GovCon Executive Slice

Latest Episodes:

Building the Next Generation of Federal Technology Companies. A Conversation with Beverly Beavers of ProclivIT, Brandon Muniz of HeiTech Services, and Dr. Zhensen Huang of Precise Software Solutions Jul 08, 2026

Show notes

Every federal contractor is investing in AI, modernization, and operational efficiency. The real differentiator isn't who adopts new technology first. It's who can successfully turn those investments into measurable mission outcomes.

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, David Blackburn sits down with Beverly Beavers, CEO of ProclivIT, Brandon Muniz, CEO of HeiTech Services, and Dr. Zhensen Huang, CEO of Precise Software Solutions for a conversation about leadership, modernization, growth, and preparing organizations for what's next.

ProclivIT is helping agencies execute complex enterprise modernization initiatives spanning cybersecurity, enterprise IT, electronic health records, and mission support, building on Beverly's decades of leadership across military healthcare transformation. HeiTech Services continues its 25-year legacy by helping agencies securely manage and leverage massive volumes of mission-critical information through AI, information governance, and enterprise data solutions. Precise Software Solutions has become a trusted digital transformation partner, helping agencies modernize legacy systems, accelerate cloud adoption, and build secure, scalable platforms that improve mission performance.

Moderating the discussion is Tyler Stewart, Partner and Retirement Plan Advisor at The Baldwin Group. The Baldwin Group is a cohesive group of experts in business insurance, employee benefits, retirement planning, and all areas of private and personal insurance. At The Baldwin Group, they help provide the solutions clients need to have confidence and gain peace of mind as they pursue what's possible for themselves, their families, and their businesses.

Along the way, the conversation explores how leaders are adapting their organizations for a changing market, balancing investment in innovation with operational discipline, rethinking workforce strategy, and preparing for the next wave of federal contracting.

If you want to hear how accomplished CEOs are positioning their organizations for long-term success while continuing to deliver for government customers today, this is a conversation worth your time.

To connect with Beverly, follow her on LinkedIn here.
Learn more about ProclivIT by visiting their webpage here.

To connect with Brandon, follow him on LinkedIn here.
Learn more about HeiTech Services by visiting their webpage here.

To connect with Zhensen, follow him on LinkedIn here.
Learn more about Precise Software Solutions by visiting their webpage here.

Thank you to The Baldwin Group for sponsoring this podcast.

From Conversation to Action: APV's Manuel Miranda on the Federal AI Revolution Jul 06, 2026

Show notes

Artificial intelligence is moving into a new phase, and for federal agencies and government contractors alike, the implications are significant. The conversation has shifted beyond asking AI to generate content. Today, organizations are increasingly exploring how AI can execute tasks, automate workflows, and support mission-critical operations through intelligent agents.

David Blackburn recently sat down with Manuel Miranda, Chief AI and Growth Officer at APV, to discuss how this evolution is changing the federal technology landscape. Drawing on APV's work developing AI, automation, and emerging technology solutions for government, the conversation explores what separates AI agents from traditional chat tools, where agencies are already putting these capabilities to work, and the governance and security considerations that come with giving AI greater autonomy.

The discussion also examines what this shift means for the GovCon community, from how agencies may buy technology differently to how contractors will need to rethink the value they deliver. If you're trying to understand where AI adoption is headed next, and why the move from conversation to action may be the most important technology transition facing the federal market, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

To connect with Manuel, follow him on LinkedIn here.
Learn more about APV by visiting their webpage here.

Automation as a Competitive Advantage: Resolute Solutions and UiPath on Winning in Today's Federal Market Jul 01, 2026

Show notes

Winning federal work has never been harder. Yet many contractors are still approaching recompetes, modernization efforts, and operational challenges with playbooks designed for a very different market.

David Blackburn recently connected with Christopher Cadle, President of Resolute Solutions, and Hillary Anne Sheehan, Federal Strategic Engagement Executive at UiPath, for a conversation focused on the intersection of automation, modernization, and competitive advantage in today's federal marketplace.

As founder and president of Resolute Solutions, Christopher has built a company focused on helping federal agencies improve mission outcomes through intelligent automation, enterprise modernization, SAP transformation, and AI-enabled solutions. Resolute's work spans defense and civilian agencies, helping organizations eliminate manual processes, modernize legacy environments, and increase operational efficiency through practical, mission-focused technology solutions.

Joining the discussion is Hillary Anne Sheehan, whose background includes leadership roles across the Air Force and Space Force, where she helped drive acquisition, workforce modernization, and digital transformation initiatives. Today, she brings that government perspective to UiPath, helping agencies and industry partners better understand how automation can accelerate mission delivery and improve operational performance.

Together, the group explores how agencies and contractors are adapting to an increasingly competitive environment, where modernization is no longer optional and operational efficiency has become a mission imperative. The discussion examines how automation is changing expectations across government, where organizations may be overlooking opportunities to improve outcomes, and what forward-looking contractors should be doing today to strengthen their position for future growth.

For contractors preparing for upcoming recompetes, technology leaders evaluating modernization strategies, and federal executives focused on efficiency and mission delivery, this conversation provides practical insights from leaders who have seen these challenges from multiple perspectives. Listeners will walk away with a better understanding of how automation, modernization, and strategic execution can create meaningful advantages in today's federal market.

To connect with Chris, follow him on LinkedIn here.
Learn more about Resolute Solutions by visiting their webpage here.
To connect with Hillary, follow her on LinkedIn here.
Learn more about UiPath by visiting their webpage here.

Building High-Impact Federal Businesses. A Conversation with Greg Smallwood of Prometheus Federal Services, Suman Biswas of Niyam IT, and Denise Rainey of Rainmakers Strategic Solutions Jun 26, 2026

Show notes

As federal agencies push for greater efficiency, modernization, and measurable outcomes, contractors are being challenged to do more than deliver technology. They're being asked to lead change, navigate complexity, and drive mission results in an increasingly demanding environment.

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, we sit down with Greg Smallwood, CEO of Prometheus Federal Services, Suman Biswas, Founder and CEO of Niyam IT, and Denise Rainey, President and CEO of Rainmakers Strategic Solutions, three leaders whose organizations are helping agencies tackle transformation from different angles, from healthcare innovation and business modernization to technology enablement, stakeholder engagement, and program execution.

Prometheus Federal Services supports agencies navigating healthcare transformation, innovation, and organizational change. Niyam IT helps federal clients harness technology, data, and emerging solutions to improve mission performance. Rainmakers Strategic Solutions brings deep expertise in stakeholder engagement, training, program management, and operational excellence to help agencies turn strategy into action.

Moderating the discussion is Ryan Reiskin of The Baldwin Group, bringing a unique perspective from working alongside federal contractors as they navigate growth, workforce challenges, and long-term business strategy.

The conversation explores what it takes to lead through uncertainty, balance innovation with execution, invest in people while maintaining performance, and position organizations for long-term success in a rapidly evolving federal marketplace.

If you're interested in how successful leaders are thinking about growth, transformation, and the future of government contracting, this is a conversation worth listening to.

To connect with Greg, follow him on LinkedIn here.
Learn more about Prometheus Federal Services (PFS) by visiting their webpage here.

To connect with Suman, follow him on LinkedIn here.
Learn more about Niyam IT by visiting their webpage here.

To connect with Denise, follow her on LinkedIn here.
Learn more about Rainmakers Strategic Solutions by visiting their webpage here.

Thank you to The Baldwin Group for sponsoring this podcast.

Sheila Duffy of Greystones Group on Moving Beyond Labor Hours to Deliver Mission Outcomes Jun 22, 2026

Show notes

Twenty-five years ago, the technology landscape looked completely different. The mission didn't.

Dave Blackburn recently sat down with Sheila Duffy, Founder and CEO of Greystones Group, for a conversation centered on leadership, technology, innovation, and the realities of navigating constant change in the government contracting market.

As the leader of a company that has supported critical defense, cybersecurity, and infrastructure missions since 2000, Sheila brings more than two decades of experience operating at the intersection of mission requirements and emerging technology. Throughout the discussion, Dave and Sheila explore how organizations evaluate commercial technologies versus mission-specific solutions, the accelerating pace of technological change, and the opportunities and challenges that come with keeping pace in an increasingly dynamic environment.

