Kevin Thomas Wittwer, MBA

If your GovCon strategy depends on static rules, you’re already behind. Federal acquisition leaders are now modernizing and rewriting buying rules in real time, rather than waiting for long, formal FAR updates. What this signals: • Agencies want flexibility and speed • Buyers will rely more on judgment than rigid process • Contractors must adapt to how agencies buy, not just what the rules say This shift rewards firms that: ✔️ Track agency behavior ✔️ Understand contract vehicles and timing ✔️ Position early, before solicitations lock in In 2026, success in federal contracting is less about memorizing rules and more about reading the room. Follow Govcon Giants (GCG) for insights that translate acquisition change into competitive advantage.

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Quietly, the Federal Acquisition Regulations, are incrementally posting changes and deviations. Here is the FAR link to track what changes are being made and how each agency may be deviating from those changes. https://lnkd.in/eB4KRaU5 *At a quick glance this is what I am seeing* -How agencies should handle deviations from standard FAR clauses during the transition phase. -Clarifies that until the overhaul is complete, current FAR parts remain in effect unless a specific deviation or pilot program is approved. -Provides templates and policy direction for agencies participating in pilot tests of the new FAR structure (like reorganized Parts, plain language formatting, etc.). -Emphasizes agency accountability and documentation when deviating from current FAR during the phased implementation. *Key Takeaways for Proposal Professionals Like ME!!* -Watch for pilot clauses and part revisions in new RFPs/RFQs—some may include revised or prototype language. -Pay attention to interim rules or class deviations issued by agencies as they trial new content. -Proposal writers and compliance staff should check acquisition.gov regularly for part-by-part updates. -Make sure to update clause matrices or compliance checklists as new parts are finalized—especially if you’re working with agencies participating in pilot programs (like GSA, DoD, or NASA). What changes are you seeing and how is your team preparing future responses?

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Government Contracting: IT Consulting Rule Change The Pentagon just closed the door on easy consulting dollars and here’s what it means for your business. Outside consultants: the old government contract playbook is gone. The DoD just changed the rules for your business space. If you’re in defense consulting, pivot now or risk being left behind. The Old Days of Easy Consulting Are Over in Defense Contracting The Department of Defense just issued a major directive under Executive Order 14222: 👉 Outside consulting and advisory contracts will face strict limits. 👉 In-house expertise will be prioritized. 👉 GSA procurement will be the default path for common services. This means consulting firms can no longer rely on traditional advisory roles. To stay relevant, they must pivot: ✅ Become direct solution providers, not just advisors. ✅ Specialize in critical systems engineering & sustainment. ✅ Align with GSA vehicles for procurement. ✅ Offer workforce training to help DoD build internal capacity. Bottom line: The DoD is moving to a lean, warfighting-focused culture. Consultants must adapt or be left behind. #Consulting #GovCon #GovernmentContracts #DLASupplyChain #BusinessGrowth #LogisticsSolutions #SmallBusinessSuccess #Business #Entrepreneur #Revenue #Scale

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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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Insights from the Bunker Labs Ambassador Fly-In to Syracuse: The Military-connected advantage in federal contracting! 💪 Here's what stands out – the military-connected community doesn't just "get" federal contracting faster because of their background, they succeed because they already think like their customers, because in many cases, they were their customers. Military-connected mindset advantages: 🔹 Mission-first thinking (agencies love this) 🔹 Process discipline (acquisition is ALL about process) 🔹 Stakeholder management (they understand the chain of command) 🔹 Risk assessment (they know what "good enough" looks like vs. perfection) For those not military-connected: These aren't exclusive skills. They're learnable approaches that ANY contractor can develop. For Military-connected entrepreneurs: Don't underestimate the value you bring. Your experience and knowledge IS a competitive advantage. What's one skill from your background (military or civilian) that gives you an edge in federal contracting? #IVMF #VeteranAdvantage #FederalContracting #TheASBC #GovCon #MilitaryConnected #BunkerLabs

