The Peel

Navigating the Federal Marketplace for Small Businesses with Jeremy Wood

Are you a small business navigating the complexities of federal contracting or just curious about building meaningful relationships with government agencies? In this episode of The Peel, Shelley McGuire welcomes Jeremy Wood, Chief of Enterprise Architecture at the SEC and creator of The Geek Within Podcast. Jeremy shares invaluable advice for small businesses looking to break into the government space, from mastering the bid and proposal process to building credibility through partnerships and incremental growth.
Learn more about OrangeSlices AI here.

AI in Government and Why Data Matters with Mark Headd

In this episode of The Peel, David Blackburn sits down with Mark Headd, Senior Director of Technology at Ad Hoc, to dive into the evolving landscape of AI in government. From the rapid pace of AI innovation to the challenges agencies face with data security, workforce readiness, and vendor partnerships, Mark shares key insights on how government agencies can harness AI effectively without getting locked into outdated technologies.
Learn more about OrangeSlices AI here.

From Navy to Medicine: Kevin Dorrance’s Mission to Revolutionize Patient Care

On this episode, Shelley McGuire chats with Kevin Dorrance, retired Navy veteran and CEO of TransformCare, about fixing what’s broken in healthcare. With over 36 years of experience, including time as Chief of Medicine at Walter Reed, Kevin dives into the challenges of shifting from fee-for-service to value-based care. Learn why he believes true health starts at home, not in the doctor’s office. Discover the power of proactive health, personal responsibility, and population management in transforming outcomes. Plus, get Kevin's insights on how the Defense Health Agency and Veterans Health Administration are uniquely positioned to lead change. 
 
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CMMC 2025: What Government Contractors Must Know with Richard Tucker

Cybersecurity in federal contracting is about to change in a big way. Are you ready?
In this episode of The Peel, host Shelley McGuire sits down with Richard Tucker, Senior Vice President at Encompass Consulting, to break down the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) and its impact on government contractors. With major updates rolling out in 2025, CMMC compliance is no longer just a Department of Defense requirement—it’s expanding to other federal agencies, making it a critical topic for primes and subcontractors alike.
Richard simplifies what CMMC is, who needs to comply, and the steps companies must take to prepare for certification. From self-assessments to third-party audits, he explains the process, timelines, and potential challenges—while throwing in a few Star Wars references along the way. If your company wants to stay competitive in government contracting, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
 
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Navigating Uncertainty in the GovCon M&A Market with Adam McNair

In this episode of Orange Slices, David Blackburn talks with GovCon expert Adam McNair about the major disruptions affecting federal contractors. Adam compares the current M&A market to selling a house before a hurricane—uncertainty has paused many deals. Sellers must decide between lowering prices or delaying sales, while buyers have a unique 12-month window to acquire smaller firms and benefit from cost-saving synergies. Large companies may pursue acquisitions to meet revenue targets. 
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Navigating Change and Innovation with Harkcon’s Kevin Harkins

In this episode of The Peel podcast, David Blackburn has a conversation with Kevin Harkins, CEO of Harkcon, a service-disabled veteran-owned business known for its innovative workforce and performance solutions. Kevin shares insights from his three decades of experience in both the public and private sectors, offering advice on navigating change in the government contracting world. With a new administration in place, Kevin discusses how Harkcon adapts to shifting priorities and how small businesses can thrive during uncertain times. 
He also highlights the importance of understanding customer needs and staying nimble. Kevin reflects on the company’s success, including their unique approach to workforce optimization and how they’ve integrated cutting-edge technology into their offerings.
Learn more about OrangeSlices AI here.
 

Behind the SEWP: A Conversation with NASA’s Joanne Woytek

Get ready for an insightful episode of The Peel as Shelley McGuire sits down with Joanne Woytek, Program Director for NASA SEWP. With 47 years at NASA—33 of those shaping the largest federal IT contract—Joanne shares her journey, the evolution of SEWP, and what’s ahead with SEWP 6.
From navigating presidential transitions to ensuring a strong legacy, Joanne's leadership and passion for innovation shine through. Plus, we hear about her favorite travel destinations and why she’s not ready to retire just yet!
To view all of our podcast series, visit our podcast page.

Zenith Awards Preview: A Night of Excellence & Collaboration with Krista Yager

In this special episode of The Peel, host Shelley McGuire welcomes Krista Yager, VP of Healthcare Accounts at Peraton and outgoing NCMA Woodlawn Chapter President. Together, they dive into the excitement surrounding the upcoming Zenith Awards Gala, the impact of government-industry collaboration, and Krista’s new role at Peraton.
From the evolution of the Denim & Diamonds theme to the behind-the-scenes planning of an event that celebrates excellence in GovCon, this conversation is a must-listen for those navigating the intersection of government and industry partnerships. Krista shares insights into the future of healthcare IT, AI-driven government efficiencies, and the importance of adaptability in leadership.
Get ready for an episode filled with laughs, event insights, and a sneak peek at the energy and excitement of this year’s Zenith Awards Gala.
Learn more about OrangeSlices AI here.

LIGER™ and the AI Revolution with Matthew Finney

In this episode of The Peel, David Blackburn sits down with Matthew Finney, Vice President of Generative AI at LMI, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way government agencies operate. They dive into agencies' challenges in adopting AI, from security concerns to cost management, and discuss real-world success stories where AI is already driving efficiency.
Matthew shares how LMI’s secure generative AI platform, LIGER™, is helping agencies streamline processes like acquisitions and market research, cutting down work that used to take weeks into just days. He also explains why flexibility is key in this rapidly evolving AI landscape and how agencies can stay ahead by leveraging the latest advancements without locking into a single model.
Learn more about OrangeSlices AI here.

Turning Change into Opportunity with Jeanette Pawlak

In this episode, Shelley McGuire sits down with Jeanette Pawlak, a seasoned expert in GovCon and health IT, to break down the shifting landscape of federal contracting. From navigating uncertainty to embracing agility, Jeanette shares invaluable insights on how businesses can stay ahead.
The conversation dives into the power of relationships and communication in uncertain times, the importance of resilience and adaptability, and how small businesses can pivot and thrive amidst federal changes. Jeanette and Shelley cut through the noise, offering strategic advice on how to stay focused and informed without getting lost in the overwhelm. Strive to stay ahead, stay connected, and embrace the opportunities that change brings. Because while the landscape is shifting, those who adapt will lead the way.