Contracting Conversations

By Warfighting Acquisition UniversityEducation

Contracting Conversations episodes

March 10 CMMC and Contracting Teams – The Short Version
In this episode of Contracting Conversations, cybersecurity
expert Kelley Kiernan demystifies the Cybersecurity Maturity Model
Certification (CMMC) 2.0 and what it means for today’s contracting teams. She breaks
down core cybersecurity concepts (confidentiality, integrity, and
availability), explains the difference between Federal Contract Information
(FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and discusses why CUI
marking, dissemination controls, and aggregation matter. Kelley walks through
how CMMC levels are tied to the data a contract provides or generates, how
requirements appear in solicitations, and where to find official training and
practical resources—including courses, FAQs, implementation guidance, and
ongoing WarU Cyber Solutions webinars. A clear, action-oriented primer to help
you get a handle on CMMC and protect the defense supply chain.
Available on DAU Media, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. If you
enjoy our content, please hit the like button to support us!
If you are watching this video on DAU Media, but rather
watch on YouTube, go to https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbF8yqm-r_M5czw5teb0PsA
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/contracting-conversations/id1621567225
DoD CUI Program: https://www.dodcui.mil/
WARU Cyber Solutions website: https://www.dau.edu/cybersecurity/cyber-solutions
WarU CMMC for Practitioners course: https://www.dau.edu/courses/cyb-1020
CMMC Implementation FAQs: https://dowcio.war.gov/Portals/0/Documents/CMMC/CMMC-FAQsv4.pdf
Part 32 CMMC Program Rule: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/10/15/2024-22905/cybersecurity-maturity-model-certifi...
Part 48 DFARS requirement: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/09/10/2025-17359/defense-federal-acquisition-regulati...

15 min
September 05, 2025 On-the-Job (OJT) Training Tool for Contract Specialists
In this episode of DAU Contracting Conversations, Mark Jenkins discusses the On-the-Job Training (OJT) Tool for Contract Specialists. He provides a comprehensive overview of the tool, demonstrating how to access it via the DAU website and explaining its functionalities. The OJT tool is designed to help new contracting professionals track their progress and proficiency in various job tasks, ensuring they meet the Department of Defense's professional contracting competencies. Mark also highlights the importance of collaboration between supervisors and employees in using the tool to enhance on-the-job training and development. Tune in to learn more about how the OJT tool can support your contracting career.

OJT Tool page: https://www.dau.edu/tools/job-training-tool-contract-specialists
Available on DAU Media, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. If you
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If you are watching this video on DAU Media, but rather
watch on YouTube, go to https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbF8yqm-r_M5czw5teb0PsA

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/contracting-conversations/id1621567225

11 min
September 05, 2025 Sole Source Best Practices/Lessons Learned Tool
In this episode of DAU Contracting Conversations, Mark Jenkins discusses best practices for sole source acquisitions. He shares insights on the development and implementation of a new interactive tool designed to help DoD contracting professionals and acquisition teams apply proven pricing strategies and stay compliant. The conversation covers the tool's features, including the acquisition type selector and real-life scenarios, and how it can streamline the sole source contracting process. Tune in to learn about the latest guidance from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition & Sustainment and practical tips for navigating sole source contracts.

Sole Source Best Practices/Lesson Learned: https://www.dau.edu/tools/sole-source-best-practices/lessons-learned

Available on DAU Media, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. If you
enjoy our content, please hit the like button to support us!

If you are watching this video on DAU Media, but rather
watch on YouTube, go to https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbF8yqm-r_M5czw5teb0PsA

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/contracting-conversations/id1621567225
12 min
August 11, 2025 Contracting Credentials- 2025 Update
This Contracting Conversations episode features a conversation with Kevin Linden, the DAU Center Director for Contracting and Small Business, discussing DAU Contracting Credentials. Kevin explains the purpose and benefits of these credentials, how they are developed and maintained, and the process for earning and renewing them. He also provides insights on how to find and apply for these credentials on the DAU.edu website. This episode is a valuable resource for anyone in the acquisition workforce looking to enhance their skills and career prospects.
DAU: https://www.dau.edu/
DAU iCatalog:  https://icatalog.dau.edu/icatalog_home.aspx
If you are watching this video on DAU Media, but would rather
watch on YouTube, go to:   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbF8yqm-r_M5czw5teb0PsA

Apple Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/contracting-conversations/id1621567225
17 min
July 28, 2025 Program Manager (PM)-Contracting Officer (KO) Communication Tool
Julie Knechtel, Professor of
Program Management, and Katie Keller, Professor of Contract Management, join
Contracting Conversations to talk about the “PM & KO Communication Tool” they
created. This tool provides questions to help team members quickly get up to speed with any program or portfolio. It includes questions to
kick off conversations between requirements owners, program managers, and
contracting officers, and ensures no important areas are missed. Emphasizes the
three C’s of establishing healthy work relationships: communication,
collaboration and commitment. The tool offers tips, tools, and training courses
to help users communicate and collaborate more effectively, building stronger
relationships. It also includes suggested training for personal and team development
covers essential workplace skills such as self-awareness, social skills, time
management, teamwork, communication, giving and receiving feedback, effective
listening, and conflict management.
https://www.dau.edu/tools/dau-program-manager-and-contracting-officer-communication
Available on DAU Media, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
If you enjoy our content, please hit the like button to support us!

