2023 Past SECAF Events

December 12, 2023
SECAF Member Holiday Party
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 5, 2023
Monthly Briefing: Creating Strategic Partnerships to Drive Long-Term Growth 


As a small business, it’s easy to fall into the trap of “Any port in a storm” when it comes to teaming.  In an effort to grow the business and generate revenue, we may just look to get on whatever team we can, without considering long-term effects.  While that approach may work for some, more often than not, the return on investment will be lower over the long-term.  Come hear success stories and lessons learned from others who have taken a more strategic approach to partnerships, creating an ecosystem of trusted partners to fuel corporate growth.  Hear about what they seek out in value-added partners and learn from their first-hand experiences.  Then, see if you can apply what you’ve learned during the networking session to continue building your own trusted partner ecosystem! 
 
Moderator:  Kim Pack – President, Federal, Applied Information Sciences (AIS)

Speakers:         

  • Robb Wong - Managing Executive, Deep Water Point & Associates (formerly with the SBA, lead advocate for small business gov cons)
  • Lorenzo Davis – Regional Sales Manager, Splunk, Public Sector Veteran's Affairs
  • Perry Kessler - Chief Financial Officer, Metric5

Wednesday, November 29, 2023
Webinar Series: ESG Reporting and Compliance for Government Contractors


On November 10, 2022, the Biden Administration sought to quantify greenhouse gas emissions and protect the government's supply chains from climate-related financial risks. Under the proposed Federal Supplier Climate Risks and Resilience Rule, federal contractors with $7.5-$50 million in FAR part 23 annual contracts would be required to report Co2e Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. 

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiatives like these are taking markets by storm – is your business prepared to meet current and incoming ESG compliance requirements?

Attendees will learn: 
1) What are the ESG compliance requirements?
2) How will the ESG proposed rule impact small to midsize contractors?
3) What are “best practices” strategies a supplier can follow to be prepared to comply?
4) How will subcontracting be affected by the ESG requirements?
 
Speakers: 

  • Lenee Lyte – Principal, Team Leader, Government Contractors, Withum
  • Joe Holman – Principal, Practice Leader, ESG Service, Withum 

Wednesday, November 8, 2023
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

(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 and CLA
 


Tuesday, October 17, 2023
Monthly Briefing: Latest Developments from the U.S. Small Business Administration


Once again, we are excited to have the U.S. Small Business Administration for our October monthly briefing. This is an October tradition to kick off the government’s new fiscal year.  Join us to learn about what’s happening with SBA’s small business programs, key regulatory and policy developments, and what is coming down the pike.  As we begin the new fiscal year, we will hear about joint ventures, mentor-protégé, the latest developments with SBA’s 8(a) program, small business spending goals (at the prime contract and subcontract levels), and the top three FAR/CFR changes impacting small businesses. There will be plenty of opportunity for questions from the audience. 
 
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.  The discussion will be moderated by John Shoraka, former Director of SBA’s Office of Government Contracting and currently the Managing Director of GovContractPros.  This event will be in person at the Westwood Country Club and is sure to provide helpful insights about SBA’s small business programs as well as access to key SBA officials.
 
 Moderator: John Shoraka - Managing Director of GovContractPros

 Panelists:           

  • Christopher R. Clarke - Attorney Advisor, Office of General Counsel SBA
  • John Klein - SBA Associate General Counsel for Procurement Law
  • Mark Hagedorn - SBA Attorney in the Office of General Counsel 

Thursday, October 12, 2023
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

(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: Citrin Cooperman and Eagle Bank


Wednesday, October 11, 2023
Webinar Series: 2023 GAUGE Report - Lead by Forecasting

Join Unanet as we provide insights from the seventh annual GAUGE Report. This year’s report, titled Lead by Forecasting, will help guide companies in optimizing and improving forecasts in areas of cash flow, project costs, labor resources, indirect rates, and more. You will gain perspective on today’s government contracting landscape including what’s keeping execs up at night, areas of optimism and challenges, and the implications of our annual benchmarking data.

This year we also did a special section on how GovCon SMB businesses can use forecasting and planning to get in on federal contracting action.
 
Speakers: 
  • Chris Crowder – EVP GovCon, Unanet and SECAF Board Member
  • Kim Koster – VP of GovCon Strategy, Unanet

 


Wednesday, September 20, 2023
Monthly Briefing: Small Business Federal Spending Outlook


Please join us as we kick off our 2023-2024 Program Year once again with the Small Business Federal Spending Outlook from Deltek’s Kevin Plexico.  Kevin’s presentation is always a must-see event because he provides critical data and insights on federal spending trends as well as the budget outlook for key civilian and DOD agencies in FY25.  Kevin will also discuss key upcoming GWACs and agency programs involving IT, cyber, and other industries that are important for our members.  And there will be networking before and after Kevin’s presentation so you can meet and make connections with your peers in SECAF and the small business community.  You don’t want to miss this event!  Register now!


