The GovCon Grove - Good Government supported by Great Companies - October 13, 2025

This weekly newsletter spotlights some of the top GovCon companies and leaders who recognize the importance of good culture and giving back as a way to attract and retain key talent, and good partners, thereby creating a winning formula for success. We also share some of the partner insights and featured posts found on OrangeSlices over the past week. Details on OS AI’s Daily Fresh Squeezed Newsletter are available below.  

Looking for a good partner?   

• Jazz Solutions: Embracing the Daily Grind of Cybersecurity and Tackling Social Engineering for Federal Agencies 
• National Institutes of Health women-owned Small Businesses to Know 
• Customs and Border Protection women-owned Small Businesses to Know 
• Navy women-owned Small Businesses to Know 

Featured Posts on OS AI recently:  

• 18 DOL Expiring Tasks Expected to Draw a Crowd in 2026 
• Catching up with Aqua IT’s Managing Director of Research and Innovation, Jamie Nichols 
• Innovation at RELI Group – Bridging Agency Needs with Real-World Outcomes 
• Five Dozen Transportation Expiring Tasks Expected to Draw a Crowd in 2026  
• A Dozen DHS FEMA Expiring Tasks Expected to Draw a Crowd in 2026 
• 🚀Andrea shares: Four Dozen Commerce Expiring Tasks Expected to Draw a Crowd in 2026 and A Dozen USCIS Expiring Tasks Expected to Draw a Crowd in 2026 
• Three Dozen NIH Expiring Tasks Expected to Draw a Crowd in 2026 
• Five HUD Expiring Tasks Expected to Draw a Crowd in 2026 

Podcasts:  

• From DHS to Amivero: Meikle Paschal on Building Mission-Focused Tech Sponsored by vTech Solution 
• No CMS Forecast. No Problem. Robert Hicks Joins JR & Ali to Discuss Opps In-Flight, A bundling Trend & CMS Seeking Solutions   
• From Congress to the Classroom: Don Beyer on AI, Policy, and the Future of Government – Part 2 

Events to have on your Radar:   

Keep abreast of the industry days and networking opportunities you don’t want to miss. Stay in the loop. Bookmark this expanded Upcoming Event page now. Check them out here. 

• It’s on! 💥 iTech AG and RIVA Solutions, Inc. kick off Battle of the Mascots in a charity Happy Hour More here. 
• Champagne, Courage & A Cause: A Pink and White Affair – Join in for this elegant Women Veterans Interactive Foundation brunch fundraiser in a dazzling atmosphere with champagne toasts, unforgettable moments, and the energy of a room full of leaders, innovators, corporate partners, and changemakers all united by one mission: to honor and uplift women veterans. Details here. 

Galas 

• SevaTruck Foundation ’s Annual Gala is October 23, 2025. See the announcement here. 
• AFCEA DC is excited to host the Winter Gala on FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2025– an evening of celebration, networking, and community impact. 🎉 Sponsorship opportunities are available now! Details here. 
• 2025 AFCEA, Huntsville Chapter Autumn Gala: Harvesting Innovation - Featuring keynote speaker, COL Joseph Heyman, CIO (G6) Deputy Director. Celebrate fall with an evening of food, music, community, and giving back. This annual fundraiser brings together professionals and community members to support local STEM scholarships and educational programs. Enjoy a silent auction, DJ entertainment, a dynamic speaker (to be announced) and the presentation of scholarship awards. Details here. 

Golf 

• AFCEA NOVA Golf Tournament - Join Fed and industry at Westfield’s Golf Club supporting STEM Scholarships 
• Join Alpha Omega for the Drive & Dine for Childhelp event on Monday, October 20, 2025 at Chantilly National Golf and Country Club, a day that combines fun, community, and purpose. Details here.       

Have and event we can help support? Message us at events@orangeslices.ai.   

Included below we continue to shine a light on the good stuff, highlighting a few weekly examples of leading GovCon firms and executives who are proving that they understand it is not just about winning, but about building a lasting corporate culture and giving back.      

With change a constant at the moment and many things seemingly out of control, what we do, how we engage with and support teams, clients and partners is something we can control and something that should be celebrated. 

