Going 1099 is a book that teaches you how to become a solo federal sub-contractor and gain control of your working life, earn more money and unlock more free time. I wrote it because quite a few people have asked me how they can become a 1099. I figured it was best to write a single book that I can send them and that I can share with others who are interested. This newsletter goes out Monday - Friday and covers topics that will help you succeed in starting and maintaining successful 1099 career.
My most recent security clearance mistake
Last month I was ready to start a new project as a 2nd tier sub-contractor over at ODNI with a company called DigiFlight.
I had interviewed with the prime (Peraton), sent over some security clearance paperwork, signed a 1099 consultant agreement with DigiFlight, and even received an EOD (Entrance on Duty) date.
Once I got the EOD date, which I assumed meant it was a done deal, I told my current prime that I was leaving in a few weeks and that I'd like to replace myself.
In fact, the only reason I took the new gig was so I could hire someone to replace myself and make more "passive" income from my new employee.
Here's what happened:
- My security clearance did not cross over from NGA to ODNI due to some waiver I had (probably a foreign national mother)
- The prime on my current project did NOT accept my candidate to replace me
- Once I learned my clearance bounced, I had to awkwardly ask the program manager if they still wanted me over at NGA (imagine quitting and then asking for your job back)
- The PM on my NGA project had already re-allocated some of my hours to other people on the contract, meaning I lost out on ~$10,000 in income
So, even after being in the 1099 game for seven years now, bad luck still happens and not all opportunities pan out.
Whether you're still trying to get your first 1099 project or your second or tenth, weird stuff will happen. That's okay and to be expected.
Do your best to take it in stride.
I'm Dale, the author of Going 1099
Going 1099 is a book that teaches you how to become a solo federal sub-contractor and gain control of your working life, earn more money and unlock more free time. I wrote it because quite a few people have asked me how they can become a 1099. I figured it was best to write a single book that I can send them and that I can share with others who are interested. This newsletter goes out Monday - Friday and covers topics that will help you succeed in starting and maintaining successful 1099 career.
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Hi all, Not returning to the newsletter just yet but thought I'd send out a link to an interview I did with Jonathan Stark on his podcast, Ditching Hourly. https://podcast.ditchinghourly.com/people/dale-davidson Jonathan advocates for getting away from hourly billing in your independent consulting practice. I agree, but I discuss why that's difficult in government contracting but why it might be okay anyway, particularly if you're jus getting started. He's a great follow for those of you who...
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