2022 Past SECAF Events
SECAF Member Holiday Party
December 14th from 5:30 to 7:30pm
Westwood Country Club in Vienna, Virginia
The SECAF Member Holiday Party is a special event for members to get to know one another better. Attendees can expect to meet business owners and decision makers of companies of all sizes – from young start-ups to the more mature and established.
Listen and learn and/or come share your knowledge and experience with peers who are committed to success in the Gov Con industry. Discover new business and/or teaming opportunities. Meet professional service providers who specialize in the Gov Con industry.
We hope to see you there. Members – do you know of a serious prospective member? If so, contact us info@secaf.org (no later than December 8th as we’d be happy to have him/her as our guest. Please-only serious prospects.
If you're not currently a member of SECAF, Join Now and see why it's worth becoming part of this valuable Gov Con community!
Tuesday, December 6, 2022
Monthly Briefing: Contract Pricing 101 for Early-Stage Gov Cons
Contract pricing is a critical part of growing and managing any small business, and it is especially important for government contractors. Understanding how to properly price professional services, and what makes up the components of your price, is key to ensuring your company will be competitive and profitable in a contract arrangement. The fundamental principles covered in this in person event are the building blocks whether using market-based rates, catalog pricing or establishing new rates. Key considerations in choosing a contract pricing arrangement include the type of service being offered, the contract type, and whether a prime or subcontractor role.
Join us to learn some tips that will help you avoid common mistakes while negotiating a fair price for your professional services. Bring your questions! Networking opportunities before and after the presentation.
Among other things, we will be discussing:
- How to get started when establishing a price?
- What are the risks to keep in mind?
- What can I control?
- How do I know if I'll make money?
- What are indirect rates and how do I use them?
- What are wrap rates and how do I calculate them?
When it comes to contract pricing, there is no "one size fits all" solution - each situation is unique and must be evaluated on its own merits. By understanding the basics of contract pricing, you can price your contracts more effectively and improve your chances of winning business.
- Mike Cippel - Principal, Cordia Partners
- Kathleen Sober - CEO, Hive Group LLC
Thursday, November 17, 2022
Monthly Briefing: Pilot IRS - What Small Businesses Need to Know About the Transformative Solutions Underway at IRS
With an increasing budget and focus on modernization, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is an agency small business contractors need to watch in the new fiscal year. IRS is applying innovative approaches to improve their industry engagement, evaluation, and procurement of emerging technologies and capabilities with the goal of bringing in transformative solutions for IRS business challenges. The program, called Pilot IRS, is a modular contracting technique using the inherent flexibility of the Federal Acquisition Regulation and has facilitated nine projects to date. This methodology saves time and money for the IRS and industry alike. The Pilot IRS program lowers the barrier for companies and nontraditional partners to provide cutting edge technologies and innovative solutions to government.
This monthly briefing will be given by IRS’ Mitch Winans. Mitch is a Senior Advisor for Enterprise Digitalization, which assists IRS organizations to identify, test, evaluate, and deploy new solutions using a streamlined procurement and phased-funding program. During this monthly briefing, Mitch will share details about the Pilot IRS program and provide insights so attendees can learn more about how small and emerging tech companies can respond to Solution Challenges announced on Sam.gov and be better positioned to pursue upcoming opportunities with IRS.
Speaker:
-
Mitch Winans, Senior Advisor for Enterprise Digitalization at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) within the Department of Treasury
November 9, 2022
Gov Con Member Networking Reception (Government Contractor Members Only)
You are invited to join us to get to know your fellow SECAF members!
Networking is an essential part of any successful career in the government contracting industry. It can help you find new opportunities and make connections that can lead to future business partnerships.
At this networking event, you will have the opportunity to learn more about what your fellow SECAF members do and whether there might be teaming opportunities. You can also find out how you can help them and vice versa. So bring your capabilities statement and enjoy the chance to chat with your peers over cocktails and hors d'oeuvres!
