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GovClose | Start Winning Government Contracts

GovClose | Start Winning Government Contracts

By: Richard C. Howard
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The single biggest purchaser of goods and services in the world is the US government. Learn the step by step process of winning government contracts from former procurement officer Lt Col (ret) Richard C. Howard. We cover: sam.gov, Other Transaction Authority (OTA), GSA, government contracting leads, small business, subcontracts, GWACS, sole source contracts, federal certifications including: 8(a), SDVOSB The GovClose Training Program: https://www.govclose.com Get the Government Contract Planner Free at: https://www.dodcontract.com Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/govclose/Richard C. Howard Economics
Episodes
  • How Government Contract Funding Works (and how to make it work for you)
    Feb 18 2026

    Register for the LIVE GovClose Workshop! Houston TX 25 March 2025https://www.govclose.com/workshopGovClose Certification Overview: https://www.govclose.comMost companies think government funding works like a normal bank account. It does not.The federal government uses strict funding rules tied to appropriation law, fiscal year timing, and what is commonly called the “Colors of Money.” These rules determine whether a contract can legally be awarded, not just whether an agency says it has funding available.In this video, I break down the three-part framework that controls every federal dollar: purpose, time, and amount. You will learn how funding categories like Operations and Maintenance (O&M), Research Development Test and Evaluation (RDT&E), Procurement, and Military Construction (MilCon) impact contract timing, pipeline forecasting, and win probability.I also explain fallout funds and why a large percentage of federal contract obligations happen in Q4. Understanding how funding expires, when agencies identify excess funds, and how experienced contractors position early can change how you build and forecast your federal pipeline.This lesson is based on real acquisition experience and federal spending data patterns. Fall Out FundsThis video is for government contractors, federal sales teams, consultants, and companies entering the federal market who want to understand how government funding actually drives contract awards.Chapters00:00 Why Government Money Is Different From Commercial Money00:45 The Three Rules That Control Federal Spending: Purpose Time Amount02:45 Colors of Money Explained: O&M RDT&E Procurement MilCon03:45 Why Funding Type Determines If You Can Win The Contract04:30 Federal Fiscal Year Timing And Funding Obligation Windows05:45 How Funding Timelines Change Contract Award Timing07:00 Questions Smart Contractors Ask About Government Funding09:30 Why Roughly 40 Percent Of Federal Obligations Happen In Q410:00 Fallout Funds And End Of Year Federal Spending Patterns11:30 How Contractors Position Early For Fallout Funds Opportunities

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    13 mins
  • The Hobby That Earns $200M in Government Contracts
    Feb 11 2026

    Have you ever wondered if you could get paid for something you already enjoy doing?In this video, I break down real examples of hobbies that the U.S. federal government is actively spending millions of dollars on every year. Most people think government contracting is only about defense systems, IT, or construction. The reality is very different. The federal government is the single largest buyer of goods and services in the world, and that includes areas most people would never expect.We’re talking about government contracts tied to yoga instruction and wellness programs, ATV and off-road vehicle training, 3D printing and additive manufacturing, foreign language translation and interpretation, and even professional dog training services. These are not edge cases. These are recurring federal spending categories that create real opportunities for small businesses, consultants, and professionals who understand how federal procurement works.00:00 Can You Get Paid for Your Hobby? Government Contract Reality00:45 Yoga Government Contracts 02:05 ATV and Off-Road Vehicle Government Contracts 03:15 3D Printing | Additive Manufacturing 04:30 Foreign Language 06:30 Dog Training Government Contracts 09:00 How to Research Government Contracts on SAM.gov 09:30 How Government Contracting Actually Works 10:00 Three Ways to Make Money Using Government Contracting Expertise

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    11 mins
  • No One Says 'I Want to be a Government Contractor'
    Feb 3 2026

    GovClose Certification Overview: https://www.govclose.comFormer banker Micah Dixon reveals how he helped an 8(a)Afirm win $9 million in federal contracts within 12-18 months using mentor-protégé agreements and joint ventures. In this interview, Micah breaks down advanced government contracting strategies that most small businesses miss—including why less than 0.25% of U.S. small businesses sell to the government and how to avoid the revenue cliff that kills most eight-A companies after graduation.Micah shares insider knowledge on joint ventures, mentor-protégé programs, affiliation rules, and the strategic approach that separates winning contractors from those who struggle.CHAPTERS:0:00 Introduction - Why Government Rules Actually Help Small Business3:15 The Joint Venture Strategy 8:30 Real Results: $9 Million in Contracts Using Mentor-Protégé15:30 Why Micah Joined GovClose and What Makes It Different21:30 The Strategic Side of Government Contracting (Not Cold Calling)29:15 Helping Real People: Why Government Contracts Matter33:00 Who Should Use Mentor-Protégé and Joint VenturesCONNECT WITH MICAH DIXON:LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/micahdickson/ABOUT GOVCLOSE:GovClose is the leading government contracting certification program for small businesses, consultants, and business development professionals. Learn the proven system to win federal contracts without paid advertising.🔗 Learn more: https://www.govclose.com#GovernmentContracting #EightA #SmallBusiness #FederalContracts #MentorProtege

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    35 mins
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