Announcements and news

Tyson’s Corner, Virginia – April 10, 2025 – growth[period], a provider of business development and transaction advisory services worldwide, today announced that Michael Bruhn has joined the firm as a Strategic Client Advisor. Based out of growth[period]’s Virginia office, he will work with clients on approaches for strategic growth and business development across various sectors. Mr. Bruhn brings over 28 years of leadership experience across the public and private sectors, specializing in high-level operations management, strategic development, and team performance. Most recently, he served as Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), where he oversaw global operations supporting peace-building efforts in 90 countries. Prior to USIP, Mike was a Practice Leader at IQVIA, managing federal government technology, consulting, and research business lines. He also held senior roles in the United States Air Force, including Director of the Air Force Medical Operations Center, advising senior leaders at the Pentagon. Mike earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the United States Air Force Academy, an MBA from The College of William and Mary’s Mason School of Business, and a Master of Military Operational Art and Science from Air University’s Air Command and Staff College. Bruhn joins growth[period]’s innovative Strategic Advisory Team, which offers clients experience-based, actionable, and business-focused advice. As an experienced executive, Bruhn helps growth[period]’s clients develop and prioritize practical approaches and solutions suited to each client’s unique culture, circumstances, and business development needs. growth[period]’s Strategic Advisory Program supports clients at every stage, whether the client is a high-growth start-up, a late-stage company preparing for a transaction, or a multinational public company. Similarly, the program is intended to support companies ranging from those with no or limited business development resources to those with well-established growth/transaction teams. For more information, visit growth[period] at www.growthprd.com. About growth[period] For more than 15 years, growth[period]’s management consulting, business development, strategy and transaction advisory services have focused on serving the principal challenges faced by the federal contractors and commercial businesses hoping to enter the federal marketplace. The firm is nationally recognized as a leading provider to growing and established clients seeking assistance to complete sophisticated corporate and technology transactions; manage entry into the federal government contracting industry; assist with navigating the federal marketplace; represent them in partnering agreements; and/or advise them on diligence matters. With deep roots globally, growth[period] has more than 50 experts and offices in multiple markets across the United States, Canada, Latin America, Asia and Europe. For more information, please visit www.growthprd.com

As organizations navigate the changing landscape under the new administration, it is essential to understand DOGE's impacts.

Fact: The US Government Budget - Including for Government Contracting - Will Still Be in the Trillions of Dollars....growth[period] has an unapparelled network of former U.S. government officials and subject matter experts.  Our experts' networks, insights and experience help our clients navigate a successful path forward through the twists and turns of DOGE. Despite the proposed changes by DOGE, the federal government budget will remain in the trillions* of dollars. This Administration also favors privatization and outsourcing. Thus, allowing for opportunities for the government contracting sector to fill gaps. [*In FY 24 the government spent $6.75 trillion USD. Even if it is cut in half the government will spend over $3 trillion USD annually. Source: Congressional Budget Office]

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Fewer Contracts in Some Areas - Increased Spending in Others. The reality is that if your company provides any diversity, equity and inclusion related services those contracts are gone. However, the Trump Administration places a heavy emphasis on defense spending. This is also true in the context of Secretary Hegseth's guidance on proposed cuts to the Pentagon's budget. The House on February 25th passed a budget blueprint that invests an additional $100 billion in defense over the next decade. This is part of a sweeping Republican plan to enact President Trump’s agenda. This may seem oxymoronic, but it underscores how nuanced these activities are.  The purpose of the defense budget is to bolster our ability to defend the nation and deter aggression against America or our allies and partners. That purpose still remains. The bipartisan resolve to sustain it transcends DOGE. In FY 24 total US Defense spending was approximately $850 billion dollars. Even with tradeoffs in defense spending priorities the spending across the sector is strong.

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Effects on Small Businesses. The Trump Administration is suggesting that small business set aside categories, such as 8a, should be eliminated or sharply curtailed. These set aside programs have broad support across both aisles in Congress. However, if these programs are eliminated, small business size standards and NAICS codes are applicable for contracting officers to leverage. This continues to provide opportunities for small businesses to compete successfully to win prime work with the government.

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Performance based metrics. This emphasis by DOGE just underlies the already existing trend of federal agencies increasingly favoring performance-based contracting models that emphasize measurable efficiency over flexibility. Such an environment enables agencies to increase their reliance on Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) and Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts. These types of contracts allow agencies to scale contract awards up or down based on flexible and shifting metrics and budgetary requirements and are not new to the federal contracting landscape.

