If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)

This week we welcome special guest Michael Derrios, currently the Senior Procurement Executive and Head of Contracting Activity for the United States Coast Guard. Mr. Derrios shares his insight on the challenges that Contracting Officers face due to their unique power to obligate the Government, as well as the scrutiny that power brings from both internal and external entities.

Listen and learn as Paul and Michael discuss the differences between personal and positional power and share their perspectives on the skills and qualities that are required to succeed as a Contracting Officer.

For more on this topic, check out his blog here: https://www.michaelderrios.com/post/the-power-of-the-pen.

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If you enjoy our podcast, we invite you to check out the Skyway Community at skywaymember.com. The Skyway Community is the essential resource for anyone at any stage of starting, growing and running a government contracting business. We speak GovCon.

Whether you are brand new to GovCon, just got your first contract, or you are already a successful government contractor, being a Skyway Community member will guide you to the next level.

With our extensive tools and training, exclusive member discounts on consulting support, and a supportive and active community of peers to help you along the way, the Skyway Community is the perfect place for anyone who is serious about winning more contracts.

Give us a call at 877-884-5280 or check us out at skywaymember.com.
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Kevin Jans and Paul Schauer created the Contracting Officer Podcast to help government and industry acquisition professionals understand more about how the other side thinks. As former government Contracting Officers who have also walked in industry’s shoes, Kevin and Paul share their perspectives in support of the podcast mission: Make government contracts better, one contract at a time.

Admittedly, the podcast’s name sounds very limiting. It is not just for contracting officers or even just for those in the contracting profession. Anyone with an interest in the Federal acquisition world can benefit from the insight and down-to-earth explanations of complicated topics provided by the hosts.

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)

Kevin and Paul discuss the SBIR program, a great way for small businesses to enter the government market or to grow their capabilities. It’s also an exciting way for the Government to streamline the acquisition process for innovative concepts. The Air Force has used “Pitch Days” to award SBIR contracts on the spot with their credit cards.

_________

If you enjoy our podcast, we invite you to check out the Skyway Community at skywaymember.com. The Skyway Community is the essential resource for anyone at any stage of starting, growing and running a government contracting business. We speak GovCon.

Whether you are brand new to GovCon, just got your first contract, or you are already a successful government contractor, being a Skyway Community member will guide you to the next level.

With our extensive tools and training, exclusive member discounts on consulting support, and a supportive and active community of peers to help you along the way, the Skyway Community is the perfect place for anyone who is serious about winning more contracts.

Give us a call at 877-884-5280 or check us out at skywaymember.com.
___________

Kevin Jans and Paul Schauer created the Contracting Officer Podcast to help government and industry acquisition professionals understand more about how the other side thinks. As former government Contracting Officers who have also walked in industry’s shoes, Kevin and Paul share their perspectives in support of the podcast mission: Make government contracts better, one contract at a time.

Admittedly, the podcast’s name sounds very limiting. It is not just for contracting officers or even just for those in the contracting profession. Anyone with an interest in the Federal acquisition world can benefit from the insight and down-to-earth explanations of complicated topics provided by the hosts.

Contract administration is like flossing your teeth. Best to do it on a regular basis. If you skip it for a while you may not notice any pain right away, but you can bet that there will be pain later. A little time and money spent now prevents major expenditures down the road.

Kevin and Paul discuss the kinds of pain you can largely avoid through regular “contract hygiene”.

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If you enjoy our podcast, we invite you to check out the Skyway Community at skywaymember.com. The Skyway Community is the essential resource for anyone at any stage of starting, growing and running a government contracting business. We speak GovCon.

Whether you are brand new to GovCon, just got your first contract, or you are already a successful government contractor, being a Skyway Community member will guide you to the next level.

With our extensive tools and training, exclusive member discounts on consulting support, and a supportive and active community of peers to help you along the way, the Skyway Community is the perfect place for anyone who is serious about winning more contracts.

Give us a call at 877-884-5280 or check us out at skywaymember.com.
___________

Kevin Jans and Paul Schauer created the Contracting Officer Podcast to help government and industry acquisition professionals understand more about how the other side thinks. As former government Contracting Officers who have also walked in industry’s shoes, Kevin and Paul share their perspectives in support of the podcast mission: Make government contracts better, one contract at a time.

