Over 400 episodes and a decade in, we step back and ask a big question: how has government contracting really changed, and what is coming next?

In this special fireside chat, Michael LeJeune, Joshua Frank, Rich Earnest, and Tom Prokop break down the shifts that matter. We talk about rising simplified acquisition and micro-purchase thresholds, the VA and contract vehicle strategies, market maturity, and how private equity and M&A have reshaped the competitive landscape.

We also dig into data driven BD with SAM.gov’s Data Bank and USAspending, the higher barrier to entry for new GovCon’s, and why AI is a powerful tool, not a magic proposal button. Finally, the team shares blunt advice on who should start a government contracting business, how to prepare financially, and what it will take to win over the next ten years.

Featured Guest:	Michael LeJeune	Company:	Partner, RSM Federal
Email:	mlejeune@rsmfederal.com	Phone:	(636)-577-5005

Continue reading→

Winter is coming for government contractors in 2026. In this Game of Thrones inspired episode, Michael breaks down harsh predictions for the next 12 to 24 months, including what happens if you refuse to adopt AI, why capture cycles are shrinking, how bid-happy strategies will implode, and why past performance will no longer protect mediocre delivery. You will learn why weak subs will be cut from teaming, how CMMC and other cyber requirements will blindside unprepared firms, and why tactics without a real strategy will kill your business.

Most importantly, Michael walks you through practical ways to avoid getting crushed, from implementing AI in capture and proposals, to tightening timelines, updating your value story, becoming a high ROI teaming partner, and shifting to a truly customer centric strategy

Featured Guest:	Michael LeJeune	Company:	Partner, RSM Federal
Email:	mlejeune@rsmfederal.com	Phone:	(636)-577-5005

Continue reading→

In this episode of Game Changers for Government Contractors, Michael LeJeune speaks with Alexa Tsui about the industry shift from traditional business development and capture toward disciplined go-to-market (GTM) strategies. Alexa explains why top tech entrants (Palantir, OpenAI, etc.) hire “go-to-market” leaders, not old-school BD roles, and why GovCon companies must stop piling up tools and start building a repeatable story, capability portfolio, and process. Learn the essentials: define what you sell, clarify your “why,” craft case-study-driven stories, use LinkedIn strategically, and prioritize painkillers over vitamins. If you want a focused pipeline, clearer decisions, and faster scale, this episode shows where to start.
—–

Featured Guest:	Alexa Tsui	Company:	Acting CEO, FORUM

Continue reading→

AI is no longer a buzzword, it is quietly reshaping how companies work, hire, and compete. In this episode, I sit down with AI and automation expert (and repeat founder) Luke Thompson to unpack the real state of AI and what it means for business leaders.

We talk about why free AI tools give you a false sense of security, why executives must lean in instead of banning AI, and how to build simple automations that tame your inbox and free up real time. Luke breaks down digital twins, MCP, agent workflows, and security risks in plain English, with practical examples you can apply this week.

If you are a CEO, founder, or executive trying to decide what to do next with AI, this conversation is your roadmap.
—–

Featured Guest:	Luke Thompson	Company:	Co-Founder, The Operations Guide

Continue reading→

In this episode of Game Changers for Government Contractors, Michael LeJeune is joined by Kim Koster (VP of GovCon Strategy at Unanet) and John Sisson (EVP of CRM at Unanet) to discuss the newly released 2025 GAGE Report. Built from the input of over 1,200 GovCon leaders, the report benchmarks government contracting performance across compliance, accounting, utilization, growth, and efficiency.

The conversation highlights why 65% of contractors remain optimistic despite tighter competition, how 79% identify pipeline performance as their top challenge, and why firms with centralized PMOs submit 10+ more proposals annually. Kim and John also explore the rapid adoption of AI, where it’s adding value, where it’s overhyped, and how integration across BD, project management, and finance is becoming a true game changer.

If you want to benchmark your business and sharpen your GovCon strategy, this episode is packed with actionable insights.
—–

Featured Guest:	Kim Koster	Company:	VP GovCon Strategy, Unanet

Continue reading→