Listen in as your host Just Nate talks with Mike Crandal, CEO and co-founder of Digital Beachhead.
The Urgency of CMMC 2.0: November 10th is the date for Article 48 implementation, making CMMC a mandatory default clause in all new DoD solicitations. Many small businesses are panicked because they didn't believe it would actually happen.
A History Lesson in Compliance: The discussion traces the evolution from DFARS 7012 to DFARS 7019, which introduced NIST 800-171 controls and the PoAM (Program of Action and Milestones) system. CMMC was created to replace the unreliable self-attestation and perpetual PoAMs.
CMMC 2.0 Levels and Requirements:
Level 1 (FCI): For Federal Contract Information (FCI) only. Requires 15 controls and allows for self-assessment by a senior company representative.
Level 2 (CUI): For Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Requires all 110 NIST 800-171 controls and 320 objectives. Self-attestation is allowed for the first 12 months, but prime contractors (like Lockheed or Boeing) can still demand 3CPAO certification immediately.
Understanding CUI: CUI (Controlled Unclassified Information) is a major gray area often defined differently by each government customer. They stress that CUI is not a security classification but a marking, and contractors should only mark information as CUI if the government has explicitly designated it as such.
The Insurance Factor: Cyber insurance companies are now increasingly requiring CMMC-Level certification before they will pay out on a ransomware or data breach claim, making compliance an essential part of risk management.
The Assessment Process: Mike outlines the four phases of a CMMC assessment by a C3PAO (like Digital Beach Head):
Pre-assessment: Initial review of your data and readiness.
Interview & On-site Visit: A deep dive into paperwork, controls, and physical security.
Certification: Receiving a final or conditional certification.
EMAS Upload: Submitting the results to the government's official system.
The typical process for a small business takes three to four weeks.
Cost & Strategy for Small Businesses: The average cost for a Level 2 assessment for a small business is between $40K and $50K (a one-time payment for the three-year certification). For companies with only a small portion of DoD work, they recommend creating a secure, isolated enclave (like a GCC High or Cloud PC VDI solution) to reduce the scope—and cost—of the assessment.
🤝 Guest Spotlight & Resources
Guest: Mike Crandall, CEO and Co-Founder of Digital Beach Head
Company: Digital Beach Head is the only authorized C3PAO in Colorado Springs and one of three in the Mountain Region, specializing in cyber security services and CMMC assessment.
Mike's Contact Information:
Website: digitalbeachhead.com
Email: mike@digitalbeachhead.com
LinkedIn: Search for Mike Crandall at Digital Beach Head.
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Listen in as your host Just Nate and Greg talk with Dr. Matt Hortt about the amazing Library located in Greeley, CO.
The Evolution of Libraries and the Link Facility: Dr. Hortt discusses the massive evolution of libraries over the past 25 years, moving away from things like stamped due date cards and VHS/DVDs towards online streaming services and specialized community resources. The new facility, located in Greeley, is called Link (Library and Innovation Center) and encompasses a massive 63,000 square feet. The design for Link was driven by community input that highlighted the need for skills-based development. Key Offerings and Resources: The Link facility combines many resources often found separately in other libraries into one space, including a recording studio, interactive children's areas, and a wood shop. Key features and services mentioned include:
Meeting Spaces: The library offers various meeting spaces, including a boardroom (set up for streaming and public use), smaller 2-3 person spaces, and a flexible events center that can hold approximately 300 people.
• Cost: All meeting spaces and core library services are free to the public, treated as prepaid services via tax dollars.
• Media and Digital Access: The library still carries books (fiction, children's, graphic novels) but relies heavily on digital resources via apps like Hoopla, Libby, and Overdrive for streaming music, movies, audiobooks, and ebooks. Anyone living in the state of Colorado can obtain a library card.
• Specialty Checkouts: Patrons can check out specialty items such as laptops, wireless hotspots, and state park passes (allowing free entry into state parks).