Admittedly, the podcast’s name sounds very limiting. It is not just for contracting officers or even just for those in the contracting profession. Anyone with an interest in the Federal acquisition world can benefit from the insight and down-to-earth explanations of complicated topics provided by the hosts.

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)

What does a COTR do? What can a COR direct a contractor to do? What is outside the scope of their authority? In this special holiday encore episode you’ll learn the answers to these questions and more as Kevin and Paul discuss the role of Contracting Officer Technical Representatives (sometimes known as Contracting Officer Representatives). Gain new knowledge or refresh your understanding of why the Government appoints COTRs and CORs and why it is important for both Government and Industry to understand their responsibilities, authority, and limitations.

————

If you enjoy our podcast, we invite you to check out the Skyway Community at skywaymember.com. The Skyway Community is the essential resource for anyone at any stage of starting, growing and running a government contracting business. We speak GovCon.

Whether you are brand new to GovCon, just got your first contract, or you are already a successful government contractor, being a Skyway Community member will guide you to the next level.

With our extensive tools and training, exclusive member discounts on consulting support, and a supportive and active community of peers to help you along the way, the Skyway Community is the perfect place for anyone who is serious about winning more contracts.

Give us a call at 877-884-5280 or check us out at skywaymember.com.
___________

Kevin Jans and Paul Schauer created the Contracting Officer Podcast to help government and industry acquisition professionals understand more about how the other side thinks. As former government Contracting Officers who have also walked in industry’s shoes, Kevin and Paul share their perspectives in support of the podcast mission: Make government contracts better, one contract at a time.

Admittedly, the podcast’s name sounds very limiting. It is not just for contracting officers or even just for those in the contracting profession. Anyone with an interest in the Federal acquisition world can benefit from the insight and down-to-earth explanations of complicated topics provided by the hosts.

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)

In this holiday encore presentation of a foundational episode, Kevin and Paul explain the role of a Contracting Officer along with some detail on how they are appointed. You’ll also learn about the different types of contracting officers. (with some personal experience mixed in, of course)

This episode was originally released as episode #9, way back when the Contracting Officer Podcast was brand new and we were brand new podcasters. We hope you enjoy this holiday season and also enjoy hearing how far the podcast has come over the last 5 years thanks to your feedback. We never get tired of hearing from you. Send a note to hosts@contractingofficerpodcast.com with your comments, questions, or concerns. Thanks!

_________

If you enjoy our podcast, we invite you to check out the Skyway Community at skywaymember.com. The Skyway Community is the essential resource for anyone at any stage of starting, growing and running a government contracting business. We speak GovCon.

Whether you are brand new to GovCon, just got your first contract, or you are already a successful government contractor, being a Skyway Community member will guide you to the next level.

With our extensive tools and training, exclusive member discounts on consulting support, and a supportive and active community of peers to help you along the way, the Skyway Community is the perfect place for anyone who is serious about winning more contracts.

Give us a call at 877-884-5280 or check us out at skywaymember.com.
___________

Kevin Jans and Paul Schauer created the Contracting Officer Podcast to help government and industry acquisition professionals understand more about how the other side thinks. As former government Contracting Officers who have also walked in industry’s shoes, Kevin and Paul share their perspectives in support of the podcast mission: Make government contracts better, one contract at a time.

Admittedly, the podcast’s name sounds very limiting. It is not just for contracting officers or even just for those in the contracting profession. Anyone with an interest in the Federal acquisition world can benefit from the insight and down-to-earth explanations of complicated topics provided by the hosts.

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)

It’s a common human tendency. When things are going well, we become complacent to the reality of why they are going well and what risks could materialize if things stop going well.

Kevin and Paul discuss this tendency in the context of Government acquisition. What happens if the Government relies on the same acquisition strategy over and over “because it works”? Why should contractors focus on more than relationships to continue winning at an agency? Listen and learn the answers to these questions and more.

Ignorance is Bliss

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If you enjoy our podcast, we invite you to check out the Skyway Community at skywaymember.com. The Skyway Community is the essential resource for anyone at any stage of starting, growing and running a government contracting business. We speak GovCon.

Whether you are brand new to GovCon, just got your first contract, or you are already a successful government contractor, being a Skyway Community member will guide you to the next level.

