Squared Compass

Accidentally added to a Signal chat with government info you shouldn't have? Step away from the phone—and read this first. We break down what federal contractors and business owners must do immediately to stay compliant, avoid legal trouble, and handle the situation professionally (and yes, without going to prison).

Accidentally added to a Signal chat with government info you shouldn't have? Step away from the phone—and read this first. We break down what federal contractors and business owners must do immediately to stay compliant, avoid legal trouble, and handle the situation professionally (and yes, without going to prison). https://lnkd.in/gzbN3HGd #signal #contracting #security

We're excited to have Kristina Eaton, EMBA join our team!

Contracts are still being awarded by the Department of Defense for work that is needed.

The SWP is an initiative by the DoD to reform its acquisition processes, enabling rapid development, delivery, and iteration of software for weapon and business systems. This approach shifts the focus from traditional hardware-centric methods to a software-centric strategy, aligning with the realities of software-defined warfare. https://lnkd.in/gRbUggFF

Congrats to the entire team and thank you to Upwork for this recognition! Great way to kick of 2025!

This directive mandates a seismic shift in how the DoD procures software, emphasizing speed, agility, and commercial innovation to ensure warfighters stay ahead in an era of software-defined warfare. For business owners looking to sell software solutions to the government, this presents a golden opportunity—if you know how to navigate the new landscape. https://lnkd.in/gW7QqDPj

Why a Great Capture Team is More Than Just Proposal Writers In the world of federal contracting, a top-notch capture team isn’t just about assembling folks who can craft a slick proposal. It’s about bringing together people who get the government procurement process—inside and out—and can move the needle in ways that truly make a difference for their partners. Take this example: A company we’re working with was gearing up to bid on a federal contract. On sam.gov, the solicitation was flagged as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) set-aside—great news for service disabled veteran-owned firms. But here’s the twist: the signed Solicitation/Contract/Order for Commercial Items labeled it as unrestricted, meaning any business could bid. Confusing, right? Our partner had hit a wall trying to get clarity from the contracting officer and secondary point of contact—no responses, no luck. With the bid deadline looming, our team at Squared Compass stepped in. A day before proposals were due, I reached out to the contracting officer and secondary POC, pointing out the discrepancy. Initially, they brushed it off, saying it was “handled.” But I wasn’t letting it go— our partner and everybody else who were taking the time to bid on this proposal were in a lose/lose situation because significant discrepancies in guidance from the government about who can and can't bid on a solicitation will lead to successful protests. So, I fired off an email: "....apologies, but I’m confused...The sam.gov posting says this is an SDVOSB set-aside, yet the signed solicitation document calls it unrestricted. Per FAR 52.215-8, the signed document takes precedence. So, is this a SDVOSB set-aside or unrestricted?" The result? Not only did the government clarify the next morning that it is a SDVOSB set-aside—aligning with the sam.gov listing—they also extended the due date, giving all bidders a fair shot. That’s a win for our partner, for service disabled veteran-owned businesses, and for clarity and transparency in the government procurement process. This is what a great capture team does. It’s not just about writing a winning proposal—it’s about understanding the nuances of the FAR, knowing when to push back, and solving problems that unlock opportunities for partners. It’s about having the experience to spot a discrepancy, the persistence to get it fixed, and the ability to turn a potential roadblock into a competitive edge. What’s your take? How do you see capture teams adding value beyond the proposal page?

"May you live in interesting times." Some call it a curse, but at Squared Compass, we see it as an opportunity—to prepare, adapt, and win. And right now, two major changes in Washington, D.C. could significantly impact your business. https://lnkd.in/gwndsj2C

Government Shutdown & GSA Overhaul: What Every Business Owner Needs to Know "May you live in interesting times." Some call it a curse, but at Squared Compass, we see it as an opportunity—to prepare, adapt, and win. And right now, two major changes in Washington, D.C. could significantly impact your business: