In This Week’s Newsletter:

Hinz Sight was out and about at several conferences last week so that we can deliver a Super-Size Edition today with LOADS of insights! Scroll down to learn more about AUSA, the SAGES Summit, and MAC 2024!

• Conference Recaps: AUSA, SAGES Summit, and MAC 2024
• Opportunity Spotlight of the Week: NASA SEWP VI Update
• Four To Follow: CMMC Briefing
• AI Corner: Navigating Workforce Reductions
• Culture Corner: Industry Day Insights
• Events Corner: Upcoming industry events in the DMV

AUSA Annual Meeting & Exposition

The AUSA 2024 Annual Meeting was a juggernaut, drawing government leaders, military experts, and industry giants. Our focus was on the conference’s Small Business Summit, which offered a wealth of insights for those working in the defense sector.

Educational sessions covered essential topics such as navigating the procurement process, DCAA Accounting, and SBIRS/STTRS programs. A significant emphasis was placed on cybersecurity, with in-depth discussions on Project Linchpin and a new initiative called NCODE was announced. Matchmaking sessions provided crucial networking opportunities. Attendees were able to meet with representatives from government agencies, as well as prime contractors. Here are our key takeaways:

• NCODE (Next-Gen Commercial Operations in Defended Enclaves): This pilot project aims to create a secure cloud environment for small businesses to process, store, and communicate sensitive data. Offering “cybersecurity as a service,” NCODE helps small businesses comply with the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) without incurring high costs. The $26 million pilot project will start in 2025, providing low- to no-cost options for small businesses to participate. More details are coming soon!
• Project Linchpin: Led by Bharat Patel, this initiative focuses on securely integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into military operations at scale. It aims to decouple AI from software through a standards-based approach, build the necessary infrastructure for AI deployment, and develop an AI risk reduction framework to address ethical and security concerns. The project involves extensive collaboration with industry partners to develop AI capabilities tailored to the Army’s specific needs.
• The US Army’s Commitment to Small Businesses: The Army places a strong emphasis on collaborating with small businesses to harness their innovative capabilities. The Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) ensures these companies have the opportunity to compete for government contracts. Initiatives like the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs encourage small businesses to engage in federal research and development with the potential for commercialization.

The AUSA 2024 Annual Meeting highlighted the Army’s dedication to modernization and its support for small businesses, making it an exciting time for innovation and collaboration in the defense sector.

MAC 2024

The Mid-Atlantic Conference (MAC) by the Association of Proposal Management Professionals National Capital Area (APMP-NCA) held on October 18, 2024, at The Westin Arlington, was a resounding success! This annual event is brought together professionals from proposal management, capture, and business development to share insights and best practices. This year’s keynote speaker was Danny Murawinski, a dynamic entrepreneur and digital marketing strategist, who captivated the audience with his innovative approach to growing organic digital audiences. As the Founder and CEO of Exit Built and the host of the “Just Be Humans” podcast, Danny’s session around our purpose in GovCon and digital branding was a highlight of the conference.

Another highlight was the “Masterclass with the Fellows” which featured NCA Chapter members with the APMP Fellow designation: Beth Wingate, Eric Gregory, Bob Lohfeld, Brenda Crist, and Betsy Blakney. This session provided attendees with invaluable insights from these seasoned professionals, who shared their extensive experience and knowledge in the proposal management field. The open session featured breakouts for each Fellow where they answered burning audience questions. An APMP Fellow is a prestigious title wared to individuals who have made significant contributions to the industry throughout their careers. This honor recognizes their dedication, expertise, and impact on the profession. There is no other place to get face time with legends like this. The word on the street is that this program will be back in 2025!

SAGES Summit

The Service Academies Global Entrepreneur Summit (SAGES) 2024 was a significant event organized by alumni from the five U.S. service academies: West Point Association of Graduates (AOG), the USAFA AOG, the USCGA Alumni Association, the USNA Alumni Association – Greater Washington Chapter, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Alumni Foundation – Washington, D.C. Chapter. Held from October 15-17, the summit aimed to bring together service academy graduate entrepreneurs, business leaders, and investors from around the world to create new opportunities for partnership and collaboration. The theme for this year’s event was “Forging Futures: Leadership, Innovation, & Entrepreneurship.”

