The Peel

Federal Contracting in Flux: Lessons from 2025 and What’s Coming in 2026 with Eric Nusbaum

In this episode of The Peel, Shelley McGuire sits down with Eric Nusbaum, CEO of ENcompass Consulting Group for a fast-moving breakdown of the forces that shaped federal contracting in 2025 and the trends set to define 2026. Together, they unpack how unexpected shocks like the DOGE initiative, a government shutdown, and sweeping procurement policies reshaped the market, from canceled IDIQs to new scrutiny on acquisitions. Eric details the real impact of Executive Order 14240, the implications of the FAR overhaul, and why MDA Shield became one of the most consequential contract vehicles in federal history.
Looking ahead, the two explore the industry factors demanding attention in 2026, including the consolidation of AI tools, the opening of OASIS+ Phase 2, renewed shutdown risk, the surge in non-traditional contracting pathways, and the growing urgency of CMMC compliance. Throughout the conversation, Eric offers a candid perspective on where contractors should focus, how to stay resilient in volatile conditions, and why the companies that adapt fastest will have the strongest footing in the year ahead.
A grounded, highly practical episode for anyone navigating the federal market that's equal parts retrospective and roadmap for what’s coming next.
To connect with Eric, visit him on LinkedIn here.To learn more about ENcompass Consulting Group, visit their website here.

Inside the FDA: Andreas Schick on the Future of GenAI

In this episode of The Peel Podcast, host Shelley McGuire chats with Andreas Schick, Director and Data Scientist at the FDA, for a candid conversation about how AI, machine learning, and GenAI are reshaping public health. The two dive into how emerging technologies are being used across FDA workflows, how leaders are interacting with data in new ways, and what it really takes for teams to adopt and trust GenAI tools. Andreas shares insights on balancing innovation with responsible governance, the impact of new federal guidance, and how FDA is thinking about competitiveness, openness, and risk in this rapidly changing landscape. He also highlights early success stories and practical wins already taking shape inside the agency.
To connect with Andreas, follow him on LinkedIn here.

How J29 Blends Growth, Delivery, and Purpose with Kathy Dass and Dion Trahan

In this episode of The Peel Podcast, host Shelley McGuire sits down with Kathy Dass, VP of Programs and Delivery, and Dion Trahan, VP of Growth at J29 Inc., for an energizing and candid conversation about what it really takes to align business development and delivery in federal contracting.
Together, they break down how J29 has built a culture rooted in trust, transparency, and teamwork, where growth and delivery aren’t separate functions, but part of one continuous feedback loop. Kathy and Dion share how intentional collaboration drives better client outcomes, how delivery teams can become engines for organic growth, and why alignment is the key to both winning new work and excelling on recompetes.
They also open up about J29’s people-first philosophy and the company’s commitment to giving back through community impact and nonprofit support. Along the way, you’ll hear practical advice on building a high-trust culture where everyone rows in the same direction.
If you’ve ever wondered how to truly bridge the gap between business development and delivery, or how to create a mission-driven, people-centered company that stands out in the federal space, this episode delivers inspiration straight from two leaders who live it every day.
To connect with Kathy, follow her on LinkedIn here.To connect with Dion, follow her on LinkedIn here.Learn more about J29 by visiting their webpage here.

CMMC Demystified: Preparing for the DoD’s Cybersecurity Requirements with Eric Nusbaum

In this episode of The Peel, Shelley McGuire sits down with Eric Nusbaum, CEO of ENcompass Consulting Group, to unpack one of the hottest and most misunderstood topics in government contracting - CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification).
From defining what CMMC really is to breaking down acronyms, regulations, scoring systems, and certification levels, Eric takes listeners from the basics to the finer details of what every DoD contractor and subcontractor needs to know. He explains how CMMC builds on NIST 800-171, what the phased rollout through 2028 means for contracts, and how to prepare now before deadlines hit.
Eric also shares his five keys to success for achieving certification, from scoping your environment to choosing the right partners and getting ahead of the long lines for accredited assessors. Whether you’re just hearing about CMMC or already deep in compliance prep, this episode is your roadmap for getting ready the smart way.
To connect with Eric, visit him on LinkedIn here.To learn more about ENcompass Consulting Group, visit their website here.
 

