Contracting Conversations

By Warfighting Acquisition UniversityEducation

Contracting Conversations episodes

November 23, 2022 Aug 2022 DOD Source Selection Procedures Overview - Part 1 of 5
In this episode of Contracting Conversations, Scott and Jim interview Sal Cianci, DAU Professor of Contract Management, in Part 1, of a five part series, on the Aug 2022 DOD Source Selection Procedures. In this part Sal provides an overview of the updated procedures, to include why the DOD has them in the first place, why the procedures were updated, when the procedures are required and what we will talk about in our other parts of this series. In addition, in Part 5 of this series, we will be talking with Kurt Webb, Professor of Contract Management, and a lawyer, about Appendix E, Intellectual Property.

The SS Procedures can be found at:  https://www.dau.edu/blogs/new-dod-source-selection-procedures-published
For a more detailed presentation with DPC and OSD, watch this great webinar:  https://media.dau.edu/media/t/1_1786v50y

The Aug 2022 updated procedures have several classes that are recommended for Source Selection training - here are the courses and links:

CON 0072 Source Selection:  https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/courses.aspx?crs_id=12350
WSC 032 Source Selection Simulation (SSS) Workshop: https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/courses.aspx?crs_id=12653
WSC 005 Source Selection Workshop:  https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/courses.aspx?crs_id=1633
SBP 201 Intermediate Small Business Programs, Part A:  https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/courses.aspx?crs_id=2094
CLC 028 Past Performance Information:  https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/courses.aspx?crs_id=247
DAU Mission Assistance:   https://www.dau.edu/consulting-services/locations
Contracting Community of Practice:  https://www.dau.edu/cop/contracting
YouTube link for Contracting Conversations:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbF8yqm-r_M5czw5teb0PsA
Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/contracting-conversations/id1621567225
9 min
November 23, 2022 WSC 005 - Source Selection Workshop
In this episode of Contracting Conversations, Scott and Jim interview Jason Ackiss, the Learning Asset Manager for WSC 005-Source Selection Workshop. Jason talks about what students will learn, who is the best audience, whether it is taught virtually or in person, and other interesting tidbits.
The workshop provides an overview of the source selection process, which applies to competitive negotiated acquisitions per Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 15.3 Source Selection, the Defense FAR Supplement Subpart 215.3, and the mandatory DoD Source Selection Procedures.
Upon completion, the participant will be able to apply the following critical behaviors in the workplace:
Reduce potential of protest in a source selection.
Award a superior contract in less time.
Recognize the best value proposal for an award.
Please click on this link for more info and to reach out to DAU to get your team signed up: https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/courses.aspx?crs_id=1633
This workshop is under the guise of DAU Mission Assistance - you can find out more info on DAU's Mission Assistance at https://www.dau.edu/consulting-services/locations
You can also reach this podcast on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbF8yqm-r_M5czw5teb0PsA
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/contracting-conversations/id1621567225
9 min
November 04, 2022 WSC 032 - Source Selection Simulation (SSS) Workshop
In this episode of Contracting Conversations, Scott and Jim interview John Wahl, the Learning Asset Regional Representative for WSC 032-Source Selection Simulation (SSS) Workshop, or better known as Triple S. John talks about the success the SSS has had on Source Selection Teams, and why it has created such excitement at DPC and OSD. He discusses how the course is structured, who the target audience is, and how to sign your team up this great simulation. This Source Selection Simulation is something every Source Selection Team should consider taking prior to evaluating offers.
The Triple S simulates a cohort entering a Source Selection Facility and takes them through Receipt of Offerors’ Proposals, a Competitive Range Briefing, an Interim Ratings and Evaluation Notice (EN) Release, EN Responses, Requests for Final Proposal Revisions (FPRs), FPR Receipt, Source Selection Authority (SSA) Decision, Contract Award, Debriefing, and defending protests.