Keynote speakers delivered a series of impactful sessions that highlighted the intersection of leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Ray Jefferson, founder of the Service Academies Global Summit, emphasized the importance of resilience and leadership, drawing from his extensive military and public service experience. Dr. Joni Johnson, a retired Army Colonel and medical doctor, focused on strategic leadership and empowerment, sharing insights on how leaders can inspire their teams. Ron Green from Mastercard discussed financial innovation and the transformative role of technology in the financial services industry. Chris Hale, Dawn Halfaker, and France Hoang all shared their journeys from military service to entrepreneurship. One of our favorite presenters, Haley McClain-Hill, founder of TORCH Warriorwear, spoke about empowering women through entrepreneurship, sharing her story of building a brand that supports and resonates with her target audience.

These sessions collectively provided attendees with valuable lessons and inspiration, making the summit a rich and educational experience. Don’t miss next year’s event!

NASA SEWP VI Update

Contact Len: len.miller@hinzconsulting.com

Last week, NASA released nearly 1,400 responses to questions from potential offerors in the first of multiple batches. Additional answers will be published in the coming weeks, with all responses expected by November 4. Registration is open for an Industry Day on November 6^th to address the substantial changes in the final RFP. As of now, proposals are due NLT December 18, 2024, but continue to monitor sam.gov for updates.

Four to Follow:

1. Border Enforcement Applications for Government Leading Edge IT (BEMSD BEAGLE): The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Information Technology (OIT) is gearing up for a significant recompete of the incumbent contract under the Border Enforcement Applications for Government Leading Edge IT (BEMSD BEAGLE) program. With an estimated contract value of $2 billion, this opportunity is currently in the Pre-RFP stage. Recently, CBP OIT issued a one-year sole source task order to the incumbent to allow time for thorough acquisition planning. The solicitation is expected to be released by the end of March 2025 (Q2 of GFY25), with an estimated award date in September 2025. This full and open competition will focus on IT services, including operational maintenance, systems development support, and technical support personnel for the Border Enforcement Management Systems Directorate.
2. Integrated Personnel and Pay System Army Capability Support (IPPS-A): The Army is preparing to recompete the Integrated Personnel and Pay System Army Capability Support (IPPS-A) contract, with an estimated value of $1 billion. This effort is anticipated to remain a full and open/unrestricted competition with the solicitation expected in July 2025. Although this information is preliminary and subject to change, it represents a significant opportunity for IT service providers specializing in custom computer programming and systems design.
3. ASCEND BPA Pools 2 and 3: The GSA Contracting Office is preparing for the release of solicitations for ASCEND BPA Pools 2 and 3, though specific dates have not yet been scheduled. An Industry Day is planned to address both BPA Pools, with details forthcoming. Interested offerors should keep an eye on the SAM.gov web pages for each (Pool 2 here and Pool 3 here) and the GSA Interact site for the latest updates. For inquiries, contact the Contracting Officer at cloudenterprisewide@gsa.gov, specifying either Pool 2 or Pool 3 in the subject line.
4. SOF Global Services Delivery (SOF GSD): The recompete of the SOF CORE Support Services MA/IDIQ SBSA, now known as SOF Global Services Delivery (SOF GSD), is anticipated for release in the first quarter of GFY 25. However, according to SOCOM, this acquisition is still in the planning stages. This estimated $3.2 billion SBSA MA/IDIQ contract vehicle represents a significant opportunity. Be sure to monitor your business intelligence feeds for the latest updates on this procurement.**BREAKING NEWS: The Department of Defense Chief Information Officer (DoD CIO) just released a briefing that summarizes key points for the CMMC rule that is final as of October 15. Here’s a direct link to the presentation and the CMMC page of the DoD CIO website. Call Hinz Consulting if you need help or have questions about your Certification!

Navigating Workforce Reductions

Contact Josh: josh.thiel@hinzconsulting.com

In today’s tough economic climate, many organizations are making the difficult decision to implement a Reduction in Force (RIF). Unfortunately, proposal teams are not exempt from these cuts. Despite having fewer resources, the workload remains unchanged or may even increase, which places immense pressure on the remaining team members to maintain productivity and meet deadlines.

A RIF often leaves proposal teams already feeling overwhelmed and stretched thin. This can lead to burnout, decreased morale, and ultimately, a decline in the quality of proposals submitted. If your organization faces this challenge, we have a solution to help bridge the gap and ensure that proposal teams continue to operate efficiently: the Hinz Draft Proposal Package (DPP).

Our DPP is designed to provide proposal teams create a high-quality draft in just a few days, allowing in-house teams to complete their sections, and prepare for reviews even faster. By leveraging this package, proposal teams can maintain their production targets despite a reduced workforce. While RIFs present significant challenges, they also offer an opportunity to rethink and optimize operations.