Leading Through Change: Pablo Buitrago on Scaling Smart with AI

In this episode of The Peel Podcast, host Shelley McGuire sits down with Pablo Buitrago, Founder and CEO of Proveo Automation, for an eye-opening conversation on how small and emerging GovCon firms are outpacing industry giants through AI and automation.
Pablo shares how Proveo is helping federal agencies and businesses work smarter by embracing speed, creativity, and culture-driven innovation, turning AI into a true competitive advantage. He opens up about lessons learned from scaling in the DHS space, why 95% of GenAI projects fail and the importance of leadership buy-in and experimentation.
They also delve into how trust fuels federal partnerships, why investing in your business is crucial for long-term stability, and what the rise of robotics and generative AI means for the future of work.
If you’re curious about using AI to innovate, invest, and inspire in the federal space, this episode delivers both strategy and spark.
To connect with Pablo, follow him on LinkedIn here.Learn more about Proveo Automation by visiting their webpage here.

From DHS/CISA and DOJ to ShorePoint: Kevin Cox on the Future of CDM and Federal Cybersecurity

In this episode, David Blackburn, CEO of OrangeSlices, connects with Kevin Cox, Executive Director at ShorePoint, for a conversation on advancing cybersecurity resilience across the Federal enterprise. After more than two decades in Federal service, including senior roles as Deputy CIO at FEMA and DOJ and leadership positions supporting DHS and CISA’s Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation (CDM) program, Kevin made the move to ShorePoint earlier this year. The transition aligns with his mission-focused approach, as ShorePoint continues to help agencies strengthen defenses, improve visibility, and enhance cyber readiness across government.
The discussion explores where CDM has delivered measurable value, how agencies can align priorities to maximize impact, and what both government and industry leaders should focus on to drive stronger results. Kevin also shares how time spent on his family’s horse farm provides a grounding counterbalance to the fast pace of the cyber world.
Why listen: If you are leading, advising, or supporting a federal cybersecurity program, this conversation delivers real-world lessons from someone who has been on both sides of the mission. Hear how CDM’s evolution is shaping the next phase of cyber defense and what it will take for agencies and partners to stay ahead of risk, together.
To connect with Kevin, follow him on LinkedIn here.Learn more about ShorePoint by visiting their webpage here.

The Business Marriage: Making Joint Ventures Work in GovCon with Sparksoft's Mike Finkel

In this episode of The Peel Podcast, host Shelley McGuire sits down with Mike Finkel, CEO of Sparksoft, to talk about the real value and potential pitfalls of forming Joint Ventures under the SBA Mentor-Protégé Program.
From lessons learned in failed partnerships to advice on finding the right cultural and strategic fit, Mike pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to make a JV work. Think of it as a business marriage - you’ll want to be sure you’re choosing the right partner before you say “I do.”
Mike explains why SBA approval is critical for protecting small business status, how mentors can strengthen a small firm’s infrastructure and capabilities, and the misconceptions around “flipping” work or guaranteed awards. He also emphasizes the importance of cultural alignment, transparency, and building a solid operating plan from the start.
Whether you’re a small business considering your first Mentor-Protégé relationship or a large firm looking to guide the next generation, this episode is packed with real-world advice you don’t want to miss.
To connect with Mike, follow him on LinkedIn here.Learn more about Sparksoft by visiting their webpage here.

