• About
  • Contact
  • Testimonials
  • Newsletter
  • More
    • Demographics & Advertising Rates
    • Terms & Conditions
Sunday, March 19, 2023
No Result
View All Result
California Business Journal
  • Front Page
  • Business
  • Finance
  • People
  • Featured
  • Opinion
  • Technology
  • Law
  • News
  • Food
  • Art & Culture
  • Human Interest
  • Education
  • Insurance
  • Real Estate
  • Health & Fitness
California Business Journal
use this

January 16th, 2018 - McLean Province, Falls Church, VAOlessia Smotrova (right) and David Huff (left) of OST Global Solutions at their Rockville, Maryland office.Justin T. Gellerson for The Washington Post

A FEDERAL CASE

by Rick Weinberg, Editor in Chief, California Business Journal
A A
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

GovCon Incubator Was Created To Help Small Businesses Win Lucrative Federal Government Contracts

By Blair Bess, California Business Journal

During the last decade, the number of small businesses winning prime government contracts has declined by 25 percent. To level the playing field for companies seeking those contracts, OST Global Solutions  partners Olessia Smotrova and David Huff launched GovCon Incubator.

“Fewer small businesses competing for prime federal contracts is unhealthy,” Smotrova says. “The better we can equip companies to enter and successfully compete in the federal market, the more the government and taxpayers benefit.”

The GovCon Incubator provides an environment of mentoring, training, and networking opportunities to both those entering the federal contract space as well as more experienced firms looking to step up their game. By law, 23 percent of all government contracts must be awarded to small businesses.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Few incubators focus on government contractors,” says Smotrova, OST’s President and CEO. “GovCon takes small companies and shows them the ropes, not only in terms of winning business from government agencies, but also in developing their organization and positioning it for growth and success.”

Olessia Smotrova (right) and David Huff (left) of OST Global Solutions.

“There’s a tremendous opportunity for vendors that haven’t fully explored the possibilities of working with the federal government,” Smotrova says. “In California, people automatically assume that means bidding on defense contracts. But there are other government agencies and departments that award a significant amount of business to smaller companies.”

Nearly 54 percent of the Defense Department’s dollars are awarded to small businesses. Other small business-friendly agencies like the Veterans Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Homeland Security are as committed to routing as much work as possible to small companies.

“Knowledge is key,” Smotrova says. “If you understand how the process works, you improve your chances for success. You need to put yourself in the position of looking down the pike and being ready to bid on contracts before Request for Proposals (RFPs) even come out.”

The GovCon Incubator focuses on the full business development lifecycle. “It’s not just about learning to put together winning proposals but everything leading up to the actual writing, including preparation and research,” says Huff, OST’s Vice President.

“If you want to nail the final exam, you have to go to class and you have to study,” Smotrova adds. “Many companies come into this and they attempt to take the final exam – the writing of the proposal – without studying or going to school. Capturing contracts is a process that goes beyond responding to an RFP.”

The GovCon Incubator principals note that it is counter-productive for small businesses to take a scattershot, trial-and-error strategy for bidding, negotiating contracts/teaming agreements, and being prepared to overcome hurdles they may encounter in their earliest forays into the federal marketplace.

One of GovCon Incubator’s core missions is to immerse its members in the fundamentals of business development: how to apply best practices to win contracts, successfully fulfill them once awarded, and foster an environment where companies can develop ongoing relationships with federal agencies.

Smotrova and Huff attract businesses and entrepreneurs committed to meeting GovCon Incubator’s exacting standards. It is by no means a “sign on the dotted line” proposition. The application and screening process is rigorous. There are certain metrics required of members, once accepted, to remain a part of the Incubator. Chief among them is accountability and achieving results. Both principals are intent on making the government contracting process more accessible and organic. In return, benchmarks must be met and status reports need to be maintained.

While the GovCon Incubator is located at OST’s headquarters in Rockville, Maryland, members need not be onsite. There are two levels of virtual membership, Standard and Premium, as well as a Co-Working membership available in D.C. All options present an opportunity for ongoing continuing education through OST’s KNOW™ Portal, webinars, networking events, and use of conference rooms and facilities when working from the GovCon Incubator offices. That access makes virtual membership ideal for California-based businesses seeking a presence in Washington.

Both partners bring a broad range of experience to the GovCon Incubator. Smotrova has over two decades working in business development, including stints at Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, prior to starting OST. Huff joined the firm after serving two tours of duty with the 82nd Airborne in Afghanistan. Both are committed to nurturing companies dedicated to making their mark in securing federal contracts.

“The industry is alive and well,” Smotrova says. “There’s plenty of opportunity. We created the GovCon Incubator to empower small businesses and make them competitive.”

 

Olessia Smotrova, CF.APMP, Fellow

President/CEO, OST Global Solutions, Inc.