By using the Hinz Draft Proposal Package, organizations can ensure their proposal teams remain productive and resilient, even in the face of staffing reductions.

A Word about Industry Days

Industry Days and conferences with agency officials are designed to help navigate the complex process of doing business with the government. Everyone in GovCon knows that it’s complicated, cumbersome, and challenging. New rules and regulations or administrative changes only make it more frustrating. However, keep in mind that these events are NOT Town Hall meetings where citizens come to air their grievances. These are your clients and should be treated as such! If you think that the person on the stage won’t remember the way you spoke to them, you are flat out wrong.

1. Use your manners – Pleases and thanks yous go a long way!
2. Don’t air your dirty laundry – This is not the Complaints Department.
3. Ask general questions – The speakers want to answer questions that are applicable to most audience members, not your specific problem that applies only to your company.
4. Be nice – It should go without saying but judging from some of the people we heard at the microphone, it needs to be said quite loudly!

Remember, the first time that the client sees your name should NOT be in the proposal! Check out these events online and in the DC Metro Area to network, learn, and be seen by your customers.

• Oct. 22-24: NDIA 26th Annual Expeditionary Warfare Conference in Laurel, MD
• Oct. 24: AFCEA 2024 Tech Summit in Arlington, VA
• Oct. 28-30: GovAI Summit in Arlington, VA
• Nov. 06: NASA SWEP VI Industry Day in Hyattsville, MD (also offered online)
• Nov. 06-07: EOD/IED & Countermine Symposium in National Harbor, MD
• Nov. 12-14: Deltek ProjectCon in National Harbor, MD

About Hinz Consulting

Hinz Consulting provides services across the full business development cycle:

• Proposal Consulting
• AI Services
• Strategic Pricing
• Training
• Capture
• Competitive Intelligence
• BD Transformation Consulting
• Process/Methodology Consulting
• Tools and Templates
• Production Services
• Small Business

In This Week’s Newsletter:

• Opportunity Spotlight of the Week: MDA MIOES
• Four To Follow: Get the lowdown on four interesting pursuits!
• AI Corner: Navigate the Evolving Landscape – Tips for Short-Term AI Success
• Culture Corner: Get your APMP Foundation Certification
• Events Corner: Stay updated on industry events in the DMV area!

Missile Defense Agency (MDA) IT Operations & Engineering Solutions (MIOES)

Contact Len: len.miller@hinzconsulting.com

On September 27, the DoD’s Missile Defense Agency (MDA) provided updates on the MIOES program, announcing the cancellation of future MIOES Monthly Exchanges between MDA and Industry. The Virtual Industry Briefing is scheduled for October 15 via Teams, followed by in-person facility tours on October 29. Interested prime offerors ONLY must submit an email request to attend by 4 PM CST on October 16. Additionally, MDA plans to hold one-on-one discussions on October 30-31, with registration due by 4 PM on October 18. This estimated $3.6 billion recompete is expected to remain a single award, Full and Open/Unrestricted competition, with the final solicitation anticipated for late Q2 GFY2025. The release timeline should be discussed at the October 15 Virtual Industry Day. Stay vigilant on your opportunity feeds for updates on this recompete! For proposal support, contact Hinz Consulting to enhance your chance of winning this key contract.

Four to Follow:

Sure, here are the updates separated into a numbered list:

1. VA – Design Build (DB) Services Western Region: The VA’s Contracting Office has announced that the solicitation for the highly anticipated $3 billion MA/IDIQ for Design Build (DB) Services in the Western Region is now expected to be released in Q4 GFY2025. This contract will seek expert DB providers for major and minor construction projects, as well as non-recurring maintenance (NRM) for the VA’s Western Region.
2. VA – Design Build (DB) Services Eastern Region: Similarly, the VA’s Eastern Region is gearing up for its own $3 billion MA/IDIQ solicitation, also expected in Q4 GFY2025, targeting the same scope of work for major and minor construction and NRM.
3. JPM CBRN Acquisition Support Services: The Army Contracting Office has issued an RFI for the JPM CBRN Acquisition Support Services under the JPEO CBRND Professional Services Umbrella Program. Responses are due by 5 PM ET on October 17. The office is seeking industry feedback on the feasibility of the timeline for proposal submissions and the level of interest in the upcoming Task Order Requests (TORs). The DoD plans to release the first four of ten TORs under the OASIS+ vehicle, with values ranging from $5 million to $40 million, around December 5, with a two-week response window.
4. HCORE Support Professional Services: HHS’ Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) released an RFI package on July 2 for the HCORE Support Professional Services recompete effort. Responses were submitted by July 10, and the solicitation for this estimated $65 million SBSA effort is expected to be released in Q1 GFY2025.

