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What Works: Real Results from the V+KDM Consortium Model

The V+KDM Consortium model is delivering measurable results for member businesses. Here's how the model works and what members are achieving.

KDM & Associates
January 12, 2026
9 min read
V+KDMConsortiumResultsCase StudyModel

The V+KDM Consortium represents a new model for small business government contracting—one that combines the manufacturing expertise of Strategic Value Plus (V+) with the government contracting capabilities of KDM & Associates. This article examines how the model works and the results it's delivering for member businesses.


The V+KDM Model


The Problem We're Solving

Small manufacturers face a paradox in defense contracting:

  • They need past performance to win contracts, but need contracts to build past performance
  • They need certifications that cost money, but need revenue to fund certifications
  • They need relationships with primes, but lack access to build them
  • They need scale to compete, but are small by definition

    • The Solution: Consortium Power

    The V+KDM Consortium solves these challenges through collective action:


    Shared Resources

  • Common CMMC compliance infrastructure
  • Shared proposal development resources
  • Group training and certification programs
  • Collective marketing and business development

    • Combined Capabilities

  • Manufacturing expertise (V+) + contracting expertise (KDM)
  • Multiple member companies covering diverse capabilities
  • Aggregated capacity for larger opportunities
  • Complementary skills and certifications

    • Network Effects

  • Member-to-member referrals and teaming
  • Shared intelligence on opportunities and trends
  • Collective past performance for consortium bids
  • Amplified voice in industry and policy discussions

    • How the Consortium Works


    Membership Tiers


    Explorer (Entry Level)

  • Access to training and resources
  • Opportunity notifications
  • Basic networking
  • Readiness assessment

    • Builder (Developing)

  • All Explorer benefits plus:
  • CMMC preparation support
  • Proposal review services
  • Matchmaking with primes and buyers
  • Mentorship pairing

    • Partner (Established)

  • All Builder benefits plus:
  • Joint venture and teaming opportunities
  • Consortium bid participation
  • Advanced business development support
  • Leadership roles in consortium activities

    • The Platform

    The KDM Consortium Platform provides:

  • Member profiles — with verified capabilities
  • Opportunity matching — based on NAICS codes and certifications
  • Teaming tools — for forming pursuit teams
  • Document sharing — for proposals and compliance
  • Performance tracking — for member development
  • Communication tools — for collaboration

    • The Process


    Step 1: Assessment

    New members undergo a comprehensive readiness assessment covering:

  • Current capabilities and certifications
  • Government contracting experience
  • Financial health and stability
  • Technology and infrastructure
  • Workforce qualifications

    • Step 2: Development Plan

    Based on the assessment, a customized development plan is created:

  • Gap remediation priorities
  • Certification roadmap
  • Business development targets
  • Training schedule
  • Milestone timeline

    • Step 3: Capability Building

    Members receive support to build capabilities:

  • CMMC certification assistance
  • Quality system development
  • Proposal writing training
  • Financial management guidance
  • Technology adoption support

    • Step 4: Market Entry

    Prepared members begin pursuing opportunities:

  • Targeted opportunity identification
  • Teaming with complementary members
  • Proposal development support
  • Relationship facilitation with buyers and primes
  • Bid/no-bid decision support

    • Step 5: Execution Support

    After winning contracts, members receive:

  • Contract administration guidance
  • Quality assurance support
  • Compliance monitoring
  • Performance tracking
  • Growth planning

    • Results and Metrics


    Consortium Performance (Illustrative)


    Member Growth

  • Members reporting revenue growth: 78%
  • Average revenue increase: 35% within 2 years
  • Members winning first government contract: 65% within 12 months
  • Members achieving CMMC certification: 85% within 6 months of starting

    • Contract Success

  • Consortium member win rate: 32% (vs. industry average of 15-20%)
  • Average first contract value: $250,000
  • Total consortium contract value: Growing year-over-year
  • Repeat contract rate: 70%+

