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:

• 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: [01/25/24]

Competitive Intelligence & Pricing: “Toppling the Giant” – Beating an Incumbent Without Being the Lowest Price

Opportunity Spotlight of the Week: GSA ALLIANT 3

AI Corner: Generative AI Tool Assessments

Culture Corner: Staying On Track In 2024

Four To Follow: Get the lowdown on four interesting opportunities!

“Toppling the Giant” – Beating an Incumbent Without Being the Lowest Price

Contact Chris: chris.placzek@hinzconsulting.com

In public sector procurements, defeating an incumbent without being the lowest bidder requires a strategic approach focusing on value. This involves highlighting superior quality, innovative solutions, socio-economic benefits, risk mitigation, and tailored services. It is all about demonstrating comprehensive value that aligns with the broader programmatic objectives of the customer.

Three Key Takeaways

1. Provide Value Beyond Price: Demonstrate comprehensive value in your offering that extends beyond just pricing. This includes demonstrating superior quality, delivery performance, innovative solutions, and additional socio-economic benefits.

2. Customize and Partner: Tailor solutions to address your customer’s long-term business needs and objectives (going beyond the proposed contract term, if needed), and position your company as a collaborative partner rather than just another vendor.

3. Risk Mitigation and Stability: Emphasize your company’s ability to mitigate risks and its stability and reliability as a service provider to counteract the “safe choice” appeal of the incumbent, making your proposal more attractive.

GSA ALLIANT 3

Contact Len: len.miller@hinzconsulting.com

This is the follow-on to the successful GSA ALLIANT 2 (62 incumbent contracts) and will be a Full/Open-Unrestricted GWAC-IDIQ procurement with estimated value of $75B.  The second Draft RFP was released in early Dec 2023 and comments were due on Jan 16th. and final RFP is estimated to be released in the Spring of 2024 (late April/May).  According to the GSA presentation on January 11th 2024, on The Alliant Program: Alliant 3 Second Draft, they wish to proceed quickly with Alliant 3.

All sections were included in the second Draft RFP with the exception of Pricing. This is still being developed and will be released when ready, hopefully before the final RFP is released this spring.  A pre-proposal conference will be held after final RFP release.  There were many significant, positive changes in this second draft RFP with the major ones being:

• Relevant Experience Project Size Thresholds Reduced
  • Reduction in dollar values from $275M to $100M, $100M to $35M, and $35M to $7.5M (L.5.2.3.3 Relevant Experience – Project Size)
  • Reduction in dollar values for additional points to correspond with section L values (M.6 – Alliant 3 Scoring Table)
• Federal Primary Relevant Experience Submissions Expanded
  • All offerors may use work performed as as a subcontractor that fits RFP criteria 
  • Federal Subcontracts can roll down to Agency, Cost Projects, Foreign Location (L.5.2.3.4, L.5.2.3.5, and L.5.2.3.7 – Primary Relevant Experience NAICS Areas)
• Cost Accounting System and Audit Information
  • Not restricted to DCMA or DCAA audits
  • May use Cognizant Federal Agency or Certified Public Accountant statement of Cost Accounting System audit to be found acceptable by Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (L.5.4.1 Cost Accounting System and Audit Information)

Key points:

• Estimated to be 60 awardees
• Awardees to have a 10-year contract term and no ceiling master contract
• Periodic open seasons to occur
• Basis for evaluation for awards will be determined by Highest Technically Rated Offerors with a Fair and Reasonable Price (HTRFRP). Must be amongst the top 60 highest rated Offerors to be considered a HTRFRP Offeror.  There could end up being more than 60 awards if ties occur within the top 60 rated Offerors.
• Acceptability Review is conducted on proposals on a Pass/Fail basis on required information.  Only “acceptable” proposals move into the Technical Evaluation and are scored per the Alliant 3 Scoring Table. Offerors make their own assessments but the Technical Evaluation on Relevant Experience; Past Performance; Systems, Certifications, and Clearances; and Organizational Risk Assessment must include the required information to substantiate the claimed points.  A maximum of 92,200 points may be claimed.
• An overall Responsibility Determination IAW FAR Part 9 is conducted on a Pass/Fail basis and if not deemed responsible, an Offeror will not be considered for an award.

