StraightTalk StraightAnswers Episode 9
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU)
StraightTalk StraightAnswers: Episode 9
featuring
Scott Kaiser
Director of Air Force Small Business Programs
Date: Tuesday, July 14, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM ET
Format: Hybrid (limited in‑person participation available)
Hosted By: VA OSDBU
Click the Link Below to Register: https://veteransaffairs.webex.com/weblink/register/re20ddb48d63ec8f2c929d2610e271919
In person participation is limited to 50 attendees in Washington, DC. Secure your seat today and join this important conversation.
Join the Office of Small & Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) for Episode 10 of StraightTalk StraightAnswers, a podcast‑style training series created for Veteran‑Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs), Service‑Disabled Veteran‑Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs), and small business owners seeking clear, jargon‑free insight into Federal procurement.
Overview
This episode features Mr. Scott Kiser, Director of the Air Force Office of Small Business Programs. Topics to be discussed include:
- How Air Force Buys
- Opportunity Areas for Veteran Businesses
- Early Engagement and Market Research at Air Force
- Air Force Innovation Efforts and Impact on Veteran and Small Businesses
- A live Q&A Opportunity for Participants
The VA OSDBU FY2026 Podcast series is a strategic initiative designed to empower Veteran-owned and small businesses engaging with the Federal marketplace. This series leverages conversations with agency leaders and subject matter experts to provide candid insights into Federal procurement, decision-making processes, and practical strategies for overcoming challenges in government contracting.
The podcast offers a unique platform for direct engagement, giving small businesses access to information typically unavailable outside government channels. Key topics include recent policy changes, actionable growth strategies, and best practices for leveraging resources. Participants can pose questions and receive tailored guidance, enhancing their confidence and effectiveness in working with Federal buyers.
This initiative underscores VA’s commitment to supporting Veteran entrepreneurship, driving innovation, and achieving outcomes aligned with the Small Business Act and “Vets First” legislation. The podcast is expected to strengthen the capabilities of Veteran and small businesses while reinforcing VA’s leadership in acquisition excellence.
Who Should Attend
• VOSBs and SDVOSBs
• Small businesses seeking to enter or expand in Federal contracting
• Firms interested in enhancing their acquisition readiness
For more information, please contact VA OSDBU’s Direct Access Program Planning Support Team.
Email: directaccess@va.gov
Phone: (202) 461‑4694