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Staff cuts happened. The mission stayed. Across government, agencies are facing a new reality: smaller teams, same mission demands. The solution isn’t just hiring back positions. It’s smart hiring + AI-enabled capability. AI can accelerate the heavy lift— market research, acquisition documentation, data analysis, and compliance checks. But AI is a force multiplier, not the mission owner. People still drive judgment, strategy, and accountability. The agencies that win will combine talent + technology to rebuild capacity faster and execute mission outcomes better. At 360iS2 LLC, we’re seeing firsthand how AI-enabled acquisition support helps agencies govern smarter, execute faster, and deliver better. Human expertise + AI capability = the new workforce. 💬 What role should AI play in rebuilding government capacity? 360is2.com | info@360is2.com | 571-402-2017 #GovCon #Acquisition #AIinGovernment #FutureOfWork #DigitalGovernment #360iS2

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ANC-Powered Federal Modernization Solutions Federal agencies are under pressure to modernize faster while reducing acquisition risk. The NIMA Corp / Nash Harbor Solutions / JET-DEF Consulting Services alliance delivers a proven, execution-first model that accelerates outcomes—without compromising compliance. Why it works • Statutory ANC sole-source pathways for faster awards • Reduced protest risk and greater acquisition velocity • OEM-integrated solutions across cloud, cyber, networks, SATCOM, and infrastructure • Scalable execution supporting CONUS and OCONUS missions Access via key contract vehicles • ANC Sole-Source • GSA MAS • OASIS+ • SEWP • MDA SHIELD Speed to Mission → Reduced Risk → Integrated Solutions → Full Execution This is how federal modernization gets done—at scale, at speed, and with confidence. #FederalModernization #ANC #GovCon #SEWP #OASISPlus #GSAMAS #MDASHIELD #Cybersecurity #Infrastructure #DigitalTransformation #JETDEF #NIMACorp #NashHarbor

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FAR vs DFARS #FAR #DFARS FAR lays down the general contracting guidelines for all federal agencies. It deals with the overall principles of procurement. DFARS deals with the defense contract-specific issues and risks, though. It includes additional clauses that cover matters of security and technical concerns that are not dealt with in FAR.

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Short Summary: Executive Order 14005 and recent NDAA amendments are rapidly reshaping the defense contracting landscape, pushing the U.S. defense industrial base toward domestic manufacturing. Key changes include a rising domestic content threshold (60% now, 75% by 2029), reduced foreign waivers, and billions in U.S. manufacturing investments. Top Opportunities: Critical Materials��– Domestic suppliers of rare earths, semiconductors, and defense electronics now receive 20–30% price preferences. Shipbuilding – New rules require fully domestic components; $2.3B is flowing into submarine and naval vessel supply chains. Rapid Prototyping – Faster acquisition pathways for U.S.-made tech are giving small, cleared businesses a competitive edge. Risks & Compliance Needs: Supply chain audits and CMMC/ITAR/DFARS compliance are tightening. One non-compliant component (e.g., a foreign chip) can kill multimillion-dollar contracts. Immediate Action Steps: Map your supply chain to meet current thresholds. Target NDAA-funded programs with domestic preferences. Start compliance processes now—they take time. Bottom Line: A permanent shift is underway, potentially redirecting $50B annually to U.S. suppliers by 2030. Companies that move quickly will seize massive opportunities—those that don’t will lose market share.