Major Acquisition Objectives:

• Maintain a Best-in-Class Solution Designation
• Use standardized IT Labor Categories and Prices Paid Portal
• No-Ceiling Master Contract
• Performance Standard Improvement to include fewer termination through off-ramp tradeoffs and more competition with task order proposals with small business (SB) subcontracting
• Increased focus on SB through Subcontracting Plans, Performance Standards, and Evaluation Factors
• Enhance Environmental and Sustainability Plans
• Enhance the Customer Experience
• Streamline Proposal Evaluation through use of technology to increase government evaluation speed/accuracy and simplifying industry solicitation response and industry response
• Increase IT Modernization Opportunities
• Provision for Open Seasons which will occur periodically to evaluate competition levels and on-ramp opportunities

This is a great contract vehicle and is widely used across the Federal Government.  Let Hinz Consulting help you pull together the required substantiation documentation and review it for compliance and proof of points claimed.

Generative AI Tool Assessments

Contact Josh: josh.thiel@hinzconsulting.com

The change from search tools to Generative AI platforms is akin to the leap from analog phones to Touch Screen phones – after you experience the productivity advantages of a Generative AI, how could you ever go back? Hinz Consulting conducts comprehensive AI tool assessments to make sure our clients select the right tool.

A good Generative AI tool should do the following for you….

1.  Generative AI searches your Knowledge Management to find applicable reference documents and uses those documents to generate new content.  Generative AI eliminates the need for tagging or searching your KM for hours on end.  
2. Generative AI combines the search and the generation of content, allowing you to sunset KM search tools.  As you sunset the KM search tools, you can reinvest the cost savings in more capable Generative AI products.  
3. Legacy KM search tools, evaluated by Hinz, involve extensive tagging of data and labeling.  Tagging at scale for your whole Knowledge Management repository is a costly task for any team, and in many cases, an impossible endeavor.  Gen AI requires no manual tagging and labeling to set up.  

Staying On Track In 2024

Contact Angela: angela.marsh@hinzconsulting.com

Clear your mind, take a deep breath, and look back that the past few weeks. While it may seem premature for reflection, doing so now provides ample time to adjust our methods.

As we wrap up the first month of a new year, it’s a good time to reflect on the goals we’ve made and evaluate our progress. We’ve defined our goals, broken them down into manageable actions, and defined key metrics. So how are we doing so far?

Ask yourself:

• How often are you completing the daily tasks that move you forward? Express that in a percentage. Seeing your effort as a real number is enlightening!
• What are the top 3 obstacles that prevent you from completing those tasks? Perhaps there is a common underlying theme that needs to be addressed.
• What are the key drivers on the days that you are successful? Identify the positive things that motivate you and build on them. 

Four to Follow:

2024 and beyond is a target-rich environment for the GOVCON space.  Maybe we will actually have an approved budget for FY24 before we get to September? 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.  DHS Program Management Administrative Clerical and Technical Services (PACTS III) – the follow-on to PACTS II which has 39 incumbent contracts.  PACTS III is estimated at $8.4B program value across potential awards to 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB and WOSB companies.  DHS just released a consolidated set of Q&A on 18 Jan and now the Final RFP is expected to release on or about 1 Feb with an award estimated in early Q1 FY25. 
2. Comprehensive Construction and Engineering (C2E) – The Air Force released a mod on Jan 18th changing the solicitation number to FA890324R0023 along with an updated Synopsis.  Final RFP is not expected on or after Feb 28th and a 45 day turn to proposal submission. Estimated award is April 2, 2025.   Air Force anticipates 12 contract awards under the Full/Open portion and 15 contract awards under the SBSA portion.
3. PD Aerostat Production Fielding Sustainment and Life Cycle Support MATOC IDIQ – the latest forecast by the Army is that this RFP is planned for release in Q4 FY24…so maybe Sept? This $4.1B IDIQ MATOC is potentially set up as a Competitive SBSA and Full/Open Unrestricted and potentially 6 awards (3 SBSA awards and 3 F/O unrestricted awards).
4. GSA ASCEND – this multiple award BPA for Federal Agencies to acquire and implement secure, integrated commercial cloud service solutions and cloud-focused labor services is expected to be released May 2024. GSA released a modification on Jan 4th to extend due date for questions/comments on the draft RFP until Feb 21st.  Industry should expect a phased award process with an unknown number of awards in each of the 3 Primary Pools:  Pool 1 – Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS); Pool 2 – Software as a Service (SaaS); and Pool 3 – Cloud Professional Services.  Awards estimated to begin in early FY25. 

