My FIL has about 29 years experience doing regulatory contract proposals for bidding .gov/.mil cleanup of bombing ranges, etc. Has a JD, etc. Was a VP of a company dept. which does this until they let him go (cuts). Man has more experience than 4 younger dudes, and it's not exactly like this is physically demanding work. It's all cerebral. He finally found a contract position, but he was looking for a while.

I'm thinking about proposing to him that we piggyback my Disabled Vet status w/ his industry experience and make a company to subcontract -- he always complained that the Disabled Vet/Black/1-16th Native American owned companies would win contracts, since his company did better work. I think it would be hilariously sweet justice if we went against his old company and swiped their contract.

Personally, I don't understand the age thing. As long as the person is current on the industry, they have the experience to solve "old school" problems too.