Nostos Restaurant
8100 Boone Blvd
Vienna VA 22182
Tuesday, October 18, 2022
Monthly Briefing: Latest Developments from the U.S. Small Business Administration
Westwood Country Club
8:30 - 10:15 AM
October is traditionally when we like to check in with the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) to get an update on the latest developments shaping small business procurement policies and regulations in the new fiscal year. This year, we are thrilled to welcome back John Klein, SBA’s Associate General Counsel for Procurement Law, and Mark Hagedorn, Attorney in SBA’s Office of General Counsel, to present the October 2022 monthly briefing on the latest developments from SBA.
Together, they will cover the latest developments with SBA’s small business programs, new regulations, and other initiatives impacting the small business procurement community. The panel will be moderated by John Shoraka, former Director of SBA’s Office of Government Contracting and currently the Managing Director of GovContractPros. We are excited to have this event in person at the Westwood Country Club to provide great insights about SBA’s small business programs and access to key SBA officials.
Moderator: John Shoraka - Managing Director of GovContractPros
Panelists:
- John Klein - SBA Associate General Counsel for Procurement Law
- Mark Hagedorn - SBA Attorney in the Office of General Counsel
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
Gov Con Member Networking Reception (Government Contractor Members Only)
Cocktails with Hors D'oeuvres
Nostos Restaurant
8100 Boone Blvd
Vienna VA 22182
(The entrance is on the northeast corder of the building, Leesburg and Aline. You may access the restaurant from the lobby of the building as well as the outside entrance. Plenty of surface parking all around the building.)
Sponsored By: Sandy Spring Bank and Miles and Stockbridge
You are invited to come get to know your fellow
SECAF Government Contractor members!
- What do they do?
- Might there be teaming opportunities?
- Can they help you? Can you help them?
- Enjoy the opportunity to network with your peers.
- Bring your capabilities statement.
Wednesday, September 21, 2022
Monthly Briefing: Small Business Federal Spending Outlook
SECAF is excited to kick off its 2022-2023 Program Year once again with the Small Business Federal Spending Outlook. FY22 has been tumultuous for many small business contractors due to delays in agency budgets and significant new contract vehicles like GSA’s Polaris, as well as broader economic issues like inflation. As we get ready to turn the page on FY22, Deltek’s Kevin Plexico will provide an overview of the budget outlook and spending trends to watch in FY23. Kevin will also address key upcoming contract vehicles and legislation for small businesses. This briefing will help you stay abreast of the latest developments with federal budgets and contracts so you can best-position your company for success in FY23.
Speaker: Kevin Plexico - Senior Vice President of Information Solutions at Deltek
Thursday, September 15, 2022
All Member Networking Reception
Cocktails with Hors D'oeuvres
Fogo de Chao
1775 Tysons Boulevard
Tysons, VA 22102
703-556-0200
To kick-off the new SECAF season and a New Member Campaign, please join us for cocktails and to learn more about how you can win a $50 gift card!
Bring a Gov Con prospective member with you. They may attend as our guest!
If you want to register a guest, please send an email to
info@secaf.org no later than September 14, 2022 at 3:00PM. Make sure to include the following information: first name, last name, company name, email address.
Not a member? JOIN NOW!
Cost: $40 Register by September 12th at 5:00pm
$50 After September 12th at 5:00pm
Wednesday, July 27, 2022
Webinar Series: Small Business Insights From the 2022 GovCon Clarity Report
The 13th Annual Deltek Clarity Government Contracting Industry Study comes at a key inflection point, as government contractors emerge from the pandemic eager to embrace new growth opportunities. Small government contractors who are growing indicated confidence in their outlook for 2022; they noted, however, some significant management challenges including talent shortages, supply chain disruptions, increased competition, as well as a desire to strengthen digital capabilities to improve operational efficiency.
Join Dan Firrincili, from Deltek’s Product Strategy team, as he unveils the top takeaways impacting small businesses from the 2022 Clarity Study. Highlights will include:
- Key performance benchmarks to help you see how you compare to your peers
- Examples of key investments small businesses are making to critical functions
As client and workforce expectations change, strategies you can take to elevate your competitive edge.
