Get the full DOE report on Substack: https://federalytics.substack.com/p/the-186-billion-small-business-roadmapGovernment Contracting 101: https://www.govclose.comFull DOE Intelligence Report (Federalytics): federalytics.substack.comDOE Contracts: Two Markets, One Oligopoly — Where Small Businesses (and Investors) Actually WinThe Department of Energy awarded $186B in contracts in recent years — but $79B is concentrated in a nuclear-weapons oligopoly dominated by five M&O primes.

If you’re a small business (or investing in one), the play isn’t to storm the wall — it’s to navigate the $100B+ opportunity zone where competition is lower, vehicles are direct, and outcomes are repeatable. This briefing shows: which offices to target, which NAICS to favor, why GSA MAS barely matters at DOE, how to leverage subcontracting pathways into the Big Five, and how the GAO’s $1.1B compliance finding creates a verification edge for disciplined firms.Who this is forFounders and BD leaders selling to DOE/NNSAPE/VC investors & boards pressure-testing pipeline quality, CAC to CLV, and competitive moats in federal marketsCorporate strategy teams evaluating inorganic roll-ups in R&D, engineering, and EM servicesWhat you’ll learn:

DOE’s “two-economy” reality: no-entry M&O vs. accessible direct-award ecosystem

Office-level and NAICS-level tactics to avoid high-bidder bloodbaths

How to use subcontracting to wedge into the nuclear complex supply chain

Why the GAO small-business audit (~$1.1B) signals tighter verification — and how to capitalize on itTimestamps (SEO-optimized for YouTube + AI search)00:00 DOE $186B overview00:20 Federalytics report00:40 NNSA M&O no-entry01:00 The Big Five labs01:20 $107B opportunity zone01:40 Target offices to win02:00 Competition math (offers)02:20 Vehicles that work at DOE02:40 NAICS picks to target03:00 Rule of 5 filter03:20 Subcontracting paths03:40 GAO $1.1B compliance04:00 GovClose playbook04:20 Next steps + dataLinks• Full DOE Intelligence Report (Federalytics): federalytics.substack.com• Learn to sell to government & build multiple revenue streams (GovClose): govclose.comConnect with Rick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/govclose/Notes & context“Offers per award” is a proxy for competition. Lower is better for small businesses and for investors modeling win-rates and BD efficiency.Figures reflect recent DOE awards where competition data is reported; incomplete records are excluded for accuracy.This content is for market intelligence and strategy; it’s not legal advice.

Get free training on breaking into government contracting: https://www.govclose.com

Deep dive on the analytics behind AI in this week's edition of Federalytics: https://federalytics.substack.com/p/federal-ai-contract-intelligenceEveryone’s talking about AI agents and AI assistance – and the U.S. government is listening. In this video, a former DoD acquisitions officer (managed $82 Billion in Defense contracts) reveals how AI companies and developers can sell to the government.

We break down real examples of government AI contracts already in action:Dept. of Education’s “Aiden” chatbot: navigating student loans via an AI assistant (proof-of-concept on a special contract vehicle).

VA (Veterans Affairs) AI chatbots: small contracts (under $10M) with startups to help vets access benefits – a great entry point for new players.

Navy’s office assistant GPT: a prototype AI tool the Navy aims to deploy service-wide to enhance productivity.Air Force & DARPA’s AI agents: autonomous AI pilots flew a fighter jet (X-62A) in simulated dogfights and won – AI for defense is here.

Why it matters: Federal agencies are investing in AI solutions right now. But winning these contracts means understanding how the government buys (think contract vehicles, SAM.gov, “sources sought” notices, etc.). This video shows you how to navigate the process and position your AI product for AI for defense and public sector success. Whether you’re a veteran transitioning out, a federal professional, or a tech entrepreneur, these insights will help you sell to the government and join the AI government contracting boom.

Don’t let the AI agents revolution pass you by – the Pentagon isn’t waiting on AI assistance and agents, and neither should you.

Explore the GovClose Certification – Fast-track your career with our premier GovCon training program and certification.https://www.govclose.com/govclose-certification-program

Follow on LinkedIn and stay updated with daily tips from our founder (former USAF contracting officer) https://www.linkedin.com/in/govclose/Schedule a Enrollment

Consultation: https://www.govclose.com/enrollment-interview#aiassistant #aiagent #agentsinartificialintelligence

FREE Training: https://www.govclose.comSchedule a Enrollment Consultation: https://www.govclose.com/enrollment-interviewGovClose Certification OVERVIEW: https://www.govclose.com/govclose-certification-programHow does a small cybersecurity company land a government contract with the U.S. Army worth $1.8 million? In this interview, Harold shares how he used the GovClose strategy to identify opportunities, build relationships with the Army’s small business office, and execute a subcontracting strategy that opened the door to federal contracting success.We break down his journey from first outreach to contract award, and why help desk support and network security are some of the hottest federal spending categories right now. If you’re trying to break into government contracting, subcontracting is one of the fastest ways to win early and scale from there.Watch this interview to learn:- How Harold went from training to a $1.8M Army contract- Why small business offices can be the key to success- The subcontracting strategy that works again and again- What it takes to scale a cybersecurity company in federal salesReach out to Harold:https://www.linkedin.com/in/harold-kwigova/Follow me on LinkedIn for free live training: https://www.linkedin.com/in/govcloseWant to start your own consulting business in federal contracting? Learn more at https://govclose.comTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction: Harold’s $1.8M Army contract win01:00 – Using Army acquisition forecasts to find opportunities02:15 – How the Small Business Office opened the right doors03:00 – Harold’s cybersecurity niche: network security & Palo Alto firewalls04:15 – From college football to government contracting06:00 – The subcontracting strategy that landed the contract07:15 – Breaking into the Army help desk and IT support arena08:30 – Why few companies bid on these overlooked contracts09:30 – Building relationships with contracting officers early11:00 – Hiring staff and executing on a multi-year Army contract12:15 – Scaling a small business in the government contracting market13:45 – The power of the GovClose community for teaming & scaling15:15 – Revenue goals and building a $15M+ pipeline18:00 – Certifications (8a, SDVOSB, etc.) and when they matter20:00 – Advice for entrepreneurs entering federal contracting21:30 – Why persistence, research, and mentorship are key23:00 – Final thoughts and Harold’s vision for the future

Get the GovClose Certification: https://www.govclose.com/sales-certificationZach Selch has been called the most interesting salesman in the world. He’s sold in 135 countries, closed deals with over 100 governments, and built global sales empires. In this interview,

Zach breaks down what it really takes to win overseas—whether you’re selling helicopters, hospital systems, or software.We dive into the hidden world of international sales—patience, persistence, politics, and the wild stories you’ll never hear in business school.If you want to understand how to break into global markets and government contracting, this is for you.Zach's information:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/international-sales-growth/

Global Sales Mentor: globalsalesmentor.com

Want to hire Zach as a keynote speaker? themostinterestingsalesmanintheworld.comWatch NextHow to win gov contracts in 2025: https://youtu.be/z1wl3GS5TIsChapters00:00 – The $30M deal won before the RFP02:00 – Who is Zach Selch?03:00 – Selling in 135 countries and 100 governments05:00 – Helicopters and billion-dollar defense markets07:00 – Why Brazil can beat the U.S. in sales09:00 – Waiting nine days in Nigeria’s ministry lobby12:00 – Why U.S. job titles don’t matter overseas14:30 – How the caste system shapes Indian sales17:00 – Winning a Thailand deal by refusing to leave20:00 – Selling when you don’t know the language22:00 – Why 94% of markets are outside the U.S.25:00 – Locking out rivals by writing the specs29:00 – The Reliance Telecom story: $30M order33:00 – Products that flop in U.S. but thrive abroad36:00 – How veterans can thrive in international sales41:00 – Sales training for vets and cold call fear45:00 – Turning military skills into sales leadership47:00 – Military service creates instant rapport abroad49:00 – Meeting Rwanda’s health chief in 3 hours50:00 – How to connect with Zach Selch

