Michael Quinn, PhD, PMP

Candidates applying for civil service jobs with the Department of Defense “have been so soured by the application process in the time it takes to hear back that they’ve completely written off working for the government; they’ve given up. And that makes me sad because these people were once banging down the gates wanting to work for the government, and have been beaten down so badly by the process that they just said it’s not worth it anymore. They did want to serve the country, but if they can’t even have the opportunity to hear back on a job application, then why would they put forward any more effort?” Check out this article from the ClearanceJobs podcast with the amazing Lindy Kyzer as we discuss why federal hiring is so hard. #government #hiring #civilservice

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I've never liked the "B2G", "B2B", or "B2C" acronyms, especially in the federal contracting market. I'm going to tell you why... It's simple. We are all human. We are not an enterprise or a government body; we are all living, breathing human beings. When we categorize things as "B2(whatever)," we tend to forget that real people with emotions, needs, and desires are at the core of every transaction. Communication, relationship-building, and mutual understanding tend to go out the window and are replaced by #KPIs and sales funnels. Metrics will only take you so far in the federal marketplace, whereas rapport and trust will build a lasting foundation. Why? Because #GovCon is the quintessential human-to-human (H2H) selling process. Join Haley Boulanger and me for lunch this Wednesday to discuss the five keys to establishing a solid foundation with federal buyers and maintaining long-term, productive relationships.

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You had to know this day would come... DOD is now implementing a DUE DILIGENCE PROCESS across the DoD SBIR/STTR Program Office Programs... Per the recent memorandum: "The Air Force Office of Commercial and Economic Analysis (OCEA), pursuant to funding support agreements and oversight of the Secretary of the Air Force, will conduct a business review based on publicly available information (PAI) and commercially available information (CAI) for each small business concern (SBC) that submits an SBIR or STTR proposal to identify potential security risk indicators; the PAI/CAI business review will be used to develop a business security risk indicator report." The memo states that, "The PAl/CAI business review will be performed IN PARALLEL WITH THE TECHNICAL EVALUATION OF THE PROPOSAL." That said, my hypothesis is this will significantly slow down time to award, since the government will likely want to make sure they are making a "clean" award. Though I appreciate this effort in spirit, I believe it could hurt our ability to prioritize mission over risk and slow us down further. Time is the main thing working against us right now... not the risks startups present. As always, I'd love to hear others' opinions. MEMO LINKED 👇 #nationaldefense #executionmatters #onwards

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Federal employees, military, and contractors work tirelessly to protect our nation and our nations important data and information. To do their jobs effectively, it requires a national security clearance but the process is rife with confusion for the average job seeker. Congressional action in recent years prompted a massive overhaul of the federal clearance process to address these issues yet apprehension remains for many potential job seekers. This comes at a time where thousands of federal positions remain unfilled. To what may seem as a daunting process, know that you can get a clearance if you prepare and meet the requirements. Join me on Thursday June 27th for a deep dive with a security expert from the U.S. Department of Defense, Roberto Macoto. In this conversation you will learn how to navigate the process and catapult your career. Register here for this virtual seminar: https://lnkd.in/etQ44WWx Black Professionals in International Affairs - BPIA #federalcareers #SecurityClearance #professionaldevelopment #job #federal #FederalEmployment #NationalSecurity #FedJobs #FederalContracting #Military #DOD #DEI #LeadershipFowardSpeakerSeries #security #careers #clearance

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Federal Civilian Employees who went to a Military Service Academy can "buy back" their time in the Academy so that it counts towards their Civilian pension. Not only is it low cost, but it can also have major benefits by moving your "start of Federal Service" to an earlier date. #pension #governmentwork #retirementplanning

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The U.S. Army Futures and Concepts Center (FCC) is designing the future force by developing integrated concepts and requirements, informed by experimentation, and synchronized into AFC and Army processes to drive persistent Army modernization. The vision for FCC is the establishment of a cutting edge and distributive center for the exploration of the future that is adept, adaptive, innovative, inquisitive, out of the box, technology enhanced, closely linked to the threat and technology communities and our Joint and Coalition partners and dedicated to examining the future operational environment to provide the Army with a path to the future. To accomplish this, FCC executes these core functions (Concepts, Experimentation, Requirements, and Integration), ensuring the Army can establish a modernization path to the Army needed 5 to 15 years into the future that can defeat all threats in the Future Operational Environment. #MavenScouts #USArmy #FutureConcepts

