GovClose

Certification Program

Government Contract Training & Federal Sales Certification

The GovClose Certification Program is a one-year, implementation-based training that teaches the government contracting process and the three major revenue streams it creates. Whether you’re a business owner, a professional looking to launch a consulting business, or someone seeking a career in federal sales, this program gives you a proven roadmap.

1. If you already have a business, you’ll learn how to sell your existing products or services directly to the federal government.

2. If you’re a professional, you’ll discover how to leverage this process to build a high-value consulting business, offering monthly services and projects to companies already selling to the government.

3. if your goal is a career in government contracting, the program will prepare you to secure and excel in account executive and business development roles — teaching you not only how to succeed in those positions, but how to land them in the first place.

And some people are doing a mixture of the three!

What You’ll Learn in the GovClose Certification Program

Phase 1 – The Basics of Government Contracting

  • Learn whether the federal government buys your product or service.

  • Register your business in SAM.gov and understand government databases.

  • Build a Capabilities Statement that positions you as a credible vendor.

Summary: This phase lays the foundation for selling to the government, ensuring your company is properly registered, credible, and positioned to win federal contracts.

Phase 2 – Finding Your Government Contracting Niche

  • Analyze federal spending data to uncover high-growth opportunities.

  • Identify underserved or less competitive niches where small businesses can thrive.

  • Match your offerings to the right agencies and buyers.

Summary: This phase helps you define your GovCon niche by combining market research and spending analysis, ensuring your business targets the most profitable and accessible opportunities.

Phase 3 – Mastering Federal Sales Strategy

  • Create a federal sales roadmap customized to your product or service.

  • Learn which contract vehicles and agencies are most relevant.

  • Use data-driven strategies to cut wasted time and focus on high-probability wins.

Summary: Students gain advanced skills to design actionable sales strategies, speak confidently about revenue potential, and position themselves to consistently outperform competitors.

Phase 4 – Building a pipeline of government contract leads

  • Develop a tailored GovCon pipeline aligned with federal spending trends.

  • Find and qualify leads through RFIs, Sources Sought, RFQs, and RFPs.

  • Use the GovClose CRM to track lead strength and close rates.

Summary: By the end of this phase, students have a working pipeline that connects strategy with real opportunities, making revenue targets predictable and measurable.

Phase 5 – The Art of Winning Government Contracts

  • Build relationships with program offices and influence requirements early.

  • Learn how to respond effectively to RFIs, Sources Sought, and RFPs.

  • Master techniques for proposal interpretation and persuasive presentations.

Summary: Winning contracts requires more than proposals — this phase equips students with advanced capture strategies, relationship-building skills, and the ability to shape opportunities before they’re solicited.

Phase 6 – Professional Marketing and Digital Authority

  • Optimize your LinkedIn profile and company presence for credibility.

  • Develop B2B marketing strategies tailored to the federal market.

  • Create professional communication strategies to engage government buyers.

Summary: Students learn to position themselves and their companies as trusted federal partners by building authority and visibility online and in the marketplace.

Optional – Launching a consulting business or securing a GovCon job

  • Learn how to start a government contracting consulting business.

  • Build offers and proposals to secure recurring consulting clients.

  • Create a professional resume and sales approach to land federal BD roles.

Summary: For those looking to launch a business or transition careers, this block provides the tools to secure high-value consulting clients or competitive government sales jobs.

Certification requirements

  1. Complete all training modules

  2. Submit a Federal Sales Roadmap

  3. Build a pipeline of government contracting leads

  4. Develop a GovCon niche strategy

  5. Pass the graded Q&A session

To earn the GovClose Certification, participants must successfully complete structured deliverables that prove their ability to operate in the federal marketplace. These requirements ensure that graduates not only understand the theory behind government contracting, but also leave the program with a sales roadmap, a working pipeline, and the confidence to win contracts, secure consulting clients, or transition into federal sales roles.

Frequently asked questions

Is this program for business owners, consultants, or people starting their careers?

All three! Business owners learn how to sell their existing products or services to the government. Professionals learn the contracting process and can either start a consulting business helping companies win federal contracts or use the certification to land account executive roles in government contracting.

Is this program good for veterans?

Absolutely. Many of our students are veterans transitioning into civilian careers. GovClose provides a clear pathway to either start a business in federal contracting or secure high-paying roles as a government sales executive.

What if I already have federal contracting experience?

That’s a plus. You’ll still benefit by learning how to build a federal sales pipeline, target the right agencies, and systematize your approach. Many students with prior experience have used GovClose to move into consulting roles or accelerate their careers.

How long does it take to obtain certification?

The core training modules take about 12 weeks to complete, but the GovClose Certification Program is a full one-year implementation program. You’ll have ongoing group coaching, personalized mentorship, and continued access to resources during that year.

Do I meet with Rick Howard directly?

Yes. Every student receives a 1-on-1 intro call and a 1-on-1 certification call with Lt Col (Ret) Richard C. Howard. In addition, Rick personally leads the weekly group coaching sessions.

When is the group coaching, and is it live?

Group coaching calls happen every week, live. Sessions are interactive, led by Rick and guest experts in government contracting. Recordings are available if you can't attend.

What if I need help with something specific but it's not covered in the program?

Access to the Community page for Q&A direct communication with Rick and other government contracting experts, as well as the weekly coaching calls, ensure that all questions are answered and help is provided for even the most unique government contracting circumstance.

Student Reviews and Testimonials

Jacob A. Marabelli

Federal BD Manager @ GomSpace

“I joined in 2024 with no experience in government contracting and left with a certificate, a letter of recommendation, a great-paying job as an account executive, and a network of amazing professionals I could count on. Joining GovClose and working with Rick was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”

“He shows you how to build a real business modeled after his own” — Jacob M.

Andre Exilien

Principal, Concord Government Solutions (SDVOSB)

“One of the most transformative experiences of my professional journey. As a U.S. Air Force veteran, this program and Rick’s mentorship gave me exactly the mission and purpose I needed after transitioning out of the military.”

“I now have the tools, mindset, and confidence to operate in this space” — Andre E.

Jack J. Lizarraga

GovCon Market Research Pro

“This isn’t just advanced training—it’s a ticket into the densest community of federal sales professionals. In the daunting and confusing federal market, GovClose provides clarity and confidence because it’s led by seasoned professionals with impeccable character.”

“GovClose was the major step that propelled me to work with high end clients” — Jack L.

Ready to Start in Government Contracting?

Join the GovClose Certification Program today and gain the tools, mentorship, and strategies to succeed as a consultant, business developer, or federal sales executive.