How AI & Tech Companies Actually Win Their First Government Contract

​A beginner-friendly webinar on real teaming strategies, simple first steps, and how to avoid rookie mistakes.

​Government contracting can feel confusing—until someone shows you the simple version.

​In this session, we’ll break down how AI and tech companies actually win their first public-sector contract:

• ​without complex jargon

• ​without getting stuck in registration steps

• ​and without trying to bid alone

​This is a practical, beginner-focused webinar covering:

• ​what you really need to do first (simple steps only)

• ​how to find the right partners instead of bidding solo

• ​what set-aside companies mean and why teaming with them matters

• ​how tech vendors fit into public-sector projects

• ​real examples and proven strategies from people who do this every day

​If your team has ever asked, “Where do we even begin?” this session is built for you.

​Perfect for AI startups, SaaS companies, cloud providers, digital agencies, and any tech company curious about public-sector revenue.

​Event Details

• ​Date: December 10, 2025

• ​Time: 12:00 PM–2:30 PM EST

• ​Format: Online Webinar

• ​Price: Free

• ​Target Audience:

  • ​AI/ML startups

  • ​SaaS and IT service companies

  • ​Cloud, cybersecurity, and data vendors

  • ​Tech companies exploring public-sector opportunities

  • ​Teams preparing their first government bid

​Agenda & Speakers

​A. 12:00–12:30 PM — Carrie Yun Arredondo (C2A Defense)

​Where to Start: A Simple Beginner’s Guide to Entering Government Contracting

• ​The minimum registrations you actually need to get started (UEI, CAGE, NAICS, etc.) in plain English

• ​Basic compliance setup for first-time vendors before you ever bid

• ​The federal acquisition lifecycle, explained simply (planning → solicitation → evaluation → award → post-award)

• ​Core starter documents that make your first bids faster and cleaner

• ​Beginner overview of key certifications and set-asides (WOSB, SDVOSB, HUBZone, 8(a), tribal/native)

• ​Best practices plus the most common early mistakes and how to avoid them

​B. 12:30–1:00 PM — Junho Cho (Cliwant)

​Building Strong Teaming the Modern Way: Using AI and Data to Find the Right Partners

• ​Why teaming is the most realistic entry path for new federal contractors

• ​A beginner-friendly teaming workflow: target opportunities → agencies → primes → shortlisting partners

• ​How AI/data reduces guesswork and speeds up partner discovery versus conventional teaming

• ​What “strong teaming” actually requires (fit, relationship, execution ability, clear roles)

• ​Turning teaming into a repeatable pipeline instead of one-off networking

• ​Practical examples of how data-driven teaming improves win probability

​C. 1:00–1:30 PM — Alex Forti (Olympus Solutions)

​How Tech Companies Become Relevant and Competitive in GovCon (Prime Perspective)

• ​Why government market entry is tougher now, and what beginners must prove first

• ​How commercial software, cloud services, and digital solutions map into public-sector proposals

• ​What primes look for when selecting tech subs: capability + differentiators + execution readiness

• ​The reality of AI in GovCon: useful edge, but not an automatic advantage on its own

• ​How to position your company to be competitive/relevant in the GovCon space(capability story, contract vehicles, socioeconomic categories, prime approach strategy)

• ​Real “do this / avoid this” lessons from tech teaming in federal opportunities

​D. 1:30–2:00 PM — Daren Masten (Clear Cloud)

​Working With Native American Organizations: One of the Strongest Teaming Paths in GovCon

• ​Why Tribal and Alaska Native Corporation (ANC) partners matter in federal contracting

• ​Simple explanation of tribal/ANC advantages and how they differ from typical set-asides

• ​Individual Native-owned firms vs. tribally owned entities, and what each enables

• ​Why tribal/ANC teaming often has higher ceilings and faster pathways to awards

• ​What tribes bring vs. what non-Native partners bring (vehicles + access vs. capability + past performance)

• ​Practical guidance on collaborating successfully and respectfully, with real examples

​E. 2:00–2:30 PM — Paul Ashby (Ashby Consulting)

​Teaming With Veteran-Owned Companies (SDVOSBs) for Defense and VA Opportunities

• ​Why teaming is essential for beginners entering defense and VA contracting

• ​SDVOSB + VA basics: when SDVOSB status is required to prime, and how others team in

• ​Defense/IT bids come with cyber and compliance expectations you must plan for early

• ​How primes and subs should split roles clearly to keep proposals credible

• ​Where defense and federal health tech demand is growing (digital transformation, EHR, paperless systems)

• ​Practical partnering advice for tech vendors looking to enter these spaces through teaming

​Why You Should Attend

​Most tech companies struggle in government contracting for one simple reason: they try to start alone.

​This webinar gives you:

• ​a clear, no-jargon starting point

• ​teaming strategies you can use immediately

• ​insight from experts who’ve helped many companies enter the public sector

• ​a realistic roadmap to get your first government contract

​By the end of the session, you’ll know exactly:

• ​who to partner with

• ​how to start

• ​and how tech companies win their first deal

​Contact: patrick.han@cliwant.com 📩