Breaking the Standard

In this episode, we discuss the different agreements between prime contractors, subcontractors and all levels in between and who has privity of contract. Listen in as we examine each tier within contacting to understand this concept further.   

In this episode, Nicole and Aubrey discuss training that would educate Contracting Officers and benefit Woman Owned Small Businesses (WOSB). However we uncover a key part of the WOSB that surprises both of us. Listen in and let us know if you have the same reactions we did. Link to GAO Report referenced in episode: https://smallbusiness.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx? EventID=2536

In this episode, we have Phill Thomas, CEO of Innovate! Inc to share his experiences as a small business contractor. Phill talks about the growth of the company, what surprised him about GovCon at different stages of his company's growth, transitioning from subcontractor to prime contractor and lessons learned. Listen in! 

In this episode, we have Ken Bricker back with us to discuss estimating system compliance. He also covers some of the 9 Cost Accounting Standard (CAS) exemptions and workflows for compliance. Listen in today! 

In this episode, we have guest Ken Bricker on with us to discuss and explain the intricacies behind accounting systems. Ken guides us through the administration, compliance and audits so don't miss out on this episode! 

In this episode, we discuss the pros and cons from different perspectives of doing an oral proposal versus written. Listen in! 

In this episode, we have guests William Randolph and Justin Lerma with us to discuss the Biden Administration's goal of ensuring that 15% if federal contracts go to Small Disadvantaged Businesses by 2025. Listen in as we discuss impacts, challenges, what will need to be done to accomplish this goal and more! 

In this episode, we have special guest Justin Lerma, an advocate for best practices in acquisition. From technical challenges in the Contracting Officer's "toolbox", we discuss how innovations and education in contracting can result in better exchanges between industry and government. Listen in now!

In this episode, we have guests Jeanne Harrison and Alex Gorelik from Smith, Currie & Hancock to discuss price escalation. A very prevalent topic in todays industry, Jeanne and Alex answer our questions and provide insight into a topic that will continue to impact the govcon community. 

In this episode, Jack is back with us to offer advice for anyone looking or facing a career transition. Whether you're looking to leave the military for the Government or the Government for industry, or are ready to launch your own business, Jack offers some tools and skills to help. Listen in!   

In this episode, we discuss lessons learned after the submission of a proposal. Nicole walks us through how a company can learn from what worked and what didn't to be able to continually improve their internal processes. Listen in to learn more! 

In this episode, we welcome our new co-host Morgan Tapp! Morgan recently moderated a discussion on the impact of President Biden's Initiatives on Government Construction Contracting with the American Bar Association Federal Procurement Institute. Morgan leads us through topics discussed such as the Labor Employment Initiative, COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates and the CMMC 2.0 Infrastructure Bill and the...

In this episode, we discuss Contract Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS), the Performance Assessment used to evaluate a contractor's performance with the Government. We discuss the pros and cons and steps that a contractor can take to dispute a rating if they disagree. 

In this episode, we welcome back Morgan Tapp, Contract and Fiscal Law Attorney to discuss unilateral v. bilateral modifications. We discuss the differences and how these types of modifications can impact contractor's rights.

In this episode, we venture into a whole uncharted territory of. constructing in contracting. Jack O'Neill shares his perspectives working in the construction sector with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He brings his experience in multiple roles including the uniformed Army, business development for non-profit startup and a consultant to our conversation. He offers so much knowledge in this epis...

In this episode, we have superstar Morgan Tapp, an attorney with Fox Rothschild, who discusses her knowledge in the contracting world from both the military and private sector side. Don't miss out on her nuggets of wisdom! 

In this episode, we discuss a question that many vendors have - what happens to my RFI once I submit it? Join us as we discuss why and RFI doesn't always lead to issuing a solicitation and more. 

In this episode, we discuss a real life example of category management and the negative impacts it can have on small businesses. Nicole walks us through the scenario of IT Support Services (ITSSS), a Best in Class vehicle and what happened.  Listen in to learn more as we dissect this scenario! 

In this episode, we kick off Season 2 and discuss Procurement Planning Meetings, also known as Procurement Planning Conferences. This Planning Conference allows for the Procurement Shop to discuss with their customer the upcoming year and forecast challenges. We also look at forecasting from the business side and discuss any challenges.

In this episode, we discuss with guest Russell Teter, an industry expert about all things regarding the 8 (a) Certification  Application. Listen in to learn what the SBA doesn't tell you to include in your program application! SBA 8(a) Application Checklist https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/resource_files/8a_Application_Checklist.pdf * Have a piece of paper for everything * Be very organized...

In this episode, we discuss Category Management in further detail, why it was created by the Government and why it is important for industry to understand and tap into these categories. We also discuss the impact of Category Management on both industry and Government both positive and negative.  Link to GAO report mentioned in episode: https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-21-40.pdf

In this episode, we discuss Best in Class contracts. We discuss what the designation Best in Class (BIC) means, the criteria to be a BIC and the benefits that it offers to the Government. Listen in to hear more about the different categories available!  Best in Class Overview: https://www.gsa.gov/buying-selling/category-management/best-in-class Best in Class Criteria: https://hallways.cap.gsa.gov/...

Have you ever wondered about the GSA Schedule? In this episode, we discuss the GSA Schedule, what to consider when working with it and if you're a good fit for it. Listen to learn all things GSA!  Link to DHS' Strategic Sourcing Vehicle: https://www.dhs.gov/department-wide-contract-vehicles

In this episode, we discuss contract kickoff (also called a post award conference or orientation) following the award of the contract. We go over the purpose of the contract kickoff, topics covered, and the benefits  to having this discussion with the awardee. Listen in to learn more about a great opportunity for the Government and contractor to establish a relationship and set expectations! 

In this episode, we respond to a question from one of our listeners about executive summaries. We discuss the executive summary, what it is and the role it plays in proposals and communicating with the Government. Listen in to let us know if you include them in your communication and your thoughts about them!