The Peel

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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.

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#129
Wednesday · 41 min
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
Tuesday · 22 min
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
#120
June 10 · 29 min
7 Habits That Drive Success for Small Growth with Eric Nusbaum
What separates highly successful small businesses from those that struggle to grow in the federal marketplace? In this episode of The Peel, Shelley McGuire and ENcompass Consulting Group's CEO, Eric Nusbaum break down the seven habits that help GovCon small businesses thrive, and the bad habits that can hold them back. From relying too heavily on socioeconomic status and setting unrealistic growth goals to neglecting partnerships, capture efforts, and contract vehicle strategies, the conversation explores the common mistakes many companies make as they pursue growth. Eric shares practical insights on building realistic growth plans, creating stronger teaming relationships, making smarter bid/no-bid decisions, investing in capture before an RFP drops, and turning contract vehicles into real revenue generators. The discussion also highlights why past performance matters just as much as winning new work and how companies can prepare now for the challenges that come with outgrowing their small business status. As the federal fiscal year enters its final quarter, this episode offers timely guidance for small businesses looking to finish strong and position themselves for long-term success. To connect with Eric, visit him on LinkedIn here. To learn more about ENcompass Consulting Group, visit their website here
#118
June 9 · 27 min
GovCon Mythbusters: Teaming Agreements Explained with Monica Randall
Are teaming agreements really protecting your business—or just taking you off the street? On this episode of The Peel Podcast, Shelley McGuire sits down with government contracting expert Monica Randall, founder and CEO of the Randall Group and a former SBA leader, to separate fact from fiction when it comes to teaming agreements, joint ventures, workshare, exclusivity clauses, and subcontract negotiations. Drawing on more than two decades of SBA experience and years of advising GovCon firms, Monica tackles some of the most common misconceptions contractors make when forming partnerships. The conversation explores why a handshake or email is never enough, the critical differences between teaming agreements and joint ventures, and how poorly written exclusivity clauses can limit future opportunities. Shelley and Monica also dive into the importance of negotiating meaningful workshare, understanding how teaming agreements transition into subcontracts, and recognizing when certifications can create real leverage during negotiations. Whether you're a small business evaluating your first teaming agreement or an experienced contractor looking to strengthen your partnership strategy, this episode offers practical insights to help you avoid costly mistakes and negotiate from a position of strength. To connect with Monica, follow her on LinkedIn here. Learn more about The Randall Group on their website. Check out the last podcast Monica did with Shelley here.
#119
June 8 · 1 hr 25 min
VETS26 Hot Takes
At VETS26, we turned the mic around and put conference attendees in the hot seat! In this special episode, veterans, advocates, employers, and industry leaders share a mix of personal stories, fun rapid-fire answers, and their biggest takeaways from the conference. From favorite hobbies and unexpected talents to meaningful conversations about career growth, networking, and supporting the veteran community, these candid interviews capture the energy and spirit of VETS26. Tune in for plenty of laughs, insightful perspectives, and a firsthand look at why so many people value the VETS conference experience.
#117
June 2 · 28 min
The Intersection of Mission, Security, and Technology with Dominic Cussatt
On this episode of The Peel Podcast, Shelley McGuire sits down with Dom Cussatt, CEO of Vault Cloud and a former federal IT leader with experience spanning the VA, State Department, DOD, NATO, and private sector healthcare. With more than 30 years at the intersection of technology, cybersecurity, and mission delivery, Dom shares his perspective on how IT can truly empower organizations rather than simply support them. The conversation explores the evolving relationship between security, compliance, and mission execution as agencies and companies navigate AI, cloud computing, and rapidly changing threat landscapes. Shelley and Dom discuss the differences between public and private sector IT, why government often operates at a scale industry underestimates, and how agile development and risk-based security approaches are reshaping the future of technology operations. They also dive into vendor partnerships, AI ethics, open source infrastructure, and the importance of building secure, mission-focused environments that balance innovation with trust. From protecting warfighters and veterans to enabling healthcare systems and modern cloud operations, this episode offers a thoughtful look at where federal IT is headed next. To connect with Dom, visit him on LinkedIn here. To learn more about Vault Cloud, visit their website here.
