Pens Down Blog

Pens Down Blog2024-03-28T16:03:54-04:00

The Federal Proposal Industry: A Tradition of Connections and Legacy

In the world of federal procurement, a unique and fascinating trend sets it apart from many other career paths: it’s an industry built on connections, traditions, and legacies. If you ask someone how they ended up in the federal proposal industry, chances are you won’t hear, "I majored in this," or "This is what I always dreamed of doing." Instead, you’re more likely to hear, "I had never heard of this job until so-and-so suggested I apply," or, "My entire family works in this field." A Hidden Gem of a Career Federal procurement isn’t a common topic of conversation in most households or classrooms. It’s a niche industry that doesn’t typically appear on career day posters or college major lists. For many, the entry point into this world comes through personal connections. A friend or family member might suggest applying for a position, often leading to a fulfilling and stable

By |July 21st, 2024|Categories: Blog, eZine, Regular Article|0 Comments

NCA Members Strut Their Stuff at BPC NOLA!

By |May 27th, 2024|Categories: Blog|

We're bursting with pride to announce that several NCA members have been selected to present at BPC NOLA! NCA will also be exhibiting and connecting with members - stop by our Booth to enter our survey and your chance to win - and pick up your NCA button! That's right, BPC NOLA! Don't miss the fresh insights and expertise from your fellow NCA Members: Raymond Capece - Breaking in to the United States Government Bidding

Volunteer for the Fall MAC 2024 Conference!

By |May 20th, 2024|Categories: Blog|

Lend Your Expertise and Be Part of Something Big! It’s that time of year again - when we begin to plan the MAC, the National Capital Area’s Mid Atlantic Conference! Once again we’ll bring together the brightest minds from across the region. But to make this conference a success, we need your help! Why Volunteer? Volunteering at the Fall MAC Conference offers a unique opportunity to: Make a Difference: Your contribution ensures the conference runs

How Generational Communication Supercharges Proposals

By |May 2nd, 2024|Categories: Blog, Featured Article, News|Tags: |

The world of capture and proposals thrives on clear communication. But in today's multigenerational teams, a one-size-fits-all approach just won't cut it. Understanding how different generations process information and prefer to interact is crucial to crafting compelling proposals and securing that vital win. Decoding Generational Communication Styles: Baby Boomers (Born 1946-1964): These seasoned professionals value detailed, well-organized proposals delivered in a formal format. They appreciate clear lines of communication and may prefer face-to-face meetings or

NextGen Capture Management: Professionalism demands we be accountable

By |April 11th, 2024|Categories: Blog|

Thinking capture is just about crafting killer proposals? Think again! This interview with NextGen capture expert, Linwood Walton, digs into education and staying ahead of the curve despite change. Caution: career advice ahead. What do you think are the biggest challenges facing capture professionals today? How can folks stay ahead of the curve? One theme I see is “doing more with less.” Companies are being pushed to maximize EBIT while bidding more new business opportunities

Empowering Proposal Professionals Through Insightful Conversations

By |April 4th, 2024|Categories: Blog|

The recent "Speaker Series Dinner: Strengthen your Foundational Skills" was an intimate event for proposal professionals and a refreshing departure from the usual conference format. Held in the cozy Bistro Room at the Country Club of Fairfax, it provided a conducive environment for meaningful interactions and knowledge exchange. Attendees, ranging from seasoned proposal managers to newcomers in the field, gathered to explore topics critical to their success. Connections The event kicked off with an icebreaking

How Capture Management is Changing (And What That Means to You)

By , |March 28th, 2024|Categories: Blog, Featured Article, Home Page, News|Tags: |

The world of government contracting is fast-paced and ever-evolving. To stay ahead of the curve, capture management – the strategic process of pursuing and winning government contracts – is adapting as well. In this blog, we'll delve into the transforming landscape of capture management and explore the implications for government contractors, capture managers, and proposal managers, as well as aspiring industry professionals. We'll also introduce our upcoming Capture Power Breakfast event, designed to equip you

What are Foundational Skills in BD, Capture and Proposal Development?

By |March 14th, 2024|Categories: Blog|

Whether you're in government contracting business development, capture or proposal management, your success depends on a combination of critical skills. These are your foundational skills, and you and your team depend on them every day to communicate and problem-solve effectively. By mastering these foundational skills, you are better equipped to engage with clients, lead a team, and create proposals that stand out from the competition. Want to increase your chances of winning government contracts? Take

Unlock Your Potential with APMP NCA’s Mentor-Protege Program

By |February 13th, 2024|Categories: Blog|

Unlock Your Potential with APMP NCA's Mentor-Protege Program and join us in 2024! Are you ready to take your career in business development (BD) to the next level? Look no further than the APMP NCA Mentor-Protege Program, where opportunities for growth, guidance, and professional development abound! Tailored to fit the unique needs of each Protege, our Mentor-Protege Program is designed to empower you on your journey toward success. During this program you’ll have the

How to Ghost the Competition

By |October 31st, 2023|Categories: Blog|

Ghosting: Shipley defines ghosting as “a proposal tactic where you highlight a competitor's weakness or downplay their strengths without naming them.” Ghosting the competition is a very effective proposal tactic for positioning your company as the best choice for the customer. By dropping subtle hints, you can highlight your value, impact your evaluation score and even increase your chances of winning big. However, there are some risks. Here are a few tips on how to

Member Chat: Meet Wendy Frieman, Proposal Manager, and Writer Extraordinaire

By |August 9th, 2023|Categories: Blog|

This month, NCA Member Ambassador Xander Brown had an opportunity to sit down and chat with proposal-veteran Wendy Frieman, PPF.APMP, CPCM, Proposal Manager and Writer Extraordinaire. On the agenda was her upcoming Webinar, Why We Lose and What to Do About It; 10 Fundamental Activities All Winning Proposals Share on August 10th and the upcoming MAC on October 2nd at the Gaylord National Harbor.  “The MAC is special,” Wendy said, “since it is a national

APMP Women’s Virtual Summit: Meet our NCA Presenter – Candy Jenkins

By |August 1st, 2023|Categories: Blog|

APMP’s second annual Women’s Virtual Summit is August 4th! It’s your opportunity to learn about the most pressing, current, and emerging issues for professional women and how you can be an advocate and ally of women in business.  We had an opportunity to sit down with Candy Jenkins, Speaker and APMP National Capital Area (NCA) member, to talk about what they’re excited about, what to expect from their session and how APMP is helping them

APMP Virtual Women’s Summit: Meet our NCA Presenter – Molly Cox

By |July 31st, 2023|Categories: Blog|

APMP’s second annual Women’s Virtual Summit is August 4th! It’s your opportunity to learn about the most pressing, current, and emerging issues for professional women and how you can be an advocate and ally of women in business.  We had an opportunity to sit down with Molly Cox, presenter and APMP National Capital Area (NCA) member, to talk about what they’re excited about, what to expect from their session and how APMP is helping them

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