Breaking the Standard

Hosted by Breaking Small Business Size Standards in GovCon Podcast

Business Entrepreneurship

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Episodes

100

Latest episode

May 2026

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About the show

Closing the Communication and Knowledge Gap for the Small Business Government Contracting Industry. One of the biggest challenges industry faces is working in the federal government sphere is communication. Breaking the Standard is committed to using the podcast as a platform to educate, inform, and connect with others in the Small Business Government Contracting Community, both industry and Government.

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60 recent

May 14, 2026Episode 4224 min

Bridging the Gap Between Knowing and Deciding in GovCon

In this episode, we have Judy Bradt back with us to discuss the gap between knowing and deciding in govcon and how to bridge it. Judy shares how to avoid hiding behind research, how to pursue small strategic wins without losing long-term direction, and why real, in-person connection still creates a competitive advantage in an AI-saturated world. If you care about building confidence, credibility, and momentum in complex systems, you'll get a lot out of this one.

February 9, 2026Episode 4129 min

Misuse of Generative AI (GenAI) in Reporting a Protest

On this episode, we have David Timm with us to discuss the misuse of Generative AI (GenAI) in reporting a protest. David, a bid protest attorney, walks us through how GenAI is impacting and changing the protest process, what issues arise when companies use GenAI and things to consider when using GenAI for a bid protest. Do not miss this conversation. To connect with David, find him on LinkedIn

January 22, 2026Episode 4032 min

Creating a Common Language Across GovCon: Government, Industry and Academia

In this episode, we have Mike Derrios with us, the new Executive Director of the Greg and Camille Baroni Center for Government Contracting within the Costello College of Business at George Mason University. Mike discusses with us the concept to create a common culture within GovCon across Government, Industry and Academia and the benefits associated. To connect with Mike, find him on LinkedIn. Learn more about the Greg and Camille Baroni Center for Government Contracting

December 29, 2025Episode 3936 min

All things CMMC and What's Involved

On this episode, we have Zach Walker with us to discuss all things CMMC. Zach walks us through what CMMC is, the process to be certified and approved, any costs associated and what the audit process looks like. Do not miss out on this conversation as CMMC will be a main topic of conversation for a long time to come! To connect with Zach, find him on LinkedIn To learn more about Zach's company and how they help with CMMC compliance, click here

December 15, 2025Episode 3829 min

Changes from the FAR Overhaul: What Small Businessess Need to Pay Attention To

In this episode, we have Sam Le with us to discuss the recent changes as a result of the FAR Overhaul and the impact to small businesses. Sam walks us through what he believes small businesses should pay particular attention to and what he considers major changes. Don't miss out on this episode! To connect with Sam, find him on LinkedIn. Check out Sam's podcast and blog mentioned as well at GovConIntelligence.com.

November 27, 2025Episode 3731 min

Rewinding the GovCon Story: Was It Love at First Sight?

In this episode, we have Neil McDonnell with us to discuss his journey through the GovCon space. Neil shares his introduction to GovCon, if it was love at first sight and how he started the GovConChamber. Don't miss out on this great conversation full of insights for small businesses. To connect with Neil find him on LinkedIn.

November 12, 2025Episode 3628 min

Where & How Small Businesses Can Find Opportunities

On this episode, we have guest Tracy Marcinowski with us to discuss where small businesses can find opportunities in GovCon. Tracy offers suggestions on how small businesses can determine where within the industry they belong, and steps to take to continue generate and create opportunities. To connect with Tracy, find her on LinkedIn.

October 6, 2025Episode 3527 min

Elevating Through Empathy: Connecting Through the Human Lens

In this episode, we have Mike Nachshen with us to discuss elevating through empathy and ways that small business can approach preparing a proposal to appeal to the evaluators who will be reviewing the proposal on the receiving end. Mike walks us through what the empathetic lens is, what it can offer for small businesses and steps to take for this process. All of which offer a new approach for small businesses to use when preparing and submitting proposals. To connect with Mike, find him on LinkedIn

September 21, 2025Episode 3430 min

Different Ways Small Businesses Can Learn Within the World of GovCon

On this episode, we have Michelle Currier, Chief Learning Officer of the National Contract Management Association with us to discuss different ways small businesses can learn within GovCon. Michelle offers different places small businesses can look to learn and educate themselves, who to ask, dos and don'ts when it comes to education and a few of her favorite stories and experiences. To connect with Michelle find her on LinkedIn.

September 1, 2025Episode 3322 min

Using Score Cards and Self Scoring: What to Know

On this episode, we have Lauren Leulu, of Leulu & Co. with us to discuss all things scorecards! Lauren walks us through what scorecards are, how self scoring works, pros and cons to the process and how using scorecards can help to increase success across the board. To connect with Lauren, find her on LinkedIn.