• Maker Space: The maker space is industrial-grade, featuring equipment like laser cutters, 3D printers, UV printers (capable of printing on items like golf balls), and a sublimation machine. Staff with industry experience are available to teach classes and assist the public with projects.
• Certifications: The library is launching a partnership with Snap-on tools (through NC3) to provide hands-on certifications to patrons related to tools and industrial skills.Operational Context and Challenges: The High Plains Library District is a government entity (a special taxing district) funded by property taxes (mill levy), supported by a strong tax base from gas and oil production in Weld County. Although they are exploring using an unstaffed model to become 24/7, they are not currently open around the clock. Dr. Hortt noted that the biggest current challenge is determining the library's next focus based on competing community ideas, securing continued government funding, and overcoming the lack of public awareness regarding the modern capabilities the library offers.
To go to the Library, you can drive to 501 8th Ave, Greeley, CO
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Listen in as your host Just Nate and Greg talk with Bill Edwards, Director of CUAS Operations and Training, COLONEL, U.S. Army (Retired). Bill is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to counter UAS.
Bill Edwards has developed a sequence of training courses designed to simplify the complex CUAS market:
1. C-Suite and Leader Course: To ensure executive understanding of capital investment needs.
2. Introduction to CounterUAS Technologies and Federal Law.
3. Drone Vulnerability and Risk Assessment: Applying technology knowledge to facility assessment.
4. Drone Emergency Response Planning: Focusing on coordinating with internal and external stakeholders and developing policies.
5. Left of Drone Launch: Focusing on proactive information/intelligence operationalization.
Register for C-UAS Training Course:
Information on the C-UAS training program found here:
To contact Bill: Edwards.william@ensco.com
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Listen in as your host Just Nate and Greg talk with Chris Hutson, Director of Business Development at Prime Partners.
Prime Partners specializes in providing skilled labor on demand. We take pride in finding the best talent for our partnering companies based on their hiring needs and requirements.
As an Executive Search Services Company, we provide skilled talent to partnering companies to support existing human resource teams and their hiring needs. Our associates are devoted to excellence and have successfully supported client needs since 2019.
The team talk about how Prime Partners can help you with you staffing augmentation.
To find out more about PrimePartners visit their website here: https://www.primepartners.com/https://www.primepartners.com/
To email Chris click here: chris@primepartners.info
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Listen in as your host Just Nate, DK and GG talks with Sarah Wood, Director of Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Serving Boulder County.
The team talk about how SBDC can help both new and old companies. Please see all the upcoming events below:
Ascent - Customer Discovery (only promote through September 4th)
Virtual
September 4th - 18th
9 am - 11 am
Applications accepted until filled: https://sbdc.colorado.gov/programs-resources/techsource/ascent-workshops
Free
Blueprint for a Resilient Small Business Forum
CU Boulder - University Memorial Center
September 26th
8 am - 12 pm
Registration Link:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdcXcJMSIbe0qts8YONoYp6WWpntIpiGd8eMaGtErfwnB5PXQ/viewform
Free
Tech Venture Accellerator - Boulder
Application Deadline September 12th (only promote through this date)Thursdays October 2nd - December 11th
Application Link: https://sbdc.colorado.gov/programs-resources/techsource/tech-venture-accelerator
Location will be announced to chosen applicants.
Free
To find out more about the Boulder County SBDC visit their website here: https://sbdc.colorado.gov/center-locations/boulder
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Listen in as your host Just Nate, DK and guest GG talks with Mike Shanley, Founder and CEO of GovDiscovery AI.
Mike Shanley – Founder and CEO, GovDiscovery AI
Mike Shanley is a recognized thought leader with over 20 years of experience in federal business development and government contracting strategy. As the Founder and CEO of GovDiscovery AI, he leads the company’s mission to accelerate growth for federal contractors by providingdeep, actionable market intelligence powered by artificial intelligence.GovDiscovery AI is distinguished by its federal market insider expertise. GovDiscovery AI is led by federal growth experts leveraging advanced technology to streamline and enhance the business development process, not outsiders attempting to apply general solutions to a highly specialized market.