Speaker: 
  • Kevin Plexico - Senior Vice President of Information Solutions at Deltek

Thursday, September 14, 2023
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

(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: NFP
 


Thursday, September 7, 2023
Government Contracting Small Business Summit


Hosted by SECAF and George Mason University’s Greg and Camille Baroni Center for Government Contracting.
 
For over a decade, acquisition policy has sought to drive lower prices by favoring the broader use of category management and strategic sourcing in federal procurement. These initiatives, by definition, tend to whittle down the pool of eligible vendors and may therefore reduce the rate of participation by small and medium business in the industrial base. Thus, contract vehicles targeting small businesses have been a priority for agencies. This summit will focus on the opportunities and goals for small business seeking success in government acquisition.

Keynote Speaker: Laura Stanton - Assistant Commissioner, Office of Information Technology Category, GSA Federal Acquisition Service


Panel I:  Small Business Opportunities

  • Richard Beutel - Senior Fellow & Moderator, Baroni Center for Government Contracting
  • Nasser Basir - Strategic Advisor, ITCON 
  • John Klein - Deputy General Counsel, US Small Business Administration 
  • Rob Mennel - Chief Growth Officer, Synertex 


Part II:  Small Business Goals

  • Emily Murphy - Senior Fellow & Moderator, Baroni Center for Government Contracting 
  • David "Dave" Busigo - Senior Advisor & Rapid Innovation Fund Program Manager, Department of Defense 
  • Aaron Kelley - President, UpSlope Advisors 
  • Andrew Pfiester - Chief Operating Officer & Vice President, Roccomar 

 


Wednesday, August 23, 2023
Webinar Series - Small Business Government Contracting Insights from the 2023 Clarity Study

The 14th annual Deltek Clarity Government Contracting Industry Study surveyed 700+ contractors to identify current contracting trends and benchmarks to help performance-minded businesses improve operational effectiveness.

The resulting study showed that, while small businesses maintain a positive outlook for future growth, they are facing some definite challenges due to today’s inflationary environment. Join Deltek for a look at key takeaways from the 2023 Clarity study that are impacting small businesses contractors in 2023, including what strategies they are deploying to tackle the challenges and opportunities that were uncovered.

Highlights of this informative industry webinar include:
  • Key performance benchmarks to help see how you stack up against the competition
  • A breakdown of top challenges facing small business contractors in 2023
  • Examples of investments small businesses are making to improve critical functions
Speaker:
  • Tara Cannon - Product Marketing Manager, Deltek

 


Wednesday, June 28, 2023
Webinar Series - Gain a Competitive Edge: Harnessing the Power of a Strong Security Framework for Government Contractors 

Join our exclusive webinar on the transformative benefits of a robust security framework for government contractors. Discover how a strong security foundation can propel your organization beyond mere compliance and unlock a distinct competitive advantage. 
By investing in a strong security framework, you position your government contracting organization for long-term success in a fiercely competitive marketplace. Don't miss this opportunity to gain invaluable insights and take your organization to new heights. Register now for our webinar and secure your competitive edge!

Speaker:
  • Nathan Bailey, I.T. Operations Manager, Infotek


Tuesday, June 20, 2023
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

Sponsored By: Citrin Cooperman & Cordia
 


Tuesday, June 6, 2023
Webinar Series: Creative Talent Acquisition Strategies for Growing GovCons

We are thrilled to invite you to a game-changing webinar designed to explore the evolving landscape of government contracting and how your business can stay ahead of the curve through a strategic partnership with talent acquisition.
 
The event promises to be an engaging and insightful experience, as we bring together experts in the industry to share their knowledge and experiences, and how these out-of-the-box concepts can fuel your business's evolution. You’ll gain practical insights on how to attract, retain and develop top talent, as well as strategies for identifying and building effective strategic partnerships that can take your business to new heights.
 
So mark your calendar and join us for this exclusive event for CEOs and BD leaders of growing government contractors. We look forward to seeing you there!