With our extensive tools and training, exclusive member discounts on consulting support, and a supportive and active community of peers to help you along the way, the Skyway Community is the perfect place for anyone who is serious about winning more contracts.

Give us a call at 877-884-5280 or check us out at skywaymember.com.
___________

Kevin Jans and Paul Schauer created the Contracting Officer Podcast to help government and industry acquisition professionals understand more about how the other side thinks. As former government Contracting Officers who have also walked in industry’s shoes, Kevin and Paul share their perspectives in support of the podcast mission: Make government contracts better, one contract at a time.

Admittedly, the podcast’s name sounds very limiting. It is not just for contracting officers or even just for those in the contracting profession. Anyone with an interest in the Federal acquisition world can benefit from the insight and down-to-earth explanations of complicated topics provided by the hosts.

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)

What is the advantage of being in a HUBZone? (Historically Underutilized Business Zone) Kevin and Paul gave an overview of the HUBZone program in Episode 178. Today they dive deeper into this special niche for small businesses.

Listen and learn how FAR 19.1305 gives contracting officers the ability to set certain acquisitions aside exclusively for qualified HUBZone small businesses and in some circumstances even award on a sole source basis. You’ll also gain insight into why just being a HUBZone small business concern isn’t enough to gain the Government’s interest.

_________

If you enjoy our podcast, we invite you to check out the Skyway Community at skywaymember.com. The Skyway Community is the essential resource for anyone at any stage of starting, growing and running a government contracting business. We speak GovCon.

Whether you are brand new to GovCon, just got your first contract, or you are already a successful government contractor, being a Skyway Community member will guide you to the next level.

With our extensive tools and training, exclusive member discounts on consulting support, and a supportive and active community of peers to help you along the way, the Skyway Community is the perfect place for anyone who is serious about winning more contracts.

Give us a call at 877-884-5280 or check us out at skywaymember.com.
___________

Kevin Jans and Paul Schauer created the Contracting Officer Podcast to help government and industry acquisition professionals understand more about how the other side thinks. As former government Contracting Officers who have also walked in industry’s shoes, Kevin and Paul share their perspectives in support of the podcast mission: Make government contracts better, one contract at a time.

Admittedly, the podcast’s name sounds very limiting. It is not just for contracting officers or even just for those in the contracting profession. Anyone with an interest in the Federal acquisition world can benefit from the insight and down-to-earth explanations of complicated topics provided by the hosts.

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)

Use past performance to your advantage? When you read that, did you think of how Government contractors can use past performance? Or how Government Contracting Officers and acquisition teams can use past performance? Maybe because it is a required source selection evaluation factor, past performance is often given the least importance and doesn’t really impact many award decisions.

Kevin and Paul discuss why past performance almost always matters, regardless of acquisition strategy. Learn how both Government and industry can tap the power of past performance for better acquisition outcomes. (otherwise known as “making Government contracts better, one contract at a time!”)

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If you enjoy our podcast, we invite you to check out the Skyway Community at skywaymember.com. The Skyway Community is the essential resource for anyone at any stage of starting, growing and running a government contracting business. We speak GovCon.

Whether you are brand new to GovCon, just got your first contract, or you are already a successful government contractor, being a Skyway Community member will guide you to the next level.

With our extensive tools and training, exclusive member discounts on consulting support, and a supportive and active community of peers to help you along the way, the Skyway Community is the perfect place for anyone who is serious about winning more contracts.

Give us a call at 877-884-5280 or check us out at skywaymember.com.
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Kevin Jans and Paul Schauer created the Contracting Officer Podcast to help government and industry acquisition professionals understand more about how the other side thinks. As former government Contracting Officers who have also walked in industry’s shoes, Kevin and Paul share their perspectives in support of the podcast mission: Make government contracts better, one contract at a time.

Admittedly, the podcast’s name sounds very limiting. It is not just for contracting officers or even just for those in the contracting profession. Anyone with an interest in the Federal acquisition world can benefit from the insight and down-to-earth explanations of complicated topics provided by the hosts

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)

This is a special holiday encore presentation of a previously released podcast.

Kevin and Paul discuss the power of succinct writing set up by a quote from Mark Twain, “If I had more time, I would have written a shorter letter”. Government Requests for Proposals and the proposals submitted in response are well known for “dense” content. Learn tips on how to purge your writing of unnecessary content that obscures the intended message and how this can help both Government and Industry save time and money.

