MBDA Federal Procurement Center’s Transition to KDM & Associates: Building the Future for Small and Emerging Federal Contractors

In an exciting development for the large Prime Government Contractors community, the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) network, and small, emerging, and Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) across the country, the MBDA Federal Procurement Center (FPC) is officially transitioning its operations to KDM & Associates, LLC.

This transition marks a strategic realignment, bringing new leadership, fresh initiatives, and stronger partnerships to better support the escalating demand for shovel-ready, small and emerging businesses to address the Nation’s supply chain requirements. Historical data confirms that small and minority owned businesses have consistently faced barriers to entry in the Federal acquisition sector. As such, the Federal Procurement Center’s suite of Government contracting support services will remain accessible, but with an even greater focus on empowering – through intense capacity building, mentorship, and defined support services to achieve sustainable success.

About KDM & Associates: A New Chapter of Leadership and Expertise

KDM & Associates, led by CEO Keith Moore, brings nearly 25 years of experience in public affairs, Government relations, and business development strategy to the mission of supporting and mentoring Small Business enterprises across the country.  Please see www.kdm-assoc.com

With a strong background in navigating Federal agencies, procurement ecosystems, and public-private partnerships, KDM’s leadership team understands the unique challenges faced by MBEs seeking to grow through Government procurement opportunities. KDM’s record of supporting awarded Federal transactions exceeds $12 Billion since its inception in 2001.

The transition to KDM’s stewardship is not merely administrative; it represents a bold investment in innovation, strategy, and execution – all tailored toward improving outcomes for MBEs nationwide.

Expanded and Enhanced Services for MBEs

KDM is expanding its suite of services and introducing new initiatives specifically designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s Government contracting innovators and entrepreneurs. These services address every stage of the Federal contracting process – from identifying opportunities to forming strategic partnerships and navigating complex proposal requirements.

Tiger Team Deployment: Customized Expertise for Success

Recognizing that individualized guidance can dramatically increase an MBE’s chances of winning contracts, KDM has introduced its Tiger Team initiative.

• The Tiger Team consists of seasoned professionals with deep expertise in:
• Business development and capture management
• Proposal writing and grant development
• Federal acquisition regulations and compliance
• Strategic marketing and brand positioning
• Mentor-Protégé support services
• Sole-source award strategies
• Building Online Community Training neighborhoods
• Global conferences focused on innovation in agriculture and energy – www.iaeozsummit.com

Each KDM client will receive an assessment that results in personalized capacity building based on their specific growth needs and Federal contracting goals. Whether preparing a GSA Schedule application, forming a joint venture, or responding to an RFP, the Tiger Team provides tailored solutions that increase win rates and competitive positioning.

This individualized approach moves KDM’s clients beyond simply being “procurement ready” – it positions them for sustainable, scalable success in a highly competitive environment.

Strategic Collaboration: MOU with American Defense Alliance (ADA)

In a landmark move to strengthen opportunities in the defense sector, KDM has formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with several nationally recognized organizations.  The American Defense Alliance (ADA) is one of those organizations – focused on addressing the Nation’s defense posture and capabilities.

This partnership provides tangible benefits to KDM’s clients looking to access lucrative Department of Defense (DoD) and other Federal government contracts. Key components of the MOU with the American Defense Alliance include:

• Joint Matchmaking Events: Introducing MBEs directly to Prime Contractors and procurement officers.
• Industry-Specific Training Programs: Helping MBEs understand defense acquisition processes, cybersecurity requirements, and contract vehicles.
• Direct Advocacy: Elevating the profile of MBEs within National Security and defense-related contracting circles.
• TIGER Team Support: Conducting special training curricula for Small Businesses prior to their attending instructional sessions during defense procurement conferences, and follow-up coaching intended to maximize defense sector contract awards.

Through the MOU, KDM and the ADA are jointly building bridges between innovative, capable minority businesses and one of the largest sectors of Federal contracting – National defense, which includes a huge range of ‘purchasing’ agencies and commands, across the Army, Navy, Air force, Marine Corps and Space Force – and including hundreds of Military bases and installations spread around the country, many of them adjacent to historically underserved communities whose local businesses stand to benefit from contracts and jobs. 

