Buyer Perspective
See the decision through the government's lens.
Understand how buyers assess fit, risk, responsiveness, credibility, and the ability to perform.
Leadership
Meet Troy A. Small
Government buyer experience. Business-minded guidance.
Troy helps businesses and acquisition teams make better government contracting decisions, grounded in more than three decades of acquisition, contracting, program management, and advisory experience.
Copperwater Consulting Inc.
30+
Years in acquisition, contracting, program management, and advisory work
15
Years as a Contingency Contracting Officer
6
Years as an Assistant Program Manager for Contracting
MBA
National University · DAWIA Level III Contracting
Experience From Both Sides
A government acquisition career translated into practical business guidance.
Before advising businesses, Troy worked inside the federal acquisition system; from purchasing and contract administration to deployed contracting leadership and program-level oversight.
As a retired United States Marine and former Department of the Navy acquisition professional, he understands how government buyers evaluate requirements, risk, compliance, credibility, and performance.
Today, he uses that perspective to help clients replace scattered activity with clear priorities, disciplined pursuit decisions, and stronger execution after award.
Career Progression
Leadership developed across the acquisition lifecycle.
Troy served in progressively responsible Department of Defense acquisition roles, building both operational depth and executive perspective.
01
Purchasing Agent & Contract Specialist
02
Contracting Officer
03
Simplified Acquisition Branch Supervisor
04
Procurement Chief
05
Chief of Contracting, RCC–Fallujah
06
Assistant Program Manager for Contracting, PEO C4I
What Clients Can Expect
Senior-level insight without unnecessary complexity.
Disciplined Strategy
Focus resources on decisions that matter.
Move from broad GovCon ambition to defined priorities, realistic opportunities, and executable next steps.
Practical Execution
Turn guidance into usable action.
Apply clear frameworks, candid feedback, and accountable follow-through before, during, and after award.
Teacher · Speaker · Mentor
Teaching is central to Troy's work.
Each year, Troy teaches government contracting and business-development classes, leads briefings and workshops, and mentors professionals who need to make sound decisions in the federal marketplace.
His audiences include:
- 01 Small-business owners, entrepreneurs, veterans, and transitioning service members
- 02 Government acquisition, contracting, and program professionals
- 03 Supplier-development programs, cohorts, and partner organizations
Qualifications & Credentials
Professional depth. Verified business standing.
Troy's professional qualifications
- MBA, National University
- DAWIA Level III, Contracting
- DAWIA Level II, Program Management
- Retired United States Marine
Copperwater Consulting Inc.
- SBA-certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business
- Caltrans Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
- LA Metro Small Business Enterprise
- California DVBE and Small Business
- Founded in 2017
The Leadership Approach
Clarity before activity. Discipline during pursuit. Accountability after award.
Work With Troy
Bring your GovCon question into focus.
Share where your organization is today, what you are trying to accomplish, and the decision or deadline in front of you.