Speaker:
- Dan Firrincili, Deltek
Thursday July 14, 2022 at 5:00pm
Gov Con Member Networking Reception (Government Contractor Members Only)
Cocktails with Hors D'oeuvres
Nostos Restaurant
8100 Boone Blvd
Vienna VA 22182
(The entrance is on the northeast corder of the building, Leesburg and Aline. You may access the restaurant from the lobby of the building as well as the outside entrance. Plenty of surface parking all around the building.)
Sponsored By: Deltek
You are invited to come get to know your fellow
SECAF Government Contractor members!
- What do they do?
- Might there be teaming opportunities?
- Can they help you? Can you help them?
- Enjoy the opportunity to network with your peers.
- Bring your capabilities statement.
Tuesday, June 21, 2022
Gov Con Member Networking Reception (Government Contractor Members Only)
Cocktails with Hors D'oeuvres
Nostos Restaurant
8100 Boone Blvd
Vienna VA 22182
(The entrance is on the northeast corder of the building, Leesburg and Aline. You may access the restaurant from the lobby of the building as well as the outside entrance. Plenty of surface parking all around the building.)
Sponsored By: Atlantic Union Bank
You are invited to come get to know your fellow
SECAF Government Contractor members!
- What do they do?
- Might there be teaming opportunities?
- Can they help you? Can you help them?
- Enjoy the opportunity to network with your peers.
- Bring your capabilities statement.
Wednesday, June 15, 2022
SECAF Member Appreciation Day
Please be our guest at a SECAF Member Cocktail Reception at the Tower Club on June 15th from 5:30 – 7:30pm.
Open bar and delicious hors d’oeuvres are on us. You must register in advance to attend.
We look forward to celebrating with you.
Registration closes Monday, June 13 at 3:00pm.
COST: Complimentary. You must register in advance, please.
COVID Policy: Please see COVID Policy Here.
Tuesday, June 7, 2022
Monthly Briefing: NASA Small Business Opportunities – To Infinity and Beyond
This monthly briefing will focus on NASA and the many exciting upcoming opportunities for small businesses at the agency. The feature speaker on this panel is Sholainka O. Martyn, NASA Small Business Specialist, who will highlight upcoming contracting opportunities for small businesses looking to work with NASA, as well as provide suggestions on how to best pursue them. Also joining the panel is Sadie Duffy, Vice President of Strategic Solutions for Lentech, Inc., a growing small business providing engineering, information technology, and strategic support services to NASA and at Goddard. Richard Pineda, CEO of CALIBRE Systems, will moderate the discussion.
Who should attend this event? Businesses that are currently working with NASA and looking to expand their work with NASA as well as businesses wishing to work with NASA.
Moderator: Richard Pineda - President & Chief Executive Officer, CALIBRE Systems, Inc.
Speakers:
- Sadie Duffy - Vice President of Strategic Solutions for Lentech, Inc.
- Sholainka Martyn - Small Business Specialist at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC)
Tuesday, May 24, 2022
Gov Con Member Networking Reception (Government Contractor Members Only)
Cocktails with Hors D'oeuvres
Nostos Restaurant
8100 Boone Blvd
Vienna VA 22182
(The entrance is on the northeast corder of the building, Leesburg and Aline. You may access the restaurant from the lobby of the building as well as the outside entrance. Plenty of surface parking all around the building.)
Sponsored By: Miles and Stockbridge
You are invited to come get to know your fellow
SECAF Government Contractor members!
- What do they do?
- Might there be teaming opportunities?
- Can they help you? Can you help them?
- Enjoy the opportunity to network with your peers.
- Bring your capabilities statement.
Not a member? JOIN NOW!
Cost: $40 Register by May 20th at 5:00pm
$50 After May 20th at 5:00pm
Registration closes Monday, May 23rd at 5:00pm.
Thursday, May 5, 2022
SECAF Awards Gala
The Annual Government Contractor Awards celebrate SECAF members and other government contracting organizations that have demonstrated a commitment to industry excellence. Award categories showcase companies of all sizes, plus key projects and outstanding executives.
