Will Hea

🔥 𝐀 𝐁𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐢𝐩𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐲. Think you have a pipeline problem? You probably have a 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 problem. Or a 𝘱𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘶𝘪𝘵 problem. Or a 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘨𝘺 problem. But GovCon founders get stuck in the same trap: 👉 “Let’s just chase more.” 👉 “Let’s add more bids.” 👉 “Let’s fill the funnel.” But here’s the truth: 𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐟𝐢𝐱 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭. 𝐈𝐭 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐭. A bigger pipeline with bad targeting = wasted time A bigger pipeline with weak shaping = low conversions A bigger pipeline with no leverage = burnt-out teams and bad math 📉 More proposals. 📉 Less control. 📉 Same win rate. 📉 Same results. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐢𝐱 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐬. Smart firms win more with less. They focus. Shape. Position. They execute a strategy that aligns 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐮𝐞 with 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐧. 💡 So before you double your pipeline… Ask if your model can even convert what you’ve got. If you want a second set of eyes on that — and a system that scales clean — 📩 DM me. Let’s fix what matters. -TP

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If the real objective is to support a strong and vibrant industrial base, then Non-manufacturers are a critical part of that equation and #SBA needs to review, process and approve NMR waivers!

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In GovCon, understanding the customer isn’t just about the contracting officer. It’s about mapping the entire family: end users, influencers, decision-makers, and quiet power brokers. Capture teams need to decode the real structure behind the formal org chart 🕵️ Everyone says they have “the customer relationship,” but do they really know who pulls the strings? Stakeholder intel isn’t optional, it’s your survival strategy 👏 #GovConLife #KineticWins #KineticCanHelp #ProposalSeason #GovConHumor #GovConSuccess

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https://lnkd.in/ejRQXucX 🧠 Seth Eaton, Vice President of Technology & Innovation at Amentum, says 2026 is the year of AI-ready data — but only if federal agencies rethink their entire data foundations to support it. Let me explain 👇 2025 was about AI pilots. 2026 is about whether agencies built the data to sustain them. Here’s what that rethink actually looks like across government ⬇️ ⚙️ Governance becomes machine-assisted ♦️ AI automates metadata, lineage, and policy enforcement ♦️ Compliance runs continuously, not quarterly 🧩 Platforms replace tool sprawl ♦️ Cataloging, pipelines, and observability live together ♦️ Data, analytics, and AI teams finally collaborate 🌐 Federated data becomes the standard ♦️ Shared rules without forced centralization ♦️ Agencies balance autonomy with interoperability 🤖 Integration goes AI-first ♦️ APIs and data products designed for LLMs and mission systems ♦️ Data prepared for machines, not just dashboards 🧠 Storage turns AI-native ♦️ Vector databases pair with data lakes ♦️ Retrieval-augmented generation becomes essential ⚡ Real-time data quality is mandatory ♦️ AI detects anomalies before they hit mission systems ♦️ Bad data breaks AI — instantly 🔐 Zero Trust extends into data access ♦️ Policy-as-code replaces static permissions ♦️ Secure, auditable access at scale 👥 Workforce roles evolve ♦️ Less focus on deep coding ♦️ More demand for prompt design, data ethics, and human-AI workflows 📌 The takeaway: AI success in 2026 won’t come from better models. It will come from data that’s trustworthy by default and usable by design. Agencies that make this shift will move faster, innovate safely, and deliver resilient mission outcomes. #FederalData #AIReady #GovTech #DigitalTransformation #DataGovernance #ZeroTrust #HumanAI #FutureOfWork #PublicSector #DigitalProjectManager #DigitalProjectManagement

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As part of building AI tools at the Program Integrity Alliance, we need more control over document ingestion. We apply community-informed taxonomies for better filtering, image processing, so that this important data can be included, and deep linking to the exact pages - features not offered by public search engines. A great side effect of this AI work is being able to also ship our GovQuery search engine, which has been extended this week to include Executive Orders for the last 6 presidents. It's been great to see people start using this resource! Especially in the case where the original content has been taken offline due to federal defunding. When building AI solutions, the work to streamline data processing can lead to more basic tools like search, which can be very useful on their own. More to come soon!

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The Quiet Shift in GovCon: How Small Businesses Can Use It to Their Advantage The rules of the game are shifting quietly. In 2025, the SBA eliminated agency‑specific contracting goals for Small Disadvantaged Businesses (SDBs). Instead of each agency having tailored benchmarks, everyone now shares the statutory minimum of 5%. On paper, this looks like simplification. In practice, it changes incentives: - SDBs and 8(a) firms may face reduced emphasis unless they proactively position themselves. - HUBZone and WOSB firms may see more attention as agencies try to meet goals they’ve historically missed. - Primes and subs alike must monitor SBA policy changes closely, because contracting priorities can change quickly.   📉 Risk for SDBs and 8(a) Firms - Reduced emphasis: Without agency‑specific pressure, contracting officers may deprioritize SDB awards. - Audit exposure: Firms relying solely on 8(a) set‑asides may find fewer opportunities. - Need for positioning: SDBs must highlight operational excellence and past performance to stay competitive in open competitions.   📈 Opportunity for HUBZone and WOSB Firms - Agency catch‑up: HUBZone and WOSB goals have historically been missed. Agencies may now focus more energy here. - Strategic advantage: Firms in these categories could see increased set‑aside opportunities. - Visibility boost: Certification in these programs may carry more weight in 2025 than before.   🚀 How Small Businesses Can Use This Shift to Their Advantage 1. Diversify Certifications - If eligible, pursue HUBZone or WOSB certification in addition to 8(a). Multiple certifications increase visibility across shifting priorities. 2. Highlight Community Impact - Agencies under pressure to meet HUBZone goals will value firms that can demonstrate local hiring and residency compliance. 3. Strengthen Past Performance Narratives - With fewer guaranteed set‑asides, small businesses must showcase reliability and results to win in open competition. 4. Position for Partnerships - Primes will be looking for certified subs to help them meet evolving goals. Be proactive in marketing your certifications and compliance readiness. 5. Monitor SBA Announcements - Policy changes often fly under the radar. Staying ahead allows you to pivot before competitors even notice.   This quiet shift is already reshaping the GovCon playing field. Follow me for more GovCon insights.

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The SBA is launching a full-scale audit of the 8(a) program, reviewing 15 years of contracts. 🔍 What’s under the microscope? • Eligibility and financials • Joint ventures and subcontracting • Contract performance Your GovCon should prepare now. Here’s what to expect…and how to get audit ready. 📄 https://bit.ly/427id4P

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