Prior to founding GovDiscovery AI, Mike supported business development efforts at a large U.S. government contractor, where he managed pipeline development, capture research, and proposal operations for federal contracts and grants. His extensive operational experience navigating the federal acquisition environment directly informs GovDiscovery AI’s approach, ensuring solutions are purpose-built to meet the complex needs of growth teams operating in the federal space.
Mike is a frequent speaker at U.S. government and industry events, providing expert analysis on federal market trends, teaming strategies, and innovation adoption. He also hosts the GovDiscovery AI Podcast, featuring high-profile guests including the former Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, the Chief Innovation Officer of the Air Force Research Laboratory, Nobel Peace Prize recipients, and TIME Magazine’s Person of the Year.
To find out more about GovDiscovery AI, visit their website at: https://www.govdiscoveryai.com/
To sign up for the COCOMMS Newsletter
COCOMMS Newsletter Sign up Link: https://forms.gle/uitVrqazs2zZMXxT6
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Listen in as your host Just Nate talks with Josh Wills, Peer Navigator with Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center
Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center is dedicated to improving the lives of our Military and Veteran communities by providing support and services in a variety of areas.
Upcoming Mt. Carmel events -
Join us for this month's VBC networking event.
Looking forward to seeing everyone at this month's event.27 Aug, 5:30pm at Peaks N Pines Brewing. 4005Tutt Blvd - Colorado Springshttps://peaksnpinesbrewery.com/
Peer Navigator Social & Networking event
5 Sept 2025, 4:30PM - 6:30PM at Brues Alehouse, 120 Riverwalk Pl, Pueblo, CO 81003To find out more about Mt. Carmel Veterns Service Center please visit their website at: https://www.veteranscenter.org/
To Donate to Mt. Carmel - www.veteranscenter.org/donate
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Listen in as your host Just Nate and guest host Greg "the lover" Glover talks with Eric Kronman from Fluet.
Fluet is the premier law firm for the national security, aerospace, defense, and intelligence sectors.
Y-Combinator for SAFE forms: https://www.ycombinator.com/documents
Also, in our conversation after the recording, here’s the link to the Berkshire Hathaway annual letters (you’ll really enjoy these – I’d start around 2017 and work your way to current): https://www.berkshirehathaway.com/letters/letters.html
To find out more about Fluet please visit their website at: https://fluet.law/
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Listen in as your host Just Nate talks with our good buddy Russ Long from Long Capture. It has been over a year since Russ was last on our podcast and things are rockin in the Capture business. Just Nate and Russ have fun this go round and discuss everything from SBIR Phase I,II and III to include pricing, STTRs, Catalyst Campus and Long Capture "World Wide" The wacky dual just simply have fun and get to know one another more and more each time we talk.
Your Launch Pad To Success
We help you connect your technology with the government by securing strategic funding and establishing partnerships.
Our Mission
Long Capture promotes the advancement of commercial companies and their technology through government funding programs such as the Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR), Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR), and other strategic opportunities. By leveraging its network of government officials, industry partners, and universities, Long Capture drives growth for clients in the DoD space.
To find out more about Russ and his company Long Capture visit his website at: https://longcapture.com/
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Listen in as your host Just Nate talks with Peter Hancock, the President and Founder of Professional Employment Group (PEG) of Colorado.
Professional Employment Group of Colorado is a regional recruiting company with a national presents from coast to coast. Its full recruiting and support staff site on sight in Denver and Colorado Springs. They specialize in providing talent to the private and public sector in the IT, engineering, stilled trades, sciences and professional service industries. They are a DBE (disadvantage business enterprise) and SBE (small business enterprise) certified company. They are honored to be part of this community and podcast.
