Assist & Win: Recent Episodes
The MDPTAC Team
Welcome to the Maryland PTAC ‘Assist & Win’ podcast, where we showcase client success stories and feature discussions with government procurement experts to help small business owners. For Closed Captions watch the podcast on our Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/PTACAdministrator/playlists.
Our guest is Martin Cadirola, President of Ecotronics Ventures LLC, a pioneering hard and software systems engineering company based in New Market, Maryland. Ecotronics specializes in telecommunications, weather research, and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) industries (also known as drones). With numerous contract awards under its belt, including providing drone surveillance services and Lidar support for esteemed clients like NASA and Howard University, Ecotronics Ventures exemplifies innovation and excellence in its field. As a boy, Martin aspired to be an astronaut and is now helping the planet one drone at a time. He continues to work on his contracting goals with his counselor, Richard Paden.
"There is no cookie-cutter solution in government contracting, it has to be customized. Working with an APEX Accelerator counselor will speed up the process and inspire you to keep going."
Become an APEX Accelerator client today by registering at marylandapex.org
Host: Yasmin Razaq, Marketing & Training Coordinator, Maryland APEX Accelerator
Are you wondering how to do business with the government? Do you have a strategic plan to win local, state, or federal contracts? If you are asking yourself these questions then you need to listen to this podcast episode.
Join the team at the Maryland APEX Accelerator for a Roundtable discussion on what small businesses in Maryland can expect in the procurement world in 2024 plus how your APEX counselor can help you avoid the pitfalls and support your growth.This is a great opportunity to kick off the new year and learn strategies and tips from procurement experts on how you can make 2024 your best contracting year ever. Don't Miss it!BONUS! Hear from MD APEX Accelerator client, Information Protection Solutions as they share their story on how they won a $51 million contract with the Department of Justice. - https://ips314.com/SPEAKERS:Maryland APEX Accelerator Team (Procurement Specialists & VA Certified Counselors)Become an APEX Accelerator client today to receive no-cost counseling and training in government contracting at https://www.marylandapex.org/getting-started
In this episode, we chat to Dr Celeste Chamberlain, President of Information Protection Solutions (IPS) about their recent contract win with the U.S. Department of Justice for $51 million over 10 years. IPS was established in 2014 by Celeste and her husband, Dr. Todd Chamberlain Sr., and is a service-disabled veteran-owned business specializing in Cyber Security. They started with just one full-time employee and have since grown to a team of over 25 dedicated professionals managing multiple contracts. This impressive expansion is a testament to the unwavering commitment and leadership of Celeste and Todd.
This dynamic duo joined the Maryland APEX Accelerator in 2022 and worked with their counselor, Tara Scott, to develop a winning strategy.
"I thought RFI's were a waste of time... If we had not responded to THIS particular RFI, we would not have gotten the invitation to respond to the RFP. Those RFI's will get you in the door"
Become a Maryland APEX Accelerator client today by registering at https://www.marylandapex.org/
Host: Yasmin Razaq, Marketing & Training Coordinator, Maryland APEX Accelerator
Are you wondering how to do business with the government? Do you have a strategic plan to win local, state, or federal contracts? If you are asking yourself these questions then you need to listen to this virtual event. Join the team at the Maryland PTAC for a Roundtable discussion on what small businesses in Maryland can expect in the procurement world in 2023 plus how your PTAC counselor can help you avoid the pitfalls and support your growth
This is an excellent opportunity to kick off the new year and learn strategies and tips from procurement experts on making 2023 your best contracting year.
BONUS!, hear some PTAC clients share their stories about becoming successful government contractors.
Maryland PTAC Speakers
Richard Paden, Procurement Specialist & VA Certified Counselor
Akiesha M. Foster, Procurement Specialist & VA Certified Counselor
Pamela Minor, Procurement Specialist & VA Certified Counselor
Tara Scott, Procurement Specialist
PTAC Clients
Thomas Chon, President/CEO, Tetra Fields LLC
Eno Nzesi– CEO, Numa Management Associates
Become a Maryland PTAC client today by registering at mdptac.org
Host: Yasmin Razaq, Marketing & Training Coordinator, MDPTAC
Our guest is Keith Garner who is the Vice President of BFG Enterprises LLC – a woman-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned small business in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. BFG Enterprises is a reputable consulting firm that specializes in Data Management and Identity, Credentialing and Access Management, Data Integration, and Management solutions and services. They have won numerous contract awards over the years including a Five Year - Single Award IDIQ Contract for $27 million with U.S. Army Garrison Fort Knox. Keith and his wife, AnJanette work with their PTAC counselor, Richard Paden, on their government contracting goals.
