Government contracting is changing fast—driven by foreign policy shifts, new technology, and major talent moves. The Future of GovCon is your front-row seat to the leaders shaping what’s next. Hosted by Jake Frazer, CEO of Precision Talent Solutions, the show features candid conversations with CXOs, Flag Officers, diplomats, and innovators across defense, intelligence, space, and cybersecurity. Most of us only see from our own foxhole—this podcast pulls the camera back to show the whole battlefield, offering clear insights without spin or partisanship.
Site
RSS
Apple
Data updated on 25/08/2026
Recent rankings
Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.
Shared links between episodes and podcasts
Links found in episode descriptions and other podcasts that share them.
Kevin Plexico: The Data Behind the Chaos in GovCon
Episode 14
Monday, December 15, 2025 • Duration 01:06:11
Episode 14: Kevin Plexico — The Data Behind the Chaos in GovCon
“Chaotic” may be the best word to describe GovCon right now.
In this episode of The Future of GovCon, Jake Frazer sits down with Kevin Plexico, SVP at Deltek and longtime leader behind GovWin, to unpack what is actually happening beneath the noise in government contracting.
From shutdowns and shifting policy priorities to AI, acquisition reform, and the long term outlook for defense and civilian spending, Kevin brings data driven clarity to one of the most disruptive periods the industry has seen in years.
🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts
Subscribe to the podcast: https://pts.careers/podcast
What we cover:
• Why 2025 feels different from past administration transitions
• What the data says about DHS, DoD, and civilian agency spending
• Terminated contracts and who was impacted most
• Small business pressure and the shrinking number of primes
• The “One Big Beautiful Bill” and what it unlocks for contractors
• AI’s real impact on GovCon, beyond the hype
• FAR reform, GSA consolidation, and acquisition flexibility
• Where growth will come from in 2026 and beyond
Chapters:
00:00 – Why “chaotic” defines GovCon right now
03:30 – Kevin’s path into GovCon and GovWin
09:15 – From floppy disks to web based GovCon intelligence
14:00 – AI in GovWin and proposal development
19:55 – 2025 spending trends and agency winners and losers
24:00 – Contract terminations and small business impact
29:00 – DHS, defense growth, and civilian agency pressure
33:00 – The One Big Beautiful Bill explained
38:30 – Acquisition reform, FAR changes, and GSA’s role
45:00 – Why fewer companies are priming in GovCon
50:00 – The future of small business and 8A pathways
56:00 – Space, defense priorities, and long term outlook
1:01:30 – One word to describe the future of GovCon
⸻
LINKEDIN NEWSLETTER COPY (JAKE’S VOICE)
Kevin Plexico: The Data Behind the Chaos in GovCon
“Chaotic” is probably the best word to describe GovCon right now.
In this episode of The Future of GovCon, I sit down with Kevin Plexico, SVP at Deltek and the mind behind GovWin, to break down what is actually happening in the market and where things are heading next.
From shutdowns and contract terminations to AI, acquisition reform, and the real implications of recent policy shifts, Kevin brings a clear, data backed perspective to one of the most turbulent periods the industry has seen.
If you are trying to make sense of where to invest, how to position your business, or what 2026 may look like, this episode is worth your time.
🎧 Listen on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts
Subscribe to the podcast: https://pts.careers/podcast
Mike Derrios — The RFP Surge and the Future of Federal Procurement
Episode 13
Monday, December 8, 2025 • Duration 58:49
What happens when the federal procurement system faces its most compressed year in decades?
In this episode of The Future of GovCon, Jake Frazer sits down with Mike Derrios, former Senior Procurement Executive at the U.S. Department of State and one of the most experienced acquisition leaders in government. With 25 years across Air Force, TSA, Coast Guard, DHS, and State, Mike brings a rare inside view of what is coming for GovCon in 2025 and beyond.
From the January RFP surge to the massive workforce shortage in the 1102 community, Mike explains how budget compression, workforce attrition, and global mission shifts will collide to reshape federal procurement.

He also breaks down the transformation at the State Department, the USAID restructuring, the future of DIPS and global cap, and how the FAR rewrite will introduce a full year of ambiguity — and opportunity.
Key questions explored:
• Why will January bring a “deluge of RFPs” across federal agencies?
• How should companies prepare for shortened timelines and faster bid cycles?
• What does the 1102 staffing crisis mean for industry?
• How will the State Department’s restructuring and USAID transfer reshape the market?
