Parabilis Presents: Spilling the Tea on GovCon

SBA/8a Updates

In this episode of Spilling the Tea on GovCon, Teresa welcomes John Shoraka and Trevor Skelly of Gov Contract Pros, for a timely and tactical conversation on the evolving government contracting landscape. From acquisition reform and the potential impacts of a FAR overhaul to growing concerns around socioeconomic program headwinds, John and Trevor break down the policy and compliance shifts contractors need to watch closely. The discussion dives deep into the most common post-award compliance mistakes, risk management strategies, and how businesses can avoid costly terminations. They also explore growth pathways through joint ventures, mentor-protégé relationships, and strategic partnerships, while offering practical guidance on preparing for year-end opportunities and navigating the 8(a) timeline. Packed with real-world insight, live audience Q&A, and actionable advice, this episode is essential listening for contractors looking to grow smarter and stay compliant in an increasingly complex GovCon environment. 00:00 Welcome and Mission 01:04 Meet the Guests 01:37 Why Government Contract Pros 05:13 Acquisition Reform Watch 12:24 FAR Overhaul Impacts 16:37 Socioeconomic Program Headwinds 21:22 Post Award Compliance Mistakes 25:14 Risk Management and Terminations 32:34 Growth Paths JVs and MP 40:06 Preparing for Year End 44:41 Live Q&A and 8A Timeline 49:11 Conferences Networking and Wrap Connect with John Shoraka on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnshoraka [https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnshoraka/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BiXM1oQa3Q%2BSp6v6dFpx8og%3D%3D] Connect with Trevor Skelly on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/trevor-skelly-919267175 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-skelly-919267175/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BpnV0XnWeTje6tCkl5ww0gg%3D%3D] Visit the Gov Contract Pros website: govcontractpros.com [https://www.linkedin.com/safety/go/?url=www.govcontractpros.com&urlhash=GwzO&isSdui=true&lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BiXM1oQa3Q%2BSp6v6dFpx8og%3D%3D]

Relentless Leadership & Scaling in Federal Construction

In this episode of Spilling the Tea on GovCon, Teresa sits down with Drew DiSilvestro Jr., CEO of AmeriTech Contracting, for a high-energy conversation on what it takes to build and scale in the federal construction space. From lessons learned during deployment to the unexpected influence of his punk rock roots, Drew shares how discipline, mindset, and structure have shaped his approach to leadership and growth. We dive into the importance of systems and processes, balancing relentless leadership with people-first thinking, and how Drew has scaled his company by investing in the right team. He also breaks down what it takes to break into federal construction, offering real-world insight for contractors looking to enter or expand in the space. Drew closes with the daily principles that keep him grounded and focused, making this episode a must-listen for anyone serious about growth, grit, and building something that lasts. 00:00 Welcome and Mission 00:38 Drew Joins the Show 01:46 Deployment Lesson on Systems 05:43 Punk Rock Roots 09:10 AmeriTech Growth Mindset 11:26 Relentless Leadership Balance 15:25 Scaling Fast with People 20:08 Breaking Into Federal Construction 24:12 Daily Principles and Wrap Up 27:47 Final Thanks and Sign Off Connect with Drew DiSilvestro Jr. on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/andrewdisilvestro [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewdisilvestro/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3ByMHapslqRI28QZhq71X9bw%3D%3D] Visit the AmeriTech Contracting Website: AmeriTechContracting.com [https://www.linkedin.com/safety/go/?url=www.AmeriTechContracting.com&urlhash=6rmz&isSdui=true&lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3ByMHapslqRI28QZhq71X9bw%3D%3D]

Maximizing Your Largest Asset

In this episode of Spilling the Tea on GovCon, Teresa sits down with John Barnes, CEO of Pendleton Street Business Advisors, to break down what it really means to treat your business like an asset, not just a job. John shares practical insights on financial hygiene basics, why cash flow timing can make or break your operations, and how smart financial discipline lays the groundwork for long-term value. They dive into the key drivers of business valuation, how to make intentional profit allocation decisions, and the most common exit planning mistakes that business owners make. Whether you’re planning to scale, sustain, or eventually sell, John provides a clear roadmap to help you build a stronger, more valuable business from the inside out. This episode is packed with actionable guidance for GovCon leaders ready to think beyond today and plan for what’s next.

Navigating GSA Schedules

In this episode, Teresa Moon speaks with Shauna Weatherly, President and Founder of Fed Sub-K, about the intricacies of government contracting. Shauna shares her extensive experience in the federal marketplace, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, understanding contract consolidation, and navigating GSA schedules. The conversation highlights key strategies for small businesses to succeed in the federal marketplace, including the necessity of building relationships with contracting officers and conducting thorough market research. Shauna also discusses compliance requirements and the significance of contractor team agreements. This episode serves as a valuable resource for small businesses looking to thrive in the GovCon space. 00:00 Welcome to GovCon Tea 01:15 Meet Shauna Weatherly 02:52 Why FedSub K Exists 05:33 Finding Real Mentors 10:18 Contract Consolidation Explained 15:23 Do Relationships Still Matter 17:16 Three GSA Schedule Must Knows 21:35 Quick GSA Go No Go Tips 24:24 Key Takeaways and Wrap Up 28:52 Final Thanks and Outro Connect with Shauna Weatherly on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/shauna-weatherly [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-weatherly/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BKO1Idfj3Rhuu1Luqw670cQ%3D%3D] Visit the FedSubK website:  fedsubk.com [https://www.linkedin.com/redir/redirect/?url=fedsubk.com&urlhash=9uV8&isSdui=true&lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BKO1Idfj3Rhuu1Luqw670cQ%3D%3D]

Administrative Polices Seeking to Enhance Reliance on Commercial Solutions

In this episode, Teresa Moon welcomes back government contracts legal expert Chris Griesedieck, Jr , Partner at Venable LLP, to discuss recent developments in federal procurement, commercial solutions, and navigating the complexities of government contracting for small and commercial vendors. 00:00 Welcome and Mission 01:22 Meet Chris at Venable 03:25 Commercial Buying Push 04:23 NDAA Threshold Changes 08:03 GSA Consolidation and Schedules 10:38 Will Reforms Actually Work 14:19 Termination and Compliance Risks 18:24 Barriers for New Vendors 21:28 Supply Chain and DEI Uncertainty 25:32 Pros/Cons for a Diligent Compliant Company and Closing. Connect with Chris Griesedieck Jr on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chris-griesedieck-jr-4226b544 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-griesedieck-jr-4226b544/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3B69rVRkIzSD%2BmQIh85ElfDA%3D%3D] Visit the Venable LLP website: www.venable.com