To find out more about the Peter and PEG, please check them out here: https://pegrecruiting.com/ To find out more about the Smalls or become a member, please check us out at www.thesmalls.org To contact Just Nate: justnate@thesmalls.org — Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thesmalls/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thesmalls/support www.patreon.com/thesmalls
Listen in as your host Just Nate talk with Francis Hoang, a managing partner at the Fluet Law Firm.
Fluet is a unique national security focused law firm, Fluet attorneys understand high growth, high risk environments. Our diverse backgrounds in law, business, charitable organizations, the military, and government service, as well as our deep familiarity with operating in highly regulated environments, uniquely positions us to provide actionable advice to our clients. Led by our guiding principles, we have the legal training and life experience to deliver elite, efficient, and effective counsel to organizations in the middle-market sector.
To find out more about the Fluet, please check them out here: https://fluet.law/ To find out more about the Smalls or become a member, please check us out at www.thesmalls.org To contact Just Nate: justnate@thesmalls.org — Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thesmalls/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thesmalls/support www.patreon.com/thesmalls
Listen in as your host Just Nate and the one and the only co-host DK is back to chat.
The dashing duo are talking with Chris Gorog of New Cyber Frontier again about the latest and greatest on Cyber Security. We cuss and discuss the past present and future of cyber.
To find out more about New Cyber Frontier, please check them out here: https://newcyberfrontier.podbean.com/
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Listen in as your host Just Nate and the one and the only co-host DK is back to chat.
DK is up in Buena Vista sitting in the hot springs as we discuss what the heck he is doing. DK is up at the 2023 Mountain West UAS 11th UAS Roundup conference scheduled for September 17th and 18th, 2023. The Drone Training Park is located west of the Buena Vista Airport, off Gregg Drive, SE of the Rodeo Grounds: 38.818652, – 106.155528
The Drone Training Park is less than 5-minutes from the Central Colorado Regional Airport and Mt Princeton is less than 15-minutes from the Park, all of which is surrounded by the Collegiate Peaks!
To find out more about the Mountain West UAS event and start planning of for next years event, please check them out here: http://uasroundup.com/ or here: https://www.mountainwestuas.org/https://www.mountainwestuas.org/
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Listen in as your host Just Nate and the one and the only co-host DK is back to chat with old friends. We are speaking to Matt Betzmer, the president of Defense Management Company, Inc (DMC Inc) Matt walks us through his journey of starting up his own DoD firm. Just like the last time we had Matt on the show, he does not hold back on this episode, he tells it like it is, the good and the bad. DMC now has multiple contracts worth Millions of Dollars so if you are thinking about opening your own company or you already have and just want to listen to someone that has been through it or going through it as we speak, listen in. To learn more about DMC Inc check them out here: https://defensemanagementcompany.com/
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Listen in as your host Just Nate and the one and the only co-host DK is back to chat with great new friends. We are speaking to Gregg Walsh representing the Space Force Association (SFA) and their big event coming up. THE INAUGURAL SPACEPOWER CONFERENCE
DECEMBER 12TH-13TH 2023 ORLANDO FLORIDA
Your opportunity to meet the people shaping the future of the Space Domain.
Mark your calendars! The inaugural SFA Spacepower Conference is set to take place December 12-13, 2023, in Orlando, FL. Join military leaders, industry experts, academics, policymakers, and international representatives for two days of engaging discussions and interactive sessions focused on the mission sets of the United States Space Force.
In addition, there will be several networking and social events leading up to the conference, such as Guardian Arena, which you can learn more about below. Save the date and get ready to be a part of this historic event!
To learn more about SFA check them out here: https://ussfa.org/
To learn more about the Inaugural Spacepower Conference check it out here: https://ussfa.org/spacepower-conference
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Listen in as your host Just Nate speaks to the Founder/Owner of Aronetics, Mr. John Aron!
