I accepted a contracted position to support the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts in 2016 based on a vague job description involving strategic communications. This office wanted to somehow integrate strategic communications and change management into how they developed and serviced 50+ IT systems used throughout the Judiciary. When that project ended in 2022, I helped the office establish a strategic communications and change management branch with a new Chief, two new full-time employees, and a contracting staff to support them. Soon, I discovered that other government contracting companies needed my skill set.
I started CMGT in 2022 after I was presented with an opportunity to team with an AI/DevSecOps company to provide and manage strategic communications and training services on a contract to modernize the case adjudication systems at the U.S Merit Systems Protection Board.
CMGT is now working to partner with other software development/integration companies to expand our footprint. However, we understand that securing other federal clients will be a challenge. According to a February 17, 2023, Federal News Network article, the number of small businesses receiving federal prime contracts in FY2022 represents a decrease of more than 50% since FY2010. A 2021 “report from the Women’s Chamber of Commerce found that the federal acquisition process category management has led to a drop in the number of small business vendors participating in government contracting. Since 2017, small businesses showed a 24% fall.”
Since starting CMGT, our team has done two things: become a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) certified Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) and enlist the help of The Pulse of GovCon, a technological research and advisory firm that empowers government contractors through their BD 360° Solution.
As they worked to build CMGT’s pipeline of potential new business, the experts at The Pulse—after weeks of research—found no contracts set aside for EDWOSBs in the change management and strategic communications space. This is a surprising discovery, especially since these industries are predominantly female-led. That’s because women's personalities often exhibit the following qualities that align seamlessly with these industry’s demands:
- Instinct for Diverse Perspectives. This innate ability to empathize and understand diverse perspectives fosters effective communication by tailoring messages to resonate with various stakeholders, ensuring a more inclusive reach.
- Aptitude for Partnership Creation. This quality is a cornerstone of successful change management. Women’s natural inclination towards collaboration and teamwork cultivates an environment of trust and open dialogue. This is vital for managing transitions smoothly and gaining buy-in from team members.
- Remarkable Emotional Intelligence. This enables women to navigate complex organizational dynamics, especially within the federal government. This skill is crucial in managing the emotional aspects of change, such as resistance or uncertainty, while fostering a supportive and positive work environment.
- Adept at Prioritizing. In strategic communications, juggling different priorities effectively and efficiently is critical. So is an (obsessive) eye for detail. It is invaluable as it ensures that messages are clear, concise, and aligned with the overall organizational strategy.
- Gift for Adaptability and Resilience. The ability to navigate uncertainties and pivot when necessary is crucial in a field as dynamic as change management. This trait enables women to lead effectively in an ever-evolving business landscape.
Now more than ever, federal agencies are undergoing significant transformations - particularly when modernizing antiquated software systems. This shift is imperative in enhancing efficiency, bolstering cybersecurity, and aligning operations with the rapidly evolving technological landscape. Modernizing software systems is a complex undertaking that demands meticulous planning, thoughtful execution, and a structured approach to change management.
This is where EDWOSBs can play a pivotal role in the strategic communications and change management space.
EDWOSBs in this sector, often faced with financial barriers, possess immense potential that is waiting to be tapped. These businesses can offer a wealth of experience and specialized knowledge—a rich reservoir of skills that are essential for successful project implementation.
Women's personalities encompass a rich tapestry of qualities that make them exceptionally well-suited to lend strategic communications and change management expertise on federal contracts. This space is ripe for the inclusion of EDWOSBs that can help the federal government address complex challenges and impact the landscape of federal contracting.
