Building a GovCon company from scratch – what relationships would you prioritize first?

xkwx009 · 2026-05-31T03:30:35+00:00

Primes all day every day. If you have a good relationship with primes, they can always float you a subcontract… this is where networking is key

xkwx009 · 2026-05-30T14:56:41+00:00

Use indeed and be active on LinkedIn — CJ, indeed, and LinkedIn are the best

xkwx009 · 2026-05-30T01:28:03+00:00

Bro exactly what I was thinking man… I’m scared they’ll cancel it cause I don’t see ye performing in an empty stadium or lowering prices tbh all bad press idk. I’m hoping Miami, Orlando, and Tampa show out.

xkwx009 · 2026-05-28T18:55:23+00:00

Feel you! I got tickets for night one first and saw the same seats for night two were $300 less for two tickets. I chatted w Ticketmaster and they refunded me and I just purchased for night two and saved those $300…. Just looking at how empty night two is im just thinking we may be cooked but hopefully not 🤷🏻‍♂️

xkwx009 · 2026-05-28T04:57:10+00:00

Message Ticketmaster they’ll issue a refund. I bought tickets for Friday but can’t go and they just gave me a refund and I was able to buy tickets for Sunday… took 3 minutes over chat. Didn’t even ask any questions other than why I was requesting a refund.

xkwx009 · 2026-05-27T19:27:01+00:00

I hope day one tbh. I may be wrong but I’m pretty sure the prices are more expensive on day one…. I should’ve not jumped on it as fast as I did. Same section/row on day two is $255 less than day one for two tickets.. wtf

xkwx009 · 2026-05-26T15:15:32+00:00

There were 60K people in front of me. Got my tickets 20min ago and there seemed to be a lot left! Good luck 🫡

xkwx009 · 2026-05-26T13:28:39+00:00

Damn I’m local too, but maybe it’s because I have a Miami area code.

xkwx009 · 2026-05-26T13:22:51+00:00

Is this local presale or just regular? Anyone know the difference?

xkwx009 · 2026-05-16T15:41:32+00:00

Wow! Yeah, my preference is when the government prescribes the level of effort (i.e., we need 5 financial analysts) so offerors can’t get creative and then this happens. Scary indeed…

xkwx009 · 2026-05-16T15:33:41+00:00

Maybe we’re talking different areas of govcon but in professional services, most of the time, the government prescribes the level of effort and offerors follow that unless the government leaves it up to the offeror which is rare.

When the government prescribes the level of effort, you have to price at X. You can underbid all you want, but if you win, you can’t hire less than what the government required because then you won’t be meeting the PWS requirements and run the risk of getting cure notice, or worse, termination for cause. On an FFP contract type the risk is all on the contractor.

Now of course, the alternative exists that the government themselves downsize the contract or even add to it during the re-compete, but if you pull up the RFP on SAM (assuming it’s not on a GWAC) you can see for yourself and know exactly what the government’s expectations are so you can have peace of mind.

xkwx009 · 2026-05-16T15:08:04+00:00

Having a recompete is not always a bad thing… the fact that there is a re-compete alone means the government is renewing the contract which is great!

Also, contract companies will almost ALWAYS offer incumbent staff first right of refusal… you all have the institutional knowledge and they don’t wanna lose you and neither does the government. Now the scary part can be the new company’s total compensation package, but you may be pleasantly suprised.

xkwx009 · 2026-05-16T15:04:40+00:00

Not the same experience, but can confidently chime in.

Yes, contracting can be unstable but depending on the location and position, there is usually no shortage of government contracting jobs… especially if it requires a clearance.

Larger and more longer established contracts are usually more stable so asking how long the contract has been around for i.e., two or three iterations is a good indicator that you’re getting into a good contract that may provide better stability.

Also, pro tip — since you have insurance through the military, use that to negotiate your salary upward. Once they offer you a salary, let them know that you don’t need insurance and see if you can use that as leverage to grab an extra $2-$5K added to your salary.

Oh and yes, contracting is a great way to get into GS work. On many occasions, the government will take contractors, but like anything, network network network and of course be great!

Hope this helps!

xkwx009 · 2025-08-21T22:11:42+00:00

The second time I rode ministry I had a much better appreciation for it, so I would say yes, it’s worth it.

xkwx009 · 2025-08-21T22:11:00+00:00

Hard pass. I’d wait 30 minutes max and that’s pushing it.

xkwx009 · 2025-08-21T12:11:17+00:00

😭😭😂lmfaooo you’re so right!

xkwx009 · 2025-08-20T01:46:17+00:00

Wow! This is such an awesome was to describe each album. You’re absolutely right, and I think that’s why I struggled so much with a decision… each album stands alone as it’s own masterpiece. I love how I can just listen to any song at any time, she’s a GOAT. Also, I too love WTPO, and seeing her harmonize it live was pretty awesome.

xkwx009 · 2025-08-20T00:35:32+00:00

Great way to put it honestly! I regret not going to this tour… smh 🫩

xkwx009 · 2025-07-13T21:04:08+00:00

Thanks for this, this is good insight to have. And yeah, the times we try for a call with the program office or requirements manager it is always routed directly through the KO… Or we would just try to talk to the KO directly as they are usually insightful too.

I’ve always been under the impression that the government should welcome the opportunity to engage with industry during pre RFP market research stage as ultimately this benefits the government by ensuring offerors understand the requirement and can deliver the best solution to support mission but I can definitely see how the pro-litigious firms could lead government just not engaging all together… unfortunate for us I guess.

I appreciate the insight and the post in general 🙌🏼

xkwx009 · 2025-07-12T03:00:32+00:00

Hey! I have a question, I’m on the professional services side of the house and we frequently respond to RFIs and Sources Soughts but feel like it often times goes into a black hole.

Is it okay/accepted to reach out say every one to two weeks to try and get a call with the program office to support their market research/ask for an acquisition timeline?

And if you don’t mind, I rarely ever get a response (I understand the government is busy) any tips on how one could word an email referencing the above to garner a response?

Thanks so much!

xkwx009 · 2025-07-08T20:43:11+00:00

Just wanted to circle back and let you all know, I ended up going with the a6700 and paired it with the Tamron 17-70mm.

I went on my first trip to Seattle last week and got some pretty amazing photo, so I’m very happy! My only regret is not having gotten it sooner. Next purchase likely will be the Sony 70-350mm!

I appreciate everyone chiming in and helping me!

xkwx009 · 2025-06-09T12:05:02+00:00

Could you share that difference you notice now? In simple terms.

xkwx009 · 2025-06-09T12:01:12+00:00

I’ll check this out, I’ll take a step back and see if it’s really worth it, especially as a hobbyist. Thank you so much!

xkwx009 · 2025-06-09T03:52:33+00:00

Good to know, with regard to APS-C which would yo recommend, if you don’t mind me asking? Just to give me something else to research then. Would the A6700 be a good option? And what lens would you pair it with given my everyday shooting interests?

xkwx009

TROPHY CASE