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NEW CO Podcast EPISODE # 548 Listen here: https://lnkd.in/gRmgzdmt How the DoD Acquisition System rewrite aligns with flexibility already in the FAR. The world of defense contracting is changing fast, and this episode breaks down what that means for you. Today, the team takes a close look at the new Warfighting Acquisition System and how it affects the work of contracting officers. Kevin welcomes Hector Navarro, a retired Marine Corps Contracting Officer, who brings real world experience and clear insight. Hector explains new terms, new roles, and why these changes matter. Together, they step back to explore the big picture, then walk through the details in a simple and direct way. This episode is not just about rules. It is about how people make decisions, manage risk, and keep mission needs front and center. The team discuss how contracting officers balance long standing FAR rules with faster, portfolio driven demands. They also show why sound judgment and clear communication matter more than ever. Whether you work in government, support industry, or want to understand how acquisition is speeding up, this episode gives you what you need. It is clear, practical, and built to help you stay ready for what comes next. #contractingofficerpodcast #DoGovConWell #GovCon #Governmentcontracting #Podcast #Procurements #Acquisitions

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#DOGE now has approval authority for defense IT, consulting contracts A new memo from the United States Department of Defense acquisition leader spells out what agencies and components have to inform the Department of Government Efficiency before proceeding on certain contracts. The Defense Department has laid out more detail on how reviews of new contracts and task orders for IT consulting, management services, and advisory and assistance support work will happen. Effective immediately, DOD agencies and components must seek to obtain approval from the Department of Government Efficiency before they make a new unclassified award that falls under either of those three categories. Contracts falling under this scope include FAR-based IT and management services contracts exceeding $10 million and advisory and assistance services contracts north of $1 million, according to the memo sent Monday and signed by DOD’s undersecretary for acquisition and sustainment, Michael Duffey. https://lnkd.in/g8US5gEp #doge #defense #govcon #consolidation #acquisition #IT

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This is a good study guide for industry. Skip to the last page and read backwards. The DOD rewards the patient. That's a maxim.

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🧩 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗖𝗼𝗻 𝗜𝘀 𝗮 𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹 In federal contracting, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝘄𝗶𝗻𝘀 — not the best product. Read that again. Most firms obsess over what they sell: • Features • Differentiators • Technical superiority But here’s what actually moves the needle: 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺𝘀𝗲𝗹𝘃𝗲𝘀. The game isn’t just about showing up with the right solution. It’s about making sure the 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺 𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗴𝗲 — and your lane. Watch the best players. They don’t chase RFPs — they 𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗳𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲 them. They don’t fight over features — they 𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱. And when the solicitation drops? It 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮. Because they’ve already written the first draft… In the buyer’s head. GovCon isn’t won through persuasion. It’s won through 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴. The real strategy? → Control the narrative. → Control the frame. → Control the outcome. -TP

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In light of renewed calls for procurement reforms across the Pentagon, the Defense Information Systems Agency is reworking how it rapidly buys and fields “functionally relevant capabilities,” according to the agency’s director. https://lnkd.in/eSvhCpkZ

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🚀 This Teen Built a $105M+ AI Legal Platform at 16 — Copy His Path Today Most small business owners get buried in contracts. Ethan Roberts didn’t wait. At just 16 years old, Ethan launched an AI contract review platform that automates legal document analysis, flags risks, and helps SMEs avoid costly mistakes — all without hiring a lawyer. By his late teens: 💥 $105M+ net worth 💥 Millions in contracts analyzed 💥 Recurring SaaS revenue from businesses globally 💥 Recognized as one of the youngest AI legal tech prodigies No big law firm. No massive team. Just AI, automation, and solving a real business pain. Today? AI + SaaS + funnels let YOU replicate this contract-review model — fast, cheap, and solo.👇

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Stop treating Contracts and Capture like two separate lanes! Too many companies view Capture as "The Hunters" and Contracts as "The Paperwork." This mindset leaves real value on the table. The strongest GovCon players bring Contracts into the pursuit early to tackle: ✅ Teaming & Subcontracting structures ✅ IP & Data Rights strategy ✅ OCI mitigation ✅ Pricing & Flowdown implications Why wait for the RFP to find a deal-breaker? Alignment doesn't just reduce risk; it increases your P(Win). Success is about aligning your solution to the government’s buying strategy from Day 1. #FederalContracting #BusinessDevelopment #Contracts

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