GovCon Optimization Working Group
U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce (USWCC) and The American Small Business Chamber of Commerce (ASBCC) in collaboration with the OHIO Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) Network presents GovCon Optimization.
Each year, our government spends billions of dollars on goods and services. This series was created to optimize your knowledge, skill, and ability to pursue Federal government procurement opportunities.
This year-long Educational Working Group Series will cover topics to optimize preparation in pursuing federal contracting opportunities. Subjects to be covered include Capability Statement, Elevator Pitch, Federal Contracting Regulations, Solicitation, and Contract Format, Market Research, and Federal Socio-Economic Certification Programs. Our goal is for your company to pursue federal contracting opportunities with confidence and preparedness through a highly interactive working group format. With positioning and preparation, your firm will be ready with the capacity to take action when opportunity knocks.
Utilizing Mental Muscle to Win Government Contracts
How often do you feel stress as you pursue Government Contracts? There are many reasons marketing to the government can be stressful.
But what if, by strengthening your Mental Fitness you could:
● Upgrade your internal operating system and significantly reduce your feelings of stress?
● Experience immediate and sustained improvements in both your well-being and performance.
● Discover what’s holding you back?
Your mind is your best friend. But it can also be your worst enemy. Your mind is constantly sabotaging your potential for both performance and happiness. All your negative emotions, including stress, are the result of self-sabotage.
Set yourself up to crush government marketing in 2022 and beyond. Join us as Ms. Emily Harman SES (Ret), former Director of the Department of the Navy’s Office of Small Business Programs, shares tips for crushing Government Marketing.
This presentation is based on the Positive Intelligence® Program developed by Shirzad Chamine, author of the New York Times bestselling Positive Intelligence.
Facilitators: Tony Griffin and Vikki Hawthorne
Vikki Hawthorne
Procurement Specialist
Ohio University Procurement Technical Assistance Center
Location: Coshocton, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Hocking, Knox, Licking, Madison, Morrow, Muskingum, Perry, and Pickaway counties.
Experience: 27 Years Assisting Small Businesses in Federal Acquisitions, 30 Years Business Owner, School of ‘Live & Learn’
Top 3 Do’s in Government Contracting:
-Keep a sharp eye on inconsistencies in your messaging
-Hold Small Business Program Offices and Small Business Liaison Officers accountable for advocacy
-Take maximum advantage of all PTACs services
Additional lessons learned:
Education is key. Education…Education…Education
Do not hesitate to ask for assistance. Bad news does not get better with age.
Tony Griffin
Procurement Specialist
Ohio University Procurement Technical Assistance Center
Location: Columbus & Central Ohio
Experience: 30 years assisting Small Businesses in Federal Acquisitions
Top 3 Do’s in Government Contracting:
-Read Solicitation Thoroughly
-Doing Your Due Diligence: Market Research; Agency’s Acquisition Rules and Process; Personal Preparation
-Are you Ready?
Additional lessons learned:
Knowing your socio-economic eligibility for certifications and acquisition set-asides
Series Includes the following. Register today for each session!
February 2, 2022 – Gov 101: Beginning the Journey
February 8, 2022 – Utilizing Mental Muscle to Win Government Contracts
March 15, 2022 – Introduction to GovCon Optimization
April 12, 2022 – Capability Statement Part I
May 10, 2022 – Capability Statement Part II
June 14, 2022 – Elevator Pitch Part I
July 12, 2022 – Elevator Pitch Part II
August 9, 2022 – Federal Contracting Regulations
September 13, 2022 – Solicitation and Contract Format
October 11, 2022 – Market Research & Solicitations | RFIs, SS (includes Ops under $250,000)
November 8, 2022 – Market Research & Contract Award
November 22, 2022 – Federal Socio-Economic Certification Programs
December 6, 2022 – Matchmaking 101
Note: The GovCon Optimization Working Group webinar series will be conducted in an interactive format. Attendees should be committed to fully engage in all activities to maximize benefit of the series
Level up with GovCon, An OHPTAC, USWCC & ASBCC Collaboration
Date & Time
Tuesday, February 8, 2022 from 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Registration & Fees
This meeting is Complimentary for NASBC Supplier members.
For Business members, the fee is $15.
For Registrants and non-members the fee is $35.
Guest Speaker Biography
Emily Harman
Onward Movement
Emily knows what it feels like to constantly push yourself to achieve and lose yourself in the process. Not
too long ago, she decided enough was enough. Her dreams had become buried under a mound of
responsibilities. After putting everyone and everything else first, she finally decided to create a life that
she loves living. Emily created a life with less stress and overwhelm, with more purpose and meaning.
Now she coaches successful, high achievers to recognize the patterns and inner blocks holding them
back from living a life that they love. She helps them achieve peak performance, experience peace of
mind, and improve their personal and professional relationships.
Emily worked for the Department of the Navy for 34 years as both a Naval Officer and civilian, retiring as
a member of the Senior Executive Service (SES) in May 2019. A trailblazer, Emily is a member of the 6th
class of women to graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy. She was one of the first two officers on the
U.S.S. Emory S. Land, AS-39 to qualify as a Supply Corps Surface Warfare Officer.
Emily has the heart of a Mom, the mind of a Senior Executive, and the experience of a Naval Officer.
She’s performed studies and written policies on plastic waste reduction. She’s awarded contracts worth
millions for weapon systems and advised the Secretary of the Navy on Small Business issues. But
following her own advice was her greatest achievement. She listened to her inner voice, and now she
helps her clients find theirs.
Emily holds a Masters Degree in Acquisition and Contract Management from the Florida Institute of
Technology. She’s a contributing author to two #1 Bestsellers Becoming a GovCon Expert: How to
Accelerate Your Success in Government Contracting and Step Into the Spotlight to Expand Your
Influence and Attract the Right Clients.
Emily founded the Onward Movement which seeks to inspire you to bravely embrace authenticity and
release the fear of judgment so you can create the life of your dreams with confidence. She also hosts the
Onward Podcast featuring authentic conversations on facing adversity, moving forward, and discovering
ourselves along the way.
Emily loves to hike and camp in the mountains, take pottery classes with her mom, listen to her father
play the piano, practice Tai Chi, and swim. She enjoys precious time with her children, William and Anna,
and their families to include her grandson Marshall.