…yes…we know…Twain wasn’t the first. The earliest recorded use of the concept “If I Had More Time, I Would Have Written a Shorter Letter” comes from French mathematician and philosopher Blaise Pascal’s work “Lettres Provinciales” in 1657. It has been attributed to many others since.
__________

If you enjoy our podcast, we invite you to check out the Skyway Community at skywaymember.com. The Skyway Community is the essential resource for anyone at any stage of starting, growing and running a government contracting business. We speak GovCon.

Whether you are brand new to GovCon, just got your first contract, or you are already a successful government contractor, being a Skyway Community member will guide you to the next level.

With our extensive tools and training, exclusive member discounts on consulting support, and a supportive and active community of peers to help you along the way, the Skyway Community is the perfect place for anyone who is serious about winning more contracts.

Give us a call at 877-884-5280 or check us out at skywaymember.com.
___________

Kevin Jans and Paul Schauer created the Contracting Officer Podcast to help government and industry acquisition professionals understand more about how the other side thinks. As former government Contracting Officers who have also walked in industry’s shoes, Kevin and Paul share their perspectives in support of the podcast mission: Make government contracts better, one contract at a time.

Admittedly, the podcast’s name sounds very limiting. It is not just for contracting officers or even just for those in the contracting profession. Anyone with an interest in the Federal acquisition world can benefit from the insight and down-to-earth explanations of complicated topics provided by the hosts.

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)

Subcontracting in the Government world can be a complicated process. We’ve talked about small business goals and set-asides among many other subcontracting topics. Today we tackle second-tier subcontractors.

What is a second-tier sub? How can they be viewed differently on services contracts vs. product or solution contracts? Why would the Government limit second-tier subs? Why would industry use a second-tier sub?

Listen and learn the answers to these questions and more.

_________

If you enjoy our podcast, we invite you to check out the Skyway Community at skywaymember.com. The Skyway Community is the essential resource for anyone at any stage of starting, growing and running a government contracting business. We speak GovCon.

Whether you are brand new to GovCon, just got your first contract, or you are already a successful government contractor, being a Skyway Community member will guide you to the next level.

With our extensive tools and training, exclusive member discounts on consulting support, and a supportive and active community of peers to help you along the way, the Skyway Community is the perfect place for anyone who is serious about winning more contracts.

Give us a call at 877-884-5280 or check us out at skywaymember.com.
___________

Kevin Jans and Paul Schauer created the Contracting Officer Podcast to help government and industry acquisition professionals understand more about how the other side thinks. As former government Contracting Officers who have also walked in industry’s shoes, Kevin and Paul share their perspectives in support of the podcast mission: Make government contracts better, one contract at a time.

Admittedly, the podcast’s name sounds very limiting. It is not just for contracting officers or even just for those in the contracting profession. Anyone with an interest in the Federal acquisition world can benefit from the insight and down-to-earth explanations of complicated topics provided by the hosts.

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)

We talked about colors of money way back in Episode 19, including the limitations that are attached to each color regarding purpose and availability. Today Kevin and Paul take a different route and discuss the stages that Government money travels through regardless of color.

Listen and learn the nuances of terms like committed, obligated, expired, and cancelled…and how they impact the acquisition and contract execution process.
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If you enjoy this podcast, we invite you to check out the Skyway Community at skywaymember.com. The Skyway Community is the essential resource for anyone at any stage of starting, growing and running a government contracting business. We speak GovCon.

Whether you are brand new to GovCon, just got your first contract, or you are already a successful government contractor, being a Skyway Community member will guide you to the next level.

With our extensive tools and training, exclusive member discounts on consulting support, and a supportive and active community of peers to help you along the way, the Skyway Community is the perfect place for anyone who is serious about winning more contracts.

Give us a call at 877-884-5280 or check us out at skywaymember.com.
___________

Kevin Jans and Paul Schauer created the Contracting Officer Podcast to help government and industry acquisition professionals understand more about how the other side thinks. As former government Contracting Officers who have also walked in industry’s shoes, Kevin and Paul share their perspectives in support of the podcast mission: Make government contracts better, one contract at a time.