IN AN AGE of increasing digital interdependence threatened by nonstop nightly news of breaches and hacks, getting a handle on digital security matters more than ever. However, it seems that almost everyone has their own threat model — and their set of concerns unique to themselves.
The threat is omnipresent eerily similar to relativity, everywhere around you.
We now live with software bugs that present loopholes that are exploited by an increasing volume, and sophisticated actors operating at the tactical edge. This takes an even higher level of sophistication to properly design and deploy integrated defensive deterrence and counter-offensive methods.
Essentially, we are all drowning in data network-flow analysis. One of the few remaining things to do at the tactical edge in a scenario is to look for deep packet analysis patterns while sipping that latte to stay alert.
To learn more about John and Aronetics, check out his online presence here:
https://linkedin.com/company/aronetics
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Listen in as your host Just Nate and the one and the only co-host DK is back to chat with great new friends. We are speaking to the NDIA Young Professionals. Dominic Archuleta, Bernadette Maisel and Mairead Levison.
The NDIA Rocky Mountain Chapter is very focused on encouraging young professionals to participate in chapter events, run for chapter offices and to network with some of the chapter’s 1,400 members. If you have ideas or suggestion on events, activities or actions that support the young professionals in our community we would love to hear from you.
The National Defense Industrial Association, Rocky Mountain Chapter is proud to present the 40th Annual Rocky Mountain Ball. The Chapter will hold the ball at the Double Tree Hilton on 18 August 2022. As always, this is a black-tie event (mess dress) considered a widely attended gathering with a mixture of retired and active-duty military, civilians, and industry.
Join us on August 18 – 40th Annual Rocky Mountain Ball
Date: August 18, 2023Location: Double Tree by Hilton 1775 E Cheyenne Mountain Blvd – (just off I-25 and Circle) At the ball, we will present the Hartinger Award and Patriot Awards again.
We will have dignitaries from all branches of service and some of our sister nations, such as Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. We will also have industry and corporate VIPs in attendance.
Please join us for the IMAGE 2023 Golf Tournament to benefit STEM scholarship activities of our Colorado Springs local chapter of NDIA, AFA, & AFCEA!
Day: August 16th, 2023Location: Eisenhower Golf Course, Blue Course, USAFA, Building 3170, USAFA Academy, CO 80840
Phone: (719) 333-2606
To learn more about NDIA check them out here: https://ndiarmc.org/
To learn more about NDIA Young Professionals check out their website here: https://ndiarmc.org/young-professionals-committee/
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Listen in as your host Just Nate chats with a great new friend, Rod Goossen
The core of the RoGO solution is our proprietary DropBlock technology. With DropBlock you can:
RoGO’s capability to run ATAK with a full IP connection means that Border Patrol team can coordinate and align their tactical efforts even in remote areas and over long distances.
Search & Rescue teams can save precious time by utilizing full IP versions of SARTopo/CalTopo with robust data connectivity in isolated areas.
Quick fingerprint verification with RoGO data technology means that immigrants in Border Patrol custody with outstanding warrants can be identified and appropriate action taken.
Lightweight, rugged and compact, RoGO satcom devices can run ATAK platforms from the hood of an ATV.
To learn more about RoGO Communications, check them out here: https://rogocom.com/https://rogocom.com/
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This episode has been published and can be heard everywhere your podcast is available.
Listen in as your host Just Nate and Dennis talk with Jason Putnam and Ben Avicolli from The Stratagem Group.
https://www.stratagemgroup.com/index.html
Listen in as Jason and Ben talk about how their business is helping not only the government customer but how they treat their employees. Jason the CEO put's it best, "We work hard to allow people to be human".
They tell their story how as a small business you need to seize the opportunity when it presents its self. It is good to have a 3 year plan but you need to be able to shift to say yes sooner rather than later if you want to succeed.
Make a Lasting Impact
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