The JR & Ali Show

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JR & Ali Show: CMS Forecast is Back and so is Jason Cullum Jun 09, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The JR and Ali Show, JR Glass, President of GovCon Growth Solutions, chats with guest Jason Cullum, Vice President with Element. They offer a candid, forward-looking view into how CMS is approaching procurement, innovation, and industry collaboration.

Their message is clear: CMS is listening. They’re prioritizing outcomes, updating forecasts, and creating space for meaningful dialogue, including invite-only industry days that are becoming more targeted and mission-focused.

AI and automation are in the mix, but CMS isn’t chasing buzzwords. As JR emphasizes, tools are only as good as their alignment to the mission. Jason echoes the need for solutions that are not only technically sound but grounded in CMS’s unique policy and operational environment. The companies making headway are those who understand nuance and show up prepared to collaborate, not just sell.

Despite challenges in the procurement process, including more manual reviews and compliance demands, JR and Jason point to real progress. CMS is capturing billions in savings and exploring smarter ways to buy. They also hint at broader shifts within HHS, like the potential to consolidate procurement authority in strategic areas such as the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN).

JR and Ali Show: Jeff Grant Speaks on Leadership, Layoffs, and Life After CMS Apr 28, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The JR and Ali Show, JR Glass, President of GovCon Growth Solutions and Ali Steer, President of Steer Operational Solutions welcome special guest, former CMS leader Jeffrey Grant shares his personal journey from his retirement from government to launching Schedule F Healthcare Strategies, an organization dedicated to supporting recently laid-off federal employees. With over 30 years in public service, Jeffrey brings deep insight into the recent wave of government layoffs. He dives into the legal and ethical complexities surrounding the dismissal of over 2,000 probationary employees and the systemic challenges facing federal workforce transitions. The conversation also explores Jeff’s philosophy of servant leadership and how he continues to advocate for his colleagues even after leaving government service.

If you'd like to reach out to JR, connect with him on LinkedIn. | Learn More About GovCon Growth Solutions here.
If you'd like to reach out to Ali, connect with her on LinkedIn. | Learn More About Steer Operational Solutions here.

If you'd like to contact Jeffrey, connect with him on LinkedIn. | Learn more about Schedule F Healthcare Strategies here.

JR & Ali Show: Federal Procurement in Turbulent Times with Brian Hebbel Apr 16, 2025

Show notes

In this timely episode of The JR and Ali Show, JR Glass, President of GovCon Growth Solutions and Ali Steer, President of Steer Operational Solutions, welcome special guest Brian Hebbel, President, BARC BusinessAdvisors. With over 34 years of experience inside government contracting and a new perspective from the industry side, Brian dives into the real-time impact of recent Reduction-in-Force (RIF) actions across CMS, NIH, and other HHS agencies. From shocking layoffs and budget cuts up to 35%, to disrupted communication channels, org charts wiped clean, and contractors left in the dark, this episode peels back the curtain on the chaos behind the headlines.

The trio shares practical advice for navigating the storm, including how contractors can support overwhelmed agency staff, prepare for logical follow-ons, and stay mission-focused despite uncertainty. Whether you're a government leader, a contracting officer, or an industry partner trying to make sense of the current climate.

JR & Ali Show with Jason Cullum: Mission Over Chaos Mar 13, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The JR and Ali Show, JR Glass, President of GovCon Growth Solutions and Ali Steer, President of Steer Operational Solutions welcome special guest Jason Cullum, Vice President of Digital Services with Element Solutions. The trio discuss the evolving landscape of federal contracting and break down the impact of recent executive orders, contract cancellations, and shifting procurement strategies.

Key insights include the trends driving contract terminations, the importance of staying mission-focused amidst uncertainty, and how businesses can adapt by leveraging existing contracts, sole-source opportunities, and strategic positioning. With government agencies tightening budgets and restructuring priorities, these experts emphasize resilience, adaptability, and maintaining a positive outlook.

JR & Ali Show with Sparksoft’s Mike Finkel: The CMS Non-Forecast, Fed Exit Risks and is HIMSS Gov a Go/No go? Feb 07, 2025

Show notes

In the ever-changing landscape of government contracting, adaptability is key—especially in the world of federal health. In this episode of The JR and Ali Show, JR Glass, President of GovCon Growth Solutions and Ali Steer, President of Steer Operational Solutions welcome special guest Mike Finkel, CEO of Sparksoft. They dive into the the non-CMS forecast for Februay, brain drain within the government, and whether there’s value in attending the upcoming HIMSS conference. They also discuss the potential impacts of a new administration, and how shifts in technology, fraud prevention, and contract structures could shape the future. Is this a moment of challenge or opportunity for small businesses?

Learn more about OrangeSlices AI here.

What’s new in January? JR & Ali dive into the CMS Opp Forecast Jan 13, 2025

Show notes

Curious about what’s happening in the CMS contracting landscape? JR Glass, President of GovCon Growth Solutions and Ali Steer, President of Steer Operational Solutions are back! This episode unpacks January’s forecast, highlighting key shifts such as the removal of high-value opportunities like MAPS and NPAS, and intriguing updates on sole source awards. Discover insights on potential market research trends, the growing role of small businesses, and the rising activity in the VETS2 IDIQ space. Whether you’re tracking recompetes or looking for emerging opportunities, tune in for expert analysis and industry intel you won’t want to miss!

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