Location:
7920 Jones Branch Drive
McLean, Virginia 22102
Time: 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Attire: Business
Thursday, April 7, 2022
Gov Con Member Networking Reception (Government Contractor Members Only)
Cocktails with Hors D'oeuvres
Nostos Restaurant
8100 Boone Blvd
Vienna VA 22182
(The entrance is on the northeast corder of the building, Leesburg and Aline. You may access the restaurant from the lobby of the building as well as the outside entrance. Plenty of surface parking all around the building.)
Sponsored By: Pillsbury
You are invited to come get to know your fellow
SECAF Government Contractor members!
- What do they do?
- Might there be teaming opportunities?
- Can they help you? Can you help them?
- Enjoy the opportunity to network with your peers.
- Bring your capabilities statement.
Thursday, March 31, 2022
Webinar Series: Minority Private Equity Partnerships for Small Businesses
Ever wondered how to pull in growth capital or sell some ownership without giving up control? Most private equity investors are control investors – they are looking for majority stakes in the businesses in which they invest. But in the GovCon industry, this often triggers affiliation considerations and so a typical PE investment requires a company to recertify as no longer a small business – decreasing added value. However, there are a growing number of firms who are creatively looking to support the small business community through investments and a partnership approach that allow a business to continue as a SB. Join us for a discussion on how active private equity firms can support small businesses for accelerated growth and strategic expansion.
Moderator: Cameron Hamilton, FON Advisors, Managing Director
Speakers:
- Rob Hagerty, Farragut Capital Partners
- Marc Murphy, Ignite Digital/ Atlas Executive, CEO
- Kevin Robbins, Blue Delta Capital Partners
Wednesday, March 23, 2022
Webinar Series: Surviving and Thriving in the Cost-Plus World
Bidding on and winning cost-plus contracts is an exciting and new adventure for a lot of contractors. Now that you have won a cost-plus contract, Cordia Partners will provide a tour of the contract life cycle guiding you through the cost-plus contracting world.
Key takeaways and compliance topics the audience will learn:
- Necessary recordkeeping and reporting requirements
- Indirect rate analysis, changes, and related communication
- Managing subcontractor risk
- System requirements and remaining audit ready
- Contract close-out process
Speakers:
- Brigitta Scott, Partner, Cordia Partners
- Traci Shepps, Senior Partner, Cordia Partners
Tuesday, March 15, 2022
Monthly Briefing: Federal Government Infrastructure Outlook
Join us for a compelling discussion on the nation’s cyber infrastructure as we hear from both government and industry subject matter experts regarding this important subject. Attendees will achieve federal infrastructure insights to educate and position the GOVCON small business community to more effectively partner with Govt agencies.
Moderated by: Dr.Tiina Rodrigue - Chief Information Security Officer, Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection
Speakers:
- Mr. Sanjeev "Sonny" Bhagowalia - Assistant Commissioner, Office of Information and Technology and CBP Chief Information Officer, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- Dr. Mike Mylrea - Senior Distinguished Engineer - Cybersecurity and Digital Innovation, National Resilience Inc.
Tuesday, March 8, 2022
Webinar Series: From the Frying Pan to the Fire - Negotiating Workshare Provisions in Teaming Agreements and Memorializing Workshare Promises in Subcontracts
Contractors team together for an opportunity for one reason and for one reason only: to get work. However, in a prime/sub team, most proposed sub team members can recount instances in which they received nothing in return for their efforts in helping another contractor win a prime contract. This webinar will address ways in which a team member proposed as a subcontractor can increase its chances of actually receiving any workshare promised by a contractor submitting a proposal in a response to a solicitation. The webinar also will discuss the pitfalls both prime and sub team members experience in drafting workshare exhibits to teaming agreements and the nuances in drafting workshare provisions included in teaming agreements with small businesses. Some of the topics addressed will include:
- Provisions a proposed subcontractor must have in any teaming agreement
- Best practices for expressing or drafting workshare promises in a teaming agreement
- Teaming agreement provisions that undermine workshare promises
- Adjustments necessary when a small business is part of the teaming arrangement
- Ensuring workshare promises transfer to the subcontract
- Subcontract provisions that undermine workshare promises
Speaker: Devon Hewitt, Senior Partner, Protorae Law
Thursday, March 3, 2022
Gov Con Member Networking Reception (Government Contractor Members Only)
Cocktails with Hors D'oeuvres
Fogo de Chao
1775 Tysons Boulevard Suite 50
Tysons, VA 22102
703-556-0200
Sponsored By: Evans Consulting
You are invited to come get to know your fellow
SECAF Government Contractor members!
