GovKidMethod

About Derek James

I did not grow up knowing government contracting was a possibility.

Once I found it, learned it, and built through it, the direction of my life changed. GovKidMethod is how I help other people see that possibility sooner—and approach it with their eyes open.

Derek James

The path

Built through the work.

Derek entered federal contracting in 2013 and launched his own consultancy in 2018. By his 30th birthday, he had won 32 contracts worth over $15M for a small business across various U.S. federal agencies.

He went on to help clients secure more than $75 million. Those results did not come from one trick. They came from learning how to identify the right opportunities, build relationships, price the work, write compliant proposals, and perform.

Today, Derek focuses on teaching. He does not bid because he does not want to compete with his students. He helps them understand the work, develop their own judgment, and build businesses they control.

Past workshops

In the room.

Derek James with a group of workshop participants
Workshop participants
Workshop participants working at laptops in a classroom
Working through it together
Derek James and workshop participants gathered at a restaurant
Connections beyond the classroom
Derek James gathered with participants at another workshop
Another room, more shared experience
Derek James speaking to workshop participants beside a presentation screen
Derek leading a workshop
Two smiling workshop participants taking a photo together
The people behind the businesses

What I believe

This is not passive income

If you are the prime contractor, you must remain involved in the key work and management.

Your business is specific

The right offer, agencies, partners, and bids depend on your capabilities—not someone else’s formula.

Skill compounds

Even when a bid does not win, a stronger process, reusable material, and better judgment stay with you.

Read Derek’s practical guidance

Choose your next step

Install Your GovCon Operating System Today.

You don't need more effort and more luck to build in this space. Professional government contractors build predictably and confidently with an operating system. In this free training, Derek shows you how to install yours.

Save my seat for the free training
The GovCon Operating System by GovKidMethod