Navigating the Federal Marketplace With Shauna Weatherly, Founder of FedSubK

In our latest episode of the Other Side of the Firewall podcast, I had the privilege of sitting down with Shauna W. from FedSubK , a seasoned expert in federal procurement with over 35 years of experience. Together we navigated the complexities of the federal marketplace, exploring the journey from military service to becoming a small business owner in this unique space.

Shauna's journey began in the late '80s as a military spouse stationed in Germany. Over the years, she transitioned from HR to procurement, eventually becoming a contracting chief. Her deep understanding of the regulatory and policy-heavy environment of federal acquisitions allowed her to excel, and today, she uses that knowledge to guide small businesses through the intricate process of federal contracting.

One of the key takeaways from our conversation was the importance of thorough preparation before entering the federal marketplace. Shauna emphasized the need for market research, stating, "The government researches the market before it buys anything. You should do the same before you sell to it." I'd like to point out that understanding whether your products or services are in demand, who is buying them, and how much is being spent is crucial before taking the plunge.

Shauna also highlighted the significance of the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) registration and the SBA’s Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS). These tools are essential for small businesses looking to compete in the federal space. She shared that many contracting officers rely on DSBS for market research, making it a vital platform for visibility.

Another critical component is effectively marketing yourself in this space. Shauna advises leveraging LinkedIn to build a presence and connect with potential clients and partners. Attending industry events and engaging with the community online can significantly boost your chances of success.

"The federal procurement system is designed to keep the playing field level as much as possible. Everyone deserves a chance at a piece of the pie." – Shauna Weatherly

We also touched on federal contracting assistance programs like set-asides for minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned businesses. These programs can provide a competitive edge by limiting the pool of competitors to those within specific categories.

Shauna’s advice is clear: take your time, do your research, and build a solid foundation before diving into the federal marketplace. As she put it, "Slow and steady wins the race."

For those interested in breaking into the federal contracting space or expanding their knowledge, Shauna's website, FedSubK.com, offers a wealth of resources, including a comprehensive roadmap for new entrants, links to relevant government sites, and updates on regulatory changes.

Thank you for reading and stay tuned for more episodes of The Other Side of the Firewall podcast on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Fridays, as well as, the Ask A CISSP podcast every Thursday. Please like, share, and, subscribe.

Stay safe, stay secure!

FedSubK gives you practical?advice and answers on federal contracting from a FAR Policy expert and former DoD, FAA, & GSA Contracting Officer. We bring first-hand experiences in Federal contracting from multiple perspectives derived from roles held both in and out of Government over nearly four decades doing the hands-on work awarding and managing Federal contracts on the INSIDE...and we share that knowledge with you!? Novice or expert, prime or subcontractor, find the info you need to enter or level up in the Federal marketplace.?Begin your federal contracting journey by visiting fedsubk.com/begin-your-journey-here and explore more.

Ryan is a retired Air Force veteran who brings over 20 years of experience in network infrastructure, project management, and cybersecurity consulting to his current roles at RAM Cyber Consulting & Assessments, LLC and BuddoBot. Buddobot’s mission is to support national security by transforming, empowering, and educating organizations to shift from reactive, diluted, automated, and high-cost IT and security practices to proactive, effective solutions that fortify their security.

Shannon, also a retired Air Force veteran, has more than two decades of expertise in network security and vulnerability management. He now serves as an Information System Security Officer (ISSO) for the U.S. Space Force, where he continues to enhance national security protocols.

Chris, a Navy veteran with over ten years in IT, information assurance, and risk management, currently works at CompliancePoint. His roles include vCISO, RMF assessor, and consultant, focusing on enhancing data security and privacy for various organizations.

Daniel is an Air Force veteran with over 15 years of combined experience in IT, cybersecurity, information assurance, and government risk compliance. He has held various roles, including IT administrator, cybersecurity engineer, senior information system security manager, and currently serves as a senior security consultant for Booz Allen Hamilton. In this latest role, Daniel leverages his expertise to address unique and complex challenges in the cyber and IT domains, enhancing his customers’ capabilities.

**The Other Side of the Firewall podcast is a product of RAM Cyber Consulting & Assessments, LLC. RAM Cyber Consulting & Assessments, LLC is a premier Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) consultancy dedicated to supporting the Defense Industrial Base (DIB), Federal agencies, and corporate entities. We specialize in delivering expert guidance to ensure compliance, mitigate risks, and enhance cybersecurity postures. RAM Cyber is pending SDVOSB, VOSB, and 8(a) certification by the SBA, underscoring our commitment to excellence and service.