If you are watching this video on DAU Media, but
rather watch on YouTube, go to https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbF8yqm-r_M5czw5teb0PsA

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/contracting-conversations/id1621567225
8 min
July 07, 2025 Revolutionary FAR Overhaul
This podcast episode discusses the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO), an initiative to streamline and simplify federal acquisition regulations, aiming to create a more efficient procurement system. It provides guidance on accessing resources and staying updated on the overhaul process. Information is given about the following areas:
·
RFO
background and purpose
·
Key
resource: acquisition.gov
·
Practitioner
Albums
·
Feedback
submission
·
DAU
resources
·
Training
and events
https://www.acquisition.gov
https://www.dau.edu
https://www.dau.edu/revolutionary-far-overhaul
https://www.dau.edu/events

If you are watching this video on DAU Media, but rather
watch on YouTube, go to https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbF8yqm-r_M5czw5teb0PsA

Apple Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/contracting-conversations/id1621567225

10 min
June 12, 2025 ProPricer Automation Tool
Ben Walker, a contract price cost analyst at Robbins Air Force Base, Georgia joins this episode of Contracting Conversations. Ben shares his expertise on the ProPricer Automation Tool (PPAT), an Excel add-in he created that automates and standardizes the cost modeling process. Learn how PPAT can help build multi-position cost models in Excel, making it easier to manage PPAT proposal files submitted by contractors. Whether you're a contracting officer, contract specialist, or part of a technical evaluation team, this episode offers valuable insights into how PPAT can streamline your work and enhance accuracy.

ProPricer Automation Tool (PPAT) | www.dau.edu
Available on DAU Media, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. If you
enjoy our content, please hit the like button to support us!

If you are watching this video on DAU Media, but rather
watch on YouTube, go to https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbF8yqm-r_M5czw5teb0PsA

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/contracting-conversations/id1621567225

9 min
May 20, 2025 CON 7130, Introduction to Profit or Fee Analysis, and CON 7170V, Analyzing Profit or Fee
In
this Contracting Conversations episode, Christina Jalbert, DAU's Learning Asset Manager
for CON 7130, "Introduction to Profit or Fee Analysis," and CON 7170V,
"Analyzing Profit or Fee." She discusses the importance of
understanding profit or fee analysis in acquisition roles, emphasizing the
subjective nature of these determinations and the need for professionals to
grasp the DFARS criteria. Christina explains the structure and objectives of
both courses, highlighting the interactive learning experiences and the
significance of incorporating industry perspectives. Tune in to learn how these
courses can benefit acquisition professionals and enhance their understanding
of profit or fee analysis.
Available on DAU Media, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. If you
enjoy our content, please hit the like button to support us!
If you are watching this video on DAU Media, but rather
watch on YouTube, go to https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbF8yqm-r_M5czw5teb0PsA
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/contracting-conversations/id1621567225
7 min
April 16, 2025 3rd Anniversary-Passing the Torch
In this episode of Contracting Conversations, Scott Williams and Jim Valley celebrate the third anniversary of their podcast. They reflect on their journey, discuss the evolution of their content, and share memorable moments, including live interviews at the Nexus conference. They announce their retirement and introduce the new host. The new host shares the vision for the podcast's future, emphasizing flexibility and addressing upcoming changes in contracting. The episode concludes with a preview of the new podcast logo and a commitment to continue delivering valuable content. Available on DAU Media, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. If you enjoy our content, please hit the like button to support us!

If you are watching this video on DAU Media, but rather watch on YouTube, go to https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbF8yqm-r_M5czw5teb0PsA
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/contracting-conversations/id1621567225
18 min
March 18, 2025 2025 NDAA Insights: Sections 802 and 819
Welcome to Contracting Conversations! Join hosts Scott Williams and Jim Valley as they dive into the latest in contracting. This episode features Professor Scott Gilbreth from DAU Midwest Contracting Faculty, discussing the FY 25 NDAA. Professor Gilbreth shares insights on Section 802 concerning new limitations for cost contracts and the broader message from Congress. He also covers Section 819, which addresses interface standards for modular open systems (MOSA) to improve compatibility, cut costs, and encourage competition among contractors. Tune in for an in-depth analysis of Sections 802 and 819 and their implications for defense contracting. Available on DAU Media, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. If you enjoy our content, please hit the like button to support us!
2025 NDAA Highlights Webinar - https://www.dau.edu/events/fy25-national-defense-authorization-act-ndaa-acquisition-highlights
If you are watching this video on DAU Media, but rather watch on YouTube, go to https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbF8yqm-r_M5czw5teb0PsA
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/contracting-conversations/id1621567225
15 min