Contracting Conversations

By Warfighting Acquisition UniversityEducation

Contracting Conversations episodes

July 09, 2024 CON 1100 - Contract Foundational Skills - FY25 Update
In this episode of Contracting Conversations we have Leah Arkush, DAU's Learning Asset Manager for CON 1100 and 1100V - she talks about the new condensed version for FY25, what the course is all about, the criticality of this course to prepare you for the other certification courses, how to increase your chances of passing, and going back into the physical classroom.

A few good links for additional information:   https://media.dau.edu/media/1_c8osnsuv
CONNECT Live Session on the changes:
DAU's Contracting BtB webpage:  https://www.dau.edu/functional-areas/contracting
DAU's iCatalog on CON 1100V: https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/courses.aspx?crs_id=12495
CON 1100 (in-person): https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/courses.aspx?crs_id=13375 CON Webinar Series on CON 1100:  https://www.dau.edu/events/con-certification-courses-and-exam-webinar-series-part-1
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
12 min
July 09, 2024 Intellectual Property - How DAU Can Help - NCMA/DAU NEXUS 2024
In this episode of Contracting Conversations, how
can a software company protect its proprietary data while a government agency
gets the rights it needs for national security? And
where can you turn for instruction and expert guidance on navigating this
emerging and highly specialized field of contracts? We sit down to pick the brain of Vicki Allums, one of DAU’s own
leading experts on intellectual property.
This is part of the Contracting Conversations series taped during the Nexus 2024 conference in Jacksonville, FL.
2024 NEXUS site:  https://s6.goeshow.com/ncma/nexus/2024/index.cfm
2025 NEXUS site:  https://ncmahq.org/Web/Web/Events/Nexus.aspx
DAU YouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/@defenseacquisitionuniversi5631
DAU Media Channel:  https://media.dau.edu/
DAU website:  https://www.dau.edu/
For Contracting Conversations channels:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbF8yqm-r_M5czw5teb0PsA
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/contracting-conversations/id1621567225

20 min
July 08, 2024 The Supply Chain Risk Game-Peter Guinto, Resilinc-NCMA/DAU NEXUS 2024
In this episode of Contracting Conversations, Jim and Scott return to the table with Peter Guinto of Resilinc to open the box
on his game of risk. We'll hear how he uses this simulation to help large companies and government agencies learn more about mitigating risk with multi-tier supply chains.  This is part of the Contracting Conversations series taped during the Nexus 2024 conference in Jacksonville, FL.
2024 NEXUS site:  https://s6.goeshow.com/ncma/nexus/2024/index.cfm
2025 NEXUS site:  https://ncmahq.org/Web/Web/Events/Nexus.aspx
DAU YouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/@defenseacquisitionuniversi5631
DAU Media Channel:  https://media.dau.edu/
DAU website:  https://www.dau.edu/
For Contracting Conversations channels:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbF8yqm-r_M5czw5teb0PsA
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/contracting-conversations/id1621567225
11 min
July 01, 2024 Designing AI Acquisition Strategies-Eric Obergfell, MITRE-NCMA/DAU NEXUS 2024
In this episode of Contracting Conversations, Jim and Scott talk with Eric Obergfell of MITRE. We discuss the challenges contractors have with the new chat bot and we’ll learn more about how Artificial Intelligence can get out of control with risks such as data poisoning. We also discover a toolkit to help keep AI in check. This is part of the Contracting Conversations series taped during the Nexus 2024 conference in Jacksonville, FL.
2024 NEXUS site:  https://s6.goeshow.com/ncma/nexus/2024/index.cfm
2025 NEXUS site:  https://ncmahq.org/Web/Web/Events/Nexus.aspx
DAU YouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/@defenseacquisitionuniversi5631
DAU Media Channel:  https://media.dau.edu/
DAU website:  https://www.dau.edu/
For Contracting Conversations channels:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbF8yqm-r_M5czw5teb0PsA
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/contracting-conversations/id1621567225

10 min
June 26, 2024 Supply Chain Risk-Peter Guinto, Resilinc-NCMA/DAU NEXUS 2024
In this episode of Contracting
Conversations, from the Nexus 24 conference in Jacksonville Florida, Scott and Jim talk with Peter Guinto of RESILINC about the weakest links in our defense
supply chains. We’ll discuss the challenges of sourcing raw materials and learn how Peter prevents communication breakdowns between
vendors. Peter also explains the importance of information gathering to help manage tiered subcontractors that play a huge role in the supply chain.  This is part of the Contracting Conversations series taped during the Nexus 2024 conference in Jacksonville, FL.
2024 NEXUS site:  https://s6.goeshow.com/ncma/nexus/2024/index.cfm
2025 NEXUS site:  https://ncmahq.org/Web/Web/Events/Nexus.aspx
DAU YouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/@defenseacquisitionuniversi5631
DAU Media Channel:  https://media.dau.edu/
DAU website:  https://www.dau.edu/
For Contracting Conversations channels:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbF8yqm-r_M5czw5teb0PsA
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/contracting-conversations/id1621567225

