Contracting Conversations

By Warfighting Acquisition UniversityEducation

Contracting Conversations episodes

January 27, 2025 Improving Work Statements PWS SOW SOO
Welcome to Contracting Conversations! Join hosts Jim Valley and Scott Williams as they chat with David Dotson, a Professor of Contract Management at DAU in the Mid-Atlantic region. David, who manages the COR 222 class and moderates the COR Community of Practice and DAU’s weekly COR Office Hours, shares insights on improving statements of work. Discover four key steps to enhance any work statement, making them more efficient and effective. Tune in for practical tips and expert advice on contract management.

CLC 222 Contracting Officers Representative (COR) Online Training (On-line 32 CLPs): https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/courses.aspx?crs_id=1731
COR 222 Contracting Officer’s Representative Course (Virtual or in-person 32 CLPs via DAU's Mission Assistance (see link below)):  https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/courses.aspx?crs_id=1584
WSC 027 Virtual Augmentation Workshop for the Contracting Officer (augments CLC 222/COR222 - 10 CLPs)P: https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/courses.aspx?crs_id=12359
CLC 106 - Contracting Officer's Representative with a Mission Focus (On-line 3 CLPs):  https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/courses.aspx?crs_id=240
DAU Mission Assistance:  https://www.dau.edu/mission-assistance
Back to Basics: https://www.dau.edu/back-to-basics; BtB Contracting: https://www.dau.edu/functional-areas/contracting
Contracting Officer Representative Community of Practice:  https://www.dau.edu/cop/cor
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 Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/contracting-conversations/id1621567225
10 min
January 13, 2025 The Golden Rules of COR
In this episode of Contracting Conversations, hosts Jim Valley and Scott Williams sit down with David Dotson, a professor of contract management at DAU in the Mid-Atlantic region. David, who manages the COR 222 course and moderates the COR Community of Practice and weekly COR Office Hours, shares his insights on the three golden rules of being a Contracting Officer Representative (COR). The discussion delves into the complexities and responsibilities of CORs, emphasizing the importance of understanding the contract, the exclusive authority of the contracting officer to modify contracts, and the critical distinction that CORs are not contracting officers. This episode provides valuable guidance for CORs navigating their roles and highlights the foundational principles that ensure effective contract management. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the essential rules that govern the COR’s duties and responsibilities.
CLC 222 Contracting Officers Representative (COR) Online Training (On-line 32 CLPs): https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/courses.aspx?crs_id=1731
COR 222 Contracting Officer’s Representative Course (Virtual or in-person 32 CLPs via DAU's Mission Assistance (see link below)):  https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/courses.aspx?crs_id=1584
WSC 027 Virtual Augmentation Workshop for the Contracting Officer (augments CLC 222/COR222 - 10 CLPs)P: https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/courses.aspx?crs_id=12359
CLC 106 - Contracting Officer's Representative with a Mission Focus (On-line 3 CLPs):  https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/courses.aspx?crs_id=240
DAU Mission Assistance:  https://www.dau.edu/mission-assistance
Back to Basics: https://www.dau.edu/back-to-basics; BtB Contracting: https://www.dau.edu/functional-areas/contracting
Contracting Officer Representative Community of Practice:  https://www.dau.edu/cop/cor
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 Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/contracting-conversations/id1621567225
10 min
December 19, 2024 COR Responsibilities - Combating Trafficking In Persons (CTIP)
In this episode of Contracting Conversations, hosts Scott Williams and Jim Valley are joined by Kevin White, a professor of contract management at DAU. Kevin shares his insights on the Combating Trafficking in Persons (CTIP) program, drawing from his extensive experience as an Air Force contracting officer and DAU instructor. He discusses the importance of CTIP in the acquisition field, the role of Contracting Officer Representatives (CORs), and the critical need for awareness and action against modern-day slavery. Tune in to learn more about how CORs can identify and combat trafficking in persons, and the tools available to support these efforts.
Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel on DAU Media, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, and hit the like button if you enjoy our content!
CTIP Website: https://ctip.defense.gov/
CTIP Email: [email protected]
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbF8yqm-r_M5czw5teb0PsA
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/contracting-conversations/id1621567225
18 min
December 17, 2024 Cybersecurity for Contracting - Part 3
In this episode of Contracting Conversations, hosts Scott Williams and Jim Valley are joined by Kelley Kiernan, a cybersecurity expert from DAU, for the third segment of their podcast series. They discuss the importance of cybersecurity in protecting DoD data, the FAR and DFARS clauses, and the tools available to contracting teams. Kelley provides a recap of the previous episodes and outlines a plan for 2025, emphasizing the need for cybersecurity controls and the role of contracting officers in verifying these controls. The episode also covers the upcoming CMMC program and its impact on DoD contracts, as well as the importance of supply chain risk management. Tune in to learn more about the latest developments in cybersecurity for contracting teams.
Defense Contract Management Agency, Defense Industrial Base Cybersecurity Assessment Center DCMA DIBCAC https://www.dcma.mil/DIBCAC/ An email to ask CMMC questions (Scroll to CONTACT INFORMATION) https://www.dcma.mil/DIBCAC/ DoD’s CMMC Program https://dodcio.defense.gov/CMMC/
DFARS 252.204-7012 “Safeguarding Covered Defense Information and Cyber Incident Reporting” https://www.acquisition.gov/dfars/252.204-7012-safeguarding-covered-defense-information-and-cyber-in....
Recap of the September 2022 Cyber AB Town Hall event https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/cyber-ab-town-hall-key-takeaways-introducing-caico-other-/
DoD CMMC Program Briefing on January 15 www.dau.edu/events DoD Inspector General Report on CUI Protection https://media.defense.gov/2024/Mar/11/2003410405/-1/-1/1/DODIG-2024-031_REVISED%20SECURE.PDF DOD Controlled Unclassified Information program www.dodcui.mil
DAU Cyber Solutions Supply Chain Risk Management in Contracts event recording https://www.dau.edu/events/dau-cyber-solutions-primer-supply-chain-risk-management-scrm-and-dod-cont... DAU Cyber Solutions Webinars (look on the calendar for the next event) www.dau.edu/events WSS 001 Cybersecurity and Acquisition Integration https://www.dau.edu/courses/wss-001 CLE 074 Cybersecurity Throughout DoD Acquisition https://www.dau.edu/courses/cle-074 DAU Mission Assistance www.dau.edu/mission-assistance DAU Cybersecurity Offerings www.dau.edu/cybersecurity
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbF8yqm-r_M5czw5teb0PsA
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/contracting-conversations/id1621567225
14 min
December 04, 2024 Cybersecurity for Contracting - Part 2
Welcome to Contracting Conversations with hosts Jim Valley and Scott Williams. In this episode, cybersecurity expert Kelley Kiernan joins to discuss the critical role of contracting teams in safeguarding against cyber threats. Kelley, DAU's Cyber Security expert, shares insights on FAR and DFARS requirements, the risks to the DoD enterprise, and practical steps for contractors. Topics include the cyber kill chain, essential security controls, CMMC, and the importance of protecting sensitive government data. Learn about the latest DOD instructions, the impact of cyber incidents, and how to ensure compliance and enhance cybersecurity measures. Tune in to stay informed and protect your contracts.
Video explaining the Cyber Kill Chain on DoD
Contractors: https://cdnapisec.kaltura.com/index.php/extwidget/preview/partner_id/2203981/uiconf_id/39997971/entry_id/1_383l2nnj/embed/dynamic
FAR 52.204-21 “Basic Safeguarding of Covered Contractor
Information Systems” https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.204-21
DFARS 252.204-7012 “Safeguarding Covered Defense Information and
Cyber Incident Reporting”   https://www.acquisition.gov/dfars/252.204-7012-safeguarding-covered-defense-information-and-cyber-incident-reporting.
DoD’s CMMC Program
https://dodcio.defense.gov/CMMC/
FCI and CUI – What is the difference? https://isoo.blogs.archives.gov/2020/06/19/%e2%80%8bfci-and-cui-what-is-the-difference/#:~:text=Federal%20contract%20information
Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) Definitions   www.dodcui.mil
DoD Cyber Crime Center:
Cyber Incident Reporting Instructions    https://dibnet.dod.mil
DoD INSTRUCTION 5200.48
“Controlled Unclassified
Information (CUI)” https://www.dodcui.mil/Portals/109/Documents/Policy%20Docs/DoDI%205200.48%20CUI.pdf