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Are you interested expanding the reach of your thought leadership? We're in search of former government and military leaders, government contractor company executives and recognized subject matter experts to join our Influencers program. The FedLearn team will work with you to organize your online assets (e.g., videos, blogs/commentary, podcasts and more) in one centralized location: our artificial-enabled, online learning platform. Your content will be searchable and accessible to all our registered learners. Learners can even follow you on the platform to ensure they are aware of your latest profound insights, sage advice and thoughtful observations. Contact us to learn how to grow your audience with us: https://bit.ly/FL-Contact #fedlearn #departmentofdefense #dod #intelligencecommunity #govcon #trainingprovider #traininganddevelopment #training #onlinelearning #onlinecourses #asynchrous #influencers #thoughtleaders #thoughtleadership"

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Big news! DOD Instruction 5205.87 was signed and released to the public this week. This is the clear and definitive directive on due diligence and FOCI for businesses working with the DOD. We'll be covering this in our FOCI Webinar on 15 June! Contact us if you would like to learn more about this new directive and how it can and will effect companies moving forward. We can help you navigate through the changes that are coming and ensure that your company is compliant. #DOD #Intelligence #SupplyChain #RiskManagement #FOCI #Mitigation

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🚨 DoD Hits Pause on Background Check IT Systems 🚨 In a recent update to lawmakers, a top United States Department of Defense official said that the DoD needs another month to determine the future development strategy for its IT systems supporting background investigations. READ MORE #Defense #DoD #BackgroundChecks #IT #TechUpdate #Cybersecurity

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If you're new to government contracting or even a seasoned vendor with the Federal Government, I highly recommend you follow Steven Koprince for easy-to-understand analysis of current legislation and other changes. This one discusses the possibility of more sole source opportunities for SDVOSB and VOSBs.

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Happy Friday. Today is payday and once again I made it. This week: I lost a bid for a small DoD contract. Submitted an RFI for a contract I already hold. Twiddled my thumbs for the most part this week, counting down the days untill this one big invoice hits the account. Fired my sister 2 days ago. Hired her back 5 minutes later. Looked at Sam every day this week. Unusual. Ate mango Italian ice every day this week. Mostly chilled out. Tip: Make sure you have at least 2 different banks. One should be a credit union and the other, regional. Business checking in both. Business savings in 1. Make sure you know who the business banker is. Talk them and let them know what you want (LOC or term loan) and ask what they will need to get one in a couple years. Don't just go to the ATM or Teller. Make sure you stop by and say hi. When you have good news let them know, email them the wins. What you want, is for them to know you, understand you and more importantly, like you. They will go bat for you with the underwriter. They'll speak up for you in rooms you'll never be in.

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Great advice here from Elisabeth Baker-Pham. The security clearance process is a lot. But there are so many steps applicants can take to improve the process. We're starting to talk about clearance delays again. The odds may not be in your favor for a fast turn around - but they certainly will be better if you follow these tips - https://lnkd.in/gN6NPiQa

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Great to be back in COS #NORTHCOM and really appreciate that Wes has shared these thoughts as a front-line #SecurityCooperation AM&E practitioner. His sentiments underscore the significant challenges of developing a workforce from an amalgamation of federal agency and/or private sector competencies. At the end of the day Assessments, Monitoring & Evalutation (AM&E - DoD) or Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (#MEL - USAID and DoS) are not skillsets that can be 'bolted-on' or 'ported' over from one another as much as it may appear straightforward. USAID's MEL competencies have been formed for over 40 years and I would argue that they are still in the early days of their collective learning arc. I've always believed (and still do) that a sound AM&E/MEL professional is domain/sector-agnostic. Meaning, an AM&E/MEL professional who has the functional expertise to assess the environment, design programs and associated indicators, and monitor performance and desired outcomes with methodological rigor can be positioned with relevant technical expertise to execute the required AM&E/MEL tasks. Though I have worked across the DoD, DoS, and USAID AM&E/MEL and programmatic enterprises and consider myself interagency "nimble" or adaptive, I was not fully prepared for the challenges of those elements that are more akin to working in a new country or culture for the first time, to include culture, language, and operational rhythms across six independent regional commands. Ultimately, I am incredibly grateful and humbled to work with professionals like Wes who have jumped out of their comfort zone and into the deep end just as I am for all of our DoD SC experts who believe there is a better mousetrap to be built. #onward #respect, Tetra Tech, Management Systems International, #AME, #NORTHCOM, #PartnerNation, Sabel Systems Technology Solutions, LLC

