Contracting Conversations

In this episode of Contracting Conversations, cybersecurity expert Kelley Kiernan demystifies the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 and what it means for today’s contracting teams. She breaks down core cybersecurity concepts (confidentiality, integrity, and availability), explains the difference between Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information...

In this episode of DAU Contracting Conversations, Mark Jenkins discusses the On-the-Job Training (OJT) Tool for Contract Specialists. He provides a comprehensive overview of the tool, demonstrating how to access it via the DAU website and explaining its functionalities. The OJT tool is designed to help new contracting professionals track their progress and proficiency in various job tasks, ensurin...

In this episode of DAU Contracting Conversations, Mark Jenkins discusses best practices for sole source acquisitions. He shares insights on the development and implementation of a new interactive tool designed to help DoD contracting professionals and acquisition teams apply proven pricing strategies and stay compliant. The conversation covers the tool's features, including the acquisition type se...

This Contracting Conversations episode features a conversation with Kevin Linden, the DAU Center Director for Contracting and Small Business, discussing DAU Contracting Credentials. Kevin explains the purpose and benefits of these credentials, how they are developed and maintained, and the process for earning and renewing them. He also provides insights on how to find and apply for these credentia...

Julie Knechtel, Professor of Program Management, and Katie Keller, Professor of Contract Management, join Contracting Conversations to talk about the “PM & KO Communication Tool” they created. This tool provides questions to help team members quickly get up to speed with any program or portfolio. It includes questions to kick off conversations between requirements owners, program managers, and...

This podcast episode discusses the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO), an initiative to streamline and simplify federal acquisition regulations, aiming to create a more efficient procurement system. It provides guidance on accessing resources and staying updated on the overhaul process. Information is given about the following areas: ·        RFO background and pur...

Ben Walker, a contract price cost analyst at Robbins Air Force Base, Georgia joins this episode of Contracting Conversations. Ben shares his expertise on the ProPricer Automation Tool (PPAT), an Excel add-in he created that automates and standardizes the cost modeling process. Learn how PPAT can help build multi-position cost models in Excel, making it easier to manage PPAT proposal file...

In this Contracting Conversations episode, Christina Jalbert, DAU's Learning Asset Manager for CON 7130, "Introduction to Profit or Fee Analysis," and CON 7170V, "Analyzing Profit or Fee." She discusses the importance of understanding profit or fee analysis in acquisition roles, emphasizing the subjective nature of these determinations and the need for professionals to grasp the DFARS criteria. Ch...

In this episode of Contracting Conversations, Scott Williams and Jim Valley celebrate the third anniversary of their podcast. They reflect on their journey, discuss the evolution of their content, and share memorable moments, including live interviews at the Nexus conference. They announce their retirement and introduce the new host. The new host shares the vision for the podcast's future, emphasi...

Welcome to Contracting Conversations! Join hosts Scott Williams and Jim Valley as they dive into the latest in contracting. This episode features Professor Scott Gilbreth from DAU Midwest Contracting Faculty, discussing the FY 25 NDAA. Professor Gilbreth shares insights on Section 802 concerning new limitations for cost contracts and the broader message from Congress. He also covers Section 8...

Welcome to Contracting Conversations ! Join hosts Jim Valley and Scott Williams as they chat with David Dotson, a Professor of Contract Management at DAU in the Mid-Atlantic region. David, who manages the COR 222 class and moderates the COR Community of Practice and DAU’s weekly COR Office Hours, shares insights on improving statements of work. Discover four key steps to enhance any work stat...

In this episode of Contracting Conversations, hosts Jim Valley and Scott Williams sit down with David Dotson, a professor of contract management at DAU in the Mid-Atlantic region. David, who manages the COR 222 course and moderates the COR Community of Practice and weekly COR Office Hours, shares his insights on the three golden rules of being a Contracting Officer Representative (COR). The d...

In this episode of Contracting Conversations, hosts Scott Williams and Jim Valley are joined by Kevin White, a professor of contract management at DAU. Kevin shares his insights on the Combating Trafficking in Persons (CTIP) program, drawing from his extensive experience as an Air Force contracting officer and DAU instructor. He discusses the importance of CTIP in the acquisition field, the r...

