Cherry Bekaert: Government Contractors Guidance

In this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s GovCon podcast, Neal Beggan is joined by cybersecurity professionals Steven Ursillo and Brian Kirk for a comprehensive deep dive into the current state of Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) compliance. 

They discuss how 48 CFR will reshape the enforcement of cybersecurity requirements in government contracts. This episode breaks down what the 48 CFR rule means, how it connects to DFARS and 32 CFR, and what contractors should be doing now to stay ahead of the rollout.

Listen to learn more about:

• The definition of CMMC and why it matters
• An overview of CFR 48
• CFR 48 timeline and rollout
• Potential readiness and compliance challenges and how to overcome them
• Action items to prepare for CFR 48

The conversation includes:

• 0:37 – Introduction to CMMC: What It Is and Why It Matters
• 4:32 – Finalization of the 48 CFR Rule
• 12:50 – Challenges, Obstacles & Pain Points in Readiness and Certification
• 27:16 – Operational Challenges, GRC Tools and Assessment Readiness Tips
• 32:19 – Ecosystem Growth & Capacity
• 35:22 – Key Takeaways & Action Items
• 37:42 – Upcoming Events & Learning Opportunities

POCs

Steve Ursillo, Partner

Brian Kirk, Senior Manager

Related Insights:

• Article | DoD CMMC Requirements: A Guide for Defense Contractors
• Article | Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC): Compliance Process & FAQs

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In this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s GovCon Podcast, Advisory Managing Director Michael Cippel and Senior Audit Manager Sarah Tucker explore the foundational principles and nuanced challenges of joint ventures (JVs) within the government contracting sector.  

Tune in to learn about:

►    Definition and Structure of JVs

►    Strategic Benefits of JVs

►    Types of JVs

►    Pros and Cons of JVs

►    Role of the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Mentor-Protégé Program

►    Accounting for JVs

►    How Cherry Bekaert can assist with JV setup, tax structuring, accounting systems and ongoing compliance

Whether you're exploring a JV for the first time or looking to refine your current structure, Cherry Bekaert professionals are here to help. Let our team support you in building a tailored JV that’s not only compliant but strategically sound. 

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In this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting podcast, host Jonathan Reid, Director, is joined by Mike Cippel, Managing Director, to discuss the job differences between accounting managers, controllers and chief financial officers (CFO). 

Tune in to learn more about:

• The definition of an accounting manager, controller and CFO  
• Key differences between the three rolls
• Responsibilities expected in these roles
• Requirement to hold the positions 
• What type of work environment to expect 
• Skills needed to succeed in each role

Cherry Bekaert’s team of government contracting consultants has significant experience in outsourced accounting solutions.  Our professionals provide regular updates, thought leadership, current and future state consulting, change management advisory and ready to stand up services. If you have any questions specific to your situation, our government contracting and tax consultants are here to discuss solutions tailored to you. Contact us.

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As of Monday, January 28, President Donald Trump has signed various executive orders requiring the halt of federal funding for various programs. This will allow the administration to determine the program’s alignment with legal and presidential priorities. 

These orders impact funding for foreign aid, non-governmental organizations, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs, gender ideology, Green New Deal initiatives, as well as funding under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) programs. 

Eric Poppe, a Managing Director in Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting Industry practice, is joined by Jeff Annessa, a Senior Manager in the Firm’s Government Contracting practice who spent 13+ years with DCAA, to discuss what this means for government contractors moving forward.

Listen to learn more about:

• What it means when an organization receives a stop work order 
• How to understand the terms and conditions of the contract or award
• When to reach out to your contracting officer 
• The flow down of responsibilities for prime contractors vs. subcontractors when receiving a stop-work order or a termination of contract
• The importance of documenting all costs and expenses
• The differences between terminations of fixed price and cost-plus contracts or awards
• Strategies to control and mitigate costs
• Steps you can take to help minimize the settlement process timeline 
• Ways to maximize cost recovery during settlement or negotiations

Cherry Bekaert’s team of government contracting professionals has significant experience with the complexities and challenges of navigating these types of executive orders. If you have any questions specific to your situation, our government contracting consultants are available to discuss your situation with you.

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In this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting podcast, we discuss what to consider when planning the cost of a project. Eric Poppe, a Managing Director in the Government Contracting Industry practice, is joined by Jonathan Reid, a Director in Outsourced Accounting Services.

Tune in to learn more about:

• What to expect when reporting cost
• Impact revenue recognition on the cost of a project 
• Tax impacts
• Financial reporting considerations 
• Compliance requirements 
• Setting up a project for joint venture
• Companies who aren’t in government but work with Government Contractors

Cherry Bekaert’s team of government contracting professionals have significant experience in accounting and reporting. As more guidance comes forth, we are here to provide regular updates and thought leadership to guide your journey forward. If you have any questions specific to your situation, Cherry Bekaert is here to discuss solutions tailored for you. Contact us.