The conversation also examines the rapid emergence of artificial intelligence and what that acceleration means for both government and industry. As new technologies continue to evolve faster than ever before, organizations across the federal market are facing important questions about adoption, implementation, and long-term competitiveness.

Additionally, Dave and Sheila discuss the evolution from traditional services-based contracting toward products and intellectual property, and how that shift can influence business strategy, workforce development, and the ability to create differentiated value in the marketplace.

For those working in government contracting, supporting federal missions, tracking technology trends, or thinking about the future of the GovCon sector, this conversation provides valuable perspective on some of the most important topics shaping the market today. From technology adoption and AI to talent strategy and business evolution, listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of the forces influencing the next chapter of government and industry collaboration.

To connect with Sheila, follow her on LinkedIn here.
Learn more about Greystones Group by visiting their webpage here.

From Octo and IBM to IDS. Why Sujey Edward Made the Move Now Jun 12, 2026

Show notes

There are very few leaders in federal technology who have helped build, scale, and modernize organizations at the level Sujey Edward has over the last decade.

From helping drive Octo’s extraordinary rise and eventual acquisition by IBM in a deal reportedly valued at approximately $1.2 billion, to serving as a Senior Partner at IBM, Sujey has operated at the center of some of the most important conversations shaping the future of government technology and innovation.

So when he made the move earlier this year to become Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at Integrated Data Services (IDS), people across the market took notice.

In this conversation, David Blackburn sits down with Sujey to talk about why IDS, why now, and what drew him to an Arlington Capital-backed company that is quietly building serious momentum across the federal landscape.

Known for its deep expertise supporting defense, aerospace, intelligence, space, and civilian agencies, IDS has built a reputation delivering software and mission-focused solutions designed to improve operational visibility, financial management, and efficiency, particularly within the Office of the CFO environment. With proven success supporting complex Department of War missions, the company is now positioning itself for its next phase of growth and expansion.

This discussion dives into what IDS is building, where Sujey sees opportunity in today’s market, the kinds of partnerships the company is pursuing, and how technology, AI, automation, and modernization are reshaping expectations across government.

To connect with Sujey, follow him on LinkedIn here.
Learn more about Integrated Data Services (IDS) by visiting their webpage here.

Subject How Dave Zvenyach and MakeGov Are Simplifying Federal Contracting Data Jun 09, 2026

Show notes

Government contracting runs on data. But for years, that data has been fragmented, difficult to access, and even harder to use effectively.

In this episode, OrangeSlices’ CEO David Blackburn sits down with Dave Zvenyach, CEO and co-founder of MakeGov, to discuss how his team is working to simplify access to federal procurement data through Tango, a unified API connecting sources like SAM.gov, FPDS, USAspending, Grants.gov, and more.

Drawing on his experience leading innovation efforts at 18F and the GSA Technology Transformation Services, Dave shares why he believes better data infrastructure will play a critical role in the future of GovCon, how AI is changing expectations around procurement intelligence, and what builders, contractors, and technology providers should be thinking about as the market evolves.

Whether you're developing GovCon software, pursuing federal opportunities, or simply trying to understand where procurement technology is headed next, this conversation offers an insightful look at the data layer powering the future of government contracting.

To connect with Dave, follow him on LinkedIn here.
Learn more about MakeGov by visiting their webpage here.

AI, Cybersecurity, and Digital Transformation. Insights from Easy Dynamics CEO Poupak Afshar and CivicActions CEO Henry Poole Jun 04, 2026

Show notes

The conversation around AI, cybersecurity, and digital transformation has moved beyond what's possible and shifted squarely to what's practical. The leaders winning today are the ones figuring out how to turn innovation into measurable mission outcomes.

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, we sit down with Poupak Afshar, CEO of Easy Dynamics, and Henry Poole, CEO and Co-Founder of CivicActions, for a candid discussion on how federal contractors and agencies are navigating the next phase of modernization.

Easy Dynamics has built its reputation helping agencies secure, modernize, and optimize critical systems through cybersecurity, cloud computing, and information-sharing solutions. CivicActions has spent years helping government improve lives through open-source technologies, thoughtful digital experiences, and a commitment to making public services more accessible and effective.