In this episode of Contracting Conversations, hosts Scott Williams and Jim Valley are joined by Kelley Kiernan, a cybersecurity expert from DAU, for the third segment of their podcast series. They discuss the importance of cybersecurity in protecting DoD data, the FAR and DFARS clauses, and the tools available to contracting teams. Kelley provides a recap of the previous episodes and outlines...

Welcome to Contracting Conversations with hosts Jim Valley and Scott Williams. In this episode, cybersecurity expert Kelley Kiernan joins to discuss the critical role of contracting teams in safeguarding against cyber threats. Kelley, DAU's Cyber Security expert, shares insights on FAR and DFARS requirements, the risks to the DoD enterprise, and practical steps for contractors. Topics include the...

Scott and Jim sit down with Kelley Kiernan, an expert on Cybersecurity at DAU.  Come and learn how to approach cybersecurity in contracting by understanding how cybersecurity is organized and how the security is dependent upon the data which the contract provides or generates.  Learn about the five lines of defense which contracting teams have to protect the vital DoD Supply Chain by ens...

Join us on this episode of Contracting Conversations as we chat with John Willison, the lead for strategic partnerships at the Defense Civilian Training Corps. John discusses how DoD organizations can engage with this congressionally mandated pilot program, from hosting project-based internships, to informing research, to hiring. There are a multitude of benefits to get involved. For more details,...

In this episode of Contracting Conversations, hosts Scott Williams and Jim Valley are joined by Dr. Renee Butler, DAU’s Learning Director for Price, Cost, and Finance. They delve into the details of the CCON 009 credential, which focuses on Advanced Proposal Analysis, Indirect Cost, Profit, and Documentation. Dr. Butler explains the structure and content of this credential, its companion CCON 001,...

In this episode of “Contracting Conversations,” hosts Scott Williams and Jim Valley discuss the new credential, CCON 008: Commercial Acquisition, with Professor Kurt Chelf from DAU Midwest. Kurt explains the credential’s courses, including CON 7800 and CON 7810, and their relevance to acquisition professionals. Learn about the unique rules and policies of commercial acquisition and how this creden...

In this episode of “Contracting Conversations,” hosts Scott Williams and Jim Valley talk with Professor Kurt Chelf from DAU Midwest about the new course, CON 7030V Indirect Cost Analysis. Kurt explains the course’s structure, its benefits for acquisition professionals, and how it helps understand and manage indirect costs. Tune in to learn how this course can enhance your contracting skills and ca...

I n this episode of Contracting Conversations, Jim and Scott are  jumping into NASA's new spacesuit, a n update on 40-year-old technology to keep our explorers safe from the moon to mars.   What does it take to get boots on the lunar ground? A nd what is the ticket to launching industry into competition o ver the astronauts’ new outfit?  We will learn this, and more from Bradle...

Welcome to Contracting Conversations with Scott Williams and co-host Jim Valley. They discuss the incentive contracting credential (CCON 006) with Professor Dave Lewis from DAU. The credential includes five courses covering various incentive contracts and tools. Dave emphasizes the importance of these courses for those involved in incentive contracting and highlights the detailed content and asses...

Welcome to Contracting Conversations. Hosts Scott Williams and Jim Valley discuss the Contract Administration Credential with George Ilse. The credential helps the 1102 population with contract administration, covering actions from payment to oversight, financing, and termination. It includes six online, self-paced courses plus an introductory video and final assessment. The credential is valuable...

In this podcast of “Contracting Conversations” Scott Williams and Jim Valley discussing contract financing with Dr. Renee Butler, DAU’s Learning Director for Price, Cost, and Finance. They introduce the new credential CCON 005, Contract Financing, which includes three courses: CON 7500 (Introduction to Contract Financing), CON 7510 (Progress Payments), and CON 7520 (Performance-Based Pay...

Join Jim and Scott as they sit down with Cindy Baker, Professor of Contract Management for the Mid-Atlantic Region and co-host of COR Office Hours. Held every Tuesday from 11:45 AM to 12:45 PM Eastern Time, COR Office Hours has been a vital resource for the COR community since its inception in October 2020. This weekly event, held 49 times a year, offers a platform for discussing a wide range of C...