#578
Friday · 6 min
CO
Contracting Officer Podcast 2.0 (samples)
Kevin Jans, Paul Schauer, Contracting Officer, government Contracting, proposal management, proposal writing, targeting, contract administration, contract management, subcontracting
THE podcast for those who want to learn about the government market from the contracting officer's perspective. Kevin Jans and Paul Schauer, both former federal contracting officers, explain the rules, processes and the "why" behind government contracts. They know because they've done it.
- 119 episodes
- Avg 6 min
- English
Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.
- COThursday · 6 min
093 What is a Services Contract?
If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)This episode is brought to you by PROPRICER(TM), the #1 proposal pricing and cost analysis software used by federal agencies and small to large government contractors. Visit www.PROPRICER.com/podcast to learn more or request a demonstration of the NEW SERVICES CONTRACTOR EDITION. The SERVICES CONTRACTOR EDITION allows you to:•Manipulate rates•Set annual caps•Create annual work schedules•Ability to account for PTO and holidays, all while maintaining the accuracy of your rates throughout your cost proposal and much more!____________A service contract directly engages the time and effort of a contractor to perform an identifiable task rather than to furnish an end item of supply. This could be maintenance, repair, housekeeping and base services, advisory and assistance services…the list is endless. Kevin and Paul discuss the nature of service contracts and how they differ from contracts for commodities or systems. Learn why the color of money (Episode 019) drives the structure and administration of service contracts. You’ll also gain an understanding of how the law of supply and demand can have devastating impact on a service contract if either Government or Industry tries to ignore it!__________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.
- COThursday · 6 min
094 Contracting Officer Interview with Robert Crandell from DMEA
If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)This episode is brought to you by IB Supply. ibSupply.com is your one-stop source for timely delivery of best value products. As a preferred source of supply, and an award winning AbilityOne provider, ibSupply.com offers access to thousands of products with compliance filters for hassle-free procurement. With FREE shipping and next-day delivery options, ibSupply.com’s quality service is unmatched. Shop ibSupply.com today!____________In this episode we continue our series of interviews with Contracting Officers. Kevin interviews Robert Crandell, a Contracting Officer at the Defense MicroElectronics Activity. Rob share the story of how and why he became a Federal Government Contracting Officer, the mission of his interesting acquisition office, as well as his list of “things I wish industry knew about being a Contracting Officer”. Learn new acquisition and contract administration strategies and how Contracting Officers’ personal decisions are sometimes limited by regulations. (No, they’re not just trying to make it hard on Industry!)__________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.
- COThursday · 6 min
095 What is the 8a Program?
If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)This episode is brought to you by IB Supply. ibSupply.com is your one-stop source for timely delivery of best value products. As a preferred source of supply, and an award winning AbilityOne provider, ibSupply.com offers access to thousands of products with compliance filters for hassle-free procurement. With FREE shipping and next-day delivery options, ibSupply.com’s quality service is unmatched. Shop ibSupply.com today!____________Special guest Shelley Hall joins Paul for a tutorial on the 8(a) Business Development Program. The 8(a) Program is intended to help socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs gain access to the economic mainstream of American society. Learn the requirements that must be met to be certified as an 8(a) company and how the program helps to develop small disadvantaged businesses. You’ll also gain perspective on how the preference given to 8(a) companies can result in fast and easy contract awards and how large businesses can benefit from the 8(a) program. __________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.
- COThursday · 6 min
096 ENCORE - End of Fiscal Year
If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)This episode is brought to you by IB Supply. ibSupply.com is your one-stop source for timely delivery of best value products. As a preferred source of supply, and an award winning AbilityOne provider, ibSupply.com offers access to thousands of products with compliance filters for hassle-free procurement. With FREE shipping and next-day delivery options, ibSupply.com’s quality service is unmatched. Shop ibSupply.com today!___________The Government Fiscal Year (GFY is the common acronym) runs 1 October through 30 September. The last month of the GFY has the potential for great drama because Government funds have an expiration date. (check out Ep. 019 “Colors of Money” for more on that) Kevin and Paul talk through what happens in Government acquisition offices at the end of the fiscal year and offer some simple recommendations for both Government and Industry to help reduce the panic and stress that September often brings. __________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.