Stay tuned for more updates and opportunities in these critical areas.

Navigate the Evolving Landscape: Tips for Short-Term AI Success

Contact Josh: josh.thiel@hinzconsulting.com

The current times call for establishing a relationship with an AI platform, but not a long-term commitment just yet. Why suggest such an approach? The reason lies in the continuously evolving landscape of AI, particularly concerning the companies involved in the Generative AI (Gen AI) sphere for proposal software. These companies, mostly between their Series A and Series C funding rounds, are still determining the best application of their resources.

They grapple with decisions like focusing on high-quality Gen AI or proposal management software or continue to evolve the existing platform or build a new one from scratch based on lessons learned.  Many companies are now at the stage where they are expanding from their core competency, Gen AI or Proposal Management Software, to integrate the other capability. Strategic pivots and growth is not always easy and clients may experience the impact in system performance.  The fact remains that these companies are in a phase of rapid change, experimenting with different engineers, teams, and technologies at varying paces. The field is yet to fully mature.

In light of these conditions, when pursuing a Gen AI platform, consider seeking expert advice during your journey. Like a real estate agent who knows the markets, trends, and zoning, a Technology Selection Consultant can save you tens of thousands of dollars by expediting your selection, negotiating terms, and avoiding poor technology choices. You might consider opting for shorter-term contracts, perhaps for a year. As the team considers process adjustments, ensure they are platform-agnostic. You should be able to decommission the Gen AI solution as swiftly as you can commission it. Most Gen AI platforms are largely plug-and-play, while proposal management software is not. If you require the latter, expert support becomes even more critical because the technology will be far more difficult to transition out if needed.

Get your APMP Foundation Certificate

In the competitive GovCon industry, getting the Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP) Foundation Certificate can significantly enhance your career. This certification demonstrates your expertise in proposal management best practices, crucial for producing high-quality, compliant, and compelling proposals.

The certification process covers essential topics like proposal planning, development, and persuasive writing, directly improving your efficiency and effectiveness as a proposal manager. Additionally, it opens doors to new career opportunities, as many employers in the GovCon industry prefer or require APMP certification.

As a certified professional, you gain access to a global network of proposal management experts, providing valuable support, resources, and professional development opportunities. This network helps you stay current with industry trends and build relationships that can advance your career.

Finally, the APMP Foundation Certificate showcases your commitment to professional growth and continuous improvement, enhancing your reputation and credibility with colleagues, clients, and employers. Pursuing this certification is a strategic investment in your career in the GovCon industry.

Spooky Season is here, and events are picking up over the next few weeks. Remember, the first time that the client sees your name should NOT be in the proposal! Check out these events online and in the DC Metro Area to network, learn, and be seen by your customers.

• Oct. 7: AFCEA NOVA Naval IT Day 2024 in Chantilly, VA
• Oct 10: 2024 Potomac Officers Club GovCon International Summit in Alexandria VA 
• Oct 14-16: AUSA Annual Meeting & Expo in Washington DC 
• Oct 15-17: Service Academies Global Entrepreneur Summit in Washington DC 
• Oct 17: APMP Foundation Level Certification Training in Arlington VA 
• Oct. 18: Mid-Atlantic Conference 2024 in Arlington, VA
• Oct. 22-24: NDIA 26th Annual Expeditionary Warfare Conference in Laurel, MD
• Oct. 28-30: GovAI Summit in Arlington, VA

About Hinz Consulting

Hinz Consulting provides services across the full business development cycle:

• Proposal Consulting
• AI Services
• Strategic Pricing
• Training
• Capture
• Competitive Intelligence
• BD Transformation Consulting
• Process/Methodology Consulting
• Tools and Templates
• Production Services
• Small Business

In This Week’s Newsletter:

• Opportunity Spotlight of the Week: Department of State – GLOBAL ADVISORY
• Four To Follow: Get the lowdown on four interesting pursuits!
• AI Corner: Annual Industry Benchmark Survey
• Culture Corner: Proposal Perspective with Ashley Floro, CEO Proptimal Solutions
• Events Corner: Stay updated on industry events in the DMV area!