Get the GovClose Certification: https://www.govclose.com/sales-certification Free Book Download: https://www.dodcontract.com/In this video, former Air Force acquisitions officer Richard C. Howard (Lt Col Ret) breaks down a surprising new procurement trend: the Department of Defense quietly spending millions on GLP-1 weight loss drugs like Ozempic.We cover:The explosive year-over-year growth in military spending on these drugs.Why the Pentagon is buying them and which agencies are involved.The role of sole source contracting and patents in this space.Policy drivers like VA and Tricare coverage.How small businesses can position themselves for opportunities through subcontracting and partnerships.If you want to start your own consulting business in government contracting, land a high-paying public sector sales role, or scale your company’s government sales pipeline—visit https://govclose.comAnd follow me on LinkedIn for free live training and insights: https://www.linkedin.com/in/govclose/Timestamps / Chapters00:00 – Pentagon spending on GLP-1 drugs: What’s driving demand?00:30 – $123M in GLP-1 contracts: Why these numbers matter01:15 – Why average number of offers is only one (sole source explained)01:45 – Who is Rick Howard? Military acquisitions background02:15 – Ozempic and GLP-1 drugs: Why the Pentagon is buying them02:45 – How government contracting data reveals hidden trends03:00 – Who’s actually buying? DLA Troop Support in Philadelphia03:30 – Why government sales is different from B2B or B2C04:00 – Why knowing the exact buyer office is critical in federal sales04:30 – Breaking down products vs. services in GLP-1 procurement04:45 – Policy drivers: VA, Medicare, and Tricare coverage of GLP-1 drugs05:45 – Why Pentagon spending is just a “flash in the pan” compared to industry revenues06:00 – The real opportunity: growth rate + procurement structure06:15 – How contractors can find second- and third-order opportunities06:30 – Prime vs. subcontracting: positioning for success in federal contracting07:00 – Preview of next video: Cybersecurity procurement trends#GLP-1 drugs in #governmentcontracting #ozempic DOD spending, #pentagon

In the GovClose Certification Program, our students learn the government contracting skills to:

1. Start their own consulting business that can earn up to $400k as a “solopreneur” advising businesses that sell to the government.

2. Land high-paying sales executive jobs with companies selling to the government.

From Special Ops to the Pentagon: Forrest Underwood on AI, Startups, and the Future of Defense Contracting

Forrest Underwood’s career spans flying MC-130Js for Special Operations, standing up new squadrons overseas, embedding with SOCOM on urgent missions, working with Silicon Valley venture capital firms, and now serving as Chief of Joint Investment Strategies at the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the CEO of Evergreen Industries

In this conversation, Forrest explains:

• How AI, cyber, and space tech companies can break into defense contracting.

• Why “product–mission fit” is the key to winning contracts without wasting resources.

• The cultural speed gap between Special Operations and traditional acquisition.

• How the Forged Act, Speed Act, OTAs, and acquisition reform will change the landscape.

• Why the best product doesn’t always win — and how to fix it.

If you’re a founder, tech leader, or government contracting professional, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you navigate — and win in — the defense market.

Connect with Forrest on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/forrestunderwood/