• What should GovCon leaders understand about FAR reform and compliance in 2025?
• Which programs and mission areas will grow — and which will contract?
Key moments:
(00:00) Why a compressed fiscal year will unleash a wave of RFPs 
(00:24) Holiday constraints and why “January is game on” for industry 
Byron Bright: Transforming GovCon — Technology, Talent, and the Future of Services
Episode 12
Monday, December 1, 2025 • Duration 58:07
What does the next era of government contracting really look like — and who will thrive in it?
In this episode of The Future of GovCon, Jake Frazer sits down with Byron Bright, former KBR President and one of the most influential voices in defense, technology, and global services. With more than two decades across the Air Force, Jacobs, and KBR, Byron brings a rare perspective on leadership, transformation, and what comes next for the industry.
From his journey through test pilot school and crisis operations during Katrina to leading KBR through major acquisitions and global missions, Byron explains how technology, affordability pressures, and workforce change are reshaping GovCon — faster than ever before.
Key questions explored:
• What does “speed” really mean for government — and can agencies afford it?
• How do services companies survive the shift toward defense tech?
• What lessons do junior military officers bring into industry?
• How do you build teams that can operate through crisis and transformation?
• What will AI, energy, and interoperability demand from contractors?
• Where will the biggest opportunities be three years from now?
Key moments:
(00:00) Why speed, cost, and affordability will define the next three years
George “Ren” McEachern: From FBI to FinTech — Following the Money and the Future of GovCon
Episode 11
Monday, November 24, 2025 • Duration 55:28
Former FBI Special Agent Ren McEachern joins Jake Frazer for a conversation on global corruption, financial crime, cryptocurrency, and the rapid rise of AI in national security. Ren spent twenty years inside the Bureau leading international investigations across foreign bribery, money laundering, and complex financial networks. He now leads two companies focused on financial intelligence and illicit crypto activity.
Ren explains how major corruption cases actually unfold, why following the money reveals the full story, and how blockchain and stablecoins are forcing government agencies to rethink enforcement. He also shares what contractors need to understand about emerging technology, the changing talent landscape, and why the next three years will be fast moving and transformative for GovCon.
Listen for a grounded and forward looking perspective on the future of financial intelligence, AI adoption, and the next chapter of national security.
Insights from the NATO Industry Forum with LTG (Ret) Lance Landrum
Monday, November 17, 2025 • Duration 54:46
This bonus episode brings you fresh insight from the NATO Industry Forum held in Bucharest. Lieutenant General Lance “Spike” Landrum (Retired) joins Jake Frazer to share what happened behind the curtain at NATO’s largest gathering of senior leaders, policymakers, and industry.
Lance breaks down the themes that shaped the forum, including NATO’s shift toward urgency, scale, production capacity, and innovation. He explains how political leaders have taken real risk to raise defense spending and why industry now needs to take commercial risk in return. You will hear practical guidance for companies that want to support NATO’s new direction and understand how the defense environment is shifting in Europe, the High North, and beyond.
This conversation covers:
• What political leaders signaled about the future of defense spending
• Why NATO wants industry to accelerate production and take on commercial risk
• How Russia’s war in Ukraine reshaped NATO’s planning and priorities
• How new technologies like drones, autonomy, and electromagnetic warfare are changing modern conflict
• What companies should do next to align with NATO demand signals
• How NATO and nations are trying to reduce bureaucracy and cut procurement bottlenecks
Subscribe to the Future of GovCon to stay updated on new episodes: https://pts.careers/podcast
Lt. Gen. (Ret.) David “Abu” Nahom: The Future of Indo-Pacific Defense and U.S. Air Power
Episode 10
Monday, November 10, 2025 • Duration 54:33
Is this the most strategic place on Earth?
In this episode, Jake Frazer sits down with Lt. Gen. (Ret.) David “Abu” Nahom, former Commander of 11th Air Force, Alaska NORAD Region, and Alaska Command, to discuss the future of U.S. air power, Indo-Pacific strategy, and homeland defense.
From 3,400 hours in the cockpit to leading Air Force operations across the Pacific and Arctic, Abu shares lessons from a 36-year career shaped by command, crisis, and connection. Together, they explore the pivot to Indo-PACOM, the growing role of government contractors, and why connection — across people, nations, and technology — will define the next era of defense.
