samgov · 7 min read · 2026-04-29
A 5-minute go/no-go workflow for federal contractors using SAM.gov, USAspending, and APMP-grade decision rules. Sample bid/no-bid memo + decision rule template.
TL;DR: Pull the notice, score it on 5 criteria (set-aside fit, NAICS match, deadline gap, incumbent risk, staffing), end with a single decision rule. Tools: SAM.gov Get Opportunities + USAspending recipient + GSA CALC. Total time: 5 minutes for a clean go/no-go.
apmp · 6 min read · 2026-04-29
Section L tells you what to write; Section M tells you how it's scored. APMP-grade walkthrough of the alignment problem and how to fix it.
TL;DR: Section L is the assignment; Section M is the rubric. Win rates correlate more with Section L→M alignment than with technical depth. Build the compliance matrix from M *first*, then map L into it.
usaspending · 8 min read · 2026-04-29
A practitioner's guide to the USAspending v2 API — endpoints, filters, gotchas, and the 4 queries every capture lead should run weekly.
TL;DR: USAspending v2 has 5 endpoints that matter for capture. Hit them weekly, cache the responses, and your competitor intelligence costs $0 instead of $30K/yr in GovWin license.
playbook · 5 min read · 2026-04-29
A 4-step recipe to name the incumbent on a recompete using SAM.gov + USAspending — no GovWin, no LexisNexis, no insider intel required.
TL;DR: Pull the prior-version PIID. Look up its current performer on USAspending. Cross-check with SAM.gov entity. If the PIID isn't published, infer from sub-agency × NAICS top recipient over the prior period of performance.
apmp · 7 min read · 2026-04-29
Pink, Red, Gold hat reviews adapted for proposals where the first draft came from an AI agent. The review pattern that prevents both AI hallucinations and human compliance gaps.
TL;DR: Color Reviews work on AI-drafted proposals if you split the review into AI-specific Pink (hallucination check), then standard Red (compliance + responsiveness), then Gold (win-theme and discriminator). Skip any of the three and the AI either fabricates or scores 60%.
apmp · 6 min read · 2026-04-29
Win themes are claims about you. Discriminators are claims about you that are unique to you. SDVOSB-specific examples + the test that separates the two.
TL;DR: Win theme: 'We deliver fast.' Discriminator: 'We deliver in 4 weeks because our team is colocated with the customer's PMO and has been since 2022 — verifiable via CPARS V12345.' Discriminators must pass the substitution test: replace your name with a competitor's, and the claim must become false.