The conversation explores how technology leaders are thinking about AI adoption, digital transformation, cybersecurity, workforce strategy, and the realities of delivering innovation inside government. Along the way, Poupak and Henry share their perspectives on what agencies are getting right, where challenges remain, and what organizations must do to stay relevant as expectations around speed, efficiency, and mission delivery continue to rise.

If you're interested in where federal technology is heading, how leading firms are approaching modernization, and what it takes to build organizations that can adapt to constant change, this is a conversation worth listening to.

To connect with Poupak, follow her on LinkedIn here.
Learn more about Easy Dynamics by visiting their webpage here.

To connect with Henry, follow him on LinkedIn here.
Learn more about CivicActions by visiting their webpage here.

Thank you to The Baldwin Group for sponsoring this podcast.

Proposals Don’t Win Contracts. With Krystn Macomber, Summit Strategy Jun 03, 2026

Show notes

GovCon has a proposal problem. Not because teams are not working hard, but because too many firms still believe the proposal is where the win happens. It is not. By the time you are writing, most of the outcome has already been decided.

In this episode, David Blackburn sits down with Krystn Macomber, Founder and CEO of Summit Strategy, a win studio built for growth-obsessed teams who want results. Summit Strategy focuses on helping organizations connect business development, capture, proposals, marketing, and training into one integrated system that actually drives wins. Not just submissions.

With more than 20 years of experience, Krystn has built a reputation for challenging how GovCon companies approach growth. She gets inside organizations, exposes the gaps leaders do not see, and forces alignment across teams that are often operating in silos. The result is not just better proposals. It is better positioning, stronger capture, and a system that performs long before the RFP drops.

This conversation takes on one of the biggest misconceptions in the market, where firms are getting growth wrong, what surprises leaders most when they bring in outside perspective, and what they should actually be doing right now to grow smarter.

If you are still betting on proposals to carry the load, this one will reset how you think about winning.

Most GovCon firms think they have a growth strategy. What they actually have is activity: Pipeline dashboards. Proposal volume. A lot of motion, with very little alignment behind it.

To learn more about the Summit Win Academy™ click here. OrangeSlices member can use the code OSWIN at checkout to receive $1,000 off. The discount code expires 12/31/26.

For more information about how you can WIN, visit our dedicated page here.

To connect with Krystn, follow her on LinkedIn here.
Learn more about Summit Strategy by visiting their webpage here.

iWorks CEO Kumar Gnanamurthy on the Collision of AI, Security Compliance, and Federal Acquisition Reform Jun 02, 2026

Show notes

Federal contractors are being hit from every direction at once. Acquisition reform. AI acceleration. Zero trust mandates. Cloud modernization. CMMC 2.0. New compliance pressures. And for many mid-tier firms, the challenge is no longer just growth. It is figuring out how to adapt fast enough to stay competitive.

In this episode of GovCon Executive Slice, Kumar Gnanamurthy, CEO of iWorks Corporation, joins the conversation to discuss how companies can navigate one of the most rapidly evolving federal markets in years.

Founded in 2005, iWorks has built a reputation as a trusted federal partner across personnel security and vetting solutions, Agile, DevOps, DevSecOps, data analytics, and cloud services. With a continuous process improvement mindset, deep mission expertise, CMMI Level 4 appraisal, multiple ISO certifications, and recognition as a Washington Post Top Workplace, the company represents the type of disciplined, technically grounded organization agencies continue to rely on as modernization pressures increase.

Kumar has spent more than two decades operating across both government and industry, helping architect and lead mission-critical systems and security initiatives. Under his leadership, iWorks continues to evolve alongside the market, balancing operational execution with emerging technology demands and changing acquisition realities.

The conversation explores the changing acquisition landscape, including OTAs, software acquisition pathways, and evolving procurement models. It also digs into the growing pressure around AI adoption, IL5 and IL6 cloud migration, zero trust, and modernization priorities, alongside the operational realities contractors face with CMMC 2.0, DFARS requirements, SPRS scoring, and supply chain scrutiny.

We also touch briefly on Kumar’s work around Tru-Vetting and the broader push to modernize security management and compliance operations in a more complex federal environment.

For leaders trying to understand where the federal market is heading, and what experienced executives are doing to stay ahead of it, this is a timely conversation worth hearing.

To connect with Kumar, follow him on LinkedIn here.
Learn more about iWorks Corporation by visiting their webpage here.

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