In this session from the Navy Gold Coast 2025 conference, SBA leaders and small business experts Luci Montgomery and Michael Sovacool discuss the challenges and opportunities for veteran-owned small businesses (VOSBs) and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs) navigating the federal contracting landscape.The conversation covers:• How to avoid common mistakes when applying for SBA certifications• Why working with Apex Accelerators, SBDCs, and VBOCs can help you succeed at no cost• The importance of timely communication with the SBA during the certification process• Clarifying the “Rule of Two” in federal contracting and what changes could mean for small businesses• How joint ventures, teaming, and the Mentor-Protégé Program open doors for small businesses lacking past performance• The risks of predatory loans and how to seek safe SBA-backed funding optionsIf you’re a veteran entrepreneur, small business owner, or anyone pursuing federal contracts, this discussion provides essential tips, updates, and warnings to help you succeed in the government contracting (GovCon) space.Learn more about Supply Chain Management (SCM): https://www.scmsource.comSBA San Diego: https://www.sba.gov/district/san-diego#SBA #FederalContracting #VeteranOwnedBusiness #SDVOSB #SmallBusinessCertification #GovCon #NavyGoldCoast #GovernmentContracts #MentorProtege #BusinessGrowth

William Osgood of SCM Consulting sits down with Chris Hanley, founder of IntelliSun and a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business owner, for a deeply personal and insightful conversation on values, timing, mentorship, and growth in government contracting.

In this interview, Chris shares his journey from the U.S. Navy into entrepreneurship, his transition into the solar industry, and why it took more than a decade before formally partnering with SCM Consulting. Through stories of patience, persistence, and “divine timing,” Chris explains how focusing on character, relationships, and authenticity ultimately opened doors that strategy alone could not.

Topics covered in this conversation include:• Why core values must drive every business decision• The danger of chasing money instead of pursuing excellence• Lessons from military service that translate directly to entrepreneurship• How mentorship accelerates growth and shortens the learning curve• The power of being authentic, vulnerable, and relationship-focused• Why asking for help is a strength, not a weakness• How meaningful connections lead to unexpected opportunities in GovCon

This episode is especially valuable for veteran-owned businesses, SDVOSBs, and entrepreneurs navigating federal contracting while trying to build something sustainable, values-driven, and impactful.Learn more about Supply Chain Management (SCM) and our work supporting government contractors:https://www.scmsource.comLearn more about IntelliSun: https://intellisun.net/

William Osgood of SCM Consulting sits down with BobbyMesmer, a veteran business leader who transformed a small construction operation into one of the world’s leading vertically integrated, pre-engineered steel companies.

In this in-depth conversation, Bobby shares how focusing onexecution, self-performance, and customer value helped his company grow from a single federal contractor into a global organization with hundreds of employees and operations across the U.S. and abroad.

In this video, you’ll hear insights on:

• How federal and municipal contracts helpedestablish a foundation for long-term growth.
• Why self-performing work creates higherstandards, better quality control, and stronger trust.
• The dangers of chasing revenue instead offocusing on excellence and execution.
• How vertical integration became a competitiveadvantage in the steel and construction market.
• Why culture, integrity, and consistency mattermore than short-term margins.
• The role of mentor-protégé relationships inhelping veteran-owned businesses succeed.
• How learning from mistakes fuels sustainablegrowth rather than failure .

This conversation is packed with practical lessons forgovernment contractors, veteran entrepreneurs, and business owners who want to scale responsibly, build credibility with customers, and create lasting value in their industries.