Admittedly, the podcast’s name sounds very limiting. It is not just for contracting officers or even just for those in the contracting profession. Anyone with an interest in the Federal acquisition world can benefit from the insight and down-to-earth explanations of complicated topics provided by the hosts

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)

Can the Government negotiate with an individual offeror after the selection process has begun but before awarding a contract? You may be surprised to learn that the answer is yes!

Kevin and Paul discuss a source selection technique called “select to negotiate”. This process is allowable during task order competitions on multiple award IDIQs.

Learn why contractors fear this source selection strategy and how Government acquisition offices can use it to create a positive outcome for all.
_________

If you enjoy our podcast, we invite you to check out the Skyway Community at skywaymember.com. The Skyway Community is the essential resource for anyone at any stage of starting, growing and running a government contracting business. We speak GovCon.

Whether you are brand new to GovCon, just got your first contract, or you are already a successful government contractor, being a Skyway Community member will guide you to the next level.

With our extensive tools and training, exclusive member discounts on consulting support, and a supportive and active community of peers to help you along the way, the Skyway Community is the perfect place for anyone who is serious about winning more contracts.

Give us a call at 877-884-5280 or check us out at skywaymember.com.
___________

Kevin Jans and Paul Schauer created the Contracting Officer Podcast to help government and industry acquisition professionals understand more about how the other side thinks. As former government Contracting Officers who have also walked in industry’s shoes, Kevin and Paul share their perspectives in support of the podcast mission: Make government contracts better, one contract at a time.

Admittedly, the podcast’s name sounds very limiting. It is not just for contracting officers or even just for those in the contracting profession. Anyone with an interest in the Federal acquisition world can benefit from the insight and down-to-earth explanations of complicated topics provided by the hosts.

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)

Past performance is always an important factor in Government award decisions, but just having past performance isn’t enough.

Kevin and Paul dive into past performance once again, this time to clarify that the real value of past performance is how you apply it to the job at hand.
_________

If you enjoy our podcast, we invite you to check out the Skyway Community at skywaymember.com. The Skyway Community is the essential resource for anyone at any stage of starting, growing and running a government contracting business. We speak GovCon.

Whether you are brand new to GovCon, just got your first contract, or you are a successful government contractor, being a Skyway Community member will guide you to the next level.

With our extensive tools and training, exclusive member discounts on consulting support, and a supportive and active community of peers to help you along the way, the Skyway Community is the perfect place for anyone who is serious about winning more contracts.

Give us a call at 877-884-5280 or check us out at skywaymember.com.
___________

Kevin Jans and Paul Schauer created the Contracting Officer Podcast to help government and industry acquisition professionals understand more about how the other side thinks. As former government Contracting Officers who have also walked in industry’s shoes, Kevin and Paul share their perspectives in support of the podcast mission: Make government contracts better, one contract at a time.

Admittedly, the podcast’s name sounds very limiting. It is not just for contracting officers or even just for those in the contracting profession. Anyone with an interest in the Federal acquisition world can benefit from the insight and down-to-earth explanations of complicated topics provided by the hosts.

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)

Kevin and Paul discuss the impact of scale on government contracts. Learn how contract size and scope can impact small and large businesses as well as government acquisition and program offices.
_________

If you enjoy our podcast, we invite you to check out the Skyway Community at skywaymember.com. The Skyway Community is the essential resource for anyone at any stage of starting, growing and running a government contracting business. We speak GovCon.

Whether you are brand new to GovCon, just got your first contract, or you are a successful government contractor, being a Skyway Community member will guide you to the next level.

With our extensive tools and training, exclusive member discounts on consulting support, and a supportive and active community of peers to help you along the way, the Skyway Community is the perfect place for anyone who is serious about winning more contracts.

Give us a call at 877-884-5280 or check us out at skywaymember.com.
___________

Kevin Jans and Paul Schauer created the Contracting Officer Podcast to help government and industry acquisition professionals understand more about how the other side thinks. As former government Contracting Officers who have also walked in industry’s shoes, Kevin and Paul share their perspectives in support of the podcast mission: Make government contracts better, one contract at a time.

Admittedly, the podcast’s name sounds very limiting. It is not just for contracting officers or even just for those in the contracting profession. Anyone with an interest in the Federal acquisition world can benefit from the insight and down-to-earth explanations of complicated topics provided by the hosts.