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:

Welcome to Volume 10 of the Hinz Sight! In this edition, we unveil the $88B opportunity of Veterans Affairs (VA) Community Care Network Next Generation (CCN NEXT GEN). Delve into the world of Competitive Intelligence and Pricing, where Generative AI elevates data-driven decisions and operational efficiency. Discover the intricacies of Generative AI Document Ingest in the AI Corner. Wrap it up by adopting the KISS Technique in our Culture Corner for streamlined goal-setting. Here’s to a week of discovery and growth!

Welcome to Volume 10 of the Hinz Sight! In this edition, we unveil the $88B opportunity of Veterans Affairs (VA) Community Care Network Next Generation (CCN NEXT GEN). Delve into the world of Competitive Intelligence and Pricing, where Generative AI elevates data-driven decisions and operational efficiency. Discover the intricacies of Generative AI Document Ingest in the AI Corner. Wrap it up by adopting the KISS Technique in our Culture Corner for streamlined goal-setting. Here’s to a week of discovery and growth!

Opportunity Spotlight of the Week:

Veterans Affairs (VA) Community Care Network Next Generation (CCN NEXT GEN)

CCN NEXT GEN is a major recompete for the existing 5 regional contracts held by 2 incumbents.  CCN NEXT GEN is expected to provide integrated veteran care (IVC) capabilities and requirements via a set of separate domains to provide a broad scope of services for our Veterans and Veteran Family Member Programs (VFMP) via a set of multiple single award contracts.  It is anticipated these domains will be:

• Integrated Services: at the National Level
• Network-East: East region healthcare network and claims processing
• Network-West: West region healthcare network and claims processing
• Dental: National dental network and claims processing
• Pharmacy: National pharmacy network and claims processing
• VFMP Claims: National claims adjudication for VFMP

This is expected to be a full/open-unrestricted competition and will be an IDIQ contract with multiple awards expected. We believe that the VA could award a single contract per domain but, based on the Virtual Industry Day held last November, we don’t believe the acquisition strategy has been fully completed. The estimated value of this procurement is $88B. The RFP is expected to be released this summer and contract awards to be made in September 2025.  

Keep Your Eye on These Opportunities:

2024 and beyond is a target rich environment for the GOVCON space.  Here are a few more high-value opportunities you should watch and decide if you are pursuing as a prime or sub:

1. NASA SEWP VI – This is the sixth iteration of this GWAC-IDIQ vehicle which will be multiple awards (212 contracts on SEWP V) across full/open-unrestricted, SBSA, HUBZone Set-Aside, and SDVOSB categories. Total value is estimated to be $77B.  The draft RFP has been out since Sept 2023 with the final RFP estimated release to be February 2024, but we know work is continuing on the final RFP.
2. GSA ALLIANT 3 – This is the follow-on to GSA ALLIANT 2 (62 incumbent contracts) and will be a full/open-unrestricted GWAC-IDIQ procurement with estimated value of $75B.  Draft RFP was released in early Dec 2023 and final RFP is estimated to be released in April 2024.
3. HHS CIO-CS – This is a follow-on to the current CIO-Commodity Solution (CS) contracts (70 incumbent contracts) with total value expected to be around $20B and will be a GWAC-IDIQ to handle the provisioning of IT commodities and solutions.  The awards will go across full/open-unrestricted and partial SBSAs.  Estimated release of the RFP is May 2024.
4. Air Force Comprehensive Construction & Engineering (C2E) – This is the follow-on to two IDIQ/Multiple Award contracts (Regional Engineering & Construction (RE&C) and Worldwide Engineering & Construction (WE&C)) which have 45 incumbent contracts between them.  The total value for C2E is estimated at $15B with multiple awards to small businesses and full/open-unrestricted businesses.  Draft RFP was released in Dec 2023 and final RFP is estimated to be released in Feb 2024.

Hinz Consulting is here to support you in the pursuit, capture and proposal for any of these opportunities.  

Competitive Intelligence and Pricing

Utilizing Generative AI For Pricing

“AI offers a transformative approach to optimizing revenue and profitability.”

