Podcast Series. Episode: Federal Contracting Strategies
Survive and Thrive
Practical Strategies for Small Businesses is a national podcast series from Core Business Solutions being broadcast as part of the Quality Hub podcast. Designed to help small and mid-sized manufacturers, industry advisors, and business owners navigate an unprecedented time of change—tariffs, reshoring, supply-chain risks, regulatory shifts, and more—each 15–20 minute episode is packed with real-world advice from trusted experts.
Series Host: Xavier Francis, Quality Hub Podcast
Guests: Scott Dawson, President of Core Business Solutions and John Mattox, Partner at Shoonover + Moriarty
Survive & Thrive: Federal Contracting Strategies
In this episode of the Survive and Thrive series on the Quality Hub podcast, host Xavier Francis is joined by Scott Dawson, President of Core Business Solutions, and John Mattox, Partner at Schoonover and Moriarty, to unpack the evolving landscape of federal contracting for small businesses. They explore the impact of executive orders, contract cancellations, and the FAR rewrite on contractors, while offering strategic guidance on navigating disruptions. From understanding stop work orders to leveraging the SBA’s Mentor-Protégé Program and proactively participating in rulemaking, the conversation equips business leaders with legal insights and tactical tools to stay competitive and resilient in a rapidly changing environment.
Summary: Survive & Thrive Federal Contracting Strategies Episode
Host: Xavier Francis
Guests: Scott Dawson, President of Core Business Solutions and John Mattox, Partner, Government Contracts Attorney at Shoonover & Moriarty
In this episode, host Xavier Francis is joined by Scott Dawson (President of Core Business Solutions) and John Maddox (Partner, Government Contracts Attorney at Schoonover & Moriarty). The discussion centers around the evolving and often uncertain landscape of federal government contracting, especially for small businesses.
Key topics include navigating executive orders, contract terminations, the ongoing FAR rewrite, GSA contract consolidation, and how to proactively manage legal and strategic risks. The episode offers practical legal insights and emphasizes the importance of preparation, relationship-building, and understanding one’s contractual rights and responsibilities in an ever-shifting regulatory environment.
Key Takeaways for Small Business Contractors
1. Federal Contracting is Rapidly Changing
A wave of executive orders and regulatory shifts have disrupted many contracts—causing terminations, stop work orders, and uncertainty.
Older policies (some dating back to the 1960s) are being revoked, changing obligations around areas like affirmative action.
2. Know Your Rights in Terminations or Stop Work Orders
Many small businesses are caught off guard by contract disruptions.
Key missteps include emotional reactions, not mitigating damages early, and assuming costs like severance will be reimbursed.
Understand whether costs are recoverable under FAR or commercial terms—some contracting officers are stricter than others.
3. Stay Informed and Engaged
There’s no one-stop source for updates—stay aware by monitoring news, legal blogs, government sites, and contracting forums.
Track updates on the FAR Overhaul at acquisition.gov/FAR-overhaul.
Participate in notice-and-comment periods on proposed rules via regulations.gov.
4. Leverage Strategic Relationships
Mentor-Protégé Program (SBA): A powerful tool to partner with larger firms for technical, managerial, financial, and BD support.
You can only enter two mentor relationships per lifetime, so vet partners carefully.
Consider joint ventures with other small businesses or as protégés with large ones to enhance competitiveness.
5. Prepare for GSA Consolidation
Contracts may increasingly be funneled through GSA schedules, creating fewer vehicles and more competition.
Now is the time to ask: How can I become more competitive?
Align offerings, strengthen capabilities, and build teams proactively.
6. Consult with the Right Resources
Lawyers (like John Maddox) are best for disputes, protests, terminations, and compliance audits.
Consultants, MEPs, or Apex Accelerators may be more appropriate for strategic planning, process development, or entering the federal space.
7. Get Involved in Shaping the Rules
The current FAR rewrite is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to influence long-term procurement regulations.
Small businesses are encouraged to submit comments, either directly or through trade associations.
Final Thought
“Don’t panic. Change is constant in federal contracting—but preparation, awareness, and strategic partnerships will help you survive and thrive.”
— John Maddox, Government Contracts Attorney
Whether you’re navigating termination fallout, trying to understand your compliance obligations, or looking to secure your next contract, now is the time to build strong relationships, stay informed, and take proactive steps to position your business for resilience in the federal space.
Checkout other Survive & Thrive Podcasts
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