional context and insights as they research companies, opportunities, and the broader federal marketplace. More details on those initiatives will be shared in the months ahead. Perhaps the most compelling part of the discussion is the broader conversation about the GovCon intelligence market itself. Charles shares his perspective on where long-established platforms such as GovWin continue to provide value, but also where gaps remain for today's growth organizations. The discussion explores why newer approaches to AI, search, and data enrichment are creating opportunities to solve problems that many capture and business development teams still face every day. Whether you're evaluating your current market intelligence tools, looking for an edge in capture, or simply trying to understand how AI is reshaping GovCon growth, this conversation offers valuable insight into where the market is headed, and why the next generation of competitive advantage may come from asking better questions of your data, not just collecting more of it. To connect with Charles, follow him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about PrimeRFP at their website here.

Showing 1–20 of 34 episodes