Hire the Best Government Freelancers in Washington, D.C.

I'm a veteran journalist and professor with more than 15 years experience. I've been a regular contributor with VICE News, VICE News Tonight (formerly with HBO), The Daily Beast, Rolling Stone, WIRED and Playboy. From 2020 through the end of 2021, I served as managing editor of startup culture publication, The News Station. Under my leadership, we published diverse pieces from more than 260 contributors, including Ben Jacobs (formerly The Guardian), Chris Moody (formerly CNN and Yahoo News), Emma Loop (formerly Buzzfeed), Megan Carpentier (formerly The Guardian and NBC Think), Daniel Newhauser (formerly VICE and National Journal), etc. While I've been sent on assignment by NPR and filed stories for more than 47 NPR affiliates, I also have had bylines in The Atlantic, Billboard, Campaigns and Elections Magazine, Countable, GEN Medium, NBC Think (their non-partisan opinion vertical), OZY.com, The Chattanooga Courier, The Chattanooga Times Free Press, The Guardian (op-eds under his professor cap), The News of Delaware County, The Metro (Philadelphia), The Omaha World-Herald, The Trace, This American Life, Thompson Reuters (op-eds), Raw Story, USA Today and Washingtonian Magazine, among others. I also founded and run the Laslo Congressional Bureau, which is public radio member station’s sole bureau in the nation’s capital. Since 2009 I've sat on the board at the Regional Reporters Association where I help represent the dwindling numbers of regional reporters based in Washington. In 2011 I graduated cum laude from The Johns Hopkins University MA in Government and Public Policy program. I now teach there as an adjunct political communications professor. I've also taught communications and/or journalism at George Washington University (MA), Boston University (MA) and The University of Maryland (BA). I can be found on most all social media platforms as @MattLaslo.

Securing funding takes more than good writing. It requires the right opportunity, strong research, a clear strategy, and a proposal that directly addresses what funders and procurement agencies are looking for. I help nonprofits, startups, small businesses, and organizations research funding opportunities and develop compelling, compliant grant and government proposals. My core services include: ✔ Grant Research & Funding Opportunity Identification ✔ Grant Proposal & Grant Application Writing ✔ SBIR/STTR Funding Support ✔ Government RFP, RFQ & RFI Responses ✔ Government Contract Proposals ✔ Capability Statements ✔ Business Plans & Feasibility Studies ✔ Financial Projections ✔ Pitch Deck Content ✔ Market & Funder Research ✔ Proposal Editing & Business Documentation I don't take a one-size-fits-all approach. I start by understanding your organization, project, eligibility, goals, and the specific requirements of the funding opportunity or solicitation. From there, I develop clear, persuasive, and customized documents aligned with the funder's evaluation criteria or procurement requirements. Whether you need help identifying the right grant, preparing an SBIR/STTR application, responding to an RFP/RFQ, developing a capability statement, or preparing a business plan for funding, I can help take the project from research to a professional, submission-ready document. I value clear communication, attention to detail, confidentiality, and meeting deadlines. My goal is simple: to help you present your organization, project, and funding needs in the strongest possible way. Let's turn the right opportunity into a strong, fundable proposal.

I am a dedicated, driven government contracts professional with a proven record of project delivery and nearly 15 years of experience in federal, state, and local procurement. I can help you at all stages of the government procurement process, whether you are just getting started or looking to expand an established line of business. My experience includes bid and proposal drafting, small- and disadvantaged- business status issues, the 8(a) program, GSA schedules, teaming arrangements, and contract administration. I gained this experience both as a procurement attorney on behalf of government contractors, and inside of a government agency. Now, I bring this my knowledge to bear on behalf of clients in a consulting and advising role. My services include: **Proposal Drafting** - Throughout my career, I have seen the mistakes and pitfalls that cause proposals to get rejected (or that cause agencies to fail to recognize the value presented by a proposal). Just as I have done for many other clients, I will work with you avoid these mistakes and put your best foot forward. I strive to understand your industry, understand the benefits that you bring to the table, and help ensure that we present your company in the best light possible through clear, succinct, and persuasive proposal writing. I can assist with state, local, or federal procurement solicitations. **Business Development Consulting, Opportunity Identification** - Do you want to get in to the government contracting market, but not know where to start? I advise my clients on entry paths to success in government contracting, including state and local procurement, subcontracting opportunities, and small-business set-aside opportunities. For my up-and-coming clients as well as more established government contractors, I assist with business development through locating state, local, and federal contracting opportunities relevant to your business. **Size and Status Programs** - Many government contracts are reserved for small businesses or business owned by certain categories of people (women, disadvantaged minorities, veterans, etc.). Understanding what programs are available, and successfully navigating the application processes, can be a daunting task. I help helped many clients navigate the world of self-certified statuses and status certification programs like SDVOSB, the SBA's 8(a) program, and state-level minority ownership certifications. **Mentor/Protegée, Teaming Agreements, and Joint Ventures** - Sometimes, the best way to pursue a government contract is by pooling resources -- between two businesses with complementary skillsets, or between an up-and-coming small/disadvantaged business and a larger partner. I have assisted my clients with drafting the necessary agreements and obtaining government approval to pursue procurement opportunities in this manner. I look forward to hearing from you, and to discussing how we can work together to help grow your government contracting business.

I am an experienced Contract Management Consultant with a proven track record of supporting businesses through the complexities of contract lifecycle management. With expertise spanning pre-award, post-award, and compliance phases, I ensure seamless, efficient, and compliant contract execution tailored to meet each client’s unique needs. What I Do Best Comprehensive Contract Lifecycle Management Managing contracts "from cradle to grave," including drafting, negotiation, execution, and closeout. Ensuring compliance with FAR/DFARS and other federal regulations. Proactively mitigating risks through in-depth contract reviews and compliance audits. Pre-Award Support Conducting detailed market research to identify contract opportunities. Supporting proposal development, including crafting competitive and compliant RFP/RFI responses. Providing bid/no-bid decision analysis to help prioritize efforts strategically. Post-Award Support Overseeing contract performance and ensuring all deliverables are met. Monitoring compliance with contract terms, reporting requirements, and key milestones. Facilitating contract modifications, renewals, or terminations with precision. Subcontractor and Vendor Management Drafting and managing subcontractor agreements and NDAs. Ensuring alignment between prime contractors and subcontractors for successful collaboration. Monitoring vendor performance to maintain project efficiency and accountability. Compliance and Certification Guidance Ensuring contracts adhere to federal, state, and local regulations. Assisting with certifications such as WOSB, HubZone, and 8(a) for diversity-focused opportunities. Why Choose Me? Expertise in Federal Contracting: Years of experience working with businesses to secure and manage government contracts. Attention to Detail: I excel in navigating the nuances of contractual clauses, compliance requirements, and risk management. Client-Centric Approach: I prioritize your goals and deliver solutions tailored to your needs. Proactive Problem-Solving: Whether resolving disputes or managing modifications, I address challenges with efficiency and clarity.