Key moments:
(00:00) Flying the F-22 and what makes it unlike any other aircraft
(00:03:40) Growing up in Connecticut and discovering ROTC at the University of Colorado
(00:05:55) From navigator to pilot — how a late career switch changed his path
(00:07:28) The impact of Top Gun on aviation and recruiting
(00:08:46) The real challenge: keeping top talent in the Air Force
(00:09:23) 3,400 flight hours — lessons from the F-15 and F-22
(00:10:25) What makes a great pilot and how the Air Force trains for excellence
(00:13:38) Leadership balance — flying and commanding as a three-star general
Manolis Priniotakis: Can the Intelligence Community Keep Up with AI?
Episode 9
Monday, November 3, 2025 • Duration 01:03:19
In this episode, Jake Frazer sits down with Manolis Priniotakis, former Director of Intelligence at the U.S. Department of Energy and faculty member at the National Intelligence University, to explore how technology, education, and leadership are reshaping the Intelligence Community (IC).
From briefing Presidents and leading intelligence operations to teaching the next generation of analysts, Manolis shares how the IC must evolve beyond Cold War structures to meet the speed of the digital era. Together, they unpack the challenge of upskilling, the role of contractors in innovation, and why integration with industry will define the next decade of national security.
Key moments:
(00:00) Why the Intelligence Community must evolve
(03:04) His first day in government and what “VRE” really means
(09:00) Backpacking through the Balkans and early lessons in perspective
(11:07) Working at Amazon in 1996 before joining public service
(15:04) Traveling the Silk Road and rediscovering national security
(18:13) Entering government through the Presidential Management Fellowship
(20:37) Joining the DOE Intelligence Office
(27:00) Writing for and briefing the President’s Daily Brief during the Arab Spring
(34:04) Leading DOE Intelligence and working with Secretaries Moniz and Perry
(36:39) Teaching at the National Intelligence University
(39:03) What the “Strategic Intelligence Professional of 2030” looks like
(44:16) How industry partnerships shape the IC
(47:59) Why the U.S. must catch up, not just keep up, with technology
(58:16) One word for the future: Upskill
Elizabeth Richard: Lessons from Lebanon, Women in Diplomacy, and Global Change
Episode 8
Monday, October 27, 2025 • Duration 59:32
What happens when diplomacy meets defense?
In this episode, Jake Frazer sits down with Ambassador Elizabeth Richard, former U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon, to explore how global power shifts, partnerships, and policy decisions are shaping the next chapter of government contracting.
From her decades in the Foreign Service to leading one of America’s most complex embassies, Ambassador Richard shares lessons from a career spent navigating fragile states, global alliances, and the balance between government and industry. Together, they discuss how the world is moving beyond a unipolar system, the importance of strategic investment in regions like the Middle East and Latin America, and how private sector expertise will define the future of stability operations.
Elizabeth Richard’s distinguished diplomatic career includes service as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Ambassador to Lebanon, and senior roles in Afghanistan, Yemen, and Pakistan. Known for her strategic insight and pragmatic leadership, she brings a candid and nuanced perspective on how policy, partnership, and resilience come together to shape the modern global order.
Key moments:
(00:00) Are we still living in a unipolar world — or has global power truly shifted?
(05:15) How do diplomacy and defense work together in fragile states?
(10:32) What lessons can industry learn from America’s long presence in the Middle East?
(16:06) How did being a woman in the Middle East become an unexpected advantage in diplomacy?
(26:05) What did Lebanon teach her about human resilience and adaptability?
(37:47) Why are fewer nations looking to the U.S. to solve global problems?
(47:47) How do contractors fill critical gaps when government downsizes?
MG (R) Dusty Shultz — Data, Space, and Hope for the Future of GovCon
Episode 7
Monday, October 20, 2025 • Duration 54:57
In this episode, Jake Frazer sits down with Major General (Ret.) Dusty Schultz, former Director of Strategic Operations for the U.S. Army, to explore how data, space, and leadership are reshaping the future of defense and government contracting.
From growing up on a small farm in Northern California to leading Army intelligence and operations worldwide, Dusty shares powerful lessons in service, innovation, and resilience. Together, they discuss how space and cyber are converging, why Latin America is becoming a key strategic front, and what it means to lead with integrity and hope in an age defined by technology.
Dusty’s 37-year career spans command, intelligence, and strategy across the Army, SOUTHCOM, and the Pentagon. Known for her authenticity and forward-thinking leadership, she brings a unique perspective on how data, AI, and human-centered decision-making will define the next era of national security and GovCon.
Key moments:
(00:00) Are we on the brink of a global data war?
