FPS Podcasts

In this episode, I have a great discussion with Aaron Jackson of the law firm Ward & Berry.  He shows a lot of excitement of the two topics we cover,  Economic Sanctions and Tariffs, which leads us into the recent SCOTUS decision on the Trump Administration's use of IEEPA as a tool to impose tariffs without congressional approval.  

By FAR -  the  most significant changes to streamlining Federal Procurement since FASA and FARA of the 1990s.   Paul Bailey of Capital Edge Consulting explains these changes and potential impact to the industry.   Signed into law in December 2025, the NDAA 2026 give sweeping changes that, to some analysts say, puts 90% of DIB entities in a position not to comply with as much regulatory burden.   C...

Cara Wulf a partner at McCarter & English joins me to discuss two FAR Parts impacting future government contract awards.  FAR 12 is all about commercial products and services while FAR 15 covers contract negotiations.  With the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul, the goal is to make it easier, transparent and efficient to do business with US Federal Agencies.  Understanding the changes in 12 and 15 an...

In this episode, Eric Crusius, a partner in the government contracting group  of Hunton, Andrews Kurth, LLP, discusses the latest changes and updates related to this historic FAR overhaul.  Though not yet full implemented, the traditional process of: proposed changes and updates a commentary period open to the public a revision period a release date an effective date of the rule Has been changed....

Winning Performing and Complying.  Three intertwined areas when your business enters into a contract with the federal government.  This is the government contract lifecycle in a nut shell.  It is the 3 legs of a stool and without one leg, the stool is broken.    In this episode we invite you to the FPS Win, Perform and Comply Roundtable in Arlington Virginia on March 18th.  In this half day aftern...

In this Episode, Sarah and I discuss the evolving gov con industry and how those changes impact the way we learn.   We also talk about how the industry leader in training is evolving with the industry and the needs of our customers. 

On September 10th, 2025 the "CMMC Final Rule" was published in CFR48. After about seven years of starts and stops, determining Level classifications, the number  of controls and compliance needed, CMMC certification is now set to be in certain DOD contracts starting November 10th.   Cost of compliance has varied greatly, but when dealing with FCI and CUI data, this certification will pro...

In this FPS Podcast, I sit down with Richard Meene, a Partner at CohnReznick. They are a dynamic consulting firm with a growing presence in the Government Contracts consulting space.  They also co-author an annual guide on trends in the industry called the GAUGE Report , which is available now.  Richard and I discuss the impact of FY25 on contractors and what we  may see in FY 26. It is both cauti...

In this FPS  episode, I sit down with CEO Terrance McGraw  of Cape Endeavors, Brandon Sessions of Gray Analytics and Andy Paul of Teramis.  These three work together to identify CUI, keep data safe and conduct assessments for companies to ensure CMMC compliance.     

FPS is going to be in Brussels on October 28th-30th to discuss US Federal Contracting.  More information can be found at : https://www.fedpubseminars.com/Compliance/Understanding-US-Federal-Government-Contracting-and-Subcontracting-Principles/

Since January 2025, over 12,000 grants have been terminated across all agencies.  The financial impact  of canceled grants to recipients is around $36 Billion.    Though the impact is severe, grant recipients may have some ability to recover costs and reduce the impact to their organization.  Join HKA and the law firm Haynes Boone as they discuss remedies to mitigate costs of a grant termination. 

In this episode, I talk with Paul Bailey of Capital Edge Consulting about Terminations for Convenience.   Within the past 60 days, it is estimated over 3000 federal government contracts have been terminated impacting contractors of all sizes.   However, contractors can recoup costs related to the termination and there is a specific process to follow.  

In this episode, I sit down with Peter Romness of ISI.  He explains how managed service providers work with government contractors to maintain compliance of their data and help safely guard data.   I titled this People, Process and Policy as Peter mentions how ISI partners with customers to manage data.  

In this episode, Seth Steinman and I talk about CMMC, CUI and email encryption.  Preveil is a leading provider to the contracting industry in helping keeping data safe through encryption.  They are a leading solution for CMMC, NIST 800-171 and even ITAR data by helping companies keep data secure.  

In this episode, I am joined by Matthew Saliman from the law firm Ward & Berry.  Matthew has been following all the developments impacting government contracting including the ever important Executive Orders signed by President Trump.  One signed on Feb 26th, 2025 is one that will make an impact to the contracting industry.   It allows for DOGE to initiate and recommend cost savings across all...

FPS is proud to be partnering with CohnReznick and Unanet to bring the 2025 GAUGE report.  This annual report benchmarks key indicators of the federal contracting sector.  This year, we are helping spread the word the survey is open.  To participate, use this link: https://www.research-ksr.com/wix/p419385548373.aspx?rt=1&vr=1&vc=1&st=21

In October 2024, the final CMMC rule was published in the CFR and will be in effect 60 days from the published date.  After many comments received, this final rule is making all contractors ask a lot of questions.  We already knew the three levels of CMMC, NIST Standards, FISMA and FedRAMP compliance, but the question is how will CMMC roll out and what is the cost of compliance?   Listen to what t...

In this FPS Podcast Episode, my guests are Britt Biles of Womble Bond Dickinson and Tom Reynolds of HKA and we discuss the CARES Act and how four years after it was enacted, the Federal Government continues to investigate fraud and misappropriations of funds related to it.   CARES Act was meant as an emergency fund for businesses and other entities to allow the continuity of daily business operati...

Welcome to FPS Podcast #61.   In this episode, I talk with Rex Marks about leadership skills.    Over the past few years, Rex and I have discussed putting together a learning program on leadership for the industry.  There is not a single opportunity that combines the uniqueness of the contracting industry with leadership development.  In early 2023 we set out to change that.  After months of brain...

In this FPS Episode, I have chat with Julie and Chris from our friends at Unanet during the FPS Tampa Weeklong.  Unanet is both a partner and a sponsor of FPS and they provide ERP solutions for federal contractors of all sizes.  Being around for three decades, they have developed quite a good reputation in the business and continue to keep pace with the ever-changing federal contracting market spa...

FPS recently completed a week-long series of courses in Tampa Florida in Mid-March.  I had the opportunity to speak with Tom Reynolds of the firm HKA to discuss the topic of False Claims in Federal Contracting.  This episode we discuss FCA and recent DOJ activity on False Claims including the $400+ Million settlement by a long time federal contractor.   Tom gives the audience some pointers on how...

FPS in conjunction with Unanet and CohnReznick proudly bring you information on the 2024 GAUGE Report.  This industry leading benchmark report has become a 'must read' and ' must participate' event .   In this podcast, I am joined by Christine from CohnReznick and Kim from Unanet to discuss the importance of this ever-important survey and discuss their favorite topics from past...

In this episode, I sit down with Katelyn Rigle, Small Business Outreach Coordinator, Defense Contract Audit Agency to learn more about DCAA's roles and responsibilities in the federal contracting life cycle.  She discusses all the different areas DCAA is involved in on behalf of the US Taxpayers to ensure contractors and the federal government are providing and receiving fair and reasonable p...