Department of State – GLOBAL ADVISORY

Contact Len: len.miller@hinzconsulting.com

DoS – GLOBAL ADVISORY

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs is gearing up for a significant procurement opportunity valued at $750 million. The “GLOBAL ADVISORY” contract, currently in the Pre-RFP stage, is set to be recompeted in Q1 of GFY2025. The solicitation is expected in November 2024, with awards anticipated by March 2025. This contract will feature both Small Business Set-Aside (SBSA) and Full & Open/Unrestricted awards, providing ample opportunities for diverse businesses to participate.

The scope of work involves providing international advisory services outside the Continental United States (OCONUS), specifically in sub-Saharan Africa. The primary objectives include advancing peace and security goals, enhancing security sector governance in partner nations, and promoting U.S. national security and foreign policy objectives. This initiative underscores the U.S. commitment to fostering stability and security in the region.

For those interested in capturing this opportunity, Hinz Consulting is available to support your capture and proposal efforts! This is a chance to contribute to significant international efforts and align with U.S. strategic interests in sub-Saharan Africa.

Four to Follow:

1. USSOCOM Intelligence Support Services Joint III (ISSJ-III): The recompete of the significant SDVOSB IDIQ contract is valued at an estimated $720 million. The Contracting Officer recently issued modifications, indicating that the solicitation should be released during the week of September 23, 2024. Additionally, instructions on accessing controlled documents in SAM.gov were provided. Award is expected on April 29, 2025. The competition should remain a SDVOSB set-aside, offering a unique chance for eligible businesses to participate.
2. Screening Partnership Program IDIQ (SPP): In July, DHS and TSA released documentation from their Industry Day, outlining key acquisition milestones for this estimated $5.5 billion MA/IDIQ contract. This 10-year contract will involve security screening services at airports nationwide, including screening persons, baggage, and travel documents, executing security programs, training, maintaining screening equipment, and workforce management. Competition type is Full and Open/Unrestricted, with a Small Business Set-Aside. The anticipated start date for the contract is September 1, 2025. Expected milestones are as follows: Oct 15: SAM.gov Solicitation Notice; Nov 1: Solicitation Release; Dec 15: Proposals Due.
3. WHCA Service Desk Support for the Presidential IT Community (PTIC): DISA) is evaluating the continued need for the WHCA Service Desk Support for the Presidential IT Community (PTIC), currently provided by General Dynamics One Source LLC under a $34.2 million task order within the ENCORE III IDIQ. With the existing contract set to expire in May 2025, a recompete solicitation is anticipated by the end of Q1 GFY2025, with an award expected by the end of Q4 GFY2025. There is also speculation about a potential extension to the current contract to ensure uninterrupted support for the Presidential IT Community.
4. Maritime Special Operations Forces Support Services (MSOFS 2.0): USSOCOM recently released two updates, providing the Pre-Solicitation conference slides and attendee list for the MSOFS 2.0 contract. This follows the draft Solicitation released on August 15. The Solicitation for this estimated $399 million Multiple Award Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (MA/IDIQ) contract is anticipated around November 1.For those interested in competing for this contract, it is crucial to note that the selection will follow a Highest Technically Rated Offeror approach, using a Self-Scoring Matrix. Hinz Consulting has expertise in this area and is available to provide support on the process!

QorusDocs Annual Industry Benchmark Survey

Contact Josh: josh.thiel@hinzconsulting.com

Teams are stronger than individuals! That’s why Hinz has partnered with QorusDocs for their 9th Annual State of the Industry Benchmark Survey.

As Proposal Professionals, we can’t expect technology companies to intuitively understand our needs, what works, what doesn’t, and our pain points. Hinz supports this survey because we believe Proposal Professionals like us need a voice.

Your input is crucial! By participating in the survey, your feedback will contribute to an annual report featuring macro data insights. Additionally, QorusDocs will host a webinar where they will discuss the survey results and answer your questions.

Your thoughts are needed on the 9th annual QorusDocs State of the Industry Benchmark Survey. Please take just 5 minutes to share your thoughts!

Proposal Perspectives

Why Am I Passionate About Proposals?

Ashley Floro, CEO of Proptimal Solutions, was recently asked that question and here’s how she so eloquently replied:

I’ve always been a competitive person. Not only in the sense that I like to win, but in the sense that I always like to work to be better. When I was younger, I was a competitive gymnast. As a gymnast—perfection—that perfect score—is rare. Proposals are similar—you’ll likely never submit a perfect proposal. You’ll almost always find something you wish you had done differently, something you wish you could go back and enhance. But you can’t beat yourself up over those things—you can’t change the past. However, you can control what you do in the future. What you absolutely can—and should do—is try to strengthen those aspects of your proposals moving forward, whenever possible.

