In This Week’s Newsletter: 02/08/24
Competitive Intelligence & Pricing: Cost optimization
Opportunity Spotlight of the Week: DAFSTS II
AI Corner: Impacts of Biden’s Executive Order on AI
Culture Corner: How to Be Human in a Technology Driven World: Part II
Four To Follow: Get the lowdown on four interesting pursuits!
Cost Optimization
Contact Chris: chris.placzek@hinzconsulting.com
Cost optimization is crucial in strategic pricing, enabling competitive positioning, maximizing profit margins, and supporting value-based pricing. It ensures companies remain agile, responsive to market changes, and sustainable in the long run by facilitating informed decisions, enhancing customer value, and mitigating financial risks through efficient resource allocation and cost management.
Three Key Takeaways
Enables Competitive and Flexible Pricing: Cost optimization provides the foundation for competitive pricing strategies, allowing companies to adjust prices flexibly in response to market demands and competitor actions while maintaining profitability.
Supports Value-Based Pricing: By minimizing unnecessary costs, companies can invest in quality and innovation, enhancing the perceived value of their offerings and justifying premium prices based on customer value rather than just cost-plus calculations.
Drives Strategic Decision-Making: Effective cost management is critical for making informed strategic pricing decisions, helping companies stay agile and responsive to changing market conditions, thereby ensuring long-term sustainability and growth.
DAFSTS II
Contact Len: len.miller@hinzconsulting.com
Prepare for the next chapter after the triumph of the Air Force Strategic Transformation Support (AFSTS) program! The Air Force’s Office of Business Transformation (SAF/MG) is gearing up for Defense Air Force Strategic Transformation Support II (DAFSTS II), building on 8 successful incumbent contracts. With an estimated $3-5B acquisition and a potential RFP release in Feb 2024, this MA/IDIQ offers a range of opportunities.
Anticipate a 5-year POP and again multiple awards at the full and open/unrestricted category!
Thinking Ahead – Impacts of Biden’s Executive Order on AI
Contact Josh: josh.thiel@hinzconsulting.com
The Executive Order on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence was signed by President Biden on October 30, 2023. This EO mandates a commitment to safety, security, and trust in AI development. For businesses, this could imply building a generative AI domain, assisting them in meeting regulatory requirements involved in government proposal procedures.
As Government agencies and departments build regulations, the following impacts on proposal submissions are likely:
- The Agency will run the proposal through software to identify if open-source AI was used thereby exposing the Government requirements and your solution to foreign espionage, which will disqualify the submission or result in long-standing restrictions.
- Companies must declare their email domain (which most already have), the Knowledge Management System, and the generative AI service they use to securely store and develop content when dealing with the Government.
- The Agency will run the proposal through AI software to determine if the products and services outlined in the proposal match the capabilities of the company and designated sub-vendors. A mismatch will be akin to plagiarism and likely disqualify the bid.
How to be Human in a Technology-Driven World: Part II
Contact Angela: angela.marsh@hinzconsulting.com
Empathy is a powerful tool in the workplace. It helps us communicate effectively, foster strong relationships, and think outside the box when problem-solving. As we strive to balance technology and our human needs, it’s imperative to consciously practice being empathetic. Did you know that you can actually improve these skills? Here are a few ways to boost your emotional intelligence:
- Request feedback: this will help you understand how you are perceived and increase your self-awareness.
- Learn more: videos, podcasts, eBooks, audiobooks, and good old-fashioned books in print abound on the topics of empathy and emotional intelligence. Try this pick from the Hinz Leadership Library for a start! Empathy: Why it Matters and How to Get It
- Actively listen: allow an almost uncomfortable pause when in a conversation to give yourself time to process what’s been said. We often move onto our own response before the incoming message is fully received.
- Practice meditation: it may be the most human thing we can do to stay grounded and develop kindness to others.
Four to Follow:
2024 and beyond is a target-rich environment for the GOVCON space. Here are a few more high-value opportunities you should keep your eyes on and decide if you are pursuing as a prime or sub.
- 1-3. Design Build DB Services Eastern/Western/& Central Region – the VA has a requirement for expert design-build (DB) providers for their major and minor construction projects and non-recurring maintenance programs for these regions. They estimate RFP release sometime in March 2024 with potential Multiple Award/IDIQ (MA/IDIQ) awards late this summer. The total program value is estimated at $3B.
- 4. Vertical Construction MATOC ECSO Unrestricted – this potential $1.5B MA/IDIQ for the Army Corps of Engineers Ft. Worth District is planned to have a 7-year base performance period. RFP is estimated for release by mid-Feb 2024 with awards occurring late summer.
About Hinz Consulting
Hinz Consulting provides services across the full business development cycle:
