Federal contracts are getting frozen, delayed, and straight-up canceled... but that doesn’t mean your revenue has to take a hit. State, Local, and Education (SLED) contracting is a goldmine of opportunities with faster awards, fewer compliance headaches, and a whole lot less red tape.

In this next Basecamp Briefings session, we’re cutting through the noise and getting straight to what matters:

🏔️ How SLED contracts differ from federal work (and why that matters)

🏔️ Where to find legit opportunities... not just RFPs with a winner already picked

🏔️ How to position your business to win (and avoid common rookie mistakes)

🏔️ The tactical steps to start landing SLED contracts NOW

Basecamp Briefings, powered by Summit Strategy, is a no-fluff, straight-talk series that gives GovCon pros the real strategies they need to win. No generic advice. No wasted time. Just the insights that matter.

Federal contractors often assume their strategies will translate to the state, local, and education (SLED) market, but the reality is more complex. From procurement processes to decision-making dynamics, success in SLED requires a tailored approach.

Join Summit Strategy and Deltek at APMP GovGains as we break down the key differences, common pitfalls, and actionable strategies to help you compete and win more in the SLED space.

Everyone’s watching the Army Marketplace for the Acquisition of Professional Services (MAPS) contract vehicle, but watching isn’t winning. With the RFP expected in April, it’s time to get serious about positioning, teaming, and strategy.

In this no-fluff session, we’re breaking down:

• What we know about the Army MAPS RFP
• Key strategies to boost your competitiveness
• Teaming insights to strengthen your bid
• Common pitfalls that could take you out of the running

If Army MAPS is on your radar, you can’t afford to miss this.

Basecamp Briefings, powered by Summit Strategy, is your go-to webinar series for bold, unfiltered conversations on what it really takes to win in GovCon.

Save your spot!

Winning proposals go beyond compliance. They tell a compelling story, align with the agency’s needs, and make it easy for evaluators to say YES. In this workshop, we’re breaking down the must-have elements of a winning proposal, from structuring your response for maximum impact to avoiding the common mistakes that sink your score.

Expect real talk, actionable insights, and strategies that actually work... because in GovCon, second place doesn’t get the contract.

Certifications like SBA 8(a), HUBZone, and SDVOSB can give your business a leg up—but only if you know how to use them to your advantage.

In this webinar, we’re cutting through the fluff and getting straight to the strategies that actually move the needle. You’ll learn how to leverage certifications to land more contracts, form game-changing partnerships and joint ventures, and position your business as the go-to choice for government buyers. We’ll also cover how to market your business effectively, craft capability statements that don’t get ignored, and avoid proposal mistakes that can tank your chances. Plus, we’ll talk about how to get ahead of RFPs instead of scrambling at the last minute.

If you're ready to sharpen your competitive edge and win more work, this session is for you.

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Ready to make 2025 your best year yet?

The federal government’s procurement landscape is gearing up to offer new opportunities, but with those come even stiffer competition. To stay ahead, you need the right strategies to stand out and capture what’s yours.

Join Summit Strategy on February 19, 2025, for an exclusive, actionable webinar that will provide a forward-looking view of key contract vehicles and procurement opportunities expected in the coming year. We'll arm you with the insights and tactics to position your organization for success.

This session will cover:

• 2025 Opportunities: A sneak peek into the major federal contract vehicles and opportunities that should be on your radar.
• Positioning for Success: Game-changing strategies to elevate your business and get ahead before the RFPs hit the streets.
• BD and Capture Best Practices: Pro tips for outmaneuvering the competition with business development and capture strategies that work.
• Planning for 2025: Tactical advice to make sure your BD and capture efforts are primed for the evolving federal procurement environment.

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Whether you're a seasoned federal contractor or stepping into this space for the first time, this session will equip you with the knowledge, tools, and strategies to thrive and win big in 2025.