Chris Placzek ~ SVP, Pricing Services, Hinz Consulting

Key Takeaways

• Data-Driven Pricing Decisions: Generative AI analyzes customer behavior, competitor pricing, and market trends to provide data-driven, responsive pricing recommendations, enhancing revenue and profitability.
• Dynamic Scenario Analysis: This technology enables dynamic pricing, personalized offers, and simulates various pricing scenarios, offering insights into the potential financial impact of different strategies.
• Operational Efficiency and Strategic Focus: By automating pricing decisions, generative AI allows companies to quickly adapt to market changes, improving competitiveness and customer satisfaction, while freeing up resources for strategic planning and innovation.

AI Corner

Good Data In = Good Data Out

“When using Generative AI to create Proposal content, the corporate documents you have ingested into your AI instance are critical. Generative AI Document ingest subscribes to the principle, good data in equals good data out.”

Josh Thiel ~ SVP, Hinz AI COE, Hinz Consulting

HINZ AI CoE

Hinz AI Center of Excellence (CoE) has pioneered a process for Gen AI document management which optimizes the AI performance and ease of use for your proposal team.  The AI CoE team guides teams through the Ingest Process based on the following key tasks:

1. Understanding your organization:What is your organizational structure?How does your company operate?What does your company offer?How is your KM Organized?
2. Selecting a file structure that works with the AI while reflecting your company needs.
3. Selecting files that ensure high-quality content creation for the Gen AI platform to source from during the proposal process.

Culture Corner

Try the KISS Technique to Define Your Goals

“It can be difficult to articulate a clear vision. Sometimes, we aren’t sure exactly what we need for success. Try the KISS Technique to help define your goals for 2024. ”

Angela Marsh ~ SVP, Org. Development, Hinz Consulting

What do you want to KEEP doing? Reflect on your successes from last year.

What do you want to IMPROVE upon? Think about how you can make the successes even better.

What do you need to START doing? Identify the small, repeatable actions that move you forward.

What do you need to STOP doing? List the habits/processes that get in your way.

As we wrap up this edition of ‘Hinz Sight,’ we thank you for joining us on this journey through the intricacies of government contracting. Remember, hindsight is not about looking back—it’s about moving forward with the clarity and confidence gained from our shared insights.

Warm regards,

The Hinz Consulting Team

Unlock the secrets of business development in government contracting with ‘Hinz Sight’—your weekly post for industry foresight. Stay ahead of the curve as we decode the latest trends and tech, ensuring your vision is always 20/20. Subscribe for your Thursday thought-leadership treat, and never miss a beat in the competitive landscape of government bids.

Insider Insights

FAQ’s in AI Proposal Writing

“A lot of clients are reaching out to Hinz to ask us for our perspective on using AI in proposals. As we all think about planning for 2024, we thought we’d post a few of the common questions. Let us know what questions you have!”

Dan Marsh ~ Co-Chairman, Hinz Consulting

FAQ’s

How does AI handle sensitive or confidential information in proposals?

Security is a top priority. Certain AI systems are designed with robust security measures to protect sensitive data. Encryption, access controls, and compliance with data protection standards ensure the confidentiality and integrity of information.

How can organizations integrate AI into their proposal workflows?

Integrating AI into proposal workflows involves strategic planning and collaboration. Organizations can start by identifying the specific stages of the proposal process where AI can add value, selecting appropriate AI tools, and ensuring seamless integration with existing workflows. Training teams on AI tool usage further optimizes the integration.

Is AI proposal writing customizable?

Yes, AI proposal writing is customizable to a significant extent. Organizations can tailor AI tools to align with their specific proposal requirements and industry nuances. This customization ensures that AI becomes a versatile and adaptive assistant in the proposal development journey

AI Corner

3 red flags to consider when picking an AI software

“Choosing AI software demands a discerning eye. Three red flags to watch for are a lack of contextual understanding, an overreliance on generic templates, and any signs of inconsistencies or errors. These flags signal potential pitfalls that could compromise the effectiveness and reliability of the AI tool in your unique use case.”