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)

Kevin and Paul expand on a blog written by Michael Derrios (Head of Contracting/Senior Procurement Executive at U.S. Coast Guard) about ghosting – the practice of withdrawing from communication without explanation. The power of open communication is a regular topic on this podcast. This week focuses on the value created when the government releases a Request for Information (RFI) and provides specific feedback on industry responses.

__________

If you enjoy our podcast, we invite you to check out the Skyway Community at skywaymember.com. The Skyway Community is the essential resource for anyone at any stage of starting, growing and running a government contracting business. We speak GovCon.

Whether you are brand new to GovCon, just got your first contract, or you are a successful government contractor, being a Skyway Community member will guide you to the next level.

With our extensive tools and training, exclusive member discounts on consulting support, and a supportive and active community of peers to help you along the way, the Skyway Community is the perfect place for anyone who is serious about being a government contractor.

Give us a call at 877-884-5280 or check us out at skywaymember.com.
___________

Kevin Jans and Paul Schauer created the Contracting Officer Podcast to help government and industry acquisition professionals understand more about how the other side thinks. As former government Contracting Officers who have also walked in industry’s shoes, Kevin and Paul share their perspectives in support of the podcast mission: Make government contracts better, one contract at a time.

Admittedly, the podcast’s name sounds very limiting. It is not just for contracting officers or even just for those in the contracting profession. Anyone with an interest in the Federal acquisition world can benefit from the insight and down-to-earth explanations of complicated topics provided by the hosts.

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)

Paul welcomes special guest Larry Leffler of Leffler Consulting (https://www.lefflerconsulting.com) to discuss the federal budget process. Listen and learn:

When does the budgeting process start?
Who is involved in the budgeting process?
How does a program budget request feed the system to result in funds being appropriated and authorized?
How do agencies/offices/programs prioritize the budget that is allowed to them?
What happens if a program doesn’t start on time?
What happens if their is a program overrun? (or underrun?)
How does the way a budget request is structured and worded impact the program’s flexibility in spending these dollars?

__________

If you enjoy our podcast, we invite you to check out the Skyway Community at skywaymember.com. The Skyway Community is the essential resource for anyone at any stage of starting, growing and running a government contracting business. We speak GovCon.

Whether you are brand new to GovCon, just got your first contract, or you are a successful government contractor, being a Skyway Community member will guide you to the next level.

With our extensive tools and training, exclusive member discounts on consulting support, and a supportive and active community of peers to help you along the way, the Skyway Community is the perfect place for anyone who is serious about being a government contractor.

Give us a call at 877-884-5280 or check us out at skywaymember.com.
___________

Kevin Jans and Paul Schauer created the Contracting Officer Podcast to help government and industry acquisition professionals understand more about how the other side thinks. As former government Contracting Officers who have also walked in industry’s shoes, Kevin and Paul share their perspectives in support of the podcast mission: Make government contracts better, one contract at a time.

Admittedly, the podcast’s name sounds very limiting. It is not just for contracting officers or even just for those in the contracting profession. Anyone with an interest in the Federal acquisition world can benefit from the insight and down-to-earth explanations of complicated topics provided by the hosts.

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)

Can a contractor evaluate your proposal? Tricky question. Kevin and Paul explain how this common practice can lead to organizational conflict of interest issues, what happens if OCI isn’t addressed, and why the government needs contractors to participate in the evaluation process.

__________

If you enjoy our podcast, we invite you to check out the Skyway Community at skywaymember.com. The Skyway Community is the essential resource for anyone at any stage of starting, growing and running a government contracting business. We speak GovCon.

Whether you are brand new to GovCon, just got your first contract, or you are a successful government contractor, being a Skyway Community member will guide you to the next level.

With our extensive tools and training, exclusive member discounts on consulting support, and a supportive and active community of peers to help you along the way, the Skyway Community is the perfect place for anyone who is serious about being a government contractor.

Give us a call at 877-884-5280 or check us out at skywaymember.com.
___________

Kevin Jans and Paul Schauer created the Contracting Officer Podcast to help government and industry acquisition professionals understand more about how the other side thinks. As former government Contracting Officers who have also walked in industry’s shoes, Kevin and Paul share their perspectives in support of the podcast mission: Make government contracts better, one contract at a time.

