A defense contractor sought to win a key government contract that a competitor had held for several years. Success required the rapid transition of existing contract personnel in the event of a win. This “badge swap” would need to happen quickly to ensure operational continuity, minimize disruption, and position the contractor for future growth, all within a highly competitive and security-conscious environment.

We partnered closely with the client to support both business development and recruitment objectives. Understanding that the contract decision hinged on trust, credibility, and execution readiness, the team collaborated to build a strategy that addressed decision-makers and talent simultaneously—before the outcome was known.

Two parallel campaigns were launched. The first targeted influencers and decision-makers connected to the government contract, using geofenced display and paid social to highlight the contractor’s technical expertise, proven performance on similar contracts, and mission readiness.

The second campaign focused on the potential workforce already supporting the incumbent contractor. Messaging emphasized company culture, community involvement, growth opportunities, and a clear “warfighter-first” philosophy. LinkedIn, Meta, and precise geographic targeting ensured both audiences were reached with tailored, relevant messaging.

The client won the Prime contract, securing 100 positions and nearly doubling the company size. Those roles were successfully transitioned from the previous contract holder in less than two weeks. Familiarity with the brand and culture helped eliminate friction during onboarding. The contract has since grown to 180 positions in support of the Department of War’s Golden Dome program.

By investing in both outcomes, winning the contract and winning the people, the client reduced risk and accelerated execution. Dual-audience targeting ensured credibility with decision-makers and confidence among workers, making the fastest badge swap the client had seen in their career.