- What do they do?
- Might there be teaming opportunities?
- Can they help you? Can you help them?
- Enjoy the opportunity to network with your peers.
- Bring your capabilities statement.
Tuesday, March 1, 2022
Webinar Series: Equity Rollovers in the Sale of a Company
This webinar will provide a brief overview of “rollover equity,” a transaction that has become increasingly common in the sale of businesses. A rollover occurs when the business owners, and sometimes key employees receiving large sale bonuses, are asked or permitted by the buyer to reinvest a portion of their cash proceeds into the ongoing post-sale business. Rollover transactions can both provide sellers and key employees the opportunity to reap additional rewards from post-sale growth and provide buyers assurance that retained key persons maintain a strong incentive to work to build the post-sale business toward a future exit at an even higher valuation.
This webinar will address:
• Types of rollover structures
• Buyers likely to favor rollover transactions
• Tax issues and structure techniques
• Potential pitfalls and rewards
Moderator - Bob Webb, Principal, Miles & Stockbridge
Speakers:
- Garrett Asta, Senior VP, Houlihan Lokey
- Eroncia Berry, Associate, Miles & Stockbridge
- Brian Filler, Associate, Miles & Stockbridge
- Meg Manchester, Principal, Miles & Stockbridge
Wednesday, February 23, 2022
Cybersecurity Update - CMMC 2.0, NIST 800-171 & Current Threat Landscape
SysArc will provide their annual Cybersecurity update to include the latest news on CMMC 2.0, the current compliance requirements with DFARS 7012/NIST 800-171 and the current threat landscape for SECAF members and what they can do to get more secure and compliant today without breaking the bank.
Speaker: Tim Brennan, CEO, SysArc
Thursday, February 17, 2022
Monthly Briefing: Demystifying DCAA - How to Prepare for and Manage Cost-Plus Contracting
Preparing for cost-plus contracting can be a daunting prospect for many small businesses in the federal market. Join SECAF for an event aimed at demystifying the processes associated with implementing and managing a DCAA-compliant account system and associated cost-plus contracts, featuring panelists from government and industry that will break down the basics and share their best insights and lessons-learned. There will be an opportunity to submit and ask questions of the panel.
Moderated by: Brigitta Scott - Partner at Cordia Partners
Speakers:
- Jennifer Bonney, CPA, CMA - Vice President-Finance, SimVentions Inc.
- Pat Fitzgerald - Director, Baker Tilly, Government Contractor Advisory Services Group
- Greg Gorgone - Chief Financial Officer, Citizant
- Devang Patel - President of Business Development, Allegient Defense
Wednesday, February 9, 2022
Webinar Series: Hiring and Retaining in the Future of Work - What CEOs Need to Know
Are your existing workforce policies holding you back from hiring and retaining high performers in our new world of work? What may have worked for your business pre-pandemic may no longer serve you today and in the years to come.
Join us for a panel discussion on February 9th, and hear from leading talent acquisition and human capital consultants from Helios HR. Discover the latest workforce strategies and proven tactics that have helped federal contractors attract and retain their teams during this complex and highly competitive environment.
You’ll walk away with key priorities for your workforce in 2022, including what questions you, as the CEO, need to ask and new ideas to take back to your team to hire and retain great people this year.