#115
June 1 · 29 min
Nava and Aquia on Moving Federal AI from Experimentation to Operations
“Everybody in government is talking about AI. Very few are actually talking about what happens when these systems start making decisions, taking actions, and operating inside real mission environments.” In this episode, David Blackburn sits down with Alex Santantonio of Nava and Allison DiPietro of Aquia for a timely discussion on where federal AI adoption is actually heading as agencies move beyond experimentation and into operational deployment. The conversation brings together two organizations that have built strong reputations helping government modernize responsibly. Nava, a public benefit corporation known for its role in rebuilding HealthCare.gov and advancing human-centered civic technology, and Aquia, a cybersecurity and modernization leader supporting agencies including VA and CMS, are also aligned through Aquia Nava II LLC, a joint venture focused on delivering secure, human-centered digital solutions for the public sector. Together, they unpack the realities agencies are now facing around agentic AI, governance, security, accountability, modernization, and implementation at scale. From AI systems operating inside sensitive mission environments to the growing pressure agencies face to adopt AI responsibly, this discussion moves well beyond theory and hype into the operational challenges leaders are wrestling with right now. If you want insight into how some of today’s most forward-leaning federal technology organizations are thinking about the next phase of AI adoption, and what agencies should be preparing for next, this is a conversation worth listening to. To connect with Alex, follow him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Nava by visiting their webpage here. To connect with Allison, follow her on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Aquia by visiting their webpage here.
#114
May 29 · 25 min
Why Smarter Operations Are Becoming the New Competitive Advantage in GovCon. Insights from Unanet
“Growth is getting harder across GovCon. The companies pulling ahead are not just chasing opportunities, they are building smarter, more scalable businesses from the inside out.” In this episode, David Blackburn sits down with Miriam Briskin, Manager of GovCon Small Business at Unanet, to discuss what she is hearing directly from small government contractors navigating today’s increasingly competitive federal market. As a company supporting more than 3,200 project-driven organizations, Unanet continues to work closely with GovCons focused on improving visibility, strengthening operations, modernizing internal systems, and positioning for long-term growth. David and Miriam explore the common barriers slowing small GovCons down, the patterns emerging among companies that are successfully scaling, get a preview of their new Growth Studio and hear why leaders are taking a much harder look at the intersection of people, process, data, and technology as they prepare for what comes next. To connect with Miriam, follow her on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Unanet by visiting their webpage here.
#116
May 29 · 7 min
Built to Last, Built to Scale with Ted Rose
On this episode of The Peel, Shelley McGuire sits down with Ted Rose, Founder & CEO of Rose Financial Solutions, to discuss why financial readiness is becoming one of the most important conversations in GovCon today. As agencies shift priorities and the market continues evolving, Ted shares why now is the time for contractors to reassess their financial infrastructure, business development strategy, and scalability plans heading into the second half of 2026. The conversation previews the upcoming Rose FaaS Conference 2026, “Built to Last, Built to Scale,” and explores how companies can prepare for growth, navigate uncertainty, and position themselves for what’s next. Shelley and Ted also discuss the growing role of AI in financial operations, what it truly means to be audit and M&A ready, and why scalable financial systems are no longer optional for government contractors looking to compete and grow. For more information and to register for the FaaS Conference on June 9, 2026, click here. To connect with Ted, follow him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Rose Financial Solutions at their website here.
#113
May 26 · 30 min
Beyond Modernization: Rethinking Government Technology with CivicActions' Aaron Pava
In this episode of The Peel, Shelley McGuire sits down with Aaron Pava, co-founder and Chief Experience Officer at CivicActions, for a candid conversation about the future of government technology and why the way agencies think about “modernization” may be fundamentally broken. Drawing from decades of experience in open source technology, federal digital services, and procurement reform, Aaron explores how agencies often fall into costly cycles of rebuilding systems instead of investing in long-term stewardship. The discussion dives into the real impact of vendor lock-in, why technical debt continues to grow inside government, and how open source models create lasting public value instead of temporary fixes. Shelley and Aaron also unpack the growing shift toward outcomes-based acquisition, the evolving role of DITAP training, and what procurement reform could mean for the future of federal technology. From healthcare systems and accessibility to digital commons and public code, the conversation highlights how agencies can move away from dependency-driven models and toward building internal capability, transparency, and sustainable infrastructure that truly serves the public long after a contract ends. To connect with Aaron, visit him on LinkedIn here. To learn more about CivicActions, visit their website here.