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‍*Cosponsorship Authorization # 24-52-C. SBA’s participation in this Cosponsored Activity is not an endorsement of the views, opinions, products or services of any Cosponsor or other person or entity. All SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact: Jatavius Williams via email at jatavius.williams@sba.gov Or via phone at 202-941-8071

Secrets to Winning Proposals: What Contracting Officers Wish You Knew

Winning a contract often hinges on writing a compelling proposal, yet many businesses struggle with this critical skill. This session offers a unique opportunity to transform your proposal process and increase your chances of success by focusing on what makes proposals stand out to contracting officers—the very people who evaluate and score your submissions.

This session goes beyond basic proposal writing tips. We’ll cover key elements of a winning proposal, such as effectively communicating your value proposition, meeting evaluation criteria, and differentiating your offerings from competitors. You’ll learn how to align your proposals with client needs and present solutions in a way that resonates with decision-makers.

One of the highlights of this session is the chance to hear directly from former government contracting officers. These experts have reviewed thousands of proposals and know exactly what separates winners from the rest. They’ll share insider insights on what evaluators look for, common mistakes to avoid, and how to tailor your approach to meet their expectations. You’ll gain firsthand knowledge of how to address evaluation criteria, craft compelling executive summaries, and steer clear of red flags that can hinder your success.

Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with these experts, asking questions that clarify the complexities of the proposal process. Whether you’re curious about making your proposals more compelling or understanding specific elements that catch evaluators’ attention, this session provides access to insights that are typically out of reach for most businesses.

By the end of the session, you’ll walk away with a set of best practices that you can immediately apply to your next proposal. This is your chance to gain a competitive edge and set your business on a path to success in government contracting. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your proposal writing skills and learn directly from those who understand what it takes to win. Join us and discover how to write proposals that clients can’t resist.

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Part III: Death by PowerPoint? NO WAY! Keys to Developing Engaging, Interactive, and Attention-Grabbing Presentations

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Keeping your audience hooked can feel like an uphill battle in today’s fast-paced world as decreasing attention spans make it increasingly more difficult to present with impact. It’s not just you — some studies even suggest that goldfish have longer attention spans than humans these days.

Even in the goldfish era, you can captivate your audience by conquering the “death by PowerPoint” curse and igniting connection with a compelling narrative.

Whether for an introductory pitch meeting or a coveted shortlist presentation, this session will equip you with the skills to structure your presentations to capture (and retain!) your audience’s attention, incorporate storytelling fundamentals with words that persuade and sound like you, design sophisticated slides (even with little to no design experience!) and so much more. Get ready to grab your audience’s attention and never let go!

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Know more about The Winning Edge Workshop Series: Tactics to Outshine Your Competition and Win More Business three-part series.

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Cosponsorship Authorization # 24-52-C. SBA’s participation in this Cosponsored Activity is not an endorsement of the views, opinions, products or services of any Cosponsor or other person or entity. All SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact: Jatavius Williams via email at jatavius.williams@sba.gov Or via phone at 202-941-8071.

Ready to make 2025 your best year yet?

The federal government’s procurement landscape is gearing up to offer new opportunities, but with those come even stiffer competition. To stay ahead, you need the right strategies to stand out and capture what’s yours.

Join Summit Strategy on January 28, 2025, for an exclusive, actionable webinar that will provide a forward-looking view of key contract vehicles and procurement opportunities expected in the coming year. We'll arm you with the insights and tactics to position your organization for success.

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Part II: Forget Hope: Taking Strategic Action for Proposal Success

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Hope and luck alone aren’t enough to grow your organization and land more contracts —winning more business takes strategic action. As competition increases, you need a game plan beyond subject matter expertise to stay ahead of the pack and come out on top.

In this session, discover a treasure trove of tactics to help you get ahead of the RFP, gain a deeper understanding of your clients and their needs, and outshine the competitors. You’ll also learn how to develop proposals that the evaluation committee cannot resist! Success is not an accident. Why hope and lose when you can engage and win?

‍

Know more about The Winning Edge Workshop Series: Tactics to Outshine Your Competition and Win More Business three-part series.