Learn more about SCM Consulting and our work supportinggovernment contractors: https://www.scmsource.com

Learn more about RMG Erectors: https://www.rmgerectors.com/

In this wrap-up session from the National 8(a) Small Business Conference in New Orleans, William Osgood, CEO of Supply Chain Management (SCM), shares key insights for small business owners, veteran entrepreneurs, and 8(a)-certified companies looking to succeed in the federal contracting arena.William discusses:• The “iceberg effect” in business and why small issues can sink big goals• The critical role of back-office operations in getting paid quickly by the federal government• The benefits and requirements of the SBA 8(a) Business Development Program• The power of sole-source contracting opportunities• How to leverage federal contract forecasting for strategic growth• Why hiring an experienced consulting firm like SCM can save you time, headaches, and increase your chances of certification success• The importance of shifting from “contractor” to “solution provider” in the eyes of the governmentWhether you’re new to federal contracting or looking to level up your business strategy, this video is full of actionable tips that can help you win more contracts, get paid faster, and position your company as a trusted partner for government agencies.Learn more about Supply Chain Management (SCM): https://www.scmsource.com#FederalContracting #8aCertification #SmallBusinessGrowth #VeteranOwnedBusiness #GovCon #WilliamOsgood #SCM #BusinessDevelopment #GovernmentContracts #Entrepreneurship

In this interview from the National 8(a) Small Business Conference, William Osgood of SCM Consulting sits down with John Cook of Strategic Growth Partners to discuss what it really takes to scale a professional services firm in the government contracting ecosystem.

John shares the story behind consolidating multiple sister companies into a single, unified brand—and why clear, concise messaging became the catalyst for accelerated growth. He explains how fragmented branding can confuse potential clients, and how simplifying the story around core capabilities led to better engagement, stronger relationships, and clearer market positioning.

Topics covered in this conversation include:

• Why clear, concise messaging is critical as companies grow

• Lessons learned from consolidating multiple businesses into strategic business units

• The “iceberg effect” of growth—what people don’t see behind success

• The importance of building the right leadership team and subject-matter expertise

• Why micromanagement limits growth and empowerment fuels scale

• How strategic partnerships and aligned teams drive long-term success

This conversation is full of golden nuggets for small business owners, consultants, and GovCon leaders looking to grow beyond founder-led operations and build sustainable, scalable organizations.

Learn more about Supply Chain Management (SCM):
https://www.scmsource.com

William Osgood interviews Janelle Askew of National Veteran Small Business Coalition (NVSBC). They discuss various topics including relationship building, government contracting, networking, and the benefits of attending or exhibiting at the Vets 25 conference.More information on NVSBC at nvsbc.org

Broadcasting live from New Orleans at the 2025 National 8(a) Small Business Conference, William Osgood of SCM Consulting sits down with Edward Spenceley and Erin Olenjack from Bank of America’s Government Contracting Group to discuss how the bank is helping veteran-owned and small businesses succeed in the federal marketplace.

Edward, a former Army platoon sergeant, shares how he built Bank of America’s Government Contracting Small Business Division, designed to support small contractors with both financial services and advisory guidance. Joined by Erin, a Navy veteran and former contracting officer, they discuss how relationships, integrity, and trust are the foundation of success in government contracting.

In this video you’ll learn:

• How Bank of America supports small businesses beyond banking — with advisory, compliance, and CMMC readiness services
• The importance of risk management, reputation, and relationships in building a strong GovCon business
• Why integrity and culture matter as much as capability in winning contracts
• How veterans within Bank of America are helping fellow veterans grow and compete in federal contracting

This inspiring discussion highlights the shared mission between financial institutions and small businesses to strengthen America’s contracting ecosystem through mentorship, preparation, and collaboration.

Learn more about Supply Chain Management (SCM): https://www.scmsource.com#National8aConference #BankOfAmerica #GovCon #VeteranOwnedBusiness #FederalContracting #SCM #GovernmentContracts #SmallBusinessGrowth #WilliamOsgood #SCMConsultingLive

William Osgood of Supply Chain Management talks with Suresh Kakileti of VNuIT (Versatile and Nucleus in Information Technology). Discussion covers the service that VNuIT provides to local, state, and federal governments, and how SCM Consulting helps VNuIT partner with other companies to form teams capable of winning and properly serving government clients.Supply Chain Management: scmsource.comVNuIT: vnuit.com