Transforming Work with AI: How IntegrityM Is Leading the Change with Natasha Williams and Angela Cook

In this episode of The Peel Podcast, host Shelley McGuire sits down with Natasha Williams, Chief Operating Officer, and Angela Cook, Program Director of Client Delivery, both from IntegrityM, to unpack one of today’s hottest (and most misunderstood) topics - Generative AI.
Together, they explore what GenAI really is (and isn’t), why so many organizations get it wrong, and how to move beyond the “garbage in, garbage out” problem with better prompting, training, and culture change. Drawing from IntegrityM’s own adoption journey, Natasha and Angela share how they’ve successfully integrated AI into operations, from starting small with low-risk use cases to building confidence, power users, and measurable ROI.
They discuss why AI isn’t replacing humans, but augmenting them, how to use it purposefully to solve real business challenges, and why understanding the human side of AI adoption is just as critical as the technology itself. 
If you’ve ever wondered how to make AI work for your organization instead of against it, this episode delivers the clarity, context, and confidence you need to get started.
To connect with Natasha, follow her on LinkedIn here.To connect with Angala, follow her on LinkedIn here.Learn more about IntegrityM by visiting their webpage here.

Life Is Now: XCorp’s Leap from Languages to IT, Cyber & AI with Cesar Nader

What does it really take to build a thriving federal contracting business from the ground up? In this episode of The Real Deal, Cy Alba talks with Cesar Nader. 
From U.S. Marine to GovCon CEO, Cesar Nader has steered X Corp Solutions (XCorp) through a bold evolution; starting with language services and expanding into intel, IT, cyber, and now AI and Disruptive Technologies. In this no-nonsense conversation with Cy Alba, he" keeps it real" and breaks down the three phases of federal contracting—startup, growth, and maturity—and the unique hurdles of each: cash flow, talent, and writing proposals that don’t just check boxes, but win with a compelling end state.
Cesar pulls back the curtain on the strategy behind XCorp’s rise to one of the most successful small businesses of his time: a simple, repeatable formula powered by relentless networking and integrity with government partners. He dives into hot-button realities—“incumbinitis,” when to protest (or not), subcontracting vs. priming, and how JVs can accelerate growth. He shares the secret formula for small businesses to follow.
But beyond the mechanics, he makes clear: culture and leadership are the real drivers of M&A value.
Looking forward, Cesar is bullish on Disruptive Tech like blockchain, quantum, 5G, AI, and even space tech as the next frontiers; and his advice for entrepreneurs is timeless: stay curious, stay agile, and stay consistent.
To connect with Cesar, follow him on LinkedIn here.Learn more about X Corp by visiting their webpage here.
To connect with Sarah, visit her LinkedIn page here.Learn more about Speedshift Ventures by visiting their webpage here.
To connect with Cy, visit his LinkedIn page here.Learn more about PilieroMazza PLLC by visiting their webpage here.

The Real Deal: From Bold Startup to AI Innovation – Alex Duan on Dynamo’s Evolution and Their New Holokai Platform

What does it really take to build a thriving federal contracting business from the ground up? In this episode of The Real Deal, Sarah Djamshidi and David Blackburn chat with Alex Duan, co-founder and CEO of Dynamo, who pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to build and scale a government contracting company. From launching out of personal necessity with a newborn on the way, to navigating cash-flow crises, factoring, and the daunting leap from subcontractor to prime, Alex shares the unglamorous but essential realities of entrepreneurship.
You’ll hear candid stories about the first lucky break that jump-started Dynamo, the philosophy of building a company you’d actually want to work for, and the tough choices required to move from hands-on coding to true leadership. Alex also breaks down why momentum matters in GovCon, how to handle setbacks like losing a major contract, and why AI presents a once-in-a-generation land-grab opportunity for federal tech.
If you’re an entrepreneur, operator, or anyone curious about the challenges (and rewards) of scaling in government consulting, this conversation delivers unfiltered lessons you won’t find in the glossy founder stories.
For more information about the event on September 24th that Alex mentions in the podcast, click here.
To connect with Alex, follow him on LinkedIn here.Learn more about Dynamo by visiting their webpage here.
To connect with Sarah, visit her LinkedIn page here.Learn more about Speedshift Ventures by visiting their webpage here.