Moderated by: Amy Dozier - Practice Leader, Helios HR

Speakers:
  • Alicia Anzalone - Senior Recruiting Management Consultant, Helios HR
  • Rob Lockard - Senior Recruiting Management Consultant, Helios HR
  • Katt Silver - Senior Recruiting Management Consultant, Helios HR

 


Wednesday, May 24, 2023
Webinar Series: Legal Strategies for Managing Your Size

The SBA regulations prescribe size limits for small business Government contracts, but also offer opportunities to savvy contractors who want to delay their graduation to large or want to retain access to small business dollars even after graduation.  During this presentation contractors will learn about legal strategies for managing growth. The goal is not to stay small forever, but to deliberately plan for size graduation at the right time in a company's lifecycle, in order to maximize the chance for success post-graduation. The presenter will share strategies that have worked successfully and pitfalls contractors may face without proper preparation. 

Speaker:

  • Steve Ramaley - Principal Government Contracts, Miles & Stockbridge

Wednesday, May 17, 2023
Webinar Series: Are You Maximizing Performance? Learn How to Optimize Business Operations

Join Cordia Partners as they combine industry expertise with technical knowledge to help you learn how to maximize your project and organizational performance. Cordia will demonstrate how the appropriate contract award process should engage key individuals for effective contract operational and lifecycle management. Learn how to manage your approach to operational activities, monitor the health and profitability of your programs, and identify and effectively manage risks and opportunities. These predictable and timely financial results allow for:
  • Consistent project controls & reporting
  • Resource alignment
  • Strategic decision-making
  • Actionable Annual Operating Plan (AOP)

Speakers:

  • Todd Angioli, MBA - Director, Cordia Partners
  • Lynnette Leidwinger - Director, Cordia Partners

Thursday, April 13, 2023
Monthly Briefing: What Makes Doing Business with the U.S. Department of State Unique?


Join us for an interactive discussion. The U.S. State Department Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) will share their spend profile, tips on how to explore opportunities, resources that could help you, and how to register for their quarterly forecast briefings.  Learn about the State Department’s mission and acquisition process to increase your chances for success.  Hear about new initiatives and what some of State Department most successful small business partners do to achieve that success.

Speaker: 
  • Rich Vinnacombe, Deputy Director, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU), U.S. Department of State
  • Martina Williams, Senior Procurement Analyst OSDBU, U.S. Department of State

Tuesday, March 28, 2023
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


Wednesday, March 22, 2023
Webinar Series: Are You Ready to Scale Up Your Small Business?

A panel discussion moderated by Jim O’Farrell, President & CEO of AMSG, an SDVOSB that has gone from $2 million to over $20 million in revenue, and key partners who have helped make it happen! Join us for tips on how to go above and beyond a vendor-client relationship and learn to leverage partnerships to grow your business. Each speaker will share their experience in observing small businesses that have had success in scaling up.

Moderators:

  • Jim O’Farrell - CEO, AMSG
  • Angela Lee - Vice President, AMSG

Speakers:

  • Tonio DeSorrento, GovForce
  • Toby Haggerty, EagleBank
  • Jimmy Hontos, Insperity
  • Jacob Jaeger, Dennis Associates Group, LLC  
  • Patrick Whelan, NuMSP LLC
  • Jon Williams, PilieroMazza

Thursday, March 9, 2023
Monthly Briefing: Federal Aviation Administration’s Next Generation Air Transportation System - Small Business Update

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is focused on providing the safest and most efficient aerospace system in the world.   Join us to gain insight into the all-important multibillion-dollar Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) program.  This initiative will play a critical role in the modernization of the US National Airspace System (NAS) through the implementation of new technologies and capabilities that will increase the safety, efficiency, capacity, predictability, and resiliency of American Aviation. 


In addition to gaining insight into this NAS modernization initiative, the FAA’s Small Business Office will provide advice and resource guidance on how the small business community can best position themselves to support FAA opportunities.

Moderator:  James Washington, CEO of JJW & Associates

Speaker: 
  • Jeffrey Baker - Director of Acquisition Policy and Oversight, DOT, FAA  
  • Allen Bresley - Manager, DOT, FAA Small Business Program

Wednesday, March 1, 2023
Webinar Series: Understanding Claims & Requests for Equitable Adjustment

The adage that “you can’t fight City Hall” does not apply to federal government contractors. The Contract Disputes Act (“CDA”) provides the framework governing contract disputes between contractors and the government. Knowing contract terms is vital to better position contractors before moving forward with a formal claim or attempting to negotiate with your customer via a request for equitable adjustment (“REA”).  Join Lauren Brier, co-chair of PilieroMazza’s Government Contract Claims & Appeals Group, for this informative webinar that will help you better understand claims and REAs and will provide valuable insights on how to use these tools on your contracts, including:

  • What is a claim vs. an REA?
  • Deciding to submit a clam or REA
  • Common issues to pursue in a claim or REA
  • Addressing the debate about hours worked on fixed-price contracts
  • Challenging adverse CPARS ratings
  • And more!


