The Lion's Table

How Cooperative Purchasing Helps Public Agencies Buy Smarter, Faster, and Cheaper

What if public agencies could skip the long bid cycle and still buy ethically and competitively?   In this episode of The Lion’s Table, April and Scott Gaeta sit down with Rex Robbins from OMNIA Partners—the largest cooperative purchasing organization in the U.S.—to explain how co-ops streamline the procurement process for schools, municipalities, and nonprofits.   You’ll learn: --> How cooperative contracts are competitively bid on the front end --> Why public agencies turn to OMNIA when timing and transparency matter --> How vendors benefit from pre-approved pricing and faster project starts --> The truth about compliance, documentation, and ethical procurement   They also discuss what suppliers need to understand about cooperative agreements, including how to position themselves for selection and why co-op membership is growing across the country.   If you’ve ever wondered how to get in front of more public buyers—or how your agency can accelerate procurement without cutting corners—this conversation is a masterclass in modern public-sector strategy. Learn more about government contracting and your business at https://www.lionnational.com/

The Government Contracting Roadmap: Finding Federal Opportunities and Navigating SAM.gov

Most small businesses give up on government contracting before they even start. Why? Because the process looks too complicated, too exclusive, or too risky.   In this episode, April and Scott Gaeta get into the nuts and bolts of navigating SAM.gov and leveraging the power of the tool to find and vet opportunities. They provide practical, simplified steps and teach you how to:   --> Find relevant opportunities and determine viability --> Read an RFP without getting overwhelmed --> Research entities, incumbent contracts, federal wage rate requirements, and more --> Why 150-page RFPs are mostly boilerplate (and what really matters)   If you've visited SAM.gov and immediately felt lost, this episode gives you the clarity and checklist to start strong. Learn more about government contracting and your business at https://www.lionnational.com/

What Actually Wins Contracts: Certifications, Capability Statements & Partnering

In this episode, April and Scott are joined by Jamie Bratten, Founder and President of EZGovOpps. Together, they explore how small businesses can use certifications, capability statements, and strategic partnerships to succeed in government contracting. Jamie shares lessons learned from his own journey, offering practical advice on navigating cooperative purchasing and building strong relationships in the public sector. Learn more about government contracting and your business at https://www.lionnational.com/

Start Here: The First 4 Steps to Government Contracting

In this episode, we’re diving into what it really looks like to get started in government contracting. If you’ve ever thought, “I want to go after government work but don’t know where to begin,” this one’s for you. We’re walking through the essentials: like registering on SAM.gov (yes, it’s clunky, but we’ve got your back), picking your NAICS codes, and crafting a capability statement that makes decision-makers actually want to work with you. We also open up about certifications: woman-owned, veteran-owned, HUBZone, and the powerful 8(a) program — and why they’re not just nice to have, they can actually open doors to sole source contracts and serious growth. But more than all that? We talk about relationships. Networking. Being bold enough to reach out, show up, and follow up. That’s where the magic happens. Whether you’re brand new to this world or already working in the private sector and ready to expand, we want to help you take those first steps. And if this episode gives you an aha moment or sparks a question, reach out! We’d love to hear what you’re working on and help however we can. Let’s go after those contracts. Together. Learn more about government contracting and your business at https://www.lionnational.com/

Government Contracting 101: What It Is and Why Your Business Should Care

In this episode, we break down what government contracting really is—beyond the jargon and confusion—and explain who it’s for, why it matters, and how to get started. April and Scott walk through real examples, clarify common misconceptions, and share why now is the time to pay attention to this space. Learn more about government contracting and your business at https://www.lionnational.com/