Federal Publications Seminars Podcasts

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 Contractors In 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!

In this FPS Episode, I have chat with Julie and Chris from our friends at Unanet during the FPS Tampa Weeklong. Unanet is both a partner and a sponsor of FPS and they provide ERP solutions for federal contractors of all sizes. Being around for three decades, they have developed quite a good reputation in the business and continue to keep pace with the ever-changing federal contracting market space.

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, Jeff White and Randy Shelby discuss the advantages of automating repetitive processes in the procurement of goods and services in the federal contracting marketspace.

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 episode Larry Allen of Allen Federal discusses the recent COFC decision on GSA's Polaris contract. This impacts a multitude of small businesses who spent countless time preparing and submitting proposals to be a part of this multi-faceted contract only to see multiple bid protest arise over the NDAA Section 871 clause and a COFC decision to make GSA re-think the contract. Larry explains what happened and what small businesses should do now. Larry also discusses the outlook for Small Business as we approach the Q4 of FY23 and the Biden Administration's push to increase small business participation, specifically in the disadvantage sector. Whether you are a small or large business, Larry's insight is valuable.

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 Episode #51, we talk with Sean Jones of Revolution Payments about how contractors could benefit from level 3 credit card processing. The option has been around for years but not every contractor realizes it. Though some contracts require level 3, others do not, yet contractors can still take advantage of the savings. Sean explains the history of level 3 and its savings.

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

On March 31st of the FPS' Orlando Government Contracts Week conference, I recorded Podcast #49 with Jeff White of JA White and Associates. Since 2020 there have a been some significant changes to how CPSRs are conducted by the DCMA. These changes have been mostly positive, but as a vendor to the US Federal Government, you need to ensure your documentation and files are both accessible and organized in a manner that will allow for a smooth purchasing system review. Jeff will discuss how things have changed (for the better) and how to be more efficient with your documentation.

In Episode #48, we talk with Jeffrey White of JA White and Associates about Supply Chain Management and Compliance. This might be one of a few discussions around supply chain as it is very complicated and very broad. We not only have threats to the supply chain, we have shortages in supply chains which neither is desirable for government suppliers and their customers. This episode is brought to you by CPSR ProDocs and JA White & Associates.

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.

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.