Speaker:

  • Lauren Brier - Attorney, PilieroMazza

February 28, 2023
All Member Networking Reception


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. Join us to chat with your peers over cocktails and hors d'oeuvres!

 


Thursday, February 9, 2023
Monthly Briefing: How to Stand Out - A Guide to M&A Value Creation From the Buyer’s Perspective
 

  • Why do some businesses sell for outsized multiples, while others never transact?
  • Why do some companies receive constant acquisition overtures, while other never get a phone call?

If you have ever wondered what it takes to stand out in the eyes of a buyer, this session is for you. In this panel discussion, you will hear from experienced professionals who invest in differentiated GovCon small businesses. Between them, they have evaluated hundreds of companies, and invested in dozens of high-performing small businesses. They will share insights into what makes some businesses command a premium valuation, while others are passed by. Emphasis will be placed on how you as a business leader can use these insights to inform your strategy, regardless of whether a planned exit is in your future.

Among other topics, we will cover:

  • Valuation myth busting
  • Differentiation– is it in the eye of the beholder?
  • How to cultivate differentiation through strategic planning
  • Things to watch out for on your path

This conversation is tailored to CXOs at any growth stage, whether you are actively contemplating an exit or are merely curious about what it takes to achieve a differentiated outcome. The insights gained from this session will not be limited to just M&A, but will help your business stand out to customers, partners, and potential employees as well.

Moderator:  Meghan Gifford - Vice President of Corporate Development & Strategy, Octo
 
Speakers: 
  • Gil Dussek - CEO, Gunnison Consulting Group
  • Morgan Higgins – Principal, Blue Delta Capital Partners
  • Erin-Michael Gill - MBA , Managing Director, Genaesis, LLC


Wednesday, February 1, 2023
Webinar Series: The Straight "As" of Accounting System Reviews

Unlike some other business systems, the requirement to have an adequate accounting system is driven by type of contract and/or proposal not necessarily by contract size or business size. Cost reimbursable, incentive type, time and materials, labor hour, and of course cost accounting standards covered contracts all require a contracting officer to make a determination about the contractor's accounting system. However, there has been ambiguity around what is meant by an adequate, acceptable, and/or approved system that we will help alleviate here.

Participants will learn tips, skills, and facts to improve their compliance awareness, productivity, and efficiency. They will learn to understand the differences and meaning of adequate, acceptable, and approved when they encounter them in solicitations and awards. They will also learn about key risk areas and some best practices when setting up or selecting an accounting system to be sufficient for award.

Speakers:

  • Alex Mikhelson - Senior Manager, Baker Tilly


Wednesday, January 25, 2023
Webinar Series: 2022 GAUGE Report Review

The 6th annual GAUGE Report, is a go-to resource for any firm that wants to grow and prosper in GovCon. The Report is based on the GAUGE Survey which polls firms in five main areas of government contracting: Government Contract Compliance, Accounting, Utilization, Growth, and Efficiencies. This session will provide a review of the highlights of the 2022 report plus a few interesting items from this year’s theme of Workforce Issues and Solutions.
 
Learning Objectives:  At the conclusion of this presentation, the attendees will be able to:

  1. Associate their firm with one of the size of NAICS code segments surveyed,
  2. Compare their own metrics with those of potential competitors or partners,
  3. Identify metrics from the survey that matter to their respective firms, and 
  4. Benchmark their metrics using the provided tools on the GAUGE web site.

Speakers:

  • Kim Koster - VP Industry Marketing, Unanet
  • Rich Wilkinson - Senior Industry Director, Unanet

 


Tuesday, January 24, 2023
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

(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 and ATEK
 


Thursday, January 19, 2023
Monthly Briefing: Small Business Legislative Update from Capitol Hill

We are thrilled to be joined by procurement and policy experts from the House and Senate Small Business Committees to discuss what’s been happening on Capitol Hill for small businesses. And, as the House and Senate Small Business Committees are starting to shape their legislative priorities for 2023, they want to hear from you. 

This monthly briefing will be an open forum and a fantastic opportunity to share issues that matter to you. We encourage you to register now and come on January 19th ready to share your perspectives.

We are starting the new year with a small business legislative update from three procurement and small business policy experts with the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Small Business.  Vivian Ling, Irene Rivera, and DeMarcus Walker will discuss legislative priorities for the 118th Congress and the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2023. 

Come with your questions! We are looking forward to a very informative and interactive briefing and encourage all of our members to register now.

Speakers: 
  • Vivian Ling, Senior Counsel, Senate Small Business Committee (Minority)
  • Irene Rivera, Procurement Counsel at U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Small Business (Minority)
  • DeMarcus Walker, Legislative Assistant, Senate Small Business Committee (Majority)