‍

Cosponsorship Authorization # 24-52-C. SBA’s participation in this Cosponsored Activity is not an endorsement of the views, opinions, products or services of any Cosponsor or other person or entity. All SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact: Jatavius Williams via email at jatavius.williams@sba.gov Or via phone at 202-941-8071.

Part I: Find Your Foothold: Powerful Pre-RFP Positioning Strategies

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Submitting a stellar proposal is vital to winning work, but it's not the only piece of the puzzle! Establishing yourself as a leader in your industry requires a solid understanding of your market and competitors, developing an actionable business plan, and investing in strategic growth tactics.

Powerful positioning is key. Learn proven sales and marketing tactics in this engaging session to start implementing today to stand out from the crowd and position yourself to capture your next big client, contract, or project.

‍

Know more about The Winning Edge Workshop Series: Tactics to Outshine Your Competition and Win More Business three-part series.

‍

Cosponsorship Authorization # 24-52-C. SBA’s participation in this Cosponsored Activity is not an endorsement of the views, opinions, products or services of any Cosponsor or other person or entity. All SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact: Jatavius Williams via email at jatavius.williams@sba.gov Or via phone at 202-941-8071.

Visit Summit Strategy at Booth #1933

This premier event brings together industry leaders, government agencies, and small businesses to foster collaboration and innovation in the federal marketplace.

Visit us at Booth #1933 to learn more about our comprehensive marketing + proposal solutions designed to drive your business success. Our team will be on hand to discuss how we can support your goals, answer your questions, and showcase our latest offerings.

We look forward to connecting with you and exploring new opportunities for collaboration. See you in San Antonio!

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The Association of the U.S. Army’s Annual Meeting and Exposition will focus on the theme “Transforming for a Complex World” and showcase the Army’s efforts to innovate and modernize for future challenges.

Top leaders from the U.S. Army and Department of Defense will share insights on the future of national defense. Attendees will explore cutting-edge military technology and equipment from over 700 exhibitors and witness prestigious award ceremonies, including the presentation of the George Catlett Marshall Medal.

The event offers a unique glimpse into the Army’s transformational journey and its approach to navigating a rapidly changing world.

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Part III: Death by PowerPoint? NO WAY! Keys to Developing Engaging, Interactive, and Attention-Grabbing Presentations

Keeping your audience hooked can feel like an uphill battle in today’s fast-paced world as decreasing attention spans make it increasingly more difficult to present with impact. It’s not just you — some studies even suggest that goldfish have longer attention spans than humans these days.

Even in the goldfish era, you can captivate your audience by conquering the “death by PowerPoint” curse and igniting connection with a compelling narrative.

Whether for an introductory pitch meeting or a coveted shortlist presentation, this session will equip you with the skills to structure your presentations to capture (and retain!) your audience’s attention, incorporate storytelling fundamentals with words that persuade and sound like you, design sophisticated slides (even with little to no design experience!) and so much more. Get ready to grab your audience’s attention and never let go!

‍

Hope and luck alone aren’t enough to grow your organization and land more contracts —winning more business takes strategic action. As competition increases, you need a game plan beyond subject matter expertise to stay ahead of the pack and come out on top.

In this session, discover a treasure trove of tactics to help you get ahead of the RFP, gain a deeper understanding of your clients and their needs, and outshine the competitors. You’ll also learn how to develop proposals that the evaluation committee cannot resist! Success is not an accident. Why hope and lose when you can engage and win?

Hey you, yes YOU! Ready to crank up the volume in your professional life?

Imagine if you could bottle your spark and transform it into your personal brand story that elevates your career. This workshop aims to empower you with the tools and strategies needed to build a compelling personal brand that distinguishes you from your peers, positions you as leaders within your field, and leverages LinkedIn to amplify your visibility + influence.

Key Takeaways:

·         Understand the essentials + elements of your personal brand and its significance on your career

·         Identify + articulate your unique value proposition

·         Leverage LinkedIn to enhance your visibility + influence

·         Create a consistent personal brand message

Participants will leave the workshop with a clear roadmap for developing + implementing a personal brand strategy that amplifies their visibility + influence, setting the stage for career advancement and success.