Admittedly, the podcast’s name sounds very limiting. It is not just for contracting officers or even just for those in the contracting profession. Anyone with an interest in the Federal acquisition world can benefit from the insight and down-to-earth explanations of complicated topics provided by the hosts.

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)

What is an ACRN? Yes, another confusing Government acquisition term. ACRN is an acronym for Accounting Classification Reference Number.

Kevin and Paul explain how ACRNs are used and why both Government and Industry need to pay attention to ACRNs in order to keep the contracting (and billing) process moving along efficiently.

__________

If you enjoy our podcast, we invite you to check out the Skyway Community at skywaymember.com. The Skyway Community is the essential resource for anyone at any stage of starting, growing and running a government contracting business. We speak GovCon.

Whether you are brand new to GovCon, just got your first contract, or you are a successful government contractor, being a Skyway Community member will guide you to the next level.

With our extensive tools and training, exclusive member discounts on consulting support, and a supportive and active community of peers to help you along the way, the Skyway Community is the perfect place for anyone who is serious about being a government contractor.

Give us a call at 877-884-5280 or check us out at skywaymember.com.
___________

Kevin Jans and Paul Schauer created the Contracting Officer Podcast to help government and industry acquisition professionals understand more about how the other side thinks. As former government Contracting Officers who have also walked in industry’s shoes, Kevin and Paul share their perspectives in support of the podcast mission: Make government contracts better, one contract at a time.

Admittedly, the podcast’s name sounds very limiting. It is not just for contracting officers or even just for those in the contracting profession. Anyone with an interest in the Federal acquisition world can benefit from the insight and down-to-earth explanations of complicated topics provided by the hosts.

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)

Kevin and Paul torture yet another metaphor, this time using storm surge to discuss the wave upon wave of contracting activities that tend to stack up at the end of the government fiscal year.  

Learn why the surge can happen and strategies for both industry and government professionals to deal with it.   

__________

If you enjoy our podcast, we invite you to check out the Skyway Community at skywaymember.com. The Skyway Community is the essential resource for anyone at any stage of starting, growing and running a business with government contracts. We speak GovCon.

Whether you’re brand new to GovCon, just got your first contract, or you are already a successful government contractor becoming a Skyway Community member will guide you to the next level.

With our extensive course library, monthly training, exclusive member discounts, access to tools and supportive and active peers to help you along the way, the Skyway Community is the perfect place for anyone looking to thrive as a government contractor.

Give us a call at 877-884-5280 or check us out at skywaymember.com. 

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Kevin Jans and Paul Schauer created the Contracting Officer Podcast to help Government and Industry acquisition professionals understand more about how the other side thinks.  Admittedly, the podcast’s name sounds very limiting.  It is not just for contracting officers or even just for those in the contracting profession.  Anyone with an interest in the Federal acquisition world can benefit from the insight and down-to-earth explanations of complicated topics provided by the hosts

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)

Paul welcomes USAF Major Dan Finkenstadt to the podcast to discuss knowledge-based services. (KBS) Dan has had a long career in the acquisition world and is currently at UNC Chapel Hill working on his PhD.  His research is focused on measuring perceptions of quality and value in knowledge-based services in an effort to improve how the government buys and monitors those services.  

Learn about the challenges involved in acquiring KBS and how focusing on the three Rs (Recruiting, Retention, and Replacement) is a promising way to improve acquisition and execution outcomes.   

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If you enjoy our podcast, we invite you to check out the Skyway Community at skywaymember.com. The Skyway Community is the essential resource for anyone at any stage of starting, growing and running a business with government contracts. We speak GovCon.

Whether you’re brand new to GovCon, just got your first contract, or you are already a successful government contractor becoming a Skyway Community member will guide you to the next level.

With our extensive course library, monthly training, exclusive member discounts, access to tools and supportive and active peers to help you along the way, the Skyway Community is the perfect place for anyone looking to thrive as a government contractor.

Give us a call at 877-884-5280 or check us out at skywaymember.com. 

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Kevin Jans and Paul Schauer created the Contracting Officer Podcast to help Government and Industry acquisition professionals understand more about how the other side thinks.  Admittedly, the podcast’s name sounds very limiting.  It is not just for contracting officers or even just for those in the contracting profession.  Anyone with an interest in the Federal acquisition world can benefit from the insight and down-to-earth explanations of complicated topics provided by the hosts.