Moderated by: Kathy Albarado, CEO, Helios HR
Speakers:
- Keenan Hogg, Senior Recruiting Consultant, Helios HR
- Cassee Ger, Senior HR Consultant, Helios HR
- Cindy Najera, Senior HR Consultant, Helios HR
Thursday, February 3, 2022
Gov Con Member Networking
Grab your favorite beverage and a snack and join us for a ‘round the room introductions to get to know your fellow Government Contractor SECAF members!
- What do they do?
- Might there be teaming opportunities?
- Can they help you? Can you help them?
- Enjoy the opportunity to network with your peers.
Join us! Here's what our members are saying about virtual networking sessions:
- Casual and friendly, yet informative and clearly a conduit for collaboration.
- I liked the chance to see people and also hear of their companies. It was great!
- This virtual environment via video teleconferencing is the new normal. I was impressed! SECAF has matured as a SB advocacy organization, and that was apparent. Good attendance. Great discussion.
- First one I've attended, but video feed made it easier to connect and speak, as opposed to an audio-only bridge.
- Variety and experience of attendees.
- I liked the combination of business with cute personal quirk. Great ice breaker, and humanized the artificial Zoom situation.
Wednesday, February 2, 2022
Webinar Series: Understanding and Avoiding Affiliation for Small Business Government Contractors
The Small Business Administration’s affiliation rules are a key component of eligibility for small business set-aside programs. Indeed, affiliation with another business can cause your company to lose its small business status, which may lead you to lose a protest as well as a set-aside contract you invested considerable time and resources in pursuing. Loss of small business status due to affiliation may also impact your pursuit of SBA loans and could trigger an enforcement action from the federal government. Therefore, to ensure eligibility and maintain compliance, small businesses competing for small business set-aside contracts and SBA loans need to understand how affiliation arises under SBA’s rules—and how it can be avoided.
Join Jon Williams, Practice Group Chair of PilieroMazza’s Government Contracts Group, on February 2nd at 12:00 PM for a webinar on the key elements of SBA’s affiliation rules, common pitfalls that arise for small businesses, and tips for avoiding or mitigating affiliation to protect your size status.
Speaker: Jon Williams, Partner, PilieroMazza PLLC
Wednesday, January 26, 2022
Monthly Briefing: 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (“NDAA”) - What Small Business Contractors Need to Know
The NDAA is “must pass” legislation each year. Congress typically crams this critical legislation full of provisions that will shape federal procurement policy for the new year and beyond. The 2022 NDAA is no different. The 2022 NDAA contains numerous provisions that will impact federal contracting this year and going forward, including provisions that address small business contractors, cybersecurity, contractor employment obligations, construction contracting, mergers & acquisitions, domestic preferences, and more. As a federal contractor planning for the year ahead, it is critical to get the new year off on the right foot by understanding the key provisions in the 2022 NDAA and how they may impact you and the federal contracting market this year. Please join us for the January Member Briefing to learn everything that small business contractors need to know about the 2022 NDAA, courtesy of Elizabeth Sullivan, President of Madison Services Group.
Speaker:
- Elizabeth Sullivan, President of Madison Services Group
Thursday, January 6, 2022
Gov Con Member Networking Event
Grab your favorite beverage and a snack and join us for a ‘round the room introductions to get to know your fellow Government Contractor SECAF members!
- What do they do?
- Might there be teaming opportunities?
- Can they help you? Can you help them?
- Enjoy the opportunity to network with your peers.
Join us! Here's what our members are saying about virtual networking sessions:
- Casual and friendly, yet informative and clearly a conduit for collaboration.
- I liked the chance to see people and also hear of their companies. It was great!
- This virtual environment via video teleconferencing is the new normal. I was impressed! SECAF has matured as a SB advocacy organization, and that was apparent. Good attendance. Great discussion.
- First one I've attended, but video feed made it easier to connect and speak, as opposed to an audio-only bridge.
- Variety and experience of attendees.
- I liked the combination of business with cute personal quirk. Great ice breaker, and humanized the artificial Zoom situation.