Panel-led discussion on what makes a good, unique subcontractor in government contracting. The panel will include subcontractor owners, operators, and a PM from a prime contractor. Discussion topics around:

• Why is subcontracting important?
• What makes a subcontractor excel?
• How have successful subcontractors grown their business? What are common pitfalls/growth opportunities?
• What do Prime contractors care about when working with subcontractors?

What exit options are available to subcontractors considering a sale?

Blackwall Barn & Lodge
6000 Merriweather Drive, Suite B140, Columbia, MD 21044

Matthew Wagner
Head of M&A at Cedar
Matthew is the Head of M&A at Cedar, a holding company focused on permanent capital investments in small-medium businesses supporting the Intelligence Community. Matthew has led over a dozen acquisitions in the Intelligence Community and works closely with founders/operators to ensure continued success pre and post acquisition.

Cliff Foreman
CEO of Omnyon
Cliff is the CEO of Omnyon, a software/ systems engineering and enterprise IT firm supporting the U.S. Intelligence Community, which he took over following its sale to private equity in late 2023. An operator by trade, Cliff brings extensive operational experience from his time as a Marine Corps Infantry officer and his tenure leading a PE-backed 30-store retail chain. Today, he leads Omnyon and spearheads partnership across a portfolio of decentralized companies supporting national security. Cliff brings hands-on organizational leadership and firsthand experience evaluating companies through the buyer's lens to drive operational excellence and cohesiveness among operators/founders across companies.

 

Keith Wegner
Founder of Bestgate Engineering
Keith Wegner is a founder and principal of Bestgate Engineering, a software and systems engineering firm supporting the U.S. Intelligence Community. A software engineer by trade, Keith built Bestgate by combining technical credibility, strong customer relationships, and a people-first culture focused on attracting and retaining exceptional cleared professionals. In July 2024, he completed the sale of the company to a private equity-backed organization and continues to lead Bestgate while helping guide the private-equity group's broader Intelligence Community market. Keith brings firsthand experience navigating the full government contracting lifecycle—from startup and growth through acquisition and post-sale integration.

 

Dan Catrambone
CEO/Founder of Mesavita Engineering
Dan Catrambone has been serving the Intelligence Community for 25 years.  Currently, he is the owner/founder of Mesavita Engineering, LLC, a 75 person small business supporting the NSA and US Cyber Command mission customers with Data Science, AI, Mission Operations/Intel Analysis, and Software & System Engineering services.  Prior to starting Mesavita in 2019 he worked at a large defense contracting company as Program Manager, running a large, $250M, 240 FTE contract with over 40 subcontracting companies.  Earlier career positions include serving as an FBI agent, NRO mission ops, and helping program the flight simulator at the US Naval Test Pilot School.

 

Peter Schoenbrodt
Vice President of MPO Programs at Freedom Technology Solutions Group (FTSG)
Peter Schoenbrodt, PMP, is Vice President, MPO Programs at Freedom Technology Solutions Group and Program Manager for the company’s largest MPO prime contract. He brings 22 years of experience supporting the Intelligence Community, leading complex programs and teams that deliver enterprise technology for government missions. Peter brings together a business operations perspective and hands-on program execution experience, with a strong focus on building lasting partnerships with subcontracting teammates.