341: A Former Insider Says Being a Small Business Is Your Edge in Government Contracting | Remi Bankole

If you want to win government contracts with no experience, a former government-side contracting officer's rep explains why the door you think is closed is only regulated, and how a small business gets through it. Remi Bankole spent years inside federal contracting as a COR and contracting specialist, a US Army reservist since 2001, pushing out solicitations and vetting the vendors who won. He breaks down how to position yourself, why aligning with a contract vehicle is gold when agencies need someone fast, and the prime partnership hack where you run the work a prime can't touch and split the profit. It is systematic, not daunting, and being small can be the edge that gets you selected. CHAPTERS 00:00 The door is only regulated 02:15 Both sides: government and business 03:39 Inside the COR and contracting specialist roles 06:26 What market research really means to a buyer 08:26 IGE, SOW, and PWS made simple 10:36 The real mistakes small businesses make 13:22 What has changed: more scrutiny above $20M 16:19 Why contract vehicles are gold right now 17:48 The prime crumbs partnership hack 22:55 Three tiers: from no experience to scaling Market Intelligence gives you the federal opportunities, agency signals, recompete intel, and pursuit briefs that tell you not just what contracts exist, but which ones to chase and how to win them. Sign up for free Daily Alerts and get opportunities delivered to your inbox before the day starts. 👉 Get your free Daily Alerts here 🔗 https://getmindy.ai Connect with Encore Funding: http://govcongiants.org/funding Connect with Remi Bankole: https://www.linkedin.com/in/remi-bankole