
The Future-Ready Small Business
From Unveiled: GovCon Stories by Tasha Jones
January 7, 2026 · 1h 4m · Season 6 · Episode 6
About this episode
The episode discusses the evolving landscape for small businesses in the government marketplace and how they can prepare for future challenges.
In today’s government marketplace, the rules aren’t just changing, they’re being rewritten; and agencies are rethinking risk, innovation, cybersecurity, and the role small businesses play in the mission. Procurement reform, mission shifts, cybersecurity pressure, and the rise of data-driven acquisition are transforming how small businesses compete. And for small GovCon firms, especially the ones trying to position themselves for the future, the biggest question isn’t “How do we survive?” It’s “How do we stay ready?” Guest Bio: Lisa Wood is the Statewide Director of the Virginia APEX Accelerator, hosted by George Mason University. Before joining the APEX community in 2010, Lisa was a Procurement Specialist for Bechtel Plant Machinery, Inc. in the Greater Pittsburgh Area. In this role, she performed contract administration and negotiation duties. She also recommended bidders, handled issue inquiries, negotiated bids, performed cost and price analysis, and prepared comprehensive letters to justify recommended contract actions. Ms. Wood holds an MBA from the University of New Haven and is also an Adjunct Professor of Management at George Mason University. Call(s) to Action: Have…
People in this episode
Host: Tasha Jones
Guest: Lisa Wood
Topics covered
- government marketplace
- small business
- procurement reform
- cybersecurity
- data-driven acquisition
- innovation
Keywords
- small business
- government procurement
- cybersecurity
- innovation
- APEX Accelerator
- data-driven acquisition
- risk management
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Virginia APEX Accelerator, George Mason University, Bechtel Plant Machinery, Inc., University of New Haven
Places: Greater Pittsburgh Area
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