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In this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting podcast, host Jeff Annessa, a Senior Manager in the Firm’s Government Contracting practice, is joined by Jade Casey, a director in the Firm’s Government Contracting Services group. Jeff spent more than 13 years working with the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) and brings valuable experience to their discussion on forward pricing rates and their benefits.

Tune in to learn more about:

• An overview of forward pricing rates
• How forward pricing rates differ from provisional billing rates 
• The forward pricing rates proposal process
• Difference between a recommendation (FPRR) and an agreement (FPRA)
• The forward pricing rate proposal adequacy checklist for contractors
• Benefits of sound forward pricing rates

Cherry Bekaert’s team of government contracting professionals have significant experience in forward pricing rates. As more guidance comes forth, we are here to provide regular updates, and thought leadership to guide your journey forward. If you have any questions specific to your situation, Cherry Bekaert is here to discuss solutions tailored for you. Contact us.

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In this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting podcast, Romain Robveille, Advisory Services Director, is joined by Justin Pell, Senior Manager,  for an overview of the Deltek Costpoint software and how to get the most out of this system. 

Tune in to learn more about:

• Effective uses of Deltek Costpoint for businesses 
• Issues with current Costpoint uses and leadership challenges
• How changes in leadership can affect system and accounting efficiencies 
• Areas companies need to consider to make the most of Deltek Costpoint
• Benefits of a system assessment for organizations using Deltek Costpoint 

Cherry Bekaert’s team of government contracting professionals have significant experience with Deltek Costpoint. As more guidance comes forth, we are here to provide regular updates and thought leadership to guide your journey forward. If you have any questions specific to your situation, Cherry Bekaert is here to discuss solutions tailored for you. Contact us.

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In this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting podcast, host Brendan Halloran, a Director in Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting Industry practice, is joined by Jeff Annessa, a Senior Manager in the Firm’s Government Contracting practice. Bringing extensive knowledge and experience in the government contracting space, Brendan and Jeff discuss the Truthful Cost or Pricing Data Act, formerly known as the Truth in Negotiations Act or TINA.

Brendan was previously a divisional administrative contracting officer (DACO) at the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) and Jeff has spent over 13 years with the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA), while holding several leadership positions.

Tune in to find out more about:

• The background and history of the Truthful Cost or Pricing Act
• What is considered cost or pricing data 
• Most common thresholds and exceptions to the act 
• The certification, sweep and disclosure process
• Defective pricing and government audits
• Best practices surrounding the Truthful Cost or Pricing Act 

Cherry Bekaert’s team of government contracting consultants have significant experience and can help your growing government contracting business navigate the Truthful Cost or Pricing Data Act. If you have any questions specific to your situation, our consultants are available to discuss your situation with you. Contact us today.

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In this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting podcast, host and Advisory Services Manager Shaydah Naraghi is joined by Advisory Services Senior Manager Christine DeYuliis to discuss how Unanet could help guide your business forward. 

Tune in to learn more about:

• How Unanet got its name
• How long it typically takes employees to adopt time and expense functionality in Unanet
• The recommended company size needed to utilize Unanet
• How Unanet supports growth in a company
• How Unanet supports DCAA and FAR compliance
• The ease of standard and analytics reporting
• Additional resources available during and after implementation 

Cherry Bekaert’s team of government contracting professionals has significant knowledge and experience with Unanet. As more guidance comes forth, we are here to provide regular updates and thought leadership to guide your journey forward. If you have any questions specific to your situation, Cherry Bekaert is here to discuss solutions tailored to you.

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In this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting podcast, host and Government Contractor Services Director Brendan Halloran leverages his extensive knowledge and experience in the government contracting space. With a background as a Divisional Administrative Contracting Officer (DACO) at the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), Brendon offers valuable insights alongside Advisory Services Director Lynnette Leidwinger. Together, they discuss how subcontractor administration can be beneficial to a company’s success. 

Tune in to find out about:

• The definition of
  • Subcontracting
  • Flow downs
  • Teaming arrangements
  • Compliance considerations
• The importance of flow-down clauses
• How teaming arrangements can be a good tool for contractors
• Compliance considerations
• Circumstances in which a contractor’s compliance gets reviewed
• Key takeaways for hiring a subcontractor 

Cherry Bekaert’s team of government contracting consultants have significant experience in subcontracting administration and can help your growing government contracting business navigate the challenges. If you have any questions specific to your situation, our consultants are available to discuss your situation with you.

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