If you want to start a government contracting firm but think it’s too complicated, this easy-to-read book will guide you through the process.

It covers all aspects, from getting the proper credentials to finding opportunities, writing proposals, establishing your rates, maximizing your profit, and motivating your employees. If you feel overwhelmed, these real-world examples will take you step-by-step and simplify what seems complicated into something easy to understand.
In this book, you’ll learn:

• How to Set up your business on Federal, State, and Local Bid Boards
• Identify and Find Opportunities
• Write a Compliant and Winning Government Proposal
• Find and Manage Teammates
• Establish Rates, including Direct and Indirect Rates
• Maximize your Profit
• Get Your Facility Clearance
• Manage Your Personnel
• Manage Your Time for Better Work-Life Balance

Brianna Dunbar Bowling founded and ran a profitable government contracting firm for over 20 years. She is a Daily Record Most Influential Marylander and a Leading Edge CEO of the Year. She serves on multiple boards, including the University of Maryland Medical System and agriculture task forces. She is currently a public speaker on topics such as communication, leadership, government contracting, and life balance. She lives in Maryland with her husband and is the mother of three grown children.

“This is a must-read for entrepreneurs looking to start a government contracting business or seasoned execs needing a refresher. As a lawyer representing tech government contractors for over 25 years, I wish I had this resource to offer my clients years ago. It would have saved them and myself a lot of headaches. Ms. Bowling has a talent for helping the reader understand complicated concepts by breaking them down and giving real-world examples. After reading her book, I finally understood indirect cost accounting.”
—Tami Howie, Attorney

“Having worked on both sides of federal contracting—as a contracting officer and now as a successful small business owner—I recognize the tremendous value this book offers. It’s a clear, actionable roadmap for entrepreneurs entering the federal marketplace.”
—Nicole Mazkour, President and Managing Owner of Intelligrit, LLC

“Entering the government contracting field is daunting, but this book presents a clear path to success in concise, understandable language. She imparts her experience with pricing, business development, and RFP response in a practical, actionable way to help jumpstart your government contracting practice. The book isn’t just about starting a business—it’s about keeping it going over the long term and is a resource to return to again and again.”
—Bill Dollins, President, Cercana Systems

“Through her book, Brianna Bowling gifts you the knowledge and experience you only get with hard work, dogged determination, and years spent in a challenging industry. She lays out the concepts in a sensible and relevant manner and includes important examples to clarify each topic. I can’t recommend this book enough, knowing how much I have learned directly from her and how much it has changed my professional career.”
—Steve Kuiper, Sr. Vice President, Zekiah Technologies, Inc.

“With over 20 years of experience in federal contracting and entrepreneurship, I found this book offers valuable insights for newcomers and seasoned professionals. The author distills years of experience into practical advice, making complex information accessible with real-world examples and case studies. The emphasis on compliance, ethical considerations, and building strong stakeholder relationships was particularly beneficial. This book is a great tool for enhancing understanding and confidence in navigating the industry’s complexities.”
—Tasha Y. Berry, Small Business Development Consultant