DoD INSTRUCTION 5230.24    “Distribution Statements on DoD Technical
Information” https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodi/523024p.pdf?ver=JiZUVfNZrPKmcRMim_UnHg%3d%3d
DoD Small Business Innovation Research Program   https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/submissions/login
DoD Inspector General Report on CUI Protection   https://media.defense.gov/2024/Mar/11/2003410405/-1/-1/1/DODIG-2024-031_REVISED%20SECURE.PDF
DAU Mission Assistance
www.dau.edu/mission-assistance
DAU Cyber Solutions Webinars (look on the calendar for
the next event)     www.dau.edu/events
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbF8yqm-r_M5czw5teb0PsA
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/contracting-conversations/id1621567225
25 min
November 21, 2024 Cybersecurity for Contracting - Part 1
Scott and Jim sit down with Kelley Kiernan, an expert on Cybersecurity at DAU. Come and learn how to approach cybersecurity in contracting by understanding how cybersecurity is organized and how the security is dependent upon the data which the contract provides or generates. Learn about the five lines of defense which contracting teams have to protect the vital DoD Supply Chain by ensuring cybersecurity via contract vehicles. We'll talk about how contracting teams can verify contract cybersecurity controls are in place and active. This is the first in a series of three contracting cybersecurity podcasts with DAU Professor Kelley Kiernan.
Protection Triad of Data Security    https://informationsecurity.wustl.edu/items/confidentiality-integrity-and-availability-the-cia-triad/
FCI Definitions
https://isoo.blogs.archives.gov/2020/06/19/%e2%80%8bfci-and-cui-what-is-the-difference/#:~:text=Federal%20contract%20information
CUI Definitions
www.dodcui.mil
“FCI and CUI, What is the Difference?”    https://isoo.blogs.archives.gov/2020/06/19/%e2%80%8bfci-and-cui-what-is-the-difference/
DOD INSTRUCTION 5200.48
“Controlled Unclassified
Information (CUI)” https://www.dodcui.mil/Portals/109/Documents/Policy%20Docs/DoDI%205200.48%20CUI.pdf
DOD INSTRUCTION 5230.24    “Distribution Statements on DoD Technical
Information” https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodi/523024p.pdf?ver=JiZUVfNZrPKmcRMim_UnHg%3d%3d
Categories of CUI
  https://www.archives.gov/cui/registry/category-list
and https://www.dodcui.mil/CUI-Registry-New/
Marking of DoD CUI
https://www.dodcui.mil/Portals/109/Documents/Desktop%20Aid%20Docs/CUI%20Training%20Aids_Oct%2023%202020%20(updated%2017%20Mar%2022).pdf?ver=CaeNUeAuPCKajIYMn5zJCg%3d%3d
The Official DoD CUI Program   https://www.dodcui.mil
DoD Annual CUI Program Training    https://www.dodcui.mil/Training/
DoD CUI Training Course CDSE   https://www.cdse.edu/Training/eLearning/IF141/
DAU Cybersecurity Courses   https://www.dau.edu/cybersecurity/training
DAU Cyber Solutions Webinars (look on the calendar for
the next event)     www.dau.edu/events
16 min
October 31, 2024 Defense Civilian Training Corps - building a talent pipeline with DoD Strategic Partners
Join us on this episode of Contracting Conversations as we chat with
John Willison, the lead for strategic partnerships at the Defense Civilian
Training Corps. John discusses how DoD organizations can engage with this
congressionally mandated pilot program, from hosting project-based internships,
to informing research, to hiring. There are a multitude of benefits to get
involved. For more details, contact John Willison at [email protected] or submit a
proposal at the link below.
Submit an internship proposal:  https://dctcinternships.acqirc.org/
DCTC website:  https://dctc.mil/
DCTC LinkedIn Site:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/defense-civilian-training-corps-dctc/