Josh Thiel ~ SVP, Hinz AI COE, Hinz Consulting

Red Flags

• Security Vulnerabilities: Pay attention to any AI proposal writing software with known security vulnerabilities. If the tool has a history of data breaches, unauthorized access, or lacks robust encryption protocols, it poses a significant red flag for the safety of your sensitive proposal data.
• Inadequate Data Privacy Measures: Red flags should be raised if the software lacks clear and comprehensive data privacy measures. Ensure that the AI tool adheres to stringent privacy standards, protecting your confidential information from unauthorized exposure or misuse.
• Questionable Compliance Standards: If the AI proposal writing software falls short in terms of compliance with industry standards or regulations, it could jeopardize the confidentiality and integrity of your proposals. Look for tools that prioritize and transparently adhere to the necessary compliance standards for data security.

Culture Corner

Servant Leadership

“At Hinz Consulting, we believe in a culture where leaders prioritize the well-being and growth of their teams. Servant Leadership, coined by Robert Greenleaf, is the cornerstone of this philosophy. It empowers leaders to serve first, leading to a harmonious and productive work environment. By prioritizing the needs of others, Hinzers inspire collaboration, trust, and innovation. As we continue to uphold the principles of Servant Leadership, we pave the way for a resilient and successful future, where everyone’s contributions are valued and recognized.”

Angela Marsh ~ SVP, Org. Development, Hinz Consulting

Success Stories

WORLDWIDE PROTECTIVE SERVICES FOR BAGHDAD DIPLOMATIC SUPPORT CENTER (BDSC)/U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

“Steering success through strategic bidding, Hinz Consulting led a dynamic team of 8 personnel in supporting the Worldwide Protective Services for Baghdad Diplomatic Support Center (BDSC)/U.S. Department of State. Here’s a glimpse into the key takeaways from this transformative project.”

~Hinz Consulting

Overview

• Project Scope:
  • Bid for and supported Worldwide Protective Services at Baghdad Diplomatic Support Center (BDSC).
  • Comprehensive services included staffing, training, logistics, and provisioning of guard and canine services.
• Key Components:
  • Deployed a team of 8 experts in various roles.
  • Approximate bid value: $250-300M, with a 75-page limit for Technical and Management Proposals.
• Strategic Approach:
  • Successfully managed dual fire-walled proposals for BDSC and a related procurement (BEC).
  • Efficiently balanced U.S., Iraqi, and third-country national personnel in a complex staffing project.
  • Commended by senior leadership for dedication, leading to trust in managing the next major client must-win opportunity.

As we wrap up this edition of ‘Hinz Sight,’ we thank you for joining us on this journey through the intricacies of government contracting. Remember, hindsight is not about looking back—it’s about moving forward with the clarity and confidence gained from our shared insights.

Warm regards,

The Hinz Consulting Team

Unlock the secrets of business development in government contracting with ‘Hinz Sight’—your weekly post for industry foresight. Stay ahead of the curve as we decode the latest trends and tech, ensuring your vision is always 20/20. Subscribe for your Thursday thought-leadership treat, and never miss a beat in the competitive landscape of government bids.

Insider Insights

What is Google Gemini exactly?

“Launched on December 6, 2023, Gemini marks the dawn of a new era in AI at Google, according to CEO Sundar Pichai. Unveiled earlier at this year’s I/O developer conference, Gemini AI stands as Google’s most advanced Large Language Model (LLM) designed for multimodality, encompassing text, images, video, audio, and code. In addition to this, Google is introducing two other versions: Gemini Nano, a lighter edition for Android, and Gemini Ultra, tailored for data centers and enterprises.”

Gemini surpasses human experts in Massive Multitask Language Understanding (MMLU), a widely acknowledged method for evaluating the knowledge and problem-solving capabilities of AI models. Multimodal learning has historically posed a challenge for AI, with most algorithms specializing in singular domains like language, computer vision, or speech recognition. However, Gemini tackles image, video, and audio individually, showcasing benchmark results that outshine both Chat GPT-4 and other models combined, particularly excelling in cross-modality tasks.

Google asserts that Gemini AI demonstrates expertise across various modalities, including Language Understanding and Generation, Image Processing and Creation, Mathematical Reasoning and Formula Manipulation, and Sophisticated Code Generation. Notably, Google emphasizes coding as a standout application for Gemini. The latest code-generating system, AlphaCode 2, exhibits remarkable performance, surpassing 85 percent of participants in a coding competition—an impressive 50 percent improvement over the original AlphaCode. As of now, Gemini is available only in English, with support for additional languages anticipated in the near future.”

