In this episode Eric sits down with Chris Griesedieck Jr. (GovCon counsel, Venable LLP) to unpack today's FAR Part 19 overhaul: the Rule of Two survives but is discretionary at the task-order level, size re-representation at the task-order level is removed, and 8(a) changes aim to boost post-graduation success. They also break down the CMMC rollout—starting November 10, DoD solicitations will begin requiring Level 1/2 self-assessments, many Level 2 efforts will need third-party certification, and POA&Ms can enable conditional awards (up to 180 days to cure).

Chris shares a practical playbook for REAs and terminations—why recoveries differ under FAR Part 12 (commercial) vs Part 49 (non-commercial), what pre/post-termination and settlement costs are compensable, and why lost profits are almost never in scope absent bad faith. They cover agencies trying to insert new clauses via mods/options (when to insist on consideration or equitable adjustments), upticks in M&A/novations and inter-company work (profit limits with affiliates), and the shifting bid-protest landscape (tougher GAO pleading standards; higher DoD task-order thresholds).

Key Takeaways:

• FAR Part 19—what changed today: Rule of Two saved; discretionary at task-orders; size re-rep at task-order level removed; 8(a) tweaks aim at post-graduation success.

• CMMC timeline & stakes: Starting Nov 10, new DoD RFPs will call for Level 1/2 self-assessments; many Level 2 contracts will need 3rd-party certification; conditional awards require an approved POA&M within 180 days.

• Protect your margin under stress: Use the right REA path (Part 12 vs. Part 49), recover allowable pre-/post-termination costs, and demand consideration/equitable adjustments when agencies add clauses or condition options; track tighter GAO protest standards and higher DoD task-order thresholds.

Learn more: https://federalhelpcenter.com/ https://govcongiants.org/ 

Chris' Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-griesedieck-jr-4226b544

Website: https://www.venable.com/