This is precisely why I am passionate about proposals. I get to work on new challenges all the time. I get to support small, medium, and large businesses in their pursuit of impactful work ranging from energy savings performance contracts, to nuclear missions support, to passport processing, and more. I get to apply a variety of skillsets—both soft and hard—to help teams develop winning proposals. And I have the opportunity to share best practices across dynamic teams. Not one day is the same, and for me, that’s what makes proposals such an exciting and engaging career.

-Ashley Floro, CEO at Proptimal Solutions

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You can catch Ashley on LinkedIn at the upcoming NCA Chapter of APMP’s webinar on September 25th. She will join our friends Shanitra Davis-Howard, Anatalia Macik, Xander Brown, and Victoria Lord for a lively discussion.

Speaking of great events, here’s a few more for you coming up in the next few weeks. Remember, the first time that the client sees your name should NOT be in the proposal! Check out these events online and in the DC Metro Area to network, learn, and be seen by your customers.

• Sep. 20: AFCEA NOVA Chapter Monthly Luncheon in Tysons Corner, VA
• Sep. 24-27: Future Force Capabilities Conference in Virginia Beach, VA
• Sep. 24: MidSouth APMP Chapter Webinar Series with Hinz Consulting
• Sep. 25: NCA APMP Chapter Webinar
• Sep. 27: AFCEA Central MD Annual Fall Golf Tournament in Pasadena, MD
• Oct. 17: APMP Foundation Level Certification Training in Arlington, VA
• Oct. 18: Mid-Atlantic Conference 2024 in Arlington, VA

About Hinz Consulting

Hinz Consulting provides services across the full business development cycle:

• Proposal Consulting
• AI Services
• Strategic Pricing
• Training
• Capture
• Competitive Intelligence
• BD Transformation Consulting
• Process/Methodology Consulting
• Tools and Templates
• Production Services
• Small Business

In This Week’s Newsletter:

• Opportunity Spotlight of the Week: USSOCOM Intelligence Support Services Joint III (ISSJ-III)
• Four To Follow: Get the lowdown on four interesting pursuits!
• AI Corner: Considering The Development of an AI Tool… Consider Partnering
• Culture Corner: Servant Leadership and Family Dynamics
• Events Corner: Stay updated on industry events in the DMV area!

USSOCOM Intelligence Support Services Joint III (ISSJ-III)

Contact Len: len.miller@hinzconsulting.com

For those of us following this estimated $720M recompete, please note that the Contracting Office issued an update on 29 August. It stated that the planned release of the RFP in August had been delayed, but a new RFP release schedule was not set.  Updates will be provided via SAM.gov  (https://sam.gov/opp/04d5bec8ede1412b8a4af80d1b0eb455/view ) so continue to follow this link for updates.  Hopefully, the RFP will be released later in September!

Four to Follow:

1. Electronic Intelligence Information Exploitation: The Air Force issued Amendment #7 to this BAA. White Papers are due NLT 2 pm ET on 30 September 2024 and the BAA will close at that time. Contact Hinz Consulting for support in putting together your white paper in time to help maximize your chances of getting an award! 2. USCG Enterprise Acquisition Support Services: It is estimated that the solicitation for this $37M recompete should be issued by mid-October according to the DHS Acquisition Planning Forecast System.3. USCG AGILE C5ISC Operational Modernization Pipeline for Application Support Services (AGILE COMPASS): The recompete for this estimated $275M 8(a) set-aside contract is expected in mid-2025 with a release of the RFP via GSA MAS, so follow your eBuy sites, everyone. Reach out to Hinz Consulting for proposal and pricing support to create your winning proposal submission.  4. DHS IT Program Management Support (ITPMS): According to the latest DHS Acquisition Planning Forecast, the recompete of this estimated $50M small business recompete is expected to be issued via the CIO-SP3 Small Business contract vehicle, so for everyone with this vehicle stay alert this next spring as DHS estimates released the recompete RFP on/about end of May 2025.

Considering The Development of an AI Tool… Consider Partnering 

Contact Josh: josh.thiel@hinzconsulting.com

If you’re contemplating the development of a generative AI (Gen AI) tool, you might want to reconsider. A recent Gartner report highlights that at least 30% of Gen AI projects will be abandoned after the proof-of-concept stage by the end of 2025. The costs of these projects are a significant pressure, with investments ranging from $5 to $20 million. 