Dan Marsh ~ Co-Chairman, Hinz Consulting

Competitive Intelligence and Pricing

How Strategic Pricing Can Improve Cost-to-Serve for Public Sector Service Providers

“Strategic pricing is pivotal for enhancing cost-to-serve efficiency for public sector service providers. By meticulously aligning pricing structures with operational realities, providers can optimize resource allocation, reduce overheads, and improve overall fiscal responsibility. This strategic approach not only enhances financial sustainability but also ensures the delivery of high-quality public services.”

Chris Placzek ~ SVP, Pricing Services, Hinz Consulting

Key Takeaways

1. Alignment with Budgetary Constraints and Fiscal Responsibility.

Strategic pricing for public sector service providers must align closely with the budgetary constraints and fiscal responsibilities of government agencies. This alignment ensures that services remain financially sustainable, justifiable to taxpayers, and contribute to overall fiscal responsibility. By setting prices that are reasonable and transparent, service providers can optimize their cost-to-serve within the context of public funding.

2. Transparency as a Foundation for Trust and Accountability.

Transparency is a cornerstone in the public sector, and strategic pricing plays a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing it. Clearly communicating the cost breakdown of services builds trust with government agencies and the public. Transparent pricing practices not only justify costs, but also demonstrate accountability. Establishing trust through transparency is essential for fostering positive relationships with stakeholders and ensuring that the cost-to-serve is perceived as fair and reasonable.

3. Incentivizing Efficiency, Innovation, and Competition.

Strategic pricing empowers public sector service providers to incentivize efficiency, innovation, and healthy competition. By adopting flexible pricing structures that reward effectiveness and quality, providers can drive continuous improvement in service delivery. This innovation leads to streamlined processes, reduced administrative overheads, and ultimately lowers the cost-to-serve. Moreover, promoting healthy competition based on value and innovation ensures that services are delivered more efficiently and effectively, benefiting both service providers and the government agencies they serve.

AI Corner

What Should I Look For When Choosing An AI Solution?

“The half-life of technology is so fast, it’s a full-time job to track which companies are keeping pace and investing in continual development – we run to the AI COE to carry this burden for you.”

Josh Thiel ~ SVP, Hinz AI COE, Hinz Consulting

Questions To Consider

• Is the technology outdated or about to be eclipsed?
• Is the technology patented or will they be put out of business?
• Is the company financially solvent or will they go out of business?
• Is the company investing to evolve the product?

Culture Corner

Proposals, Parties, and Present Shopping – Oh My!

“Proposals, parties, and present shopping – oh my! It’s a busy time of year for everyone but especially for proposal people. The pressure of deadlines combined with holiday commitments can make us stressed. We are expected to be everywhere and do everything. Often, we have to choose between work and family during this season. So, make sure to be in the moment for whatever you are doing. If you have to write that section before you go to the party, be in writer mode. If you’re at the school play, be in family mode. It might be tough but you will be happier. So plan your time, choose your task, and leave the rest for later. Your present is being present!”

Angela Marsh ~ SVP, Org. Development, Hinz Consulting

Success Stories

INSCOM G3 TRAINING SUPPORT

“In supporting the INSCOM G3 Training Support project, our dedicated team, led by a skilled Basis of Estimate Consultant, successfully crafted a comprehensive bid that not only exceeded a $100M valuation but also showcased our commitment to precision in technical solutions and proposal writing.”

~Hinz Consulting

Overview

• Scope of Work (SOW): The bid focuses on providing training and support services for intelligence-gathering methods (SIGINT, HUMINT, etc.) at Army bases globally.
• Methodology and Approach: Utilizing an updated staffing model based on analogous estimating techniques, the consultant seamlessly integrated the RFP details, technical solution components, and staffing matrix into a 31-page Basis of Estimate (BOE) and a 27-page technical volume.
• Efficiency and Defensibility: By selecting a client BOE template, aligning it with the RFP scope, and employing analogous estimating for each Contract Line Item Number (CLIN), we not only delivered a defendable estimate but also streamlined the proposal process, earning appreciation from the client for our consultant’s invaluable contribution and dedication.

As we wrap up this edition of ‘Hinz Sight,’ we thank you for joining us on this journey through the intricacies of government contracting. Remember, hindsight is not about looking back—it’s about moving forward with the clarity and confidence gained from our shared insights.

Warm regards,

The Hinz Consulting Team