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Weekly Updates. growth[period] publishes a Weekly Administration Update that can help you track and understand how DOGE will impact your company. Please send us an email at hcongdon@growthprd.com if you wish to be added to the list. Our experts are also available to help your organization chart a smart way forward to ensure growth in the shadow of DOGE. Please contact us at info@growthperiod.com and let us know how we may best help you continue to succeed.

Tyson’s Corner, Virginia – February 10, 2024 – growth[period], a leading provider of strategic management and transaction advisory consulting services, was proud to support DMI’s recent divestiture of its commerce, marketing & strategy, and digital engineering services segment to Encora. This divestiture allows DMI to sharpen its focus on digital transformation and managed services for Federal, state, and local governments. growth[period] provided specialized transition management and strategic advisory services to support the separation.

"We are proud to have supported DMI in this strategic divestiture, which will enable the company to continue its mission of delivering transformative technology solutions," said Courtney B. Spaeth, CEO of growth[period]. "DMI’s refined focus on digital transformation and managed services positions them for continued success in serving the public sector with innovative, mission-critical solutions."

Encora is a leading technology modernization and innovation partner to some of the world’s leading enterprise companies and is a portfolio company of Advent International. With over 1,200 employees, DMI remains a leader in digital transformation, offering managed IT services, agile software development, cloud modernization, AI-driven solutions, cybersecurity innovations, and network management. DMI is a portfolio company of OceanSound partners.

growth[period]’s transaction advisory services vertical provides turnkey solutions for corporate structuring, strategic alignment and buy- and sell-side due diligence that ensure clients are aligned to maximize business success. For more information, visit growth[period] at www.growthprd.com.

About growth[period] For more than 18 years, growth[period]’s management consulting, business development, strategy and transaction advisory services have focused on serving the principal challenges faced by the federal contractors and commercial businesses hoping to enter the federal marketplace. The firm is nationally recognized as a leading provider to growing and established clients seeking assistance to complete sophisticated corporate and technology transactions; manage entry into the federal government contracting industry; assist with navigating the federal marketplace; represent them in partnering agreements; and/or advise them on diligence matters. With deep roots globally, growth[period] has more than 50 experts and offices in multiple markets across the United States, Canada, Latin America, Asia and Europe. For more information, please visit www.growthprd.com

Nielsen Will Advise growth[period]’s Clients on Strategic Growth in the Federal Civilian and Justice Markets

Tyson’s Corner, Virginia – February 10, 2025 – growth[period], a provider of business development and transaction advisory services worldwide, today announced that Chris Nielsen has joined the firm as Senior Principal, Federal Civilian and Law Enforcement. Based in the company’s Virginia office, Nielsen will advise clients on strategic growth and business development within the Federal Civilian, Law Enforcement, and Justice sectors.

“We are thrilled to welcome Chris Neilsen to our team. Chris brings an unparalleled depth of leadership and operational expertise from his distinguished career in government service and consulting.” said Courtney B. Spaeth, CEO of growth[period]  “His extensive experience at the DEA, where he managed a multi-billion dollar budget and led global operations, will be invaluable to our clients. We look forward to the significant impact he will have in helping our clients achieve their growth objectives.”

Nielsen served over 27 years at the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), culminating as Associate Administrator. In this role, he managed the agency’s $3.1 billion budget, spearheaded organizational transformations, and oversaw global operations spanning 70 countries. Prior to that, he served as Regional Director for the DEA in East Asia and the Pacific, and Special Agent in Charge of operations in Northern California. ​Mr. Nielsen served as a Captain in the United States Army and graduated from the United States Army Ranger School. He has a BA from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and certificates in leadership from the University of Notre Dame and the University of Virginia.

At growth[period], Nielsen will leverage his strategic expertise and business development expertise to help clients identify and execute high-impact growth opportunities. He will provide experience-driven, actionable guidance to companies at all stages—whether they are high-growth startups, late-stage firms preparing for a transaction, or multinational corporations with established growth teams. For more information about growth[period] and its services, visit www.growthprd.com.