- COThursday · 6 min
097 Staffing is not Just Staffing
If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)This episode is brought to you by IB Supply. ibSupply.com is your one-stop source for timely delivery of best value products. As a preferred source of supply, and an award winning AbilityOne provider, ibSupply.com offers access to thousands of products with compliance filters for hassle-free procurement. With FREE shipping and next-day delivery options, ibSupply.com’s quality service is unmatched. Shop ibSupply.com today!____________Kevin and Paul discuss the variables that impact Industry’s ability to provide resources (meaning people) to meet the Government’s requirements. These issues impact both service contracts and development contracts - anywhere that contractors must hire employees. Learn how both the Government and Industry sometimes contribute to problems hiring and maintaining employees throughout the execution of a contract and tips for how to avoid these problems. As always, communication between Government and Industry is key to recognizing when staffing problems may be encountered during the acquisition and execution zones.__________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.
- COThursday · 6 min
098 What I Wish I Had Known with Matt Jeffery
If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)This episode is brought to you by IB Supply. ibSupply.com is your one-stop source for timely delivery of best value products. As a preferred source of supply, and an award winning AbilityOne provider, ibSupply.com offers access to thousands of products with compliance filters for hassle-free procurement. With FREE shipping and next-day delivery options, ibSupply.com’s quality service is unmatched. Shop ibSupply.com today!____________Continuing our interview series, Kevin talks to Matt Jeffery, a former Government Contracting Officer who now works as a Contracts Manager for Ball Aerospace. Matt shares incredible insight gleaned from his experience at multiple Government Agencies as well as his time with Industry.Learn why communication and building relationships between Government and Industry remain the most important aspects of every Government acquisition program. __________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.
- COThursday · 6 min
099 What is a Mid-Size business?
If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)This episode is brought to you by PROPRICER(TM), the #1 proposal pricing and cost analysis software used by federal agencies and small to large government contractors. Visit www.PROPRICER.com/podcast to learn more or request a demonstration of the NEW SERVICES CONTRACTOR EDITION. The SERVICES CONTRACTOR EDITION allows you to:Manipulate ratesSet annual capsCreate annual work schedulesAbility to account for PTO and holidays, all while maintaining the accuracy of your rates throughout your cost proposal and much more!____________FAR 2.101 defines small business. Everything else is a large business. Most companies, however, are not very small yet not really large. Kevin and Paul discuss the many shades of “large small” businesses and “small large” businesses. Learn some of the challenges that companies on the cusp face as they transition from small to large in the Government’s eyes. Find out how the Government can target different sized “large” businesses during the market research and RFP zones. You’ll also gain an appreciation of the compliance burdens that large businesses face in the Government market. __________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.
- COThursday · 6 min
100 What are Cost Incentives?
If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)This episode is brought to you by IB Supply. ibSupply.com is your one-stop source for timely delivery of best value products. As a preferred source of supply, and an award winning AbilityOne provider, ibSupply.com offers access to thousands of products with compliance filters for hassle-free procurement. With FREE shipping and next-day delivery options, ibSupply.com’s quality service is unmatched. Shop ibSupply.com today!____________FAR Part 16.401 describes incentive contracts. Incentives fall into 3 general categories: cost, performance, and schedule. Kevin and Paul discuss cost incentives (FAR 16.402-1) and provide an overview of how cost incentives are structured. Learn why profit is not necessarily the only motivator and how the law of unintended consequences can wreak havoc on any incentive contract.__________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.