Cell: 240-246-5305

Office: 301-384-3350

otaylor@ostglobalsolutions.com

ostglobalsolutions.com

 

Tags: best practicesCaliforniaCalifornia mediaCEOcontractorsDavid Huffdevelopmenteducationentrepreneursfederal governmentFederal Government ContractsfocusGovCon Incubatorgovernment contractshealthlawmarketplacementoringnetworkingOlessia SmotrovaorganicOST Global Solutionsrelationshipssmall businessstudytraining
ADVERTISEMENT
Rick Weinberg, Editor in Chief, California Business Journal

Rick Weinberg, Editor in Chief, California Business Journal

Rick Weinberg is Editor-in-Chief at California Business Journal. He is a well-known writer, reporter and on-air talent who has worked for the New York Times, FOX and ESPN. He launched California Business Journal to focus on California businesses and business professionals as well as California business news and information. Contact: Rick@CalBizJournal.com / 949-648-3815

Related Posts

Tips for an Infallible Commercial Contract
9 Tips to Making Your Commercial Contracts Infallible
advertisement
ADVERTISEMENT

CBJ Newsletter

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Instagram LinkedIn

Advertise With CBJ

Contact Rick@CalBizJournal.com

CBJ Rates and Demographics

Job Postings

CEO Wanted


Requirements: BS/BA + 2yrs of Business Managing Experience

Mail Resume: Grand Life, Inc. 14647 Northam St. La Mirada, CA 90638.

$114,754/year

ADVERTISEMENT
1REALTOUR-SAN DIEGO-WEB DESIGN
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn LinkedIn Instagram
C B J   LOGO  SVG-01
  • About
  • Contact California Business Journal
  • Testimonials
  • Demographics & Advertising Rates
  • Terms & Conditions

Categories

  • Art & Culture
  • Business
  • California Hotel Listings
  • Daily Updates
  • Editor's Choice
  • Education
  • Featured
  • Finance
  • Food & Dining
  • Health & Fitness
  • Human Interest
  • Insurance
  • Law
  • Lawyers
  • Marketing
  • Medical
  • News
  • Newsletter
  • Opinion
  • People
  • Popular
  • Real Estate
  • Social Media
  • Technology
  • Uncategorized

CBJ Partner Firebrand Media

Laguna Beach Independent Newspaper
 Laguna Beach City Guide
 Newport Beach Independent Newspaper
Newport Beach Country Club Magazine
  Montage Magazine
 Omni Escapes Hotel Magazine
 Bespoke Concierge New York
 Evans Hotels
 Laguna Beach Magazine
 On The Menu Laguna Beach
 Newport Beach Magazine
Coastal Real Estate Guide (NB,LB, CDM)
Monarch Beach Resort Magazine
 Pacific Coast Magazine (SoCal)
Sea Island Life Magazine
Salamander Hotel & Resorts Magazine
 View our entire portfolio

 

Most Viewed

  • Gavel, scales of justice and law books

    Lawsuit Basics: How Much Does It Cost to Sue Someone?

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Investigation: Can TriumphFX Take Your Money?

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • The Impact of Covid: Racing to Buy Second Citizenships

    3 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • What to Do When an Online Casino Refuses to Pay Out Your Winnings

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • The Truth About Temu: Where Is It From?

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Top 5 Flavors On Elf Bar BC5000 Review

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • NFL Paychecks: How Do NFL Players Get Paid?

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Temu’s New Shipping Policy Is A Smashing Hit For Shoppers All Over the Country

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Five Reasons Why The Government Does Not Like Bitcoin

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • How to Start a Telecommunication Business: A Step-By-Step Guide

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0

Latest Articles

The Best M4A4 Restricted Skin

The Best M4A4 Restricted Skin

The Top Signs You Need HVAC Repair: Don't Ignore These Warning Signs

The Top Signs You Need HVAC Repair: Don’t Ignore These Warning Signs

The Benefits of Renewable Energy

The Benefits of Renewable Energy

Injured by a Drunk Driver? Seek Justice with the Help of a Skilled Attorney

Injured by a Drunk Driver? Seek Justice with the Help of a Skilled Attorney

Modern Payment Methods and iGaming: Changing the Way We Play Online

Modern Payment Methods and iGaming: Changing the Way We Play Online

Top 3 Websites For Free Comparisons Of Auto Insurance

Top 3 Websites For Free Comparisons Of Auto Insurance

EcoEngineers

EcoEngineers has established itself in California to help companies navigate the carbon disruption and energy transition

How Servicon Scaled and Soared During Pandemic and Continues to Grow with ESG Initiatives

How Servicon Scaled and Soared During Pandemic and Continues to Grow with ESG Initiatives

Who develops esports in LoL

Who develops esports in LoL

Sacramento Fence Repair Escalates as Homeowners Cope with Global Climate Change in Their Own Backyards

Sacramento Fence Repair Escalates as Homeowners Cope with Global Climate Change in Their Own Backyards

California Business Journal | California Business News, California News Media, California business articles | Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, Inland Empire, Northern California, San Francisco | Huntington Beach CA 92649 | (949) 648-3815
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY CALIFORNIA BUSINESS JOURNAL.
Site Design by 1REALTOUR

No Result
View All Result
  • Front Page
  • Business
  • Finance
  • People
  • Featured
  • Opinion
  • Technology
  • Law
  • News
  • Food
  • Art & Culture
  • Human Interest
  • Education
  • Insurance
  • Real Estate
  • Health & Fitness

California Business Journal | California Business News, California News Media, California business articles | Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, Inland Empire, Northern California, San Francisco | Huntington Beach CA 92649 | (949) 648-3815
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY CALIFORNIA BUSINESS JOURNAL.
Site Design by 1REALTOUR