#112
May 21 · 3 min
The AFCEA Health IT Summit Returns Next Week as Federal Health IT’s Must-Attend Event
The federal health market is moving fast right now. AI adoption is accelerating. Cybersecurity pressures are intensifying. Agencies are being pushed to modernize faster while delivering measurable mission outcomes in an increasingly constrained environment. And next week, many of the leaders shaping those conversations will gather at the AFCEA Health IT Summit, taking place May 26 and 27. Over the past several years, the has evolved into what many across government and industry now view as the premier event for the federal health IT community. The right people show up. The conversations matter. The access is meaningful. Quite frankly, if you operate anywhere in the federal health ecosystem, this is one of those events where being in the room matters. In this conversation, Andrea Snader shares why. Known by many for her leadership role as Sector President at Edgewater Federal Solutions, Andrea has helped lead an organization that has spent more than two decades supporting federal agencies across the full IT lifecycle, from program management and modernization to cybersecurity, systems operations, and mission delivery. She has also become one of the driving forces behind the continued growth and success of the AFCEA Health IT Summit itself. We talk about what makes this event stand apart, why senior leaders across government and industry continue to prioritize it year after year, what attendees should expect next week, and why this year’s summit arrives at such a pivotal moment for the federal health community. If you are planning to attend next week, or still deciding whether you should, this conversation will give you a clear sense of why the AFCEA Health IT Summit has become one of the most important gatherings in the federal health market today. To connect with Andrea, follow her on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Edgewater Federal Solutions by visiting their webpage here.
#111
May 19 · 22 min
Using AI Without Losing the Human Edge in BD with Eric Nusbaum and Dan Abernathy
In this episode of The Peel, Shelley McGuire catches up with ENcompass Consulting Group's Eric Nusbaum, CEO, and Dan Abernathy, CGO and Head of BD Consulting Practice, to discuss the top business development best practices shaping GovCon in 2026. From defining what truly differentiates your company to building smarter pipelines and improving capture strategies, the conversation dives into the evolving realities of federal business development. Eric and Dan share why too many companies treat pipelines as “set it and forget it,” how RFIs are increasingly being used as down-select tools, and why positioning with agencies earlier than ever is becoming critical for success. The discussion also tackles the impact of tighter budgets, DOGE-era staffing cuts, and the rise of fractional BD support models that give companies flexibility without sacrificing growth. And of course, no BD conversation would be complete without AI. The team breaks down where AI can genuinely improve efficiency—and why it still can’t replace human-led relationships, strategy, and capture expertise. To connect with Eric, visit him on LinkedIn here. To connect with Dan, visit him on LinkedIn here. To learn more about ENcompass Consulting Group, visit their website here.
#110
May 12 · 16 min
The Future of Emergency Response Training: AI Meets Augmented Reality with Alton Robinson and Angela Leavell
What happens when AI, augmented reality, and emergency response training come together? On this episode of The Peel, Shelley McGuire sits down with Angela Leavell of APV and Alton Robinson of the Air Force Civil Engineer Center to explore the future of firefighter and emergency response training. Fresh off being recognized at the FXP event for their U.S. Air Force Civil Engineer Center (AFCEC) | Fire & Emergency Services Certification Program, Angela and Alton share how their AR Incident Commander and AI Mentor project is transforming traditional learning into immersive, interactive experiences. Instead of “death by PowerPoint,” trainees step into realistic scenarios where AI acts as a responsive digital coach—guiding decisions, reinforcing concepts, and building confidence in high-stakes environments. Alton reflects on his 35+ years as a firefighter and Air Force Chief, while Angela explains how emerging technologies are reshaping e-learning for today’s workforce. Together, they discuss how immersive training improves engagement, increases readiness, and reduces risk while preparing the next generation of emergency responders. If you’re curious about the future of training, AI in government, or how technology is redefining mission readiness, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss. To connect with Angela, follow her on LinkedIn here. Learn more about AVP at their website here. To connect with Alton, follow him on LinkedIn here.

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