GovCon Has Its Own Language
This is where you Learn it
This is Where You Learn It
WINREADY™ Microlearning · now AVAILABLE
A clear, jargon-defining foundation in the rules, the roles, and the terminology behind federal contracting.
Before the deeper work begins, there's this.
~ 15 Minutes
On-Demand
1 Lesson
Available Now
About this course
The foundation every GovCon professional needs (before anything else)
The foundation every GovCon professional needs
(before anything else)
The government has its own language, its own rules, and its own way of doing business. And the biggest risk in federal contracting isn't a missed deadline or a non-compliant proposal — it's not knowing how the system works.
GovCon Basics gives you a clear, practical overview of how federal procurement works — from the FAR and contract structures to acquisition lifecycles, key players, RFP navigation, and the terms that come up in every GovCon conversation. Whether you're new to the industry or filling in foundational gaps before moving into advanced training, this is your starting point.
The government has its own language, its own rules, and its own way of doing business. And the biggest risk in federal contracting isn't a missed deadline or a non-compliant proposal — it's not knowing how the system works.
GovCon Basics gives you a clear, practical overview of how federal procurement works — from the FAR and contract structures to acquisition lifecycles, key players, RFP navigation, and the terms that come up in every GovCon conversation. Whether you're new to the industry or filling in foundational gaps before moving into advanced training, this is your starting point.
What You'll Learn:
What You'll Learn:
Who the key players are on both sides of the contract — Contracting Officers, CORs, Program Managers, and the contractor team
The terms you'll hear every day — solicitations, RFPs, PWS, go/no-go, incumbents, set-asides, teaming agreements, joint ventures, and more
How the government buys — the FAR, contract types, vehicles, task orders, and why none of the structure is arbitrary
How the government buys — the FAR, contract types, vehicles, task orders, and why none of the structure is arbitrary
Who the key players are on both sides of the contract — Contracting Officers, CORs, Program Managers, and the contractor team
The terms you'll hear every day — solicitations, RFPs, PWS, go/no-go, incumbents, set-asides, teaming agreements, joint ventures, and more
The acquisition and BD lifecycles — what the government is doing and what your team should be doing at every stage
The acquisition and BD lifecycles — what the government is doing and what your team should be doing at every stage
How to navigate an RFP — and why Sections L, M, and C are the three you need to understand first
How to navigate an RFP — and why Sections L, M, and C are the three you need to understand first
Who this course is for
This course is for you if you are...
New to the Growth Team
You're joining a BD or capture function and need GovCon fundamentals fast.
You're joining a BD or capture function and need GovCon fundamentals fast.
Operations or Support Staff
Your role touches GovCon proposal work but you didn't come from a proposals background.
Your role touches GovCon proposal work but you didn't come from a proposals background.
Transitioning from Commercial
You're moving into GovCon from the commercial sector and need to learn the rules of the road.
You're moving into GovCon from the commercial sector and need to learn the rules of the road.
You're Brushing Up to Advance Your Skills
You've been in the federal proposal world for a few years but want to sharpen your skillset.
You've been in the federal proposal world for a few years but want to sharpen your tool set.
what's included
One lesson. Everything you need to get started.
1 On-Demand Video
Professional slide-based delivery with expert narration. Watch anytime, at your own pace.
Instant, Lifetime Access
Enroll once. Return as many times as you need — it's yours to keep.
Action-Ready GovCon Vocabulary
Every key term defined clearly so you can follow any GovCon conversation from day one.
Built by the Experts at BTW & Co.
We've been doing this for decades. GovCon-native training built for the federal market.
Your Instructor
Marcia Watson
BTW & Co. President & Co-Founder Marcia Watson is a credentialed AI educator and federal contracting strategist who built BTW & Co. to give GovCon professionals the practical, compliance-aware foundation they need to compete — and win — in the federal market.
Through the WinReady™ training ecosystem, Marcia translates complex procurement structure into clear, actionable knowledge your team can apply from day one.
federal contracting practitioner
GovCon Strategist
Avid ai educator