About growth[period] For more than 18 years, growth[period]’s management consulting, business development, strategy and transaction advisory services have focused on serving the principal challenges faced by the federal contractors and commercial businesses hoping to enter the federal marketplace. The firm is nationally recognized as a leading provider to growing and established clients seeking assistance to complete sophisticated corporate and technology transactions; manage entry into the federal government contracting industry; assist with navigating the federal marketplace; represent them in partnering agreements; and/or advise them on diligence matters. With deep roots globally, growth[period] has more than 50 experts and offices in multiple markets across the United States, Canada, Latin America, Asia and Europe. For more information, please visit www.growthprd.com

Tyson’s Corner, Virginia – December 16, 2024 – growth[period], a provider of business development and transaction advisory services worldwide, today announced that Chris Thayer has joined the firm as a Strategic Client Advisor. Based out of growth[period]’s Virginia office, he will work with clients on approaches for strategic growth and business development at the Department of the Navy and the Department of Defense writ large in his role as a Strategic Client Advisor. Mr. Thayer served over 37 years at the Navy’s Military Sealift Command, the last 17 years as a member of the Senior Executive Service before retiring in December, 2023. His last 6 years were serving as the Director, Ship Management, and then as the Director, Maritime Operations and was the principal advisor to the Commander on all matters related to force employment for more than 100 ships in the MSC fleet. Mr. Thayer received numerous awards during his distinguished career including the Department of the Navy Distinguished Civilian Service Award. He is a graduate of the US Merchant Marine Academy, the University of Maryland Robert H. Smith School of Business, and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces Thayer joins growth[period]’s innovative Strategic Advisory Team, which offers clients experience-based, actionable, and business-focused advice. As an experienced executive, Thayer helps growth[period]’s clients develop and prioritize practical approaches and solutions suited to each client’s unique culture, circumstances, and business development needs. growth[period]’s Strategic Advisory Program supports clients at every stage, whether the client is a high-growth start-up, a late-stage company preparing for a transaction, or a multinational public company. Similarly, the program is intended to support companies ranging from those with no or limited business development resources to those with well-established growth/transaction teams. For more information, visit growth[period] at www.growthprd.com.   About growth[period] For more than 15 years, growth[period]’s management consulting, business development, strategy and transaction advisory services have focused on serving the principal challenges faced by the federal contractors and commercial businesses hoping to enter the federal marketplace. The firm is nationally recognized as a leading provider to growing and established clients seeking assistance to complete sophisticated corporate and technology transactions; manage entry into the federal government contracting industry; assist with navigating the federal marketplace; represent them in partnering agreements; and/or advise them on diligence matters. With deep roots globally, growth[period] has more than 50 experts and offices in multiple markets across the United States, Canada, Latin America, Asia and Europe. For more information, please visit www.growthprd.com

Tyson’s Corner, Virginia – December 4, 2024 – growth[period], a provider of business development and transaction advisory services worldwide, today announced that Stacy Schwartz has joined the firm’s executive leadership team. Based out of growth[period]’s Virginia office, she will advise clients in the telecommunications, technology, and public safety markets on growth strategies and mergers and acquisitions. “Stacy’s track record of achieving astronomical growth throughout her career on behalf of her clients makes her an invaluable addition to growth[period]’s Executive Leadership Team. Her ability to build high-performing teams, deliver creative business strategies, and lead transformative initiatives like FirstNet will provide tremendous value to our clients,” commented Courtney B. Spaeth, CEO of growth[period]. Ms. Schwartz most recently led the Public Sector business at RingCentral, where she drove significant growth and initiated the FedRamp certification process. Prior to RingCentral, she served in executive roles at AT&T for 26 years, generating growth in Federal, State, and Local Government Markets, including Education. Notably, Ms. Schwartz spearheaded the strategy for FirstNet, the nation’s first-ever Public Safety Broadband Network, a transformative project that supported the safety community with cutting-edge communication capabilities. Her leadership in building the go-to market strategy and growing the program to over 4.5 million subscribers within three years was recognized with multiple industry accolades, including a Federal 100 Award and a Stevie Award for Women in Business. About growth[period] For more than 15 years, growth[period]’s management consulting, business development, strategy, and transaction advisory services have focused on serving the principal challenges faced by federal contractors and commercial businesses entering the federal marketplace. The firm is nationally recognized as a leading provider to growing and established clients seeking assistance to complete sophisticated corporate and technology transactions; manage entry into the federal government contracting industry; navigate the federal marketplace; represent them in partnering agreements; and advise them on diligence matters. With deep roots globally, growth[period] has more than 50 experts and offices in multiple markets across the United States, Canada, Latin America, Asia, and Europe. For more information, please visit www.growthprd.com.

