Why Payment Delays Are Killing Small Contractors (And How to Beat Them)

On today's episode of The Daily Windup, our guest shares insights on the shortage of subcontractors, leading to difficulties in finding reliable suppliers for projects, especially in certain regions like South Florida. We discuss the impact of subcontractor performance on projects and explore strategies for handling escalating costs in government contracts. Negotiating fair prices and creating a level playing field for subcontractors are essential considerations. We also explore how to build the capacity of small businesses to handle larger and more complex projects and the importance of upfront conversations with stakeholders to avoid surprises. Lastly, we touch on the significance of timely payments to small businesses for a smooth workflow and project success. Join us as we uncover valuable lessons and actionable steps from our guest's experiences. Remember, The Daily Windup is all about 10 minutes of action with zero time wasted. Tune in tomorrow for more exciting insights and success stories from the world of entrepreneurship. Stay inspired and stay tuned!

You ever felt like the rules of government contracting change before you can even understand them? In this episode, I sat down with Emily Murphy—former GSA Administrator and current head of Government Procurement Strategies—to break down everything you need to know about the FAR Rewrite and how it impacts small businesses, AI, commercial solutions, and contract consolidation. We’re talking about sweeping changes being implemented within 24 hours, missing references to small businesses in key parts of the FAR (yes, even the Rule of Two!), and the major shift toward modular IT procurement and AI oversight. If you think the FAR rewrite is just another bureaucratic update, think again. Emily didn’t just drop buzzwords—she revealed why small businesses might be squeezed out if they're not proactive, how a $10K change in micro-purchase thresholds could save $30M, and what this means for the future of contracting officers, procurement strategies, and vendor access. We also dove into the executive orders pushing these changes, what consolidation under GSA means for your pipeline, and why contracting delays are costing your business more than you think. This is essential listening for every BD lead, small business owner, or contractor trying to survive FY25. Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/zpvM1bU269Y Emily's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilywebstermurphy/  Acquisition Website: https://www.acquisition.gov/  For trusted government contract financing, visit encoregov.com. To level up your skills, watch free trainings and connect with our expert coaches at federalhelpcenter.com.

In this episode of The Daily Windup, Eric Coffie introduces us to a former corporate professional, Yolanda Clarke who struggled to find their place in the competitive job market despite multiple degrees and valuable experience. Yolanda, shares her journey of constantly fighting to reach the elusive "middle" in their career. She discuss the challenges of seeking opportunities in the defense industry and the difficulties faced by military spouses in finding stable employment. She reveals how a pivotal moment in her life led them to make a bold decision to pursue a different path. She eventually found their purpose in a venture related to the Powder River Basin, a significant geographical feature from their hometown in Wyoming. The episode touches upon the origin of the venture's name and the personal connection that drives her entrepreneurial pursuit. The interview concludes with a light-hearted discussion about their destination wedding in Sanibel and the contrast between Florida's warmth and Wyoming's freezing temperatures. Tune in now!

In this episode of The Daily Windup we delve into the crucial but often overlooked aspect of pricing in contracting. Our guest, a seasoned contractor, shares his experiences of working with small businesses and the constant queries they receive about pricing jobs. He also emphasizes the importance of asking the right pricing questions and how it can make or break a contract. Recounting their journey of learning the intricacies of pricing, including the mistakes made along the way, and the need to unlearn certain misconceptions from their time in a large business. The episode provides insights into determining wrap rates, overhead, and profit, and the importance of conducting thorough market research to negotiate rates effectively. Listeners gain valuable advice on setting milestones for success and the significance of real costs when securing initial contracts. Join us tomorrow for another enlightening episode of The Daily Windup.

In this episode of The Daily Windup, we delve into the crucial role of the New York State Department of Labor and its significance in protecting workers and small businesses alike. Our guest, a former New York State Labor Inspector General, shares invaluable insights gained from 12 years in government service. We explore the origins of the Department of Labor, which was formed as a response to the tragic Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, and how it continues to advocate for the rights and safety of workers. Our guest highlights the various aspects of their work, including overseeing civil and criminal investigations, internal audits, and government contracting. Certified payroll procedures are discussed, emphasizing the importance of accuracy and adherence to prevailing wage rates. We learn about common issues faced by businesses, such as misclassifications and wage discrepancies, which can lead to significant liabilities. Tune in for essential tips on safeguarding your business and ensuring compliance with labor laws. Protecting workers and supporting small businesses go hand in hand, and this episode provides valuable knowledge to entrepreneurs navigating the complex landscape of labor regulations in New York State. Join us for this eye-opening conversation on The Daily Windup!