- COThursday · 6 min
086 ENCORE - Subcontracting and Teaming
If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!) We’re here to help Government and Industry acquisition professionals understand more about how the other side thinks.Kevin and Paul discuss the balance that both industry and the Government must consider as they plan how best to meet a requirement. Industry must decide whether or not outside vendors, suppliers, or subcontractors will be needed to meet the requirements of a Government solicitation. The Government must consider whether a particular requirement can be met solely by small businesses. Open communication between Government and Industry can help find the sweet spot between building the most efficient team and meeting regulations for small business utilization. This is a holiday encore presentation of a popular early episode. Back next week with brand new episodes!———— If you need help with the Government market, join the Skyway Connection Community and get access to one-on-one insights, time-saving tools, and contract-centric training resources that will make sure you’re ready to take advantage of opportunities each time they knock.The Skyway Connection© Community was created specifically to help small companies expand their knowledge and capabilities, and to increase their competitive position in federal government acquisitions. - Learn more at: https://skywayacquisition.com/connectMembership benefits include: Access to Skyway Insight© Webinars Unlimited access to The RFP Score™ Access to Ask a Contracting Officer Forum™ Priority Access to Skyway Team for Skyway Insight, capture, proposal support __________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.
- COThursday · 6 min
088 What is an Acquisition Plan?
If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!) We’re here to help Government and Industry acquisition professionals understand more about how the other side thinks.What is an Acquisition Plan? The Government team is required to document their plan for acquiring goods and services. The plan can be simple for small, low dollar acquisitions but can grow to a massive document requiring high-level approvals for major system buys. Kevin and Paul discuss FAR 7.1 and provide an overview of acquisition plans. Learn why it is important for both sides to understand the plan and how improved communications can result in more successful program execution. ——— If you need help with the Government market, join the Skyway Connection Community and get access to one-on-one insights, time-saving tools, and contract-centric training resources that will make sure you’re ready to take advantage of opportunities each time they knock.The Skyway Connection© Community was created specifically to help small companies expand their knowledge and capabilities, and to increase their competitive position in federal government acquisitions. - Learn more at: https://skywayacquisition.com/connectMembership benefits include: Access to Skyway Insight© Webinars Unlimited access to The RFP Score™ Access to Ask a Contracting Officer Forum™ Priority Access to Skyway Team for Skyway Insight, capture, proposal support __________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.
- COThursday · 6 min
087 What is a Source Selection Evaluation Board (SSEB) Report?
If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!) We’re here to help Government and Industry acquisition professionals understand more about how the other side thinks.What is a Source Selection Evaluation Board (SSEB) Report? The Government evaluation team must document the results of their evaluation against the Request for Proposal’s (RFP) stated evaluation criteria. This documentation is often called the SSEB Report, which is presented to the Source Selection Authority (SSA) as the primary resource for the selection decision. Kevin and Paul discuss the FAR requirement for documentation of the evaluation decision and why it is important for the Government to justify their source selection decision and be prepared to share that justification with industry———— If you need help with the Government market, join the Skyway Connection Community and get access to one-on-one insights, time-saving tools, and contract-centric training resources that will make sure you’re ready to take advantage of opportunities each time they knock.The Skyway Connection© Community was created specifically to help small companies expand their knowledge and capabilities, and to increase their competitive position in federal government acquisitions. - Learn more at: https://skywayacquisition.com/connectMembership benefits include: Access to Skyway Insight© Webinars Unlimited access to The RFP Score™ Access to Ask a Contracting Officer Forum™ Priority Access to Skyway Team for Skyway Insight, capture, proposal support __________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.
- COThursday · 6 min
089 What is a Financial Responsibility Determination?
If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)This episode is brought to you by PROPRICER(TM), the #1 proposal pricing and cost analysis software used by federal agencies and small to large government contractors. Visit www.PROPRICER.com\podcast to learn more or request a demonstration. Government Contracting Officers are required to make a determination that a contractor is “responsible” before awarding a contract. Part of this determination requires a review of the contractor’s financial capability. (FAR 9.104(a)) Kevin and Paul discuss why it is important for Government Contracting Officers to carefully review their bidder’s financial capabilities (especially for small businesses) and be cognizant of when an acquisition strategy may encourage companies to bid above their weight class. (which introduces risk). Industry should also understand how the Government evaluates financial responsibility and how to be prepared to pass this test. __________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.