After last year’s buzz, executives want returns, employees want the capability, CISOs want risk reduced, and CFOs investments to come online.  Organizations are struggling to develop the technology, integrate it into processes, and then realize its value.   

Rather than developing a Gen AI tool yourself or buying one, consider partnering with a company that has already mastered the use of Gen AI. By leveraging their expertise and established infrastructure, you can mitigate the risks and costs associated with in-house development, enabling you to focus on the delivery of your core function. 

The financial and strategic implications of in-house development are significant, and the path to realizing value is fraught with challenges. Partnering with experienced Gen AI providers could be the key to unlocking the potential of this transformative technology.

Servant Leadership and Family Dynamics

Servant leadership, a philosophy that prioritizes the growth and well-being of others, can profoundly impact team dynamics. A recent family trip illustrated how this works in families, too.

Instead of my usual efficiency-driven itinerary, I allowed my 19 year old son to take the lead. He suggested we take our time, stop at interesting places along the way, and enjoy sit-down lunches. This goes against my nature of practicality and I felt uncomfortable with this relaxed approach. However, it turned out to be one of the best trips we’ve ever taken.

Here are some takeaways that apply to work teams as well:

1. Empowering Autonomy: Allowing people to make decisions fosters their independence and confidence. My son’s leadership on our trip showed me the value of giving him a say in how we spend our time.
2. Building Trust: Trusting folks to take the lead strengthens relationships. It shows that their opinions and choices are valued, which is very important in family and team dynamics.
3. Enhancing Enjoyment: Shifting from a rigid schedule to a more flexible one can enhance the overall experience. Our trip was more enjoyable because we embraced spontaneity and relaxation.

Servant leadership in a family setting not only nurtures autonomy, but also strengthens bonds and creates memorable experiences. The biggest gift we can give our children (and our team) is the freedom to lead and make choices.

Remember, the first time that the client sees your name should NOT be in the proposal! Check out these events online and in the DC Metro Area to network, learn, and be seen by your customers.

• Sep 10: FedTalks 2024
• Sep 11-12: DSI’s AI For Defense Summit
• Sep 14-15: Air & Space Forces Association’s National Convention
• Sep 16-18: AFA’s Air, Space, & Cyber Conference

About Hinz Consulting

Hinz Consulting provides services across the full business development cycle:

• Proposal Consulting
• AI Services
• Strategic Pricing
• Training
• Capture
• Competitive Intelligence
• BD Transformation Consulting
• Process/Methodology Consulting
• Tools and Templates
• Production Services
• Small Business

In This Week’s Newsletter:

• Culture Corner: Takeaways From Our Evening with Capture Experts 
• Opportunity Spotlight of the Week: FBI Regional Multiple Award Construction Contracts 2 (RMACC 2)
• AI Corner: Gen AI Can Make a Positive Impact
• Four To Follow: Get the lowdown on four interesting pursuits!
• Event Corner: Upcoming Industry Events

Takeaways From Our Evening with Capture Experts 

Contact Angela: angela.marsh@hinzconsulting.com  

This week, a few Hinzers attended the APMP-NCA Speaker Series event to have dinner with two industry leaders in Capture Management. Gerald Gaskins, a Senior VP and Strategic Capture Executive at Leidos who recently retired while simultaneously holding TWO executive titles shared his storied career journey from the US Marine Corps to the corporate world. Jennifer Namvar, CEO & Founder of The Peerless Group, told us about her quick rise from proposals to capture and her successful transition to running her own consulting business. Together, they led the audience through a deep discussion on the challenges facing Capture Managers and Proposal teams today. Here’s what we learned:

Build a Strategy 

• Focus on understanding and speaking the language of business, including strategy and structure.  
• Target the right customers and ensure your approach aligns with their needs and expectations. 

Do Your Homework  

• Spend time studying the market, your competitors, and successful practices.  
• Understand the customer’s needs deeply and tailor your proposal to address those needs effectively. 

Communicate your Ideas Effectively  

• Enhance communication flow up and down the corporate ladder.  
• Clearly convey the solution and win themes to your proposal team, ensuring everyone is on the same page.  
• Be concise and impactful, focusing on the key points that will resonate with decision-makers. 

Lead the Charge 

• Take charge of meetings and projects, ensuring timeliness and assignment of duties. 
• Provide positive reinforcement and clear guidance to your team, leveraging their strengths and expertise. 