"Develop a mentoring relationship with your PTAC counselor, their knowledge and resources extend far greater than you would imagine.... Focus on your market and your niche, learn how to build and grow in the garden that you are in, and focus on that one thing."
Become a Maryland PTAC client today by registering at mdptac.org
Host: Yasmin Razaq, Marketing & Training Coordinator, MDPTAC
The federal government's goal is to award 5% of all federal contracts to women-owned businesses. Listen to this episode and learn how you can get a piece of the pie. You will hear fromwomen who have built successful businesses selling to the government. We will explore their stories, experiences, and advice on how to overcome adversity and continue to thrive. You will also learn what the Small Business Administration and the Baltimore Metro Women's Business Center offer to assist women-owned businesses.
SPEAKERS
Diedra Henry-Spires, Senior Advisor for COVID Programs, Office of the Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
Ann Frank, GCDF, Morgan State University, Director, Baltimore Metro Women’s Business Center (WBC)
Brenda Doles - RN, MBA, President, HealthCare Resolution Services (HCRS)
Eno Nzesi– CEO, Numa Management Associates
Sonya Hopson - CEO, Sage Services Group LLC
Become a Maryland PTAC client today by registering at mdptac.org
Host: Yasmin Razaq, Marketing & Training Coordinator, MDPTAC
Today’s guest is PTAC client, Tejash Patel, Founder and (CEO) of TAYS, an IT systems services company in Baltimore, Maryland. Tejash is responsible for the strategic vision, Financial and Operational Performance, and business development at TAYS. He has over 18 years of IT experience including leading large projects in the public and private sectors. TAYS was recently awarded an $8 million Task Order as a sub-contractor for the Social Security Administration. He works with his PTAC counselor, Richard Paden, on his government contracting goals.
"My counselor has been amazing, I was just amazed by the wealth of knowledge that Richard has, and I am very thankful for the support he has provided."
Become a Maryland PTAC client today by registering at mdptac.org
Host: Yasmin Razaq, Marketing & Training Coordinator, MDPTAC
Our guest is Akiesha M Foster, a Procurement Specialist at the Maryland PTAC.
Akiesha joined the PTAC in 2020 and is working towards becoming a VA certified counselor. She is an experienced Senior Contract Specialist (51C) with over 19 years in Logistics and contracting. Akiesha is currently serving as the Sergeant Major for Army Material Command- Army Reserve Element (AMC-ARE). The assignment includes working for the Mission Installation Contracting Command (MICC), Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), and Akiesha is also a small business owner of KeyToLife Professional Services LLC (KTL), a boutique consulting company. In this episode, Akiesha reveals why she advises small business owners to stay the course of government contracting.
"Never quit, this is a long game and you will have to learn to persevere... put the time in, use the resources at the PTAC it will help you to grow your business."
Become a Maryland PTAC client today by registering at mdptac.org
Host: Yasmin Razaq, Marketing & Training Coordinator, MDPTAC
We all hope COVID is in the rearview mirror, and now is the time to reinforce your government contracting knowledge.
Are you wondering how to do business with the government? Do you have a strategic plan to win local, state, or federal contracts? If you are asking yourself these questions then you need to be at this virtual event.
Join the team at the Maryland PTAC for a Roundtable discussion on what small businesses in Maryland can expect in the procurement world in 2022. Some of the topics to be discussed include:
- Best way to gain past performance
- How the $15 minimum wage rule will affect my business in 2022
- Tips on becoming a sub-contractor
- What veterans need to look out for this year
- What does it mean to be HUBZone certified?
- How to research bid opportunities
- How to find agency procurement forecasts
- What startups should do before they approach the government
- How your PTAC counselor can help you avoid the pitfalls and support your growth
PLUS, hear some PTAC clients share their stories on how they became successful government contractors.
This is a great opportunity to kick off the new year and learn strategies and tips from procurement experts on how you can make 2022 your best contracting year ever. Don't Miss it!
Maryland PTAC Speakers
Denise Warner, Director of the Maryland Procurement Technical Assistance Center (MD PTAC)
Richard Paden, Procurement Specialist
Monica M. Randall, Procurement Specialist
Akiesha M. Foster, Procurement Specialist
Pamela Minor, Procurement Specialist & VA Certified Counselor
Become a Maryland PTAC client today by registering at mdptac.org
Host: Yasmin Razaq, Marketing & Training Coordinator, MDPTAC
Today’s guest is Lakeysha Claxton, CEO of Homeland Custodial Services, which was recently awarded a government contract to provide janitorial services to the Navy in Okinawa, Japan. Lakeysha has won several large contracts over the years and has been a Maryland PTAC client since 2014. She works with her counselor, Richard Paden on her contracting goals. In this interview, Lakeysha describes how she went from being a bus driver to winning multi-million dollar government contracts. We discuss her career challenges and successes, plus why she advises small business owners to seek help from the PTAC.
Become a Maryland PTAC client today by registering at mdptac.org
Host: Yasmin Razaq, Marketing & Training Coordinator, MDPTAC
"My PTAC counselor, Richard Paden, has been wonderful… he really encouraged me and has been my champion and guardian angel. He helps me to hone in and focus on what I need to do to keep my business growing." - Silvia Perez
Today’s guest is Silvia Perez, CEO of Rathel Enterprises, a multi-service provider who was recently awarded a $300k contract to provide medical equipment to the VA. Silvia has been a Maryland PTAC client since 2018 and works with her counselor, Richard Paden on her contracting goals.
You can learn more about Rathel Enterprises at https://rathellenterprisesinc.com/
Become a Maryland PTAC client today by registering at mdptac.org
Host: Yasmin Razaq, Marketing & Training Coordinator, MDPTAC
Our guest is John Graham, who is the Managing Director of Sullivan Cove Consultants LLC - a multi-disciplinary professional services firm practicing in the federal and commercial sectors in Severna Park, Maryland.
John has been a Maryland PTAC client since 2003 and has been successful in winning many large federal contracts with the largest dollar value contract award from the Department of Justice of $617 million. As a Disabled Veteran and Minority firm, Sullivan Cove Consultants has grown substantially over the years and employs 150 people across the country. John believes the rule that '50% of new business comes from people that you have been with for the last 48 hours.' He credits the Maryland PTAC with helping his firm achieve government contracting success,
"The service we've had has been uniformly exceptional and we feel a debt of gratitude to the PTAC."
You can learn more about Sullivan Cove Consultants LLC at https://www.sullivancove.com/
Become a Maryland PTAC client today by registering at mdptac.org
Host: Yasmin Razaq, Marketing & Training Coordinator, MDPTAC
Our guest is Raffi Bilek, LCSW-C, social worker and CEO of the Baltimore Therapy Center (BTC).
Raffi has been a client with the Maryland PTAC for over a year. He is counseled by procurement specialist, Ms. Arthenia LeFlore, and won his first government contract in 2020 offering therapeutic services to domestic violence offenders in Montgomery county. Raffi is new to government contracting and said the PTAC gave him a lifeline when he really needed it, "It was really reassuring to have someone with experience at the PTAC to guide me. Arthenia knew the ropes and could point me in the right direction which was good because I was floundering on my own." Raffi also specializes in relationship and workplace counseling. He hopes to grow the BTC and help more patients in the future.
You can learn more about the Baltimore Therapy Center at https://www.baltimoretherapycenter.com/
Become a Maryland PTAC client today by registering at mdptac.org
Host: Yasmin Razaq, Marketing & Training Coordinator, MDPTAC
Our guest is Mary Lee Kolich, a PTAC Procurement Specialist & VA Certified Counselor at the Maryland PTAC.
Ms. Kolich has been a part of our program since 2004 and was once the PTAC director. Her primary area of assistance lies in the Southern Maryland region (Charles, St. Mary’s, and Calvert Counties). A seasoned professional with over 30 years of knowledge and experience in sales and contract management with federal agencies and prime contractors, Ms. Kolich is able to service her clients in a litany of different ways. Since joining the PTAC Mary Lee has serviced over 1000 clients, and assisted her clients in winning contracts totaling over $200 million. In this episode, Mary Lee explains why hope is not a plan and how being a PTAC counselor is her way of giving back to the business community. "The reward for me is to see companies that I have helped win contracts, hire people, and have them mentor other small businesses. "
Become a Maryland PTAC client today by registering at mdptac.org
Host: Yasmin Razaq, Marketing & Training Coordinator, MDPTAC
Has COVID backed your business into a corner? Are you wondering what the government is buying this year? Are you worried that your contracting business is not going to survive or grow? Fear no more. Join the ENTIRE team at the Maryland PTAC for a Roundtable discussion on what small businesses in Maryland can expect in the procurement world in 2021. Some of the topics to be discussed include:
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The best way to market your business to the federal government
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Tips on becoming a sub-contractor
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What veterans need to look out for this year
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What the state of Maryland looks for in businesses
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How to research bid opportunities
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How to find agency procurement forecasts
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What trends you should expect to see in the light of COVID
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What start ups should do before they approach the government
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How your PTAC counselor can help you avoid the pitfalls and support your growth And much more!
This is a great opportunity to kick off the new year and learn strategies and tips from procurement experts on how you can make 2021 your best contracting year ever.