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Are you up to date on your professional military reading list? Check out the recommended reading list from Gen. Randy George, the Chief of Staff of the Army, published by Army University Press ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eg2yPj8c featuring the following: 1. Setting the Conditions: Teaching Companies and Battalions how to “Lead with HE” 2. Leaping Ahead in Projecting Combat Power: The View From the 267th Theater Movement Control Element 3. The Coming Military AI Revolution

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🌟 Exciting News for Veterans! 🌟 I hope this message finds you all well. I wanted to share some crucial updates about the PACT Act that could benefit many of you who have served our country, not only in active duty but also in the reserves! 🔹 What’s New? The PACT Act has significantly expanded eligibility for VA benefits, covering more conditions and service periods than ever before. This means that even if you were previously ineligible for certain benefits, it’s time to re-evaluate your status under the new law. I had previously been denied due to orders to active duty during Desert Shield/Storm being cut short by 2 days. Under the PACT act, I was accepted based on exposure to caustic chemicals. (Nah, that burning stuff wasn’t harmful). Even exposure to AFFF and asbestos is now accepted. Wasn’t everyone exposed to that during basic, at the least? 🔹 Why This Matters? Many veterans have been left out of essential benefits due to the stringent requirements of the past. With the recent changes, a broader spectrum of veterans, including those who served in various capacities and environments, might now be eligible for the benefits they rightfully deserve. 🔹 Call to Action: I encourage all my fellow veterans to look into this opportunity. The process has been streamlined to support your application under the new criteria. It’s a chance to receive the health care and support services you might have been missing out on. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gvWFcCz5 Let’s spread the word and ensure no one is left behind. Your service deserves recognition and support. If you have questions or need guidance on how to proceed, feel free to reach out. Let’s take this step forward together! #Veterans #PACTAct #VABenefits #SupportOurTroops #MilitaryFamilies

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Today marks the one-year anniversary of both my time with SAIC, and working fully remote. I know there are those still debating the work remote vice return to office, but from my observations this year, it's not even close. First off, shout out to 9x80 work schedules. Having that day off to run errands, complete chores, or just goof-off is a serious plus. Some groups have rolled out a 4x10 schedule. If they offer it, I'd take it, no hesitation! My work space has evolved a bit since I first began, but by and large is the same. As I've gone through all four seasons now, having control of my climate is a big plus, as is the lighting, noise levels, music/no music, etc. And windows. Having worked many years in windowless buildings, having the ability to have the blinds ups is quite nice. Over the past year I've put significantly less miles on my car, so my annual vehicle costs are way down. We can get up in the morning, go for our 5k (walk), have breakfast, and still be at our respective desks usually by 6:30. No lost time in mindless commuttes is a huge win for me. Flexibility is above par, those times I've had to run to the VA or such, I've let my manager know, and I flex the time. No dramas. I meet with our team weekly, via Teams or USG Zoom usually more than a few times a week, and have a standing weekly meeting with my manager to discuss what's happening in the broader company perspective. In short, I feel connected. Towards that, as a volunteer Brand Ambassador, I find myself chatting with all levels within the company, and through actively supporting several of our Employee Resource Groups, I find my internal network expanding across the US. Win! My wife is also WFH, and has been for going on six years now, so as she's in the home office, I repurposed the main floor guest room, so have had the experience of having some house guests over the year. With a laptop, I can work anywhere in the house,or other states on a few occasions, and didn't lose anything in responsiveness. In fact, most had no idea I wasn't still in Texas. I've mentioned this before, but having a private bathroom, that's a huge flex in my view. Public bathrooms are really best just for emergencies. And sorry men, but I'll tattle. The percentage of you who don't wash your hands after using the facilities is appalling. Do better. To recap, if you like the idea of being able to control your climate, lighting, ergonomics, noise, window open or closed, shades open or closed, and the ability to work with minimal distractions, then remote work is for you!

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