Defense Aquisition Magazine Article, May/June Issue:  https://www.dau.edu/library/damag/may-june2024/culture-of-care
Army ALT Magazine DCTC Article: https://asc.army.mil/web/news-civilian-workforce-of-the-future/
DoD article on DCTC: https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3520672/acquisition-program-is-talent-pipeline-to-prepare-students-for-dod-civilian-car/
Acquisition Game Article:  https://acqirc.org/news/gaming-the-system-dctc-scholars-master-defense-acquisition-through-play/
DCTC Program FAQs:  https://dctc.mil/docs/faqs/DCTC-Student-FAQs-42023-FINAL.pdf
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbF8yqm-r_M5czw5teb0PsA
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/contracting-conversations/id1621567225
17 min
October 24, 2024 CCON 009 - Advanced Proposal Analysis - Indirect Costs, Profit and Documentation Credential
In this episode of Contracting Conversations, hosts Scott Williams and Jim Valley are joined by Dr. Renee Butler, DAU’s Learning Director for Price, Cost, and Finance. They delve into the details of the CCON 009 credential, which focuses on Advanced Proposal Analysis, Indirect Cost, Profit, and Documentation. Dr. Butler explains the structure and content of this credential, its companion CCON 001, and the various courses involved, such as CON 7030V (Indirect Cost Analysis) and CON 7170V (Analyzing Profit or Fee).
Listeners will gain insights into the practical applications of these courses, including how to analyze indirect costs, develop profit objectives, and document negotiation decisions. Dr. Butler also highlights the importance of business simulations in the curriculum, providing students with hands-on experience in real-world scenarios. Tune in to learn about the intricacies of contract pricing and the valuable resources available through DAU, and don’t forget to like and subscribe for more insightful content.
CCON 009 - i-Catalog:  https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/CredentialConceptCard.aspx?crs_id=70
Contract Administration and Pricing Community of Practice: https://www.dau.edu/cop/ca
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
14 min
October 09, 2024 CCON 008 - Commercial Acquisition Credential
In this episode of “Contracting Conversations,” hosts Scott Williams and Jim Valley discuss the new credential, CCON 008: Commercial Acquisition, with Professor Kurt Chelf from DAU Midwest. Kurt explains the credential’s courses, including CON 7800 and CON 7810, and their relevance to acquisition professionals. Learn about the unique rules and policies of commercial acquisition and how this credential can enhance your contracting skills. Tune in for valuable insights and practical advice!

CCON 008 - i-Catalog:  https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/CredentialConceptCard.aspx?crs_id=69
Contract Administration and Pricing Community of Practice: https://www.dau.edu/cop/ca
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 09, 2024 CON 7030V - Indirect Cost Analysis Course
In this episode of “Contracting Conversations,” hosts Scott Williams and Jim Valley talk with Professor Kurt Chelf from DAU Midwest about the new course, CON 7030V Indirect Cost Analysis. Kurt explains the course’s structure, its benefits for acquisition professionals, and how it helps understand and manage indirect costs. Tune in to learn how this course can enhance your contracting skills and career.

CON 7030V - https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/courses.aspx?crs_id=12502

Back to Basics: https://www.dau.edu/back-to-basics; BtB Contracting: https://www.dau.edu/functional-areas/contracting
Contract Cost, Price and Finance Community of Practice: https://www.dau.edu/cop/pricing
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
11 min