Please click on this link for more info and to reach out to DAU to get your team signed up: https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/courses.aspx?crs_id=12653

This workshop is under the guise of DAU Mission Assistance - you can find out more info on DAU's Mission Assistance at https://www.dau.edu/consulting-services/locations
You can find the podcast on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbF8yqm-r_M5czw5teb0PsA
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/contracting-conversations/id1621567225
11 min
November 01, 2022 The Contingency Contracting Officer (CCO) Experience Office Hours
In this episode of Contracting Conversations, we talk virtual office hours which are held every Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. Central Time for one hour. The Contingency Contracting Officer (CCO) Experience office hours connect people, ideas, resources, and information. Scott and Jim talk with Bill Long, the leader of The CCO Experience Office Hours. Bill talks about why he believes this will benefit those who are in a deployable CCO position, are heading out, or just arrived back (pass on their experiences to others). Bill works will the Military Services to create CCO simulation exercises in the field and in the classroom and is instrumental in helping create a professional CCO workforce. Bill believes this is a great opportunity for CCOs to ask questions and share their experiences - definitely a great opportunity to spread CCO experience.

Link to The CCO Experience Office Hour: https://www.dau.edu/events/cco-experience-office-hours-11

You can also find this podcast on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbF8yqm-r_M5czw5teb0PsA
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/contracting-conversations/id1621567225

9 min
October 25, 2022 CON 0072 - Source Selection Course
In this episode of Contracting Conversations, Jim and Scott meet with Sal Cianci, DAU's Learning Asset Manager for CON 0072 - Source Selection. This on-line course is recommended in the updated Aug 2022 DoD Source Selection Procedures. Sal discusses what it covers, how the course allows you to skip over those areas you already know and focusses on areas where you need further knowledge. You will also learn how you are assessed. It is a great course for those want a quick refresher or someone completely new to Source Selection - this is for Contracting and anyone else involved in Source Selection. These links are recommended for further information:

I-Catalog location:   https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/courses.aspx?crs_id=12350
Source Selection Procedures:  https://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/policy/policyvault/USA000740-22-DPC.pdf
SSPs Webinar with DPC:  https://media.dau.edu/media/t/1_1786v50y/62971151
Back to Basics: https://www.dau.edu/back-to-basics; BtB Contracting: https://www.dau.edu/functional-areas/contracting
Contracting Community of Practice: https://www.dau.edu/cop/contracting
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 Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/contracting-conversations/id1621567225
7 min
October 21, 2022 CCON 004 - Quantitative Methods Credential
In this episode of Contracting Conversations, Jim and Scott talk with Steve Malashevitz, DAU's developer for CCON 004 - the Quantitative Methods Credential.  You will learn the purpose of the credential, how the particular pieces fit together, what are the assessments, who is the target audience, and how long the credential lasts before needing to renew it.   This credential will lead the learner through an examination of how to conduct statistical analysis (CON7400V), regression analysis (CON 7410V) and learning curve analysis (CON 7420V). If interested in the courses under this credential, please see the CCON 004 credential link.   These links are recommended for further information:
I-Catalog for more info and to sign up:
CCON 004:  https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/CredentialConceptCard.aspx?crs_id=65
Credentials home page: https://www.dau.edu/credentials
Back to Basics: https://www.dau.edu/back-to-basics; BtB Contracting: https://www.dau.edu/functional-areas/contracting
Contracting Community of Practice: https://www.dau.edu/cop/contracting
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 Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/contracting-conversations/id1621567225
6 min
October 19, 2022 CCON 021 - Contracting for Research and Development Credential
In this episode of Contracting Conversations, Jim and Scott talk with Mark Jenkins, DAU's Learning Director and Learning Asset Manager for CCON 021 - Contracting for Research and Development Credential. Mark lets us know what the credential courses consist of - each course is entirely self-paced and is estimated to take about 11 hours to complete. Who is the target audience for this credential? Well, Mark will let you know if you are a good candidate. If you touch the R&D environment, this credential may be the one for you.   These links are recommended for further information:

I-Catalog for more info and to sign up:    https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/CredentialConceptCard.aspx?crs_id=45
Webinar, with more detail, on the R&D Credential:   https://media.dau.edu/media/t/1_52idvagb/62925211
Credentials home page: https://www.dau.edu/credentials
Back to Basics: https://www.dau.edu/back-to-basics; BtB Contracting: https://www.dau.edu/functional-areas/contracting
Contracting Community of Practice: https://www.dau.edu/cop/contracting
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 Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/contracting-conversations/id1621567225
6 min
October 11, 2022 CON 0390 - Contingency Contracting Simulation - Barda Bridge
In this episode of Contracting Conversations, Jim and Scott talk with Bill Long, DAU's Learning Asset Manager for CON 0390 - Contingency Contracting Simulation-Barda Bridge. This is a very unique course where you literally are the Contingency Contracting Officer, in a real-world environment, and how you answer the questions will lead you into your own unique path. Bill will talk about the purpose of the simulation, used by real actors (yes, not DAU personnel - LOL), the key areas it will cover, such as ethical behavior, which can be tested in a contingency environment, the target audience, and how it will be incorporated into the new
contingency contracting curriculum. These links are recommended for further information:

