Contracting Conversations

In this episode of Contracting Conversations DAU's Learning Asset Manager, Ed Needens, discusses the new FY25 condensed version of CON 1400, Contract Post-Award.  He will discuss how it is structured, how students are assessed, and much more.  Please see our other podcasts on CON 1100, 1200 and 1300, for information on their new condensed versions. For more information see this CONN...

In this episode of Contracting Conversations, we’ll learn about one of DoD’s newest recruitment programs and pick the brain of someone who could be a future leader in the workforce.  How is the next generation preparing for public service? And what are they doing to learn problem solving strategies? We sit down with educator and changemaker Karen Thornton to discuss the Defense Civilian Train...

In this episode of Contracting Conversations we talk with DAU's Hal McAlduff on the new FY25 condensed version of CON 1200, Contract Pre-Award.  Hal explains the structure of the course, what assessments are included, and what you will learn.  This, along with all the new condensed version are available soon in the i-Catalog or DAU Media, YouTube and Apple Podcasts CONNECT Live Session o...

In this episode of Contracting Conversations Jim and Scott discuss CON 1300V, Contract Award, with Jason Ackiss, DAU's Learning Asset Manager for this course.  He talks about the new condensed version of the course, starting in FY25, and how the course is structured.  This is a must listen to podcast, along with the any of the other CON Certification Courses, as you are going through the...

In  this episode of Contracting Conversations, we’re thinking BIG when it comes to rebuilding our industrial base with SMALL Business.  But what are the keys for a Small Business to win the government contract? To get to the bottom line, we sit down with, Ken Carkhuff,  one of DAU’s own leading experts on this subject.  This is part of the Contracting Conversatio...

In this episode of Contracting Conversations we have Leah Arkush, DAU's Learning Asset Manager for CON 1100 and 1100V - she talks about the new condensed version for FY25, what the course is all about, the criticality of this course to prepare you for the other certification courses, how to increase your chances of passing, and going back into the physical classroom. A few good links for addi...

In this episode of Contracting Conversations, how can a software company protect its proprietary data while a government agency gets the rights it needs for national security? And where can you turn for instruction and expert guidance on navigating this emerging and highly specialized field of contracts? We sit down to pick the brain of Vicki Allums, one of DAU’s own leading experts on intell...

In this episode of Contracting Conversations, Jim and Scott return to the table with Peter Guinto of Resilinc to open the box on his game of risk. We'll hear how he uses this simulation to help large companies and government agencies learn more about mitigating risk with multi-tier supply chains.   This is part of the Contracting Conversations series taped during the Nexus 2024...

In this episode of Contracting Conversations, Jim and Scott talk with Eric Obergfell of MITRE. We discuss the challenges contractors have with the new chat bot and we’ll learn more about how Artificial Intelligence can get out of control with risks such as data poisoning. We also discover a toolkit to help keep AI in check. This is part of the Contracting Conversations series taped...

In this episode of Contracting Conversations, from the Nexus 24 conference in Jacksonville Florida, Scott and Jim talk with Peter Guinto of RESILINC about the weakest links in our defense supply chains. We’ll discuss the challenges of sourcing raw materials and learn how Peter prevents communication breakdowns between vendors. Peter also explains the importance of information gathering to help man...

This episode of Contracting Conversations is with Jordan Miller, DAU's Learning Asset Manager for CON 3990V, the CON Certification Exam.  Jordan updates us on how test takers are doing so far in FY24 - 1500 test takers in FY24 alone - with percentage pass rate and other statistics and advice on how to improve your odds of passing the first time.  Lastly, he will talk about the futur...

In this episode of Contracting Conversations, Scott and Jim explore what to do if you are drowning in data. You will learn a simple 3 step process to ensure you're only collecting what you need for your mission. Plus, CEO of Public Spend Forum, Raj Sharma, shares the importance of starting the process early. This is part of the Contracting Conversations series taped during the Nexus 2024 conf...

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...