(03:00) How did growing up on a small farm shape Dusty’s values and leadership style?
(04:00) What did living in Spain as a teenager teach her about cultural diversity and dialogue?
(06:00) Why did she apply to the Naval Academy — and what did her father say that changed her mind?
(07:00) How did the New Mexico Military Institute set the foundation for her military career?
(13:00) How did Dusty go from being a schoolteacher to an intelligence officer after 9/11?
(20:00) What did she learn leading humanitarian coordination after the Haiti earthquake?
(22:00) How did she build a “pickup team” battalion in Iraq and lead it to success?
(24:00) What was it like standing up the first Intelligence Brigade for NORTHCOM?
(27:00) How did she drive transformation in space, cyber, and data as Director of Strategic Operations?
Chuck Prow: From IBM to V2X, The Future of GovCon, Consolidation, and Outcome-Based Delivery
Episode 6
Monday, October 13, 2025 • Duration 56:41
What defines the next era of government contracting — and who will lead it?
In this episode, Jake Frazer sits down with industry legend Chuck Prow, former CEO of V2X and longtime IBM executive, to explore how technology, operations, and leadership are converging to shape the future of GovCon.
From his early career in distributed computing and consulting to transforming Vectrus into V2X, Chuck shares powerful insights on growth, innovation, and the evolving balance between commercial efficiency and public mission. Together, they discuss how robotics, AI, and automation are redefining operations and why the industry’s future depends on companies that sell outcomes, not inputs.
Chuck Prow’s four-decade career spans consulting, technology, and defense services leadership. At IBM, he helped build one of the largest public sector businesses in the world and founded the IBM Center for the Business of Government, fostering collaboration between industry and government. As CEO of V2X, he led the company’s transformation into a diversified global leader in operational services, logistics, and technology integration.
Key moments:
(00:00) Chuck explains why the future belongs to companies that sell outcomes, not inputs
(03:33) Growing up in St. Louis and discovering data before “data” was even a buzzword
(06:01) Early career in distributed computing and consulting during the rise of digital technology
(16:03) Entering government contracting in the late 1990s and the era of transformation under Clinton–Gingrich reforms
(20:10) 9/11 memories — being in Roslyn, losing clients, and how the industry changed overnight
(25:00) Building IBM’s public sector business and launching the IBM Center for the Business of Government
Related Shows Based on Content Similarities
Discover shows related to The Future of GovCon, based on actual content similarities. Explore podcasts with similar topics, themes, and formats, backed by real data.
The Future of GovCon explores the trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the government contracting industry.
If you’re navigating acquisition strategy, workforce challenges, technology adoption, or global opportunities, be sure to subscribe to The Future of GovCon:
Thanks to Manolis Priniotakis for joining the show.
Visit https://pts.careers/
for more info on Jake Frazer and Precision Talent Solutions.
Follow Jake on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jakefrazer
The Future of GovCon explores the trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the government contracting industry.
If you’re navigating acquisition strategy, workforce challenges, technology adoption, or global opportunities, be sure to subscribe to The Future of GovCon:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-future-of-govcon/id1838189132
Subscribe to the podcast: https://pts.careers/podcast
(54:31) Why does Ambassador Richard remain hopeful about the future?
Thanks to Ambassador Elizabeth Richard for joining the show.
Visit https://pts.careers/
for more info on Jake Frazer and Precision Talent Solutions.
Follow Jake on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jakefrazer
The Future of GovCon explores the trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the government contracting industry.
If you’re navigating acquisition strategy, workforce challenges, technology adoption, or global opportunities, be sure to subscribe to The Future of GovCon:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-future-of-govcon/id1838189132
(32:09) Taking over Vectrus in 2016 and transforming it into V2X
(37:49) Winning LOGCAP and redefining operational excellence through technology
(41:52) The Vectrus–Vertex merger: creating scale, diversity, and capability
(44:04) The future of GovCon — bifurcation between technology-driven and operationally driven companies
(47:14) Robotics, automation, and predictive analytics as the next frontier
(53:58) Chuck’s one word for the future: acceleration
Thanks to Chuck Prow for being on the show.
Visit https://pts.careers/
for more info on Jake Frazer and Precision Talent Solutions.
Follow Jake on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jakefrazer
The Future of GovCon explores the trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the government contracting industry. If you’re navigating acquisition strategy, workforce challenges, technology adoption, or global opportunities, be sure to subscribe to The Future of GovCon:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-future-of-govcon/id1838189132
