To empower small and growing businesses with the clarity, tools, and confidence needed to pursue and win contracts through simplified guidance and actionable resources.
01
Support for first-time defense contractors
02
Accessible resources to demystify government processes
Our method is rooted in simplicity, structure, and support. We offer step-by-step playbooks, editable templates, and real-world examples so you never feel lost — all backed by expert-led sessions that answer your most pressing questions.
01
Templates and tools designed for action
02
Weekly Q&A and hands-on walkthroughs
We’ve helped countless clients cut through red tape, submit stronger bids, and finally get noticed in the defense marketplace. With our resources and support, users move from hesitant to highly capable — and contract-ready.
01
Improved proposal quality and speed
02
Higher success rates in contract submissions
In this dedicated one-hour session, we’ll focus entirely on your business needs. You’ll walk away with actionable steps, proven strategies, and the clarity to confidently approach federal contracts — without wasting time on guesswork.
01
Personalized strategies tailored to your goals.
02
Review and feedback on your capability statement or proposal approach.
03
Guidance on compliance, pricing, and bid strategy.
04
Get direct, no-fluff answers to your most pressing contracting questions
Please note: By booking your 1-hour consultation, you understand this is non-refundable and it’s your responsibility to show up on time. DCI will attempt to reach out one time at 10 minutes past the scheduled start if you are late. We will wait no longer than 15 minutes after the scheduled time before marking the session as a no-show.
Carmela Hornbeck, a seasoned Air Force veteran and former contracting officer, brings a wealth of experience to her role as a current Certified Federal Contracts Management professional.
After years of dedicated service in the Air Force, where she later honed her skills in procurement and acquisition as a civilian working for the Air Force, Carmela transitioned into the civilian sector. Recognizing the challenges small businesses face in navigating the Department of Defense acquisition process, she founded a course aimed at empowering entrepreneurs to succeed in federal contracts.
Carmela’s commitment to supporting small businesses reflects her passion for leveraging her expertise to foster growth and success in the dynamic world of government contracting.
We focus on 3 core pillars specially designed to provide you with the support to secure and excel in Government Contracts:
This program is crafted for small business owners navigating government contracting challenges. If you’re facing any of the issues below, this program is built to guide you.
Many businesses aren’t sure how to start the registration process. We provide a clear checklist and step-by-step help to complete it easily.
Most businesses miss bids because they don't know where to look. We help you find and pursue the right opportunities that match your strengths.
Winning a contract is just the start. We teach you how to fulfill all requirements properly, protect your reputation, and unlock future deals.
All toolkits, including templates and email scripts, are available separately. You can purchase them individually to suit your specific contracting needs or get everything you need by purchasing our exclusive bundle GovCon Business-in-a-Box.
The membership currently provides access to our recorded Weekly Q&A sessions. These sessions address common contractor questions and offer expert insights, all available for replay at any time.
I highly recommend Defense Contracts Insights LLC, operated by Carmela Hornbeck. Her consulting services have been critical to our business. The team integrates smoothly with our operations, always professional, responsive, and detail-oriented. Their instructions are clear, and their support has boosted our efficiency. If you're serious about improving your contract success rate, DCI is the way to go.
Investing in Carmela’s program was a game-changer. Her insider knowledge of DoD procurement completely transformed my approach. I’m now registered with SAM and actively receiving serious contract opportunities. Her insights gave me clarity, and I now feel equipped and confident navigating the government contracting world. DCI provides real value that small businesses like mine truly need.
Defense Contracts Insights, especially Carmela, brought incredible value to my business. Her program provided mentorship that pushed my knowledge beyond what I imagined possible. If you're a small business owner trying to understand the government contracting process, this program is a must. The guidance is practical, direct, and absolutely effective. I would definitely recommend it to others.
The course videos from DCI are excellent—clear, concise, and full of actionable tips. Carmela’s government insider experience offers a competitive edge I haven’t found elsewhere. Her insights made complex topics simple and easy to implement. I gained clarity and confidence to move forward. I’d recommend this program to anyone serious about pursuing government contracts effectively.
I absolutely love the course! Carmela’s insider perspective was enlightening and empowering. Within 30 days, I felt confident enough to start bidding on contracts. The course structure made everything easier to understand, and the step-by-step guidance removed the guesswork. It’s ideal for beginners who want fast results with strong support. This course is truly worth it.
The DCI course was straight to the point and easy to follow. The video lessons gave me practical knowledge I could apply right away. Carmela’s unique background adds tremendous value. I was able to understand key concepts faster and start implementing them immediately. For anyone looking to shorten the learning curve in government contracting, I recommend this program.