In this episode of Contracting Conversations, Jim and Scott are chatting about the future role of AI in the Acquisition workforce, and guess what? The future is now!  They learn more about how the new Intelex BOT can be a formidable foe in a simulated contract negotiation, and they'll discuss the fears over this new technology with Mr. Kinglsey Martin, Chief Technolog...

In this episode of Contracting Conversations from the NCMA/DAU Nexus Conference in Jacksonville, FL, Jim and Scott get a behind-the-scenes account of the DoD’s fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. They speak with Thomas Dougherty, the Executive Director and Senior Contracting Official with Army Contracting Command in New Jersey, about his instrumental role in the rapid response team – a duty that...

In this episode of Contracting Conversations, Scott delves into conflict resolution with Renee Richardson, an Independent Consultant, and Jason Pickart, Director of Integration Planning in the office of the DoD Chief Information Officer. They explore the significance of self-awareness in achieving conflict resolution, emphasizing the importance of understanding multiple perspectives, especial...

In this episode of Contracting Conversations from the NCMA/DAU Nexus 2024 Conference in Jacksonville, FL, Jim and Scott talk with  Neal Duiker and Shaun Branam about the contracting and program management behind digital twinning for the B-21.  What's a digital twin? It's a virtual model of a real-world object or system.  These simulations help the government, contractors, engineers,...

In this episode of Contracting Conversations, J im and Scott talk to Leeann Ori and Anne Renn to get a bird’s eye view of what it takes to support Air Combat Command. They discuss challenges they’ve faced in the remotely piloted aircraft maintenance program. Learn  why Leeann and Anne embrace conflict with multifunctional teams and worm  their way through a selection of motivat...

In this episode of Contracting Conversations, Jim and Scott explore bringing Government and Industry together with Amanda Thompson from JJR Solutions and Kameke Mitchell from Space Systems Command.  They discuss why every perspective is important and how they bridge the gap to solve many different types of problems. The simulation was to select a bridge contractor, conduct a debrief, and then...

In this episode of Contracting Conversations, Jim explores collaboration alongside Sarah Todd, Executive Director of Acquisition, Policy, and Legislation at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Sarah highlights the value of simulations in developing essential collaboration skills and shares key insights from the exercise. Discover why industry involvement is crucial for successful colla...

In this episode of Contracting Conversations, want to be a superstar instructor in your office?  Yes?  Well, we have a great episode for you - Jim and Scott chat with John Larson, a DAU instructor who trains the new professors at DAU.  John takes a brand new, off the street acquisition professional, gets them excited about teaching, provides them the tools of the trade and how...

In this episode of Contracting Conversations, Jim and Scott speak with Kurt Chelf, the Learning Asset Manager for CON 7810V, the virtual Commercial Acquisition Capstone Course.  You will learn about the course, to include the structure, the vision, who should take it, how you are assessed, and more. In this Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) course, participants will obtain a deep underst...

In this latest episode of Contracting Conversations, Scott and Jim talk with Chuck Brackenhoff, the Learning Asset Manager for ACQ 265, the Mission Focused Services Acquisition Course.  He discusses the layout of the course, through the Seven Step Services Acquisition Process, which includes a simulation that weaves through all seven parts.  This is a great course for all functionals to...

This is Contracting Conversation's 2nd Anniversary Podcast - NEXUS Edition!  All the way from Jacksonville, FL! This is Jim and Scott's Anniversary podcast from the NCMA NEXUS Conference in the Hyatt Regency Riverfront in Jacksonville, FL. A big shoutout to NCMA for the great support Michelle Currier and the team provided the Contracting Conversations crew. Contracting Conversations can't wai...

In this episode of Contracting Conversations, Scott and Jim have the pleasure of talking with Christina Jalbert, Learning Asset Manager for CON 7180, Price Negotiation Memorandum, On-Line-Training (OLT) Course.  Christina goes into a review on how the course is structured, who the course is targeted for, and how students are evaluated.  Be sure to check out our other Podcasts describing...