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Hope and luck alone aren’t enough to grow your organization and land more contracts —winning more business takes strategic action. As competition increases, you need a game plan beyond subject matter expertise to stay ahead of the pack and come out on top.

In this session, discover a treasure trove of tactics to help you get ahead of the RFP, gain a deeper understanding of your clients and their needs, and outshine the competitors. You’ll also learn how to develop proposals that the evaluation committee cannot resist! Success is not an accident. Why hope and lose when you can engage and win?

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In the fiercely competitive landscape of today's market, simply being good at what you do is no longer sufficient for success. The key to not just surviving but thriving lies in a profound understanding of your own strengths and weaknesses, as well as a strategic insight into your competition. This presentation unveils a comprehensive framework for gaining a competitive edge by deeply understanding your organization’s unique value proposition and leveraging this knowledge against your competitors.

Hope and luck alone aren’t enough to grow your organization and land more contracts —winning more business takes strategic action. As competition increases, you need a game plan beyond subject matter expertise to stay ahead of the pack and come out on top. In this session, discover a treasure trove of tactics to help you get ahead of the RFP, gain a deeper understanding of your clients and their needs, and outshine the competitors. You’ll also learn how to develop proposals that the evaluation committee cannot resist! Success is not an accident. Why hope and lose when you can engage and win?

‍

Part II:  Forget Hope: Taking Strategic Action for Proposal Success

Hope and luck alone aren’t enough to grow your organization and land more contracts —winning more business takes strategic action. As competition increases, you need a game plan beyond subject matter expertise to stay ahead of the pack and come out on top.

In this session, discover a treasure trove of tactics to help you get ahead of the RFP, gain a deeper understanding of your clients and their needs, and outshine the competitors. You’ll also learn how to develop proposals that the evaluation committee cannot resist! Success is not an accident. Why hope and lose when you can engage and win?

The Power of Storytelling to Win More Business

Proposals don’t have to be a snore-fest! Capturing your audience’s attention is essential in today’s highly competitive landscape, but it doesn’t mean cramming technical jargon and robotic details down your readers’ throats with every sentence. The answer lies in the power of storytelling. Storytelling is a common tactic in marketing, yet often overlooked in proposals. Here's the thing: you can ignite a connection with the agencies reviewing these proposals and making multi-million-dollar investment decisions with persuasive strategy — after all, they’re human too. In this workshop, we'll delve into the psychology of content and storytelling fundamentals, exploring ways to effectively capture and keep your reader's attention with words that persuade and sound like you. You'll discover how to create compelling narratives that connect with your audience and differentiate your proposal from the sea of sameness. Together, we’ll work on prompts to strengthen your skills and find new angles you can use to weave storytelling into your proposals and presentations, igniting interest, differentiating your content from all others, making a lasting impression, and, ultimately, winning more business. Speaking of snore-fest, let’s talk about banking?! Rather than figure it out after you receive that long-awaited contract award, why not create a strategy with your different service providers in advance? We will talk about the partners you need and the timing and items to consider to be financially capable to perform and succeed on your contracts.

Part I: Find Your Foothold: Powerful Pre-RFP Positioning Strategies

Submitting a stellar proposal is vital to winning work, but it's not the only piece of the puzzle! Establishing yourself as a leader in your industry requires a solid understanding of your market and competitors, developing an actionable business plan, and investing in strategic growth tactics.

Powerful positioning is key. Learn proven sales and marketing tactics in this engaging session to start implementing today to stand out from the crowd and position yourself to capture your next big client, contract, or project.

Free to all APMP members, this event explores the capabilities of various bid + proposal industry consultants.

Hope and luck alone aren’t enough to grow your organization and land more contracts —winning more business takes strategic action. As competition increases, you need a game plan beyond subject matter expertise to stay ahead of the pack and come out on top. In this session, discover a treasure trove of tactics to help you get ahead of the RFP, gain a deeper understanding of your clients and their needs, and outshine the competitors. You’ll also learn how to develop proposals that the evaluation committee cannot resist! Success is not an accident. Why hope and lose when you can engage and win?