MJAG Construction Services Builds a Government Contracting Legacy in Nebraska

Wayne – When Felicia White founded MJAG Construction Services in 2019, she wasn’t new to entrepreneurship — but she was stepping into an entirely new industry.

For more than 32 years, White had owned and operated a childcare business while raising her family in a military household. When the time came to pursue a new challenge, she set her sights on government contracting, launching MJAG Construction Services to meet the government’s need for reliable, detail-oriented contractors — and to build a lasting legacy for her family.

The company’s name reflects that mission. MJAG is formed from the first initials of White’s daughters and grandchildren, a reminder of the family values behind the business and of her goal to create long-term opportunity for the next generation.

Based in Nebraska, MJAG Construction Services operates primarily as a prime contractor, working almost exclusively with government agencies. Rather than specializing in a single trade, White manages projects from start to finish — assembling teams of trusted subcontractors, preparing bids, overseeing timelines, managing compliance, and ensuring projects meet all government requirements through closeout.

“I’m all-encompassing,” White says. “We secure the job, manage the process, handle the paperwork, and make sure the government is satisfied every step of the way.”

Entering the government marketplace came with a steep learning curve. Bonding requirements, procurement systems, and compliance expectations presented early challenges, particularly for a new company.

“People talk about government contracting like it’s easy,” White says. “It’s not. There’s a lot to learn, and you have to be confident enough to put yourself out there.”

White tackled that challenge by starting small — taking on manageable projects, building performance history, and steadily strengthening MJAG’s reputation. That gradual approach paid off, even as the company launched just months before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted normal operations.

“Looking back, it was actually a good time to start,” she says. “Things were slower, which gave me time to build the foundation of the company.”

White entered the government market immediately, drawing on her husband’s construction experience and her own business background. She developed relationships with subcontractors through word of mouth, networking, and participation in APEX Accelerator and SBA events.

Her growth was supported early on by the Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC) and its APEX Accelerator program, formerly PTAC. White was introduced to NBDC through a fellow business owner and quickly began working with APEX consultants who helped her navigate federal systems and certifications.

White also credits her early success to the guidance she received from APEX consultant Mary Graff, who helped her learn the Department of Defense’s Wide Area Workflow (WAWF) billing system.

“Mary literally walked me through it step by step,” White says. “She was patient, knowledgeable, and helped me build confidence.”

White also worked with Terry Morgan, an NBDC consultant, whose construction and contracting expertise helped strengthen MJAG’s project teams. Morgan provided practical guidance and connected White with trusted subcontractors as the company continued to grow.

After Graff’s retirement, White continued working with APEX consultant Patrick Guinotte, who supported her through the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) and 8(a) Business Development Program certification processes. Guinotte assisted with research, documentation and application preparation — and even attended White’s 8(a) orientation. Now she works with Consultant Harold Sargus, MBA, SHRM-SCP, who assists business owners in Douglas and Sarpy counties doing business with the government.

“Felicia is a joy to work with. She is professional, motivated, and follows through on our suggestions. Her commitment to the business community and to her family is evident,” Sargus said.

Those certifications proved pivotal. MJAG’s WOSB certification enabled White to compete for a GSA Job Order Contract (JOC) set aside for women-owned firms. In late 2024, MJAG was awarded a five-year JOC-IDIQ (Job Order Contract-Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quality) contract for Nebraska, significantly expanding the company’s capacity and trade partnerships.

The company’s growth reflects that progress. In 2020, MJAG’s government contract volume totaled just under $14,000. By the end of 2025, White estimates gross contracts will reach approximately $750,000. MJAG has also completed state and local work, including carpet replacement at the Bennett Martin Library in downtown Lincoln, and is fully vetted to work with the City of Omaha, Turner Construction and MCL Construction.

White defines success not by speed, but by sustainability.

“Success is building rapport with clients, delivering quality work, and growing at a pace the business can support,” she says. “I was told early on: don’t grow too fast — and that advice has stuck with me.”

Beyond business, White is deeply involved in her community. She serves on the executive committee of Distinguished Young Women of Nebraska, sponsoring scholarships for high school girls, and sits on the board of the Omaha Conservatory of Music, where she contributes time, expertise, and financial support. She also supports her grandchildren’s schools and student-led music initiatives.

Looking ahead, White plans to continue expanding MJAG’s presence in federal contracting while increasing its work with state and local governments. She is also advancing her cybersecurity readiness, working toward CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) compliance through Project Spectrum to ensure MJAG meets evolving federal security standards.

From childcare to construction, Felicia White’s entrepreneurial journey reflects resilience, discipline, and a steady commitment to learning — supported by strong partnerships with NBDC’s APEX Accelerator program.

“I’ve never done this alone,” White says. “Every step forward has come from learning, support, and taking the time to build something solid.”

Through thoughtful growth and trusted guidance, MJAG Construction Services is proving that legacy-focused entrepreneurship can thrive in Nebraska’s government contracting landscape.