Culture 

• BridgePhase officially moved into its new office, kicked off two days of leadership meetings filled with collaboration and great discussions, and came together for an All-Hands meeting with team members joining locally, travelling in, and virtually. 
• Working remotely at RELI Group, Inc. is part of a culture that allows balance and support to all employees. Work-life balance is one of the qualities that makes working at RELI memorable: the flexibility to provide best work and prioritize personal well-being wherever we may be. 
• In September, Bart & Associates, Inc. employees embodied some of what makes B&A special: resilience, teamwork, and community. They gave back locally, celebrated milestones together, connected across the hashtag#GovCon community, and enjoyed some friendly competition through a virtual step challenge.  
• At D&G Solutions, an annual baseball game is more than just a day at the ballpark, it’s a celebration of people, culture, and the incredible teamwork that drives everything… “In this video, we asked our team to describe D&G in just one word...  and their answers remind us why we’re so proud to call this group our family.” 
• Java with Jim is a favorite AMSG tradition. “Each month, Jim takes time to sit down with team members to really connect, checking in on the good things, the hard things, and everything in between…It’s honest, heartful conversation that keeps us close as a community and rooted in our 6 Cs. These small moments of connection are what make AMSG more than just a workplace.” 
• Bland & Associates, P.C. just announces its Bland Cares Board of Directors, a group of passionate leaders committed to making a difference in the community… “From auditors and tax specialists to HR champions and community advocates, each member brings unique skills, experiences, and heart to the board. Together, they’ll continue driving the mission of Bland Cares: empowering and uplifting our community through service and support.” 
• A recent lunch andlearn empowered the J29, Inc. team to talk openly about mental health, resilience, and connection. “As we close out the month of September, a month designated as hashtag#NationalSuicidePreventionMonth, J29 was proud to sponsor her recent book launch and fundraiser for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).” 

Giving back: 

• PingWind Inc. (SDVOSB) team members jointed hundreds of participants in the Out of the Darkness Walk on Saturday, October 4. This annual walk honors friends and loved ones lost to suicide and provided support for survivors and those struggling with their mental health. “We are happy to announce we exceeded our goal of $1,000 raised.” The team also found ways to support hashtag#StillServingVeterans and hashtag#Huntsville with its protégé and partner 42 United Government Services, LLC SBA Certified-SDVOSB & WOSB in attending the 8th Annual hashtag#BulletsBourbonandBarbeque sponsored by the hashtag#HuntsvilleSOFNetwork and partners. Check out more here. 
• The IronArch Technology team volunteered at the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC) — helping to bag 1,800 bags of rice for local families facing food insecurity. AFAC serves more than 4,000 families each week, a remarkable community effort supported by both staff and volunteers.      

Get involved: 

• Colossal, LLC shares: “It’s that time of year again, 22FORYOU Day!  We are just one week away from our 6th annual hashtag#22FORYOU event which is dedicated to raising money for Mission 22; an incredible organization fighting to end veteran suicide and supporting veterans and their families. ALL funds go directly to Mission 22. We would love to see you there!  If you can’t make it this year, financial support is also appreciated.  We give thanks to our generous annual sponsors!  

Marking Milestones in Business: 

• Obsidian Global, LLC is celebrating 12 years of growth, innovation, and impact! “We’re proud of how far we’ve come and grateful for the incredible people, partners, and clients who have been part of our story. Your collaboration and trust continue to drive us forward every day.” 
• TISTA Science and Technology Corporation is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a vibrant new brand identity, featuring a modern logo and a comprehensive website redesign. 

Are you a small business looking to gain attention in the Federal GovCon marketplace? New for 2026 OS AI has opened up a series of small business only advertising opportunities. These spots are available ONLY to small business and are one spot per business per calendar year. Details here.     

Are you signed up yet to receive the new daily OrangeSlices AI newsletter, the Fresh Squeezed Daily?  Chock full of the latest awards, opportunities and executive shuffling that you don't want to miss, this is your must-read every morning to be sure you don't miss out. 

The GovCon Grove is compiled and published by Heather Seftel-Kirk, OrangeSlices AI’s Exec VP and our own Corporate Culture Champion charged with making sure we don’t just talk the talk, but we walk the walk. Follow Heather and connect if you are a leader passionate about employee experience and #doingittherightway      

About OrangeSlices AI                

OrangeSlices AI. Playful Name. Serious about making Data available and accessible for a more competitive marketplace and Disrupting the GovCon Competitive Intelligence Market.              

The core mission for OS AI is to identify, share and create timely, actionable and responsible information and data products, tools and resources that 1) are accessible to all organizations and their teams, small to large; 2) will assist Federal government and Industry IT and consulting leaders.