Announcements and news

Tyson’s Corner, Virginia – May 20, 2025 – growth[period], a provider of business development and transaction advisory services worldwide, today announced that Andie Huberty has joined the firm as a Strategic Client Advisor. Based out of growth[period]’s Virginia office, she will work with clients on strategic approaches for growth and development. Andie brings to growth[period] over two decades of executive leadership in agricultural policy, regulatory compliance, and organizational transformation within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). She is recognized for her ability to drive strategic initiatives that enhance food system resilience, modernize regulatory frameworks, and foster cross-agency collaboration. Most recently, Andie has served as the Assistant Deputy Administrator at USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), leading business process improvements in U.S. domestic plant health response, developing strategic and operational plans, facilitating financial management processes, and supporting culture change and employee engagement. Her tenure throughout the USDA APHIS highlights her capacity to coordinate complex programs and expertise in regulatory analysis and environmental compliance. Additionally, Ms. Huberty’s scientific foundation is rooted in her academic achievements, holding a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from the University of Rochester, and both a Master of Science and Ph.D. in Entomology from the University of Maryland. Huberty joins growth[period]’s innovative Strategic Advisory Team, which offers clients experience-based, actionable, and business-focused advice. As an experienced executive, Huberty 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   CONTACT JackRyan Moore 703 556 0111 info@growthprd.com

Murray Expands Her Role to Lead Professional Services for Public Sector Markets at growth[period]. Tyson’s Corner, Virginia – April 23, 2025 – growth[period], a provider of business development and transaction advisory services worldwide, today announced that Deirdre Murray has increased her role within the firm to become Principal, Professional Services. Based out of growth[period]’s Virginia office, Murray will now take the lead for Professional Services, advising clients on strategic growth and business development across the public sector. “Deirdre has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise in telecom, government contracting, and business development,” said Courtney B. Spaeth, CEO of growth[period]. “Her expanded role as Principal, Professional Services, will allow her to leverage her extensive experience to drive even greater value for our clients. We are thrilled to see her take on this new challenge and know she will continue to be a vital asset to our team.” Deirdre Murray brings 35 years of experience in the public and private sectors, having held key positions in management, operations, marketing, and business development at GTE (now Verizon), Sprint (now T-Mobile), and CenturyLink (earlier US WEST and Qwest Communications, now Lumen Technologies). She remains active in the Federal IT community, serving in leadership roles with several professional associations. Murray is a two-time Federal Computer Week “FED 100” and Women in Technology’s “Lifetime Achievement” honoree. growth[period] 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. For more information, visit 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

May 2025 - growth[period] is proud to announce that we have been selected as a 2025 Best Place to Work by the Washington Business Journal. growth[period] ranked 3rd out of 20 companies awarded in the small business category. This is the ninth time that growth[period]has placed on the Best Places to Work List.

Every year the Washington Business Journal honors 85 companies as the ‘Best Places to Work’ in the D.C. area. Winners received this distinction by scoring the highest among hundreds of employers that participated in an annual employee engagement survey. Honorees are featured in the May 16 issue of the Washington Business Journal. Find the complete list of companies here.

Thanks to senior analyst John Albrecht for accepting the award on the company's behalf.

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 – May 5, 2025 – growth[period], a provider of business development and transaction advisory services worldwide, today announced that Cynthia Plath has joined the firm as a Strategic Client Advisor. Based out of growth[period]’s Virginia office, she will work with clients on strategic approaches for growth and development. Ms. Plath brings over 20 years of experience in political and military affairs, having advised senior U.S. officials on complex geopolitical, economic, and foreign policy issues. Most recently, she served as Counselor for Political and Political-Military Affairs in Baghdad, leading negotiations on Syria, Turkey, and Iran. Her previous roles include Deputy Permanent Representative to the U.S. Delegation to the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva and Senior Political Advisor to the Commander of U.S. Air Forces Europe and Africa. Ms. Plath holds an M.A. in International Relations from San Francisco State University and a B.A. in Religious Studies and Anthropology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Plath joins growth[period]’s innovative Strategic Advisory Team, which offers clients experience-based, actionable, and business-focused advice. As an experienced executive, Plath 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 – April 29, 2025 – growth[period], a global provider of business development and advisory services worldwide, and Coalfire, a cybersecurity compliance leader in FedRAMP, CMMC and GovRamp are now collaborating to support clients working in the Public Sector. growth[period] is launching growth[Ramp], a new FedRAMP and GovRamp practice to support clients requiring a public sector business strategy and go to market plan with integrated product compliance. growth[period] will collaborate with Coalfire to refer clients requiring technical advisory, compliance and other support. Coalfire will work with growth[period] when clients need strategy and business advisory services. “As FedRAMP and doing business with the government evolves, growth[period] can help integrate a complex business plan with go to market strategy and business development. We are elated to be partnering with an extraordinary leader like Coalfire who gives clients confidence on achieving compliance.” said Stacy Schwartz, Partner, Public Sector and Public Safety. “We’re proud to partner with growth[period] to provide organizations with a truly comprehensive approach to public sector readiness,” said Karen Laughton, Executive Vice President at Coalfire. “Together, we bring deep expertise in cybersecurity compliance and business strategy, helping clients navigate the complexities of FedRAMP, GovRamp, and CMMC while accelerating their market entry and growth.” 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 – 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