- COThursday · 6 min
090 Free Resources for Contractors
If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!) We’re here to help Government and Industry acquisition professionals understand more about how the other side thinks.As in any market, the Government contracting world is full of scams. We spend a lot of time on this podcast discussing how complicated doing business with the Federal Government can seem to beginners. We know that there are many upstanding consultants and companies that help new entrants to the Government market get started. (and some are free like the Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) and other Small Business Administration resources) There are also scam artists who misrepresent the complexity and costs and swindle aspiring Government contractors out of thousands of dollars.In this episode Paul sits down with special guest Shelley Hall to clarify that it does not cost ANYTHING to register to do business with the Federal Government. In addition, Paul and Shelley discuss a range of free resources available to Industry to simplify the process of registering and submitting a bid. You don’t have to pay to register in the System for Award Management (SAM)You don’t have to pay to get a Dun and Bradstreet No. (DUNS)You don’t have to pay to get a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) codeYou don’t have to pay to use Federal Business Opportunities (FBO)You don’t have to pay for a Taxpayer Information Number (TIN)You don’t have to pay to “get” a North American Industrial Classification System(NAICS) codeYou do not have to pay to get small business assistanceYou do not have to pay to get 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, or EDWOSB statusDON’T LET ANYONE TELL YOU OTHERWISE!———— If you need help with the Government market, become a Skyway Connection Community licensee and get access to one-on-one insights, time-saving tools, and contract-centric training resources that will make sure you’re ready to take advantage of opportunities each time they knock.The Skyway Connection© Community was created specifically to help small companies expand their knowledge and capabilities, and to increase their competitive position in federal government acquisitions. - Learn more at: https://skywayacquisition.com/connectMembership benefits include: Access to Skyway Insight© Webinars Unlimited access to The RFP Score™ Access to Ask a Contracting Officer Forum™ Priority Access to Skyway Team for Skyway Insight, capture, proposal support __________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.
- COThursday · 6 min
091 What is Full and Open Competition?
If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!) Full and Open competition is the Government’s way of saying that all companies can compete. Many competitions are set aside for small businesses only or have other restrictions on who can compete. Full and open competition gives any responsible company a chance to win. Kevin and Paul discuss why it is important for both Government and Industry to understand when and why full and open competition is appropriate. In addition, learn why the Government’s acquisition planning and Industry’s targeting and shaping activities should begin by addressing whether or not full and open competition is the most beneficial acquisition strategy. ———— If you need help with the Government market, become a Skyway Connection Community licensee and get access to one-on-one insights, time-saving tools, and contract-centric training resources that will make sure you’re ready to take advantage of opportunities each time they knock.The Skyway Connection© Community was created specifically to help small companies expand their knowledge and capabilities, and to increase their competitive position in federal government acquisitions. - Learn more at: https://skywayacquisition.com/connectMembership benefits include: Access to Skyway Insight© Webinars Unlimited access to The RFP Score™ Access to Ask a Contracting Officer Forum™ Priority Access to Skyway Team for Skyway Insight, capture, proposal support __________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.
- COThursday · 6 min
092 What is FAR Part 12
If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!) FAR Part 12 “Acquisition of Commercial Items” allows the Government to acquire commercial items using commercial procedures, or at least the Government’s version of commercial procedures. Kevin and Paul discuss the genesis of FAR Part 12 and share their experience acquiring everything from simple off-the-shelf goods to aircraft using FAR Part 12. You’ll learn what types of goods and services can be bought (and sold) using the acquisition policies contained in FAR Part 12. Learn how the Government’s policies and procedures are similar to the commercial marketplace and how they differ. FAR Part 12 can make the acquisition process faster and easier for both sides. Learn how the Government can reduce ‘paperwork” and entice new entrants to the Government market and how Industry can benefit from the use of FAR Part 12’s unique policies. ———— If you need help with the Government market, become a Skyway Connection Community licensee and get access to one-on-one insights, time-saving tools, and contract-centric training resources that will make sure you’re ready to take advantage of opportunities each time they knock.The Skyway Connection© Community was created specifically to help small companies expand their knowledge and capabilities, and to increase their competitive position in federal government acquisitions. - Learn more at: https://skywayacquisition.com/connectMembership benefits include: Access to Skyway Insight© Webinars Unlimited access to The RFP Score™ Access to Ask a Contracting Officer Forum™ Priority Access to Skyway Team for Skyway Insight, capture, proposal support __________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.