Be the Expert 

• Position yourself as the expert by understanding the processes between Business Development and Capture. 
• Guide your team on how to execute tasks efficiently and effectively, ensuring the proposal is comprehensive and compelling. 

For more insights on communicating between your Capture and Proposal teams, be sure to join the next APMP-NCA webinar on September 25^th. A panel of industry vets will discuss “Sales Tactics for Proposal Professionals” to give you insights on effective communication amongst all stakeholders. 

FBI Regional Multiple Award Construction Contracts 2 (RMACC 2)

Contact Len: len.miller@hinzconsulting.com

Hey Everyone!  The RMACC 2 $600M contract vehicle recompete solicitation is now tentatively scheduled to be released sometime in September.  It is anticipated that the maximum value of each task order will be $25M.  Expect to see awards for small business, full/open-unrestricted, and partial small business set-sides.  Call Hinz Consulting for Proposal Support as we will make you proud! 

Gen AI Can Make a Positive Impact

Contact Josh: josh.thiel@hinzconsulting.com

Do you know anyone who is dyslexic?  Generative AI (Gen AI) isn’t just a technology to super empower proposal professionals and already great writers.  Gen AI is also leveling the playing field for people with dyslexia, thereby enabling them to enter and thrive in professions previously barred to them. Here are a few ways Gen AI can make a positive impact: 

Efficiency: Gen AI provides real-time suggestions, corrections, and alternative phrasing during the writing process. For dyslexic individuals, this assistance can significantly improve writing efficiency. 

Educational Support: Intelligent chatbots based on generative AI, like AI4LA, can help dyslexic students by analyzing conversational data to model their understandings and misconceptions. These chatbots offer personalized educational support. 

Assistive Technology: Gen AI can fuel existing assistive technology and robotics, contributing to learning, accommodation, and accessibility solutions for people. 

By designing Gen AI with inclusivity and accessibility in mind, companies are creating technology that empowers everyone, including those with dyslexia.

Four to Follow:

1. DOE CIO Business Operations Support Services 2 (CBOSS 2): The RFP for this estimated $3.5B recompete was released back on 1 August via GSA eBuy and on 20 August the DOE released a modification stating that they were still finalizing Q&A and were extending the proposal submission date to 17 September.  Continue to monitor your eBuy channel diligently if you are responding to this as the Q&A will only be posted to eBuy under GSA MAS 54151S – IT Professional Services.
2. USSOCOM Maritime Special Operations Forces Support Services (MSOFS 2.0): The draft RFP for this estimated $399M recompeted of the Small Business Set-Aside/Multiple Award contract was released on 15 August and comments/questions are due NLT 29 August.   A Pre-Proposal Conference is to be held on 10 September and offerors must register by 11 am on 29 August.  The final RFP is estimated to be released in November but might shift further to the right, but we expect this to be discussed at the Pre-Solicitation Conference.

3. New Modern Software Development (MSD) Multiple Award IDIQ: The Army Contracting Command – Aberdeen Proving Ground (ACC-APG) released the MSD draft RFP on 16 August and a revision on 17 August. Questions/comments on the draft RFP are due NLT 10 am ET on 6 September.  It is expected that there could be a series of updates to the draft RFP before the Industry Day which is expected to be held sometime in the next few months.  To that end, we expect a final RFP in mid-October to mid-November. This new MSD contract vehicle is expected to have a value of $10B and potentially no less than 10, and no more than 20 awards will be made.  ACC-APG expects to reserve 20% of the IDIQ contract awards for Small Businesses.  This is expected to be a phased proposal submission and evaluation approach for this acquisition. 
4. Energy IDIQ III: According to USAID’s Business Forecast on 19 August, they anticipate releasing the RFP on/about 12 September for the recompete of this estimated $1.49B MA/IDIQ vehicle.  Awards are expected across small businesses, full/open-unrestricted, and partial small business set-asides as well.

Industry News & Events

• Aug 27: APMP Military Affinity Group Meeting
• Aug 27-28: AFCEA Intelligence & Nat’l Security Summit
• Sep 03-06: Billington CyberSecurity Summit
• Sep 6: Wash. Tech. Power Breakfast-Doing Business with NASA

About Hinz Consulting

Hinz Consulting provides services across the full business development cycle:

• Proposal Consulting
• AI Services
• Strategic Pricing
• Training
• Capture
• Competitive Intelligence
• BD Transformation Consulting
• Process/Methodology Consulting
• Tools and Templates
• Production Services
• Small Business