Timestamps / Chapters
00:00 – The calm before the storm in defense acquisitions
00:40 – AI writing proposals for AI: The growing noise problem
01:15 – Special Ops speed: Delivering tech in under 24 hours
02:00 – Forrest Underwood: From pilot to defense tech strategist
03:00 – The grocery store encounter that launched an Air Force career
04:00 – Air Force Academy prep school: Building future officers
05:00 – Pilot training pipeline and aircraft assignments
07:00 – C-130J missions in Europe and Africa
09:00 – Standing up an MC-130J squadron in Okinawa
11:00 – Transitioning to joint staff roles in Stuttgart
14:00 – SOCOM immersion in Silicon Valley venture capital
15:00 – Working with VC firms on AI, cyber, and space tech
17:00 – The cultural speed gap in acquisitions
19:00 – Overnight integration of mission-critical tech
22:00 – Moving into acquisitions leadership at OSD
23:00 – Managing $200B in annual defense investments
24:00 – Founding Evergreen Industries and product–mission fit
28:00 – Navigating the valley of death in defense innovation
29:00 – OTAs, SBIRs, DIU, and accelerating acquisition
30:00 – Forged Act, Speed Act, and acquisition reform
32:00 – Why quality beats volume in proposals
34:00 – Non-traditionals vs. primes in the new acquisition era
36:00 – Cybersecurity compliance and small business challenges
39:00 – Why the best product doesn’t always win
40:00 – Mapping capabilities to joint warfighting needs
42:00 – Accelerating serious companies into DOD contracts
45:00 – Sell it first, build it second in defense tech
46:00 – Validating demand before developing solutions
47:00 – Discovery-driven selling in the DOD
49:00 – Understanding frustrations on both sides of the process
50:00 – How acquisitions officers evaluate new tech
53:00 – Where defense tech funding is headed

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The AI gold rush is real—and the federal government is pouring billions into data-center buildouts and high-performance computing infrastructure.In this live session, former government acquisitions officer, Richard Howard, shows you exactly how the government buys these types of services, products, and technology, how to sell to the U.S. government, and what's to come with this administration's investments in AI and data centers.Learn government contracting and start your own consulting business or land a six-figure salaried position as an Account Executive: https://govclose.com/We’ll use the GovClose MVP analyzer to break down:1. Which agencies and offices are spending the most on AI infrastructure2. How competitive each opportunity is (based on # of offers received)3. Which Product Service Codes (PSC) and NAICS codes are most effective for targeting this market4. And how to position yourself or your company to win in FY25Whether you're a small business, tech supplier, infrastructure builder, or consultant, this session will show you how to uncover real opportunities and get in before the next wave of spending hits.We’ll also cover Trump’s latest AI executive order and how it’s reshaping federal technology priorities—with data centers now requiring natural gas turbines, power transmission lines, and even small nuclear reactors.This is not theory. It’s a live demo using actual contract data.You’ll see how I breakdown government spending data to create true actionable insights. You’ll learn how to filter out noise and focus on high-value contracts with low competition.If you’re looking to sell or consult in AI, cloud, or data infrastructure, don’t miss this!#datacenter #federalspending #aiconsulting #ai

In the GovClose Certification Program our students learn the government contracting skills to:1. Start their own consulting business that can earn up to $400k as a "solopreneur" advising businesses that sell to the government.2. Land high-paying sales executive jobs with companies selling to the government.3. Build predictable pipelines and win government contracts.In this video, I walk you through the tools, tech, and AI I personally use to win in government contracting — the real stack, not the gimmicks. From traditional tools that haven’t failed me in decades to emerging AI platforms and niche solutions for teaming, subcontracting, and market research, I show you what actually works and how I use it. No sponsorships. No sales pitches. Just the truth.Watch Next: How to land your first $4K a month client: https://youtu.be/ETCClaw-los📑 Chapters00:00 – Why the right tools matter in GovCon01:00 – Reviewing TeamingPro live: first impressions05:15 – GovE: unlocking hidden contract vehicles09:00 – How to actually team and win: the mindset11:45 – WhisperFlow: my unfair advantage for writing faster15:30 – Using ChatGPT properly in government contracting 20:30 – Crafting proposals they actually read (section by section)23:00 – Why CRMs make or break your pipeline25:30 – Canva: yes, Canva — and why it works30:15 – Video tools (Descript & Tradewinds pitches) you need now38:00 – Old standbys: USAspending, SAM.gov, GovWin IQ44:00 – Final thoughts: what tools to invest in nowJOIN the GovClose CommunityRING the bell 🔔 on my LinkedIn profile for real-world GovCon insights👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/govclose/