16 min
June 25, 2024 CON 3990V - The CON Certification Exam June 2024 Update
This episode of Contracting Conversations is with Jordan Miller, DAU's Learning Asset Manager for CON 3990V, the CON Certification Exam. Jordan updates us on how test takers are doing so far in FY24 - 1500 test takers in FY24 alone - with percentage pass rate and other statistics and advice on how to improve your odds of passing the first time. Lastly, he will talk about the future of CON 3990V. He goes extensively in what the test consists of - it is a must watch for those who need to take the cert exam, and for supervisors who are helping to prepare their subordinates.
See attachment PowerPoint with latest statistics
A few good links:
CON 3990V : What the test consists of:  https://media.dau.edu/media/t/1_okicq2yd
CON 3990V i-Catalog:  https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/courses.aspx?crs_id=12540
CON 3900V i-Catalog: https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/courses.aspx?crs_id=12539
CON 3910 i-Catalog:  https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/courses.aspx?crs_id=12833
DAU's Contracting BtB webpage:  https://www.dau.edu/functional-areas/contracting
DAU's iCatalog: https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/courses.aspx?crs_id=12540
UPDATE - Sep 2023 - CON 3900v, 3910, and 3990v webinar on changes:  https://cdnapisec.kaltura.com/index.php/extwidget/preview/partner_id/2203981/uiconf_id/39997971%20%20/entry_id/1_lykau29g/embed/dynamic
CON Webinar Series on CON 3990V at https://media.dau.edu/media/t/1_axxckeud
Contracting Community of Practice:  https://www.dau.edu/cop/contracting
DPC Website with CON 3990 FAQs and other info:  https://www.acq.osd.mil/asda/dpc/cp/policy/workforce-development.html
The DoD Contracting Competency Model:  https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/Doc/CFcompetencys/CONCompetencies.pdf
Pearson-VUE (testing facility contractor) DAU landing page:  https://home.pearsonvue.com/dau

If you are watching this video on DAU Media, but rather watch on YouTube, go to https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbF8yqm-r_M5czw5teb0PsA
Even available via Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/contracting-conversations/id1621567225
28 min
June 14, 2024 Market Intelligence - Raj Sharma, CEO of Public Spend Forum - NCMA/DAU NEXUS 2024
In this episode of Contracting Conversations, Scott and Jim explore what to do if you are drowning in data. You will learn a simple 3 step process to ensure you're only collecting what you need for your mission. Plus, CEO of Public Spend Forum, Raj Sharma, shares the importance of starting the process early. This is part of the Contracting Conversations series taped during the Nexus 2024 conference in Jacksonville, FL.
2024 NEXUS site:  https://s6.goeshow.com/ncma/nexus/2024/index.cfm
2025 NEXUS site:  https://ncmahq.org/Web/Web/Events/Nexus.aspx
DAU YouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/@defenseacquisitionuniversi5631
DAU Media Channel:  https://media.dau.edu/
DAU website:  https://www.dau.edu/
For Contracting Conversations channels:
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
June 14, 2024 NASA "Spacesuits as a Service" Program-NCMA/DAU NEXUS 2024
In this episode of Contracting Conversations, Jim and Scott are jumping into NASA's new spacesuit, an update on 40-year-old technology to keep our explorers
safe from the moon to mars.  What does it take to get boots on the lunar ground? And what is the ticket to launching industry into
competition over the astronauts’ new outfit? We will learn this, and more from Bradley Niese, the acting
director of procurement from the Nasa Johnson Space Center in Houston. This is part of the Contracting Conversations series taped during the Nexus 2024 conference in Jacksonville, FL.
2024 NEXUS site:  https://s6.goeshow.com/ncma/nexus/2024/index.cfm
2025 NEXUS site:  https://ncmahq.org/Web/Web/Events/Nexus.aspx
DAU YouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/@defenseacquisitionuniversi5631
DAU Media Channel:  https://media.dau.edu/
DAU website:  https://www.dau.edu/
For Contracting Conversations channels:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbF8yqm-r_M5czw5teb0PsA
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/contracting-conversations/id1621567225
15 min
June 14, 2024 Artificial Intelligence Negotiation Simulation Bot - NCMA/DAU NEXUS 2024
In this episode of Contracting Conversations, Jim and Scott are chatting about the future role of AI in
the Acquisition workforce, and guess what? The future is now! They learn more about how the new Intelex BOT can be a formidable foe in a simulated contract negotiation, and they'll discuss the fears over this new
technology with Mr. Kinglsey Martin, Chief Technology Officer, Intellext.  This is part of the Contracting Conversations series taped during the Nexus 2024 conference in Jacksonville, FL.
Kinsley Martin's Linked-In Site: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kingsleymartin/
2024 NEXUS site:  https://s6.goeshow.com/ncma/nexus/2024/index.cfm
2025 NEXUS site:  https://ncmahq.org/Web/Web/Events/Nexus.aspx
DAU YouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/@defenseacquisitionuniversi5631

DAU Media Channel:  https://media.dau.edu/
DAU website:  https://www.dau.edu/
For Contracting Conversations channels:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbF8yqm-r_M5czw5teb0PsA
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/contracting-conversations/id1621567225
13 min
June 14, 2024 Covid Response Team - NCMA-DAU NEXUS 2024
In this episode of
Contracting Conversations from the NCMA/DAU Nexus Conference in Jacksonville,
FL, Jim and Scott get a behind-the-scenes account of the DoD’s fight against the
Covid-19 pandemic. They speak with Thomas
Dougherty, the Executive Director and Senior Contracting Official with Army
Contracting Command in New Jersey, about his instrumental role in the rapid
response team – a duty that earned him recognition from the President of the
United States. Mr. Dougherty shares key takeaways on how he worked with a
multifunctional team and offers tips on handling team burnout, even with
demanding requirements around the clock.
2024 NEXUS site:  https://s6.goeshow.com/ncma/nexus/2024/index.cfm
2025 NEXUS site:  https://ncmahq.org/Web/Web/Events/Nexus.aspx
DAU YouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/@defenseacquisitionuniversi5631
DAU Media Channel:  https://media.dau.edu/
DAU website:  https://www.dau.edu/
For Contracting Conversations channels:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbF8yqm-r_M5czw5teb0PsA
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/contracting-conversations/id1621567225

12 min