Understanding CTAs and JVs: Pros (and Cons) You Need to Know

With over 13 years of experience in the federal government contracting arena, including as a former government Contracting Officer, Shawn has the unique insight of understanding contracts from both the government and contractor perspective. She is highly experienced in researching, interpreting, and implementing Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and supplemental regulation for compliance requirements. She has not only written evaluation criteria and instructions but has first-hand knowledge of government solicitation, evaluation and administration processes and procedures. As a consultant at BOOST, Shawn excels at presenting complex information in an easy-to-digest format, assisting clients in making informed decisions quickly, and mitigating business risks by analyzing potential impacts and avoiding unfavorable terms. She has developed and presented numerous compliance training initiatives of different complexities for a variety of clients. With an M.S. in Organizational Management, she brings a unique perspective to assist small and large businesses to negotiate strategically and navigate change in the complex work environments of the GovCon world.

Stephanie Alexander, CEO and Founder of BOOST brings over 20 years of experience in the government contracting industry. Over the last 13 years, she has built BOOST into a trusted partner for GovCon businesses, focusing on back-office support and strategic growth solutions. Her leadership has helped clients scale effectively by implementing efficient operations across accounting, HR, contracts and strategic planning. Stephanie is also the Co-Founder of govmates, a teaming platform that fosters collaboration among government contractors. Her deep understanding of the GovCon ecosystem positions her as a sought-after advisor in the industry.

Stephanie’s career spans multiple areas of business operations, giving her a broad perspective on both the challenges and opportunities faced by government contractors both large and small. She is known for her candid approach, strategic insight, and passion for supporting business owners in navigating complex growth journeys. She holds an MBA in Business Administration from Virginia Tech and remains actively engaged in the GovCon community through speaking engagements, forums, and mentorship programs.

Kathy Wright, Manager of Strategic Contracting & Procurement Services at BOOST, brings over 30 years of experience in federal and commercial contracting. Her career spans organizations of all sizes—from startups to large enterprises—allowing her to blend big-company structure with small-business agility. Kathy has extensive experience with various contract vehicles, including cost-reimbursable and fixed-price agreements, and has negotiated a wide array of supporting documents such as NDAs, teaming arrangements, subcontracts, and joint venture agreements.

Kathy holds a degree from Old Dominion University and is a Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM). Her educational background complements her extensive practical experience, enabling her to navigate complex contracting landscapes effectively. At BOOST, Kathy is recognized for her process-driven approach and deep understanding of both the buyer and seller perspectives in contracting. She excels in guiding clients through complex negotiations and compliance challenges, ensuring that contractual strategies align with business objectives. Her contributions have been instrumental in helping GovCon clients navigate the intricacies of government procurement, making her a valuable asset to any process improvement team.