I-Catalog for more info and to sign up:    https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/courses.aspx?crs_id=12705
CON 8300V Joint Contingency Contracting Course:  https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/courses.aspx?crs_id=12669
CCON 014A Foundational Contingency Contracting Credential:  https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/CredentialConceptCard.aspx?crs_id=32
CCON 015 Advanced Contingency Contracting Credential:  https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/CredentialConceptCard.aspx?crs_id=14
Credentials home page: https://www.dau.edu/credentials
Back to Basics: https://www.dau.edu/back-to-basics; BtB Contracting: https://www.dau.edu/functional-areas/contracting
Contracting Community of Practice: https://www.dau.edu/cop/contracting
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 Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/contracting-conversations/id1621567225

7 min
October 07, 2022 LinkedIn Learning & Skillsoft Percipio Learning Assets
In this episode of Contracting Conversations, Scott and Jim have the pleasure of talking with Dr. Jonathan Barkand, DAU's Learning Systems Project Manager, responsible for the addition of over 50,000 LinkedIn and Skillsoft Percipio learning assets to the DAU asset inventory - this is available to all our DoD Acquisition Workforce.
DoD personnel across the Department of Defense (not just the DoD Acquisition Workforce) will be able to register for both LinkedIn Learning and Skillsoft Percipio. Skillsoft Percipio provides traditional courses and access to books and book summaries. Skillsoft Percipio also provides assets in new ways (called “modalities”) through the virtual campus. These modalities include audio books and practice labs to allow users to try out their new software skills as well as access to live events. Skillsoft Percipio also offers “Collections,” related learning assets compiled on one landing page to enable users to explore different learning options related to the same topic.
LinkedIn Learning provides include guides, courses, books, and videos and provide a new opportunity to expand skills, take new training.
Both LinkedIn Learning and Percipio allow the learner to earn Continuous Learning Points (CLPs). Training includes a variety of topics and can be accessed from the “Enroll in Online Training” button on the virtual campus’s landing page (must be logged in to view). Users can search the virtual campus either by topic or filter by provider.
Here are links to more info and to go to the Learning Search page:
LinkedIn Learning article: https://www.dau.edu/news/announcing-linkedin-learning-available-defense-acquisition-workforce
Skillsoft Percipio article:  https://www.dau.edu/news/virtual-campus-continues-grow-dod-acquisition-professionals
Learning Search page:  https://dau.csod.com/ui/lms-learner-search/search?pageNumber=1
This podcast can be found also at YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbF8yqm-r_M5czw5teb0PsA
and Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/contracting-conversations/id1621567225
10 min
September 15, 2022 CON 7310V - Cost Analysis Course
In this episode of Contracting Conversations, Jim and Scott talk with Scott Gilbreth, DAU's Learning Asset Manager for CON 7310V - the Cost Analysis Course.  You will learn what the course is all about, what is covered, and how it is structured. If you need to do Cost Analysis for your negotiations or modifications, this course may be the one for you. This course, along with CON 7300V, the Price Analysis Course, could lead you toward earning the Proposal Analysis Credential, CCON 003.   These links are recommended for further information:

I-Catalog for more info and to sign up:   https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/courses.aspx?crs_id=12567
CCON 003 Credential:  https://icatalog.dau.edu/credentials/CredentialConceptCard.aspx?crs_id=64
Credentials home page: https://www.dau.edu/credentials
Back to Basics: https://www.dau.edu/back-to-basics; BtB Contracting: https://www.dau.edu/functional-areas/contracting
Contracting Community of Practice: https://www.dau.edu/cop/contracting
When to use Cost and/or Price Analysis tool: https://www.dau.edu/tools/when-use-price-and/or-cost-analysis
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 Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/contracting-conversations/id1621567225
5 min