Maryland PTAC Speakers:
Mary Lee Kolich, Procurement Specialist & VA Certified Counselor
Arthenia LeFlore, Procurement Specialist & VA Certified Counselor
Richard Paden, Procurement Specialist
Monica M. Randall, Procurement Specialist
Become a Maryland PTAC client today by registering at mdptac.org
Host: Yasmin Razaq, Marketing & Training Coordinator, MDPTAC
Update: This episode was originally recorded in 2019. Digital Forensics has been listed two years in a row!
Maryland PTAC client of the month - Jerome Taylor, CEO Digital Forensic Services, LLC was included on the 2019 Inc. 5000 List. Jerome explains how he achieved exponential growth in just a few years and how the PTAC helped him achieve success.
Become a Maryland PTAC client today by registering at mdptac.org
Host: Yasmin Razaq, Marketing & Training Coordinator, MDPTAC
Today’s guest is Richard Paden, a PTAC Procurement Specialist at the Maryland PTAC.
Richard has been a part of our program since 2014, and his primary area of assistance lies in Howard, Prince George’s, and Montgomery Counties. During a career spanning over 30 years, Richard has identified, qualified, and conducted capture management and key personnel recruiting for numerous multi-year government contract awards. In this episode, Richard explains why selling is a competitive sport and why government contractors should know who they are going to sell to and have a plan to leverage their successes to obtain business.
Become a Maryland PTAC client today by registering at mdptac.org
Host: Yasmin Razaq, Marketing & Training Coordinator, MDPTAC
Today’s guest is Ms. Arthenia LeFlore, a PTAC Procurement Specialist & VA Certified Counselor. Arthenia is our longest serving Procurement Specialist and has been a part of our program since 2005. Her primary area of assistance lies in Anne Arundel and Baltimore Counties. She has over 20 years of experience in the field of procurement and government contracting, starting in 1999 as a senior contract administrator.
In this episode, Arthenia explains why her approach of 'Cradle to Grave' contracting advice has helped hundreds of her clients achieve success in the contracting world. She also reveals the biggest mistake small businesses make in contracting and how to avoid it.
Become a Maryland PTAC client today by registering at mdptac.org
Host: Yasmin Razaq, Marketing & Training Coordinator, MDPTAC
Our guest is Dottie Li, Founder, and CEO of TransPacific Communications, and a long time PTAC client.
Dottie has been recognized as one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women by the Daily Record. This is Dottie’s second time receiving this honor, becoming the first Chinese American woman to be so acknowledged in 2015. In this interview, Dottie tells us about her journey from China to the United States and how she took her childhood dream and made it a reality on the other side of the world. We also learn how she won a $4 million contract from the FDA and is using her success to inspire other woman and immigrant-owned businesses.
You can learn more about Dottie at http://trapac.net/
Become a Maryland PTAC client today by registering at mdptac.org
Host: Yasmin Razaq, Marketing & Training Coordinator, MDPTAC
Today’s guest is Arleen Wilson, the CEO at AW Enterprises Consulting Services. Arleen has helped business owners create winning proposals for the last 20 years. She also trains and counsels clients for the Maryland PTAC, where her Proposal Writing workshops are always in demand.
In this episode, Arleen reveals the one thing most government contractors get wrong when writing their proposals and how to avoid it. She also explains the importance of reinventing your business so you can adapt to the economic environment and survive despite challenges.
You can learn more about Arleen at https://www.awenterprisesinc.com/
Become a Maryland PTAC client today by registering at mdptac.org
Host: Yasmin Razaq, Marketing & Training Coordinator, MDPTAC
Today’s guest is Pamela Minor, a procurement specialist and certified VA counselor. She has counseled clients for the Maryland PTAC and is a former business owner with a specialty in IT.
In this podcast, Pam explains how the Center for Verification and Evaluation (CVE) process works and why veteran contractors need to get certified. She also reveals the one thing business owners should do to achieve contracting success.
Learn more about Pamela at https://www.pamgilliam.com/
Become a Maryland PTAC client today by registering at mdptac.org
Host: Yasmin Razaq, Marketing & Training Coordinator, MDPTAC
Today’s guest is Leanne Simm, the Business Development Manager at Bentley World Packaging located in Baltimore, Maryland. BWP is a PTAC client and has been advised on procurement issues by PTAC counselor, Arthenia LeFlore.
BWP is also in the news because it is doing its part to help those in need during the current COVID-19 crisis. It has teamed up with a humanitarian aid organization, Samaritan’s Purse, to help deliver critical supplies to hospitals in some of the hardest-hit areas of the country using their SnapCrate wooden crates. In this podcast, Leanne shares the history of BWP and how it came to assist local communities during a crisis.
Learn more about Bentley World Packaging here.
Become an MDPTAC client today by registering at mdptac.org
Host: Yasmin Razaq, Marketing & Training Coordinator, MDPTAC