OCTOBER 2024 – Cadmus Group, a leading international strategic and technical consulting firm has announced its acquisition of Ventera, a technology consulting firm focused on agile, human-centered design, DevSecOps, leading-edge technologies and practices, and pioneering innovation. growth[period] team was proud to provide buy-side diligence support to the transaction. growth[period] is a leading provider of strategic merger and acquisition support. The company’s services cover all phases of the transaction process, from market intelligence to acquisition target evaluation and identification, through to comprehensive due diligence, sell side advisory work, etc. Learn more by visiting growthperiod.com. CONTACT Hunter Congdon +1.703.556.0111 growthperiod.com FURTHER INFORMATION: Cadmus Acquires Award-Winning Digital Transformation Leader Ventera - Cadmus (cadmusgroup.com)

June 2024 - growth[period] is pleased to announce their recent completion of managing the Transition Management Office activities in support of the divestiture of Raytheon’s $1.3 billion cybersecurity and intelligence division (April 2024)– now known as the standalone entity Nightwing. “It was a successful transition management project working in support of the new management team of Nightwing” - says Courtney Spaeth, CEO of growth[period]. "We congratulate Nightwing on their successful completion and integration of the transaction and look forward to their success in the future."   growth[period] is a leading provider of strategic merger and acquisition support – including providing Transition Management expertise for divestitures and acquisitions. The company’s services cover all phases of the transaction process, from market intelligence to acquisition target and identification, through to comprehensive due diligence, sell side and buy advisory work, etc. Learn more by visiting www.growthprd.com

MAY 2024 - Congratulations to Apogee Engineering LLC on their acquisition by Bernhard Capital Partners (BCP).  Apogee’s proven 20-year track record providing some of the most cutting-edge technology integration, modernization, and cybersecurity training solutions to critical government customers will be a valuable addition to BCP’s growing GovCon portfolio. The growth[period] team was proud to serve as Apogee Engineering’s sell side advisor. According to Apogee’s CEO, Frank Varga, “growth[period) was instrumental in preparing Apogee for the transaction. Their team helped navigate the path to exit for our founders while also finding the right home for Apogee and our amazing workforce. With their help, Apogee is set up for tremendous success into the future.” growth[period] is a leading provider of strategic merger and acquisition support. The company’s services cover all phases of the transaction process, from market intelligence to acquisition target evaluation and identification, through to comprehensive due diligence, sell side advisory work, etc. Learn more here: https://www.bernhardcapital.com/bernhard-capital-partners-expands-government-services-platform-with-acquisition-of-apogee/  

Tyson’s Corner, Virginia – February 15, 2024 – growth[period], a provider of business development and transaction advisory services worldwide, today announced that William Warnock has joined the firm’s Executive Advisory Team. Based out of growth[period]’s Virginia office, he will advise clients in the Construction, Architecture and Engineering vertical on strategic growth and business development in the federal contracting market.   “Bill’s extensive experience advising and leading companies in the design build, construction and engineering industry is a huge asset to our firm’s growing practice in that market sector. His successful track record of helping firms navigate the State Department Office of Building Operations and other related federal entities is immensely valuable to growth[period]’s clients.” said Courtney B. Spaeth, CEO of growth[period].   William Warnock most recently served as the Chief Operating Officer for RA Federal Services (RA FS).  RA FS provides construction and logistics services to the Department of State and other federal agencies across the globe. Warnock retired from US Navy in 2015 as a Captain after serving over 30 years.  His assignments included numerous postings at sea, and ashore in the United Sates, Middle East and Africa.  Additionally, Mr. Warnock served as the Senior Navy Liaison to the White House under Presidents Bush and Clinton. His last posting in the Navy was at the US Embassy in Nairobi and after his retirement he remained in Africa with his family while he started his career in the private sector. Mr. Warnock leads the East Africa Chapter of International Stability Operations Association (ISOA) representing member companies across the continent.   Warnock joins growth[period]’s innovative Executive Advisory Team, which offers clients experience-based, actionable, and business-focused advice. As an experienced business development executive, Warnock helps growth[period]’s clients develop and prioritize practical approaches and solutions suited to each client’s unique culture, circumstances, and business development needs.   growth[period]’s Executive Advisory Program supports clients at every stage, whether the client is a high-growth start-up, a late-stage company preparing for a transaction, or a multinational public company. Similarly, the program is intended to support companies ranging from those with no or limited business development resources to those with well-established growth/transaction teams.   About growth[period] For more than 15 years, growth[period]’s management consulting, business development, strategy and transaction advisory services have focused on serving the principal challenges faced by the federal contractors and commercial businesses hoping to enter the federal marketplace. The firm is nationally recognized as a leading provider to growing and established clients seeking assistance to complete sophisticated corporate and technology transactions; manage entry into the federal government contracting industry; assist with navigating the federal marketplace; represent them in partnering agreements; and/or advise them on diligence matters. With deep roots globally, growth[period] has more than 50 experts and offices in multiple markets across the United States, Canada, Latin America, Asia and Europe.