The National Security Innovation Council (NSIC) brings together leaders across government, industry, academia, and the Texas innovation ecosystem to help connect national security challenges with people and organizations that can solve them. Its mission is to make Texas a partner of choice for accelerating national security innovation and problem-solving.
Drew Scheberle, NSIC Executive Director and co-founder, helps convene leaders in the dual-use space to facilitate innovation across Texas. Through NSIC’s weekly briefings, he brings the community together to discuss what is happening across the industry, share emerging trends and technologies, and educate participants on new capabilities, initiatives, and opportunities relevant to national security.
Badger CPA recently took part in one of these briefings, where Ashley Landes, Accounting Director and GovCon Lead at Badger CPA, joined our client John Eubank IV, Founder and CEO of 10x National Security, for a panel discussion on the ins and outs of government contracting. Their conversation covered building and scaling a GovCon business, financial readiness, cash flow, technology, and the systems contractors need to prepare for growth. The broader briefing also highlighted infrastructure initiatives and procurement resources available to the defense community.
Build the Financial Foundation Before Growth Happens
One of the featured conversations brought together Ashley Landes, Director at Badger CPA, and John Eubank IV, Founder and CEO of 10x National Security, to discuss what it takes to build and scale a government contracting business.
When 10x launched in 2024, the company made an early decision to invest in business systems designed to support government contracting. Rather than waiting until the company became larger, the team established third-party accounting support and implemented systems such as Unanet from the beginning.
That preparation became particularly important when 10x won a $250 million, five-year prime contract as its first program.
The experience highlights an important lesson for growing contractors: financial infrastructure should not be something a business begins thinking about only after a major award. Reliable financial reporting, a proper chart of accounts, and systems designed for GovCon requirements can help create a stronger foundation before rapid growth arrives.
Prepare for the Cash Flow Demands of Government Contracting
Winning a contract does not necessarily mean receiving immediate payment.
Government contractors may need to cover payroll and other operating expenses while waiting for reimbursement. That makes access to working capital an important part of financial readiness.
During the discussion, Ashley emphasized establishing banking and lending relationships before the need becomes urgent. Reliable financial statements and well-organized accounting records can also make it easier for lenders to understand the business.
For 10x, access to lines of credit helped the company navigate periods of uncertainty while maintaining operations without relying on outside investment.
The takeaway for contractors is straightforward: prepare your financial relationships while the business is stable, not when cash is already tight.
Know What Your Rates Are Telling You
As a government contractor grows, its cost structure changes. Staffing, overhead, benefits, technology, and other expenses can all affect indirect rates and overall pricing.
That is why rates should not simply be carried forward from one year to the next.
Regularly reviewing indirect rates and wrap rates can give leadership a clearer understanding of how the business is performing and whether pricing reflects current costs. It can also help contractors evaluate opportunities more strategically instead of bidding based on outdated assumptions.
Strong financial reporting is not just about compliance. It can provide information leaders need to make better decisions about pricing, growth, and profitability.
Build a Back Office That Can Scale With You
Rapid growth can put pressure on every part of an organization.
John shared how 10x approached this challenge by keeping internal resources focused on the company’s core mission while relying on outside specialists for functions such as accounting, HR, and payroll.
For growing contractors, this can provide access to specialized expertise without requiring every function to be built internally from the beginning.
The right structure will look different for every organization, but the goal is the same: create operations that can support the business as contract volume and complexity increase.
Invest in Technology With the Future in Mind
Technology was another important part of the conversation, including the use of platforms such as Unanet and Ramp and the growing role of AI.
For GovCon businesses, choosing technology requires more than looking at what works today. Systems also need to support the accounting, reporting, compliance, and operational requirements that can come with larger and more complex government contracts.
Moving from a basic accounting platform to a purpose-built GovCon system later can require significant time and effort. Investing in scalable systems earlier can help reduce that disruption.
AI also presents opportunities to improve efficiency, but government contractors must consider security, compliance, and the sensitivity of the information being handled when deciding where and how these tools should be used.
Looking Beyond the Back Office: Infrastructure and Procurement Opportunities
The NSIC Briefs session also looked beyond financial operations to developments across the broader national security community.
Port San Antonio and 16th Air Force facilities were part of the discussion, including efforts related to facilities and infrastructure supporting national security missions.
Attendees also received an overview of the Defense Logistics Agency’s Special Operational Equipment Tailored Logistics Support (SOE TLS) Program, a supply-focused procurement pathway designed to support responsive ordering of mission-related equipment.
For businesses serving the defense community, understanding available contract vehicles and procurement pathways can be just as important as identifying the opportunity itself.
Read More About 10x National Security
The conversation with 10x National Security provides one example of what can happen when rapid opportunity meets early preparation.
For a deeper look at the company’s journey, including its approach to financial infrastructure and building a business designed to scale, read our full client spotlight: How 10x National Security Built a Resilient GovCon Business Designed to Scale
Build a Stronger Foundation for What’s Next
Growth in government contracting can happen quickly. The businesses best positioned to respond are often those that have already invested in their financial systems, reporting, technology, access to capital, and operational structure.
Badger CPA helps government contractors strengthen that foundation through GovCon accounting, audit readiness, indirect rate strategy, system implementation, and scalable back-office support.
Whether you’re preparing for your next contract opportunity or managing the challenges that come with growth, having the right financial infrastructure can help you move forward with greater confidence.