In today's episode of the Daily Windup, we dive into the world of government contracts and how startups can navigate this complex landscape. Our speakers discuss the importance of FedRAMP certification and how it can open doors for small businesses. They share valuable advice on building a track record and finding the right niche to deliver value to government agencies. Our guest, an experienced entrepreneur, shares the story of how they secured their first government contract and the valuable lessons they learned along the way. From dealing with pricing challenges to overcoming the initial hurdles of being a new player in the market, this episode provides invaluable insights for startups seeking to make their mark in the government space. So, tune in to learn from the experiences of seasoned entrepreneurs and discover the keys to success when it comes to breaking into government contracts. Brought to you by alchemy gov - When Connections Matter Most.

Ever wonder why you keep losing government contracts while the big guys stay winning? It’s because 95% of opportunities never even hit SAM.gov — they’re locked up in existing contract vehicles you don’t know how to tap. Today, I brought on Ryan Atencio, a boots-on-the-ground expert who learned federal contracting from the inside as a special operations buyer. He’s revealing exactly how veterans and folks with base access can skip the line and win sole-source deals — even with zero past performance. If you’re a vet or have military installation access, you’re sitting on a goldmine — and Ryan shows you how to turn it into real revenue. Stop fighting for scraps and start shaping requirements directly with the people who write the checks. Ready to take action? Book your free assessment call right now at govconeric.com/call and see if you’re one of the five new businesses we’ll help break in this month. Ready to win smarter and get the support you need? For trusted government contract financing, visit encoregov.com. To level up your skills, watch free trainings and connect with our expert coaches at federalhelpcenter.com. Ryan Atencio Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-a-75b1a3172/ 

In this episode of The Daily Windup, Eric speaks with Brian, an entrepreneur and compliance officer, about his experiences in the government contracting industry. Brian's firm specializes in working with government agencies on various projects, focusing on compliance and driving opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses (MWBEs). Brian shares how his office in Manhattan transitioned to remote work during the pandemic, and he emphasizes the importance of living near an airport to serve clients nationwide. They discuss the types of projects Brian's firm handles, ranging from smaller contracts with MWBE requirements to large-scale projects worth millions. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by smaller businesses working with larger primes and how Brian's firm ensures a level playing field and fair treatment. Listeners learn about the struggles of cash flow for smaller entities, and Brian provides insights into how they support these businesses through innovative payment schedules. The episode concludes with a focus on the ultimate goal of driving growth for MWBEs, enabling them to outgrow their certifications and graduate as successful and independent companies. Join us for this insightful episode on empowering small businesses and fostering growth in government contracts. Tune in for more episodes of The Daily Windup, where we highlight the stories of successful entrepreneurs in under 10 minutes.

Welcome to a new episode of The Daily Windup! Today, I had the pleasure of speaking with Yolanda Clark, CEO of Powder River Industries, a small business that has successfully navigated the world of defense contracts and specialized in DevSecOps and infrastructure as code services. Yolanda shared her journey of bringing stability to her business by establishing headquarters in Wyoming while her spouse serves in the military. In our conversation, Yolanda explained the intricacies of DevSecOps, clarifying that it involves coding within secure environments, ensuring software compliance with cyber requirements from day one. We also discussed the differences between FedRAMP and their services, with Yolanda highlighting how they provide support at a specific point within the lifecycle for their defense customers. Listen now to learn more!

In this episode of The Daily Windup, we sit down with Brian Savage based in New York, to discuss his role as the principal leader of regulatory compliance and investigations. Brian sheds light on his team of 20 individuals, who specialize in forensic compliance and investigative work, catering to both government and private entities. Brian's team plays a crucial role in helping large corporations meet their compliance goals and ensure they are in line with the government's regulations. They identify suitable candidates, conduct outreach sessions, and facilitate introductions to ensure a diverse pool of bidders. Additionally, they work as compliance officers for the government, ensuring that contracts meet specific diversity goals, even when multiple funding streams are involved. Join us on The Daily Windup as we delve into the fascinating world of regulatory compliance and how it drives diversity and business opportunities for all. Don't miss this insightful episode.