In this episode of GovConBiz, Linda Rawson explains why long-term success in federal contracting depends on understanding and applying the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), not just winning contracts. She highlights how FAR influences everything from pricing and accounting to documentation and compliance, and why businesses should view it as a strategic advantage rather than a burden. Ultimately, Linda encourages contractors to invest in robust accounting and compliance systems to reduce risk, support growth, and operate with confidence in the GovCon marketplace.

In this episode, Linda Rawson explores one of the biggest misconceptions in government contracting: most businesses don’t fail because they can’t perform the work, they fail because they lack the systems needed to support compliance, accountability, and growth. Learn why strong accounting systems, documentation practices, and cost controls are often more important than technical expertise when it comes to long-term GovCon success.

Have you ever signed something you didn’t fully understand? Maybe a software license, a medical waiver, or even a business agreement. You trusted the process, but did you trust the language? In the world of AI, contracts are everywhere. They govern how data is used, how algorithms behave, and how accountability is defined. But too often, they’re written in a language that feels distant, opaque, or emotionally disconnected. In this episode, Linda Rawson dives into the fine print. Not just the legal language of contracts, but the ethical and energetic imprint they carry. Because in the age of AI, a contract isn’t just a document, it’s a declaration of values.

Can algorithms earn our trust? In this debut episode of GovConBiz, Linda Rawson delves into the heart of AI, revealing how ethics, clarity, and wisdom can transform government technology. Drawing on her background in government contracting and her emerging voice in Trusted AI, Linda explores how artificial intelligence systems can, and must, reflect ethical design, transparency, and human values. She introduces actionable principles for responsible AI, including clarity, empathy, intentionality, accountability, and how technologists can design systems that serve not only programs, but also people.

In this episode of GovConBiz, host Linda Rawson discusses the significant delays in processing Employee Retention Credit (ERC) claims by the IRS, causing financial strain to small businesses. The ERC, part of the CARES Act of 2020, was meant to help businesses retain employees during COVID-19. Fraudulent claims have led to increased IRS scrutiny and processing delays, with a reported 1.2 million claims still pending as of late 2024. Although efforts are being made to address the backlog, the IRS faces challenges, including resource constraints, complexity of claims, and reduced workforce. Linda shares real fraud cases, highlights the impact on small businesses, and offers advice for those waiting for their ERC claims.

President Trump’s recent inauguration marked his return to the White House as the 47th President of the United States. Linda Rawson, host of the GovConBiz podcast, discussed President Trump’s executive order to end DEI programs and the role of the SBA, both of which could impact federal government contractors. President Trump’s Executive Order could potentially roll back the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) advancements established under EO 13985, likely diminishing the goals and outreach efforts for underserved groups.