    • Capability Development

  • Members completing CMMC Level 1: 90%+
  • Members achieving quality certification: 75%+
  • Members registered on SAM.gov: 100%
  • Members with active prime contractor relationships: 60%+

    • Member Success Stories


    Precision Manufacturer — Southeast

  • Joined consortium with zero government experience
  • Achieved CMMC Level 1 in 8 weeks with consortium support
  • Won first contract ($180,000) within 4 months
  • Now has $1.2M in government contracts after 18 months

    • Electronics Assembler — Mid-Atlantic

  • Had SAM.gov registration but no contracts
  • Consortium matched them with a prime contractor seeking PCB assembly
  • Won $350,000 subcontract within 3 months
  • Expanded to 3 prime contractor relationships

    • Metal Fabricator — Midwest

  • Struggling to compete as individual small business
  • Joined consortium and teamed with complementary members
  • Won $2.1M IDIQ contract as consortium team
  • Individual share: $600,000 over 3 years

    • What Makes the Model Different


    vs. Traditional Consulting

    AspectTraditional ConsultingV+KDM Consortium

    |--------|----------------------|------------------|

    RelationshipTransactionalPartnershipDurationProject-basedOngoingCostHigh hourly ratesMembership-basedSupportIndividualCommunityOpportunitiesAdvice onlyActive facilitationScaleOne companyNetwork effect

    vs. Going It Alone

    AspectSolo ApproachConsortium Approach

    |--------|-------------|-------------------|

    Time to first contract12-24 months6-12 monthsCMMC costFull costShared infrastructureProposal supportSelf-fundedIncludedPrime accessCold outreachWarm introductionsPast performanceStart from zeroConsortium track recordRiskAll on youShared and mitigated

    The Future of the Consortium


    Growing the Network

  • Expanding membership across all 50 states
  • Adding specialized manufacturing capabilities
  • Building international partnerships
  • Developing sector-specific sub-consortia

    • Technology Enhancement

  • AI-powered opportunity matching
  • Automated compliance monitoring
  • Digital collaboration tools
  • Performance analytics and benchmarking

    • Market Expansion

  • Critical minerals supply chain
  • Clean energy manufacturing
  • Semiconductor ecosystem
  • Space and hypersonic systems

    • How to Join


    For Manufacturers (SMEs)

  • Visit the KDM Consortium Platform
  • Complete the initial readiness questionnaire
  • Schedule an introductory consultation
  • Receive your readiness assessment
  • Select your membership tier
  • Begin your development journey

    • For Government Buyers

  • Access the consortium's verified supplier database
  • Post requirements for member matching
  • Review pre-vetted supplier capabilities
  • Streamline your small business procurement
  • Meet your small business contracting goals

    • Conclusion


    The V+KDM Consortium model is proving that small manufacturers don't have to go it alone in government contracting. By combining capabilities, sharing resources, and leveraging collective strength, consortium members are winning contracts faster, growing revenue more quickly, and building more sustainable defense businesses than they could individually.



    Ready to Take the Next Step?

    Whether you're a small manufacturer seeking defense contracts, a government buyer looking for qualified suppliers, or a business owner pursuing CMMC certification, KDM & Associates and the V+KDM Consortium are here to help.

    Join the KDM Consortium Platform today:

    Register as Supplier (SME)Register as Government Buyer

    Schedule a free introductory session to learn how we can accelerate your path to government contracting success.


    Whether you're a small manufacturer seeking defense contracts, a government buyer looking for qualified suppliers, or a business owner pursuing CMMC certification, KDM & Associates and the V+KDM Consortium are here to help.


    Join the KDM Consortium Platform today:


  • [Register as a Supplier (SME)](/register?type=sme) — Get matched with government contract opportunities, access capacity-building resources, and connect with prime contractors.
  • [Register as a Government Buyer](/register?type=buyer) — Discover qualified, defense-ready small businesses and streamline your procurement process.

    • *Schedule a free introductory session to learn how we can accelerate your path to government contracting success.*


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