In an age of sprawling IT infrastructures, Lauren Ayers and Megan Moore joke that sometimes all you need is two laptops and an internet connection to make a big impact.
What they really bring to the market, however, is their dual expertise that came together in the form of Fortuna Solutions Group, LLC, a specialized contracting consultancy they founded in February 2024.
Both have extensive experience negotiating billions in government contracts and understanding the nuances of government and industry languages. While they joke their business runs on “two women with two laptops,” it’s their decades of experience and deep understanding of the federal marketplace that truly make an impact.
“Government speaks a language, industry speaks a language. They’re related, but they’re not always the same dialect,” said Moore, who is CEO. “We think that where we really excel is translating.”
A Partnership Built on Expertise
Although the company is relatively new, the partnership between Ayers and Moore spans 15 years. The two met at the Naval Sea Systems Command while working on destroyer acquisitions. Their ability to think creatively and solve problems made them fast friends and powerful collaborators.
“We were put together to work on a pretty creative deal and try to solve a problem that had been outstanding for a while,” said Ayers, chief operating officer and chief financial officer of Fortuna Solutions Group. “That started a long train of similar opportunities. Our supervisors and leadership saw that together, we were pretty powerful and pretty successful.”
The Ayers-Moore duo quickly earned a reputation for tackling complex shipbuilding contract challenges, which can span five to 15 years and often involve unforeseen issues. Their focus extended beyond price negotiations to addressing the terms and conditions that affect long-term execution.
“Where I think Lauren and I really shine was not just in buying new ships, but solving problems in a way that was good for the Navy, good for industry and where everybody could move forward,” Moore said. “We’re really good at smoothing execution issues.”
Transitioning to Fortuna Solutions Group
Both women eventually left the military to pursue opportunities in industry. But after years of working together off and on, on a project basis, they decided to formalize their partnership. Fortuna Solutions Group, named after the Roman goddess of luck and fortune, represents their combined strengths and the success they bring to clients.
“We decided that we were probably more powerful together than we were individually,” Ayers said.
Fortuna Solutions Group’s client base spans from small startups to major prime contractors. Ayers and Moore help these clients navigate the complexities of the federal marketplace by fostering understanding and alignment of goals.
Relationships are at the core of Fortuna Solutions Group’s success, a factor Moore said is critical in growing their client base and forming strategic partnerships.
“It’s relationships, relationships, relationships,” Moore said. “That applies when talking to other small businesses about how they handle similar challenges plus relying on relationships to grow a client base or adding potential capability from a partner.”
Ayers noted that recognizing one’s limitations and knowing when to rely on experts is vital. For instance, while they may not specialize in export control or ITAR, they have built a network of trusted professionals to whom they can refer clients. This approach ensures clients receive comprehensive support.
Working remotely from Silver Spring, Maryland, and near Dallas, Texas, Ayers’ and Moore’s collaboration is seamless. They spend a significant portion of each day on calls or digital platforms, ensuring clients benefit from their combined expertise.
“We do spend, I would say, maybe 60% of our day on the phone or on a meeting with each other,” Moore said. “Sometimes, that’s the best way for us to serve a client.”
Expanding Capabilities
By mid-2024, Fortuna Solutions Group was solidly off the ground, benefiting from increased federal set-aside requirements for women-owned small businesses. Looking ahead, the duo plans to grow their specialized capabilities, particularly for clients outside the mainstream.
“Right now, we’re really specialized in non-traditional defense contractors, like the two individuals in a garage who maybe want to get into defense contracting,” Ayers said. “We also work with very large businesses who don’t have a government arm.”
Their long-term goals include pursuing prime government contracts, forming strategic partnerships, and developing comprehensive playbooks to guide new contractors. In 2025, they’ll also help clients adapt to changing political and policy landscapes.
“Your goals may change based on a variety of factors,” Moore said. “But one area where we think we really excel is that pivot. You don’t always want to have the exact same approach all the time.”
As they continue to expand, Ayers and Moore aim to establish themselves as leaders in the field by distilling their expertise into resources that go beyond surface-level advice.
“It’s putting together our 15-plus years of expertise into a package that will really help people get off the ground,” Ayers said.
Balancing Work and Life
Outside of work, Moore, based near Dallas, has two daughters and has been a ballroom dancer for 20 years. She enjoys salsa and country dancing in her free time. Ayers, living in Silver Spring, enjoys spending time with her husband, friends and family. She is also an avid reader.
Despite their busy schedules, both women remain deeply committed to their mission of supporting government and industry clients.
“We’re really excited about what we’re going to be able to provide to the market,” Ayers said. “We both still have a deep-seated desire to support the mission and support the government.”