For minority entrepreneurs seeking access to the nearly $1 Trillion U.S. defense budget, this collaboration can be transformational. Learn more about the MOU here, and stay tuned for follow-on announcements about MOUs with other Nationally important organizations.

Comprehensive Procurement Services

KDM continues to offer critical support services that help MBEs win more contracts, including:

• Federal Contract Opportunity Identification: Daily monitoring of bid opportunities across multiple agencies and sectors.
• Strategic Teaming and Subcontracting Connections: Facilitating introductions to Fortune 1000 Primes and teaming partners for larger contract opportunities.
• Certifications Assistance: Helping businesses navigate certification processes like 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, and WOSB programs.
• Proposal Development and Compliance Coaching: Providing guidance on technical writing, cost narratives, and compliance with solicitation requirements.
• Federal Agency Relationship Building: Setting up direct introductions and relationship-building sessions with program managers and procurement officers.

These services ensure that MBEs receive not just general guidance, but tactical, actionable support that can directly impact their growth trajectory.

Why This Transition Matters: The Benefits for MBEs

The transition to KDM & Associates is not just about new management; it represents a significant evolution in how value is delivered to large Prime Contractors, and to small, emerging businesses and MBEs. Here’s why this change matters:

Leadership with Real-World Experience

Unlike many consultants or agencies that operate at arm’s length, KDM’s leadership team has firsthand experience in Federal government contracting, legislative engagement, and public-private partnerships.

They understand the barriers MBEs face – and more importantly, how to overcome them.

Sharper Focus on High-Growth Sectors

Through strategic partnerships like the MOU with ADA, KDM is helping MBEs move beyond traditional contracts into high-growth, high-revenue sectors like:

• Defense
• Aerospace
• Advanced manufacturing
• Energy and infrastructure
• Information technology, cybersecurity and AI

This expansion helps minority-owned businesses build long-term resilience and market diversification.

Personalized, Hands-On Support

Through the Tiger Team and expanded coaching programs, MBEs can access personalized development plans tailored to their stage of business growth. No two businesses are the same – and under KDM, every client receives a customized strategy for success.

Broader National Reach

KDM’s network extends beyond Washington D.C. and into major cities – reaching MBEs in underserved communities, rural regions, and emerging innovation hubs. By expanding access, KDM & Associates, LLC ensures that small businesses become mid-sized businesses, and mid-sized businesses become large businesses by providing a training orientation program to support the teaming/subcontracting needs of the Nation’s traditional Large Business contracting community. Moving forward, this will be What Works in Government contracting.  

Commitment to Sustainable Growth

In addition to focusing on helping its clients understand the new acquisition environment under the Trump Administration, KDM emphasizes building organizational capacity, creating scalable business models, and securing long-term contracts that fuel wealth-building in non-traditional communities. 

Testimonials and Early Success

Since the start of this transition, several MBDA Federal Procurement Center clients have already noted the positive impact of the expanded services and new leadership approach. Businesses working with the Tiger Team have reported:

• Improved win rates for competitive solicitations
• Greater confidence in navigating Federal acquisitions
• New strategic partnerships that position them for larger awards

The partnership with ADA has already facilitated new introductions for MBEs into critical defense industry supply chains and helped minority businesses diversify their portfolios and enter long-term markets.

Looking Ahead: A Stronger, More Resilient Minority Business Ecosystem

The transition of the MBDA Federal Procurement Center to KDM & Associates comes at a critical time. As the Federal Government under the new Administration continues to increase its emphasis on streamlined, accelerated acquisition, the need for strong, strategic, minority-owned firms has never been greater.

KDM & Associates is committed to becoming a premier force for small businesses by building that future – empowering MBEs to not just survive but lead, innovate, and grow in sectors critical to America's economy and National Security.

To learn more about the expanded services described above and explore how KDM & Associates can help your business grow, visit KDM & Associates.