- COThursday · 6 min
072 ENCORE - Small Business Set-Asides
Listen and Learn…What is a small business set-aside? Why would the Government allow only small businesses to bid on some opportunities? In this ENCORE presentation, Kevin and Paul discuss the different types of small business set-asides and why they are important for both large and small businesses to understand. Learn how the Government can benefit from utilizing more small businesses and some of the pitfalls that can trip up a small business set-aside acquisition. Learn how small businesses can influence Government acquisition offices to set business aside for small businesses only and why large businesses should pay careful attention to business size standards for every acquisition. ___________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, but it’s 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.
- COThursday · 6 min
073 What is a Pre-Award Small Business Notice?
If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)A unique feature of small business set-aside source selections is the Contracting Officer is required to identify the “apparently successful offeror” to all offeror prior to award. This preaward notice invites the offeror to challenge the size status or small business status of the apparent winner if the offerors have concerns. Kevin and Paul discuss the requirements of FAR 15.503(a)(2), the value it provides the Government, and why Industry should be prepared to quickly respond to this preaward notice. (it’s more interesting than it seems…seriously) ———— If you need help with the Government market, join the Skyway Connection Community and get access to one-on-one insights, time-saving tools, and contract-centric training resources that will make sure you’re ready to take advantage of opportunities each time they knock.The Skyway Connection© Community was created specifically to help small companies expand their knowledge and capabilities, and to increase their competitive position in federal government acquisitions. - Learn more at: https://skywayacquisition.com/connectMembership benefits include: Access to Skyway Insight© Webinars Unlimited access to The RFP Score™ Access to Ask a Contracting Officer Forum™ Priority Access to Skyway Team for Skyway Insight, capture, proposal support __________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.
- COThursday · 6 min
074 What is FOIA?
If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)What is the Freedom of Information Act? (FOIA) The Freedom of Information Act is a law that gives you the right to access information from the federal government. It is often described as the law that keeps citizens in the know about their government. www.foia.govKevin and Paul discuss how FOIA works and what kind of information is exempt from release under the act. Learn how Government employees deal with FOIA requests and why these requests can impact the schedule of completely unrelated acquisitions. FOIA can also be used by Industry to gain competitive intelligence. FOIA is an important tool that allows citizens to better understand our Government and hold officials accountable for their actions. Unfortunately, it can also be used to sensationalize the mundane and otherwise waste taxpayer dollars. Use wisely! ———— If you need help with the Government market, join the Skyway Connection Community and get access to one-on-one insights, time-saving tools, and contract-centric training resources that will make sure you’re ready to take advantage of opportunities each time they knock.The Skyway Connection© Community was created specifically to help small companies expand their knowledge and capabilities, and to increase their competitive position in federal government acquisitions. - Learn more at: https://skywayacquisition.com/connectMembership benefits include: Access to Skyway Insight© Webinars Unlimited access to The RFP Score™ Access to Ask a Contracting Officer Forum™ Priority Access to Skyway Team for Skyway Insight, capture, proposal support __________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.
- COThursday · 6 min
075 What are Unallowable Costs?
This episode is brought to you by the Government Contract Pricing Summit, the groundbreaking pricing event bringing together government and industry!If you are planning to attend a conference this year, this is the event you should consider. The GCP Summit runs June 21st -23rd in San Diego. You’ll want to be there…For the first-class training and workshopsTo learn from top expertsMeet like-minded peersEarn CPE credits Plus you can participate in a special episode of the Contracting Officer Podcast recorded live from the GCP Summit.There is a special rate for CO Podcast listeners. Visit GCP Summit.com/podcast to find out about the savings and see the list of great speakers at the summit. This is a limited time offer so go check out GCP Summit.com/podcast today!_____________________What are Unallowable Costs? Just because a cost can be allocated to a contract doesn’t mean it can be billed directly to that contract. These costs are called “unallowable costs”.Kevin and Paul discuss the concept of unallowable costs and some examples from FAR Part 31.201. Learn why some costs are not billable on Government contracts and why it is important to set up your accounting system to properly segregate allowable from unallowable costs. ___________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, but it’s 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.Thanks again to our sponsor, The Government Contract Pricing Summit.