Federal Publications Seminars Podcasts

In episode 47, I talk with Eugene Pickarz, a retired contracting officer and instructor for FPS about his new course on Statements of Work.  Listen as he explains the development of the SOW, the parties involved and the importance for both the contractor and the federal procurement professional.   

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 brainstorming, ideation and interviews, we felt we had a winning formula.  FPS Leadership Institute for Government ContractorsIn early 2024 we launched our five of six session on leadership through FPS.  This program was carefully designed based on key elements of leadership and the idea that everyone has leadership traits - you just need to find the opportunity to showcase your abilities.  Listen to this podcast and go to the FPS Website and under "Certificates" look for "Leadership" and you will find the program.  It's five online, self-paced sessions with five modules.  Each module should take you no more than 30-40 minutes to complete.  Session Six is the capstone session on Problem Solving.  This will be completed by students in the classroom or virtually in July and September 2024.  (More dates to come in 2025!)Go go https://bit.ly/FPSLeadership for more information!

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 to best to protect against FCA allegations.  For more information on training and federal contracting best practices, go to www.fedpubseminars.com 

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 GAUGE reports.  If you are a federal government contractor, we would like you to participate.  The link is below:  https://www.researchbyksr.com/wix/2/p901187329802.aspx?vr=1&st=24  But hurry, the survey closes on April 15, 2024!  Results will be available this fall!For more information on the GAUGE Report, go to www.gauge.cohnreznick.com

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 prices for the goods and services purchased by the various defense agencies in order to support the mission of the defense department.     

In this Podcast, we talk with Susan Manning from Credly to explain the benefits of digital badging.  Recently, FPS adopted digital badging using Credly to enhance the customer's experience and provide a way to highlight the accomplishments of hard work and continuing education in the world of Federal Contracting.  FPS is proud to offer digital badging and it is free to anyone taking our courses.  Find out more about digital badging and why FPS brought it to the industry!

In this episode, I have an opportunity to interview Jeff White and Randy Shelby of JA White & Associates while at the FPS Las Vegas week long conference in September 2023.  We discuss a number of things including Randy's background at DCMA and the importance of documentation 

In this Podcast, we talk with Christine Williamson of CohnReznick and Kim Koster of Unanet about the 2023 GAUGE Report.  This report has been benchmarking the federal contracting industry and every year a new update to the report is released.  This year Christine and Kim want your participation. In this podcast they briefly talk about previous years' findings and how to participate for 2023.  To participate, go to:  www.unanet.com/gaugesurvey

In FPS Podcast #50, we discuss with Jeff White of JA White and Associates the challenges and solutions subcontractors have with price analysis.

In Episode #46, I talk with John Hindman of RSM as we discuss EPA's - known as Economic Price Adjustments (EPAs).   Recently, this has surfaced has a hot topic in the federal government contracting community as inflationary pressure has increased prices for energy and supplies creating situations where costs of finished goods have skyrocketed.  The government is keenly aware of the challenges to contractors in controlling prices while still delivering under the contract terms. Some contracts have had a EPA clause in the contract while others have not.  John discusses the key elements of EPAs including the difference between EPA and an Equitable Price Adjustment.   

In Episode #45, we speak with Nathan Castellano from Jenner & Block about a very important topic to contractors who enter into agreements with the Federal Government.   In May 2022 issue of "Briefing Papers" Published by Thomson Reuters, Nathan discusses in length Exemption 4 where in 2019 the Supreme Court decided a case in Food Marketing Institute v. Argus Leader Media on that topic.   In FPS Podcast Episode #45, Nathan walks listeners through the importance of Exemption 4 and what contractors should do to protect against the release of commercial confidential information .  

In Episode #44 - We talk with Mike LaCorte of HKA about records retention.   The FAR has specific requirements for contractors on how long contractors need to keep records related to the contract.  Similar to publicly traded companies who have guidelines to follow for the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Federal Government sets guidelines for contract retention.   However, contracts may specify retention requirements based on the type of contract and length of the contract.   Mike offers some advice on the best approach to this matter. 

In early May at our FPS La Jolla Weeklong, we had a chance to catch up with Eric Crusius of Holland & Knight to discuss CMMC 2.0.  With the new federal fiscal year just around the corner, the CMMC requirements are coming into focus.  If you are a DOD contractor - large or small, you at least have to be certified at Level 1.  But what does all that mean?   Eric explains what "Level 1" certification is as well as "Level 2" and beyond.  

This is Episode #42 .  During our La Jolla Government Contracts Week, I sat down with Anthony Kim and Jackie Spalding of Capital Edge Consulting to talk about the importance of a compliant accounting system for government contractors.  

In Episode #40, I discuss the current employment landscape in the federal contracting industry with consultant Eric Norvell.  Eric has been helping federal contractors find qualified mid and upper level professionals for over two decades.  The demand for candidates was hot before COVID and now there is even a greater need in our industry.  As we saw with the 'great resignation' a lot of employees took advantage to shop around their skills and to demand more flexibility for their work/life balance.  Whether you are a hiring manager or a mid-level professional looking for a better opportunity, listen to what Eric has to say about the current employment landscape.

In Episode #39, I speak with Jason Miller, Executive Editor for Federal News Network.  He has been tracking the POLARIS Contract.  POLARIS is a small business GWAC contract which is being released in 'pools' over the coming months.  However, there already is some controversy and a bid protest with one of the 'pools' related to past performance requirements.  Jason explains the issue and gives insight into what is happening.  

The Davis Bacon Act - (DBA) has been an act since the 1930s and covers prevailing wages for federal construction contracts.  The DBA as gone through a number of updates over the years including a large overhaul in the 1980's.  Now, the Biden Administration through a a few executive orders,  and the Department of Labor has proposed new rules that, if enacted may impact not only federal construction but private construction wages.  Seyfarth Shaw attorneys Scott Hecker and Ted North discuss the proposed rules and its potential impact to workers, construction owners, subcontractors and prime contractors. 

This is FPS Episode #36.  It is an update to Episode #35 where we talked with colleagues of Barnes & Thornburg on Russian Sanctions.  Things move fast and more sanctions were imposed on Russian imports from and exports to Russia.  This episode covers the latest and recaps the early March 2022 sanctions and changes.   

In FPS Podcast #35 - We are joined by Barnes &  Thornburg's International Trade Group colleagues Nicholas Galbraith, Adetayo Osuntogun, and Luis Arandia to discuss the most recent Russian Sanctions on trade and financial transactions which went into effect on March 1, 2022.  This is one of a few planned podcasts FPS will present regarding Sanctions in the coming months.  In this Podcast, the team covers information on:The SDN List - Specially Designated Nationals Export Control Rule Changes - In categories 3-9  of the Commerce Control ListUS focus on military end use/users - all items for Russia are subject to the EARPurely Foreign Made Products with direct US tech or software  Sanctions of certain persons and entities including NORDSTREAM2 and its CEO 

This is FPS Podcast #34 with the McKelvey Group.Companies spend an incredible amount of time making their Technical, Past Performance, and Price Narrative volumes look professional before submission. But they rarely do the same with the Excel Pricing Model, and evaluators notice this. The McKelvey Group’s Marc Hamann and Vinny D’Amore explain why taking the extra effort in making your Excel Pricing Models matters, and suggestions on how to approach it.  Pricers of all levels will find value in this unique topic. In this podcast episode listeners will:* Learn best practices to achieve consistent formatting on the screen* Know how to create the same look and feel as the other volumes* Receive tips on how to print cleanly for the evaluators* Understand the value of producing a more professional-looking product For information about The McKelvey Group, please visit our website at https://www.themckelveygroup.com