277: She Was a Stay-at-Home Mom—Now She’s a Government Consultant
Release Date: 06/01/2025
The FASTEST Way to LOSE a Government Contract After You Win It
Govcon Giants Podcast
In this episode of the Federal Help Center Podcast, Eric Coffie breaks down one of the most dangerous mistakes contractors make when bidding on government work: overpromising what they can’t realistically deliver. From unrealistic response times and staffing promises to inflated delivery schedules and “state-of-the-art” claims that don’t yet exist, Eric explains how desperation to win can quietly sabotage performance after award. He also unpacks how this behavior raises red flags for evaluators—especially in Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) procurements—where honesty and...
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This ONE Proposal Habit Is QUIETLY DISQUALIFYING You!
Govcon Giants Podcast
In this episode of the Federal Help Center Podcast, Eric Coffie breaks down one of the most common—and costly—mistakes contractors make in proposals: restating requirements instead of demonstrating understanding. Eric explains why copy-and-paste language fails evaluators and how winning proposals clearly show why requirements matter, how work will be executed, and what impact it has on the agency’s mission. Using real examples from a winning proposal, Eric walks through how to turn a PWS into operational reality—showing evaluators that you understand sequencing, mission sensitivity,...
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308: From 90% Revenue LOSS to 2 Prime WINS: The Relationship Strategy That Worked For Christine Hopkins
Govcon Giants Podcast
In this episode, Eric Coffie sits down with Christine Hopkins, the CEO behind ASCII Federal Services, a 4PL (fourth-party logistics) company that manages end-to-end supply chain—from procurement and tracking to warehousing, inventory optimization, deliveries, and disposal. Christine shares how an existential crisis during COVID wiped out nearly 90% of revenue, forcing a bold pivot into federal contracting through restructuring ownership, becoming a Woman-Owned Small Business, and leveraging commercial past performance to compete. She walks through her methodical approach: getting...
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The Quiet Tools Smart Contractors Use to Uncover Locked Doors
Govcon Giants Podcast
In this episode of the Federal Help Center Podcast, Randie Ward pulls back the curtain on one of the most frustrating barriers in GovCon: finding the right person to talk to. From leveraging tools like ZoomInfo and federal data sources to dissecting agency budgets and understanding why program managers are intentionally harder to find, this episode shows how winning contractors turn research into access. Eric also explains why relationship-building isn’t about one email or one call—it’s about consistent, informed follow-ups that position you as prepared, professional, and serious long...
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Why Program Managers Don’t Respond—And What to Do Anyway
Govcon Giants Podcast
In this episode of the Federal Help Center Podcast, Randie Ward breaks down one of the most overlooked but powerful strategies in government contracting: using industry day materials to identify and connect with real decision-makers before opportunities hit the street. Randie explains how experienced contractors mine industry day PDFs for program managers, division chiefs, and project leads—and how those early relationships create warm introductions, credibility, and access that most small businesses never get. This episode reinforces a critical mindset shift: relationships are built...
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Why “Just Submitting the Bid” Is a Losing Government Contracting Strategy
Govcon Giants Podcast
In this episode of the Federal Help Center Podcast, Randie Ward walks newer contractors through the unsexy but critical research process most small businesses skip—how to identify the real decision makers behind a federal requirement. From tracking solicitation numbers and awards in SAM.gov to using LinkedIn, forecast lists, and small business offices, Randie shows how winning contractors play investigator long before submitting a bid. The episode reinforces a hard truth in GovCon: if you don’t know who the customer is, you’re not competing—you’re guessing. Key Takeaways The...
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Why Contracting Officers Aren’t the Real Decision Makers
Govcon Giants Podcast
In this episode of the Federal Help Center Podcast, Randie Ward breaks down the critical difference between tactical and strategic contracting. Randie walks through how experienced contractors identify expiring contracts, research incumbent awards, and uncover the real people behind the requirement—before the RFP ever hits SAM.gov. The episode reinforces a core truth in federal contracting: winning isn’t about reacting to opportunities, it’s about positioning early through relationships with the program office and end users. Key Takeaways SAM.gov is a tool—not a strategy ...
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307: After 32 Years as a CONTRACTING OFFICER, Here’s Why Most Small Businesses LOSE with Shelley Hall
Govcon Giants Podcast
In this episode of the Govcon Giants Podcast, Eric Coffie sits down with Shelley Hall, a former warranted contracting officer with 32 years inside the federal government and now VP of Client Services at Skyway Acquisition Solutions. Shelly shares a rare behind-the-desk perspective—from her time supporting Air Force and Space Force missions to helping contractors navigate today’s chaotic procurement landscape. She explains why not all agencies shut down, where opportunities still exist, and why contractors who stay flexible and informed continue to win—even when others panic. The...
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Why Most SAM.gov RFPs Are TRAPS (And How to Avoid Them!)
Govcon Giants Podcast
Not every RFP on SAM.gov is worth chasing—and bidding the wrong ones can drain your time, money, and momentum. In this Federal Help Center episode, Ryan Atencio breaks down how to spot “pre-wired” solicitations, why ultra-specific requirements are often a warning sign, and how smart contractors win by understanding the end user, not just the contracting office. From badge flipping strategies to targeting the real technical decision-makers, this episode pulls back the curtain on how contracts actually get awarded—and how small businesses can position themselves to win without burning...
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The Federal Contracting Mistake That Keeps You INVISIBLE!
Govcon Giants Podcast
Federal contracts aren’t won by chasing contracting officers or blindly responding to solicitations—they’re captured by getting to the customer first. In this episode, Ryan Atencio explains how large integrators lock in work by identifying key stakeholders, shaping requirements early, and turning services and supplies into unbeatable solutions. From becoming an “unbeatable incumbent” to using custom kits, access control strategies, and technical point-of-contact leverage, this episode reveals how contracts are quietly secured long before competition ever begins. Key Takeaways ...
info_outlineIn today’s episode, we’re spotlighting Angela Chamberlain, a first-generation Filipino-American and stay-at-home mom who took a bold leap into government contracting—and landed big. With no background in construction, no federal experience, and no traditional “qualifications,” Angela trusted her gut, followed the GovCon Giants blueprint, and turned her mornings into momentum. From hearing me on the Trucking Hustle podcast to closing her first consulting deal and helping a local HVAC company win a $250,000 contract, her story is all about grit, heart, and taking aligned action.
Angela breaks down her journey—from waking up at 5AM to study while her kids slept, to attending matchmaking events, forming strategic partnerships, and getting her client ready for bonding and bidding. You’ll hear how she turned curiosity into clarity, made connections at preschool fundraisers, and proved that intuition plus execution is a winning formula. If you’ve been waiting for the right time to jump in—this is your sign. Let’s dive into how she built her confidence, launched her consulting biz, and changed not only her life, but someone else’s too.
Watch the episode on Youtube here: https://youtu.be/iDoWRgp99fA
Govcon Coaching: https://www.govconcoaching.com/home63196883