FAR & DFARS: Procurement Power

DFARS Cyber Flowdowns and CMMC Assessment Rules

This episode breaks down Class Deviation 2026-O0025 and its impact on DFARS cybersecurity flowdowns, subcontractor obligations, and incident reporting across the defense supply chain. It also covers CMMC assessment non-duplication rules and the government

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DFARS Renumbering and the End of Self-Attestation

Defense contractors are facing a major DFARS renumbering that turns old cybersecurity citations into a compliance hazard, especially when primes accidentally flow down retired clauses to subcontractors. The episode also breaks down how the new rule shifts

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DoD Class Deviation Ends Self-Attestation

This episode breaks down the end of contractor self-attestation under the 2026 DoD class deviation, explaining how government-led assessments now replace SPRS-based assumptions. It also tackles the subcontracting fallout, showing why primes must verify da

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NIST 800-171 Rev 3: Why DoD Is Pausing the Shift

The DoD’s class deviation keeps contractors on Rev 2 for now, but the episode explains why Rev 3 is still looming and how its Organization-Defined Parameters will reshape compliance. It also breaks down the parallel timelines for DFARS and CMMC Level 2, p

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SBIR Data Rights, CUI, and the 20-Year Defense IP Shift

Eric Marquette and Paul Netopski break down the new 20-year SBIR/STTR data protection period under DFARS, including the move to perpetual Government Purpose Rights after expiration. They also unpack the compliance realities of CUI, ITAR, NIST SP 800-171,

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DFARS Part 240: What the Cybersecurity Overhaul Means

This episode breaks down the February 1, 2026 class deviation that creates DFARS Part 240, consolidating legacy cybersecurity and supply chain rules into a new structure without rewriting most contractor obligations. The hosts walk through key clause tran

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How the Acquisition Knowledge Matrix Speeds Up Defense Contracting

Explore how a structured repository of acquisition artifacts, memos, guides, and case studies can help contractors find relevant references faster and reduce time spent searching across scattered files. The discussion covers practical uses for proposal wr

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Navigating DFARS Cybersecurity After the FAR Part 40 Overhaul

This episode of FAR & DFARS: Procurement Power breaks down the 2026 DoD class deviation 2026-O0025 that implements the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul for Part 40 and creates the new DFARS Part 240 for Information Security and Supply Chain Security. Hosts Paul

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Demystifying the Federal Rulemaking Process

This episode takes listeners through the federal rulemaking process, breaking it down into three essential stages: Initiation, Notice & Comment, and Finalization. We examine what can speed up or delay each phase, and spotlight where public input influence

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Navigating Contract Management Resources

Eric and Paul explore leading resources for aspiring and experienced contract managers. From professional associations to certification paths and practical learning opportunities, this episode helps listeners tap into the tools needed for success in contr

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Navigating Contract Flow Downs: Best Practices and Resources

Eric and Paul break down contract flow downs—covering what they are, why they're critical for primes and subs, and how to approach both mandatory and non-mandatory clauses. They share targeted best practices from CohnReznick and key resources, with action

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Navigating FAR Part 40 and Supply Chain Security

Join Eric Marquette and Paul Netopski as they break down the newly established FAR Part 40, explore supply chain and data security regulations, and discuss their impact on federal contractors. Learn how consolidating regulations impacts compliance, enhanc

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Is Federal Government Contracting Worth It for Small Businesses

This episode provides a practical look at the opportunities and challenges small businesses face when entering federal government contracting. We'll share advice, highlight pros and cons, and discuss real-world pitfalls and success stories based on Small

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Choosing the Right Procurement Path

Eric Marquette and Paul Netopski break down the major federal contract types, discussing their characteristics, when to select each, and how they impact procurement speed and complexity. The hosts also explore how FAR and DFARS requirements shape the proc

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Decoding Government Shutdowns

Eric and Paul examine how government shutdowns happen, agency preparations, furlough procedures, employee impacts, and the legislative framework behind federal shutdowns. Listen in as they unpack the chronology, federal protocols, and both operational and

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Supply Chain Risk in Federal Acquisition

Dive into the complexities of supply chain risks in federal procurement. We examine how these vulnerabilities are identified, mitigated, and managed through pivotal FAR and DFARS clauses. Join Eric, Ruby, and Paul as they clarify the evolving landscape of

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Breaking Into Federal Government Contracts

Explore how to become a supplier or service provider for the Federal Government, including essential requirements, the major benefits of government contracting, and practical paths to team up or partner on contracts. Drawing from official resources and ex

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COTS vs Commercial Items

This episode explores the critical differences between Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) products and Commercial Items for federal procurement. Join our hosts as they clarify definitions, share applicable FAR and DFARS clauses, and illustrate real-world exa

Rethinking Supplier Assessment with the Supplier Performance Risk System

This episode unpacks the Department of Defense’s Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS), exploring how it blends diverse risk metrics—far beyond cost and cybersecurity scores—to drive procurement decisions. The hosts delve into the technical algorithms,

The Power of Precedence in Federal Contracts

This episode unpacks the critical role of the order of precedence clause in the FAR, revealing why it matters for federal contracting professionals negotiating with prime and sub-contractors. Through practical scenarios, the hosts explore how understandin