Contracting Conversations

By Warfighting Acquisition UniversityEducation

Contracting Conversations episodes

January 19, 2024 CCON 024 - Operational Contracting Credential
In this episode of Contracting Conversations, Scott and Jim chat with Cindy Baker, the Learning Asset Manager for CCON 024, Operational Contracting Credential. She tells us what it is all about, how many assets, the capstone assessment, definition of operation contracting, the target audience, and the possibility of a operation contracting workshop, with a live instructor, in the future.
I-Catalog for more info and to sign up:
CCON 024: https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/CredentialConceptCard.aspx?crs_id=77
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
11 min
January 09, 2024 Contracting in the Age of AI - Part 5 - The Pitfalls and Risks of AI
In this episode of Contracting Conversations, it's Part 5 of our series, 'Contracting in the Age of AI - Responsible AI - The Pitfalls and Risks of AI, Rhonda Maus, Professor of Software Engineering, Agile Coach, and DAU's lead for AI Research, continues the series by talking about risk mitigation, safety related incidents in early AI technology (trust issues), importance of continuous updates and constant monitoring, and how to contact DAU for help on AI - either DAU or a DoD organization who has solved your challenge already. Please help the AI series podcasts by letting us know your concerns/challenges so we can bring to the show experts throughout DoD and industry that can help you with your concerns.  Below are some great resources to grow your AI knowledge:
To reach DAU for AI support, e-mail us at [email protected]
For any Software Agile training (SWE XXXX), go to dau.edu - recommendations from Rhonda coming soon.
Defense Cyber Workforce Framework:  https://dodcio.defense.gov/Cyber-Workforce/DCWF/
Defense Cyber Workforce Framework Tool:  https://public.cyber.mil/wid/dcwf/
DoD AI Ethical Principles:  https://www.ai.mil/docs/Ethical_Principles_for_Artificial_Intelligence.pdf
DoD Memo: Implementing Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Department of Defense (2021): https://media.defense.gov/2021/May/27/2002730593/-1/-1/0/IMPLEMENTING-RESPONSIBLE-ARTIFICIAL-INTELLIGENCE-IN-THE-DEPARTMENT-OF-DEFENSE.PDF
DoD Responsible AI (RAI Strategy & Implementation Pathway:  https://www.ai.mil/docs/RAI_Strategy_and_Implementation_Pathway_6-21-22.pdf
CDAO Press Release on the new DoD RAI Toolkit:  https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3588743/cdao-releases-responsible-ai-rai-toolkit-for-ensuring-alignment-with-rai-best-p/
CDAO's RAI Toolkit Website:  https://rai.tradewindai.com/
Access to Contracting Conversations can be found at:
DAU Media:  https://media.dau.edu/channel//231324903
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@dau-contractingconversatio9271
Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/contracting-conversations/id1621567225
Please subscribe, like and share - thank you for being part of the Contracting Conversations family!
25 min
January 04, 2024 Contracting in the Age of AI - Part 4 - Responsible AI - "This is the Way!"
In this episode of Contracting Conversations, it's Part 4 of our series, 'Contracting in the Age of AI - Responsible AI - "This is the Way!", Rhonda Maus, Professor of Software Engineering, Agile Coach, and DAU's lead for AI Research, goes more in-depth into Responsible AI (RAI), what is RAI, trusting our systems (how do we keep control?), the beauty of AI (what about risk?), why does AI make errors?, importance of quality data (biases), how relate to AI ethical principals, and AI in small batches to be agile (to reduce the risk).  We will bring on other AI experts, with DoD and industry, to help answer your questions and bring additional perspectives - we need your help in giving us those AI topics. Below are some great resources to grow your AI knowledge:
For any Software Agile training (SWE XXXX), go to dau.edu - recommendations from Rhonda coming soon.
Defense Cyber Workforce Framework:  https://dodcio.defense.gov/Cyber-Workforce/DCWF/
Defense Cyber Workforce Framework Tool:  https://public.cyber.mil/wid/dcwf/
DoD AI Ethical Principles:  https://www.ai.mil/docs/Ethical_Principles_for_Artificial_Intelligence.pdf
DoD Memo: Implementing Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Department of Defense (2021): https://media.defense.gov/2021/May/27/2002730593/-1/-1/0/IMPLEMENTING-RESPONSIBLE-ARTIFICIAL-INTELLIGENCE-IN-THE-DEPARTMENT-OF-DEFENSE.PDF
DoD Responsible AI (RAI Strategy & Implementation Pathway:  https://www.ai.mil/docs/RAI_Strategy_and_Implementation_Pathway_6-21-22.pdf
CDAO Press Release on the new DoD RAI Toolkit:  https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3588743/cdao-releases-responsible-ai-rai-toolkit-for-ensuring-alignment-with-rai-best-p/
CDAO's RAI Toolkit Website:  https://rai.tradewindai.com/
Access to Contracting Conversations can be found at:
DAU Media:  https://media.dau.edu/channel//231324903
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@dau-contractingconversatio9271
Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/contracting-conversations/id1621567225
Please subscribe, like and share - thank you for being part of the Contracting Conversations family!
19 min
January 02, 2024 Contracting in the Age of AI - Part 3 - What is going on in DoD with AI?
In this episode of Contracting Conversations, we present Part 3 of our series, 'Contracting in the AGE of AI - What is going on in DoD with AI?', Rhonda Maus, Professor of Software Engineering, Agile Coach, and DAU's lead for AI Research, talks about the adoption of AI mandates, how DoD is organizing itself, how we define the workforce roles, and Responsible AI (RAI) and what it means for DoD.
We also want to hear from you and answer your questions about AI. We will bring on other AI experts, with DoD and industry, to help answer your questions and bring additional perspectives. Below are some great resources to grow your AI knowledge:
Defense Cyber Workforce Framework:  https://dodcio.defense.gov/Cyber-Workforce/DCWF/
Defense Cyber Workforce Framework Tool:  https://public.cyber.mil/wid/dcwf/
DoD AI Ethical Principles:  https://www.ai.mil/docs/Ethical_Principles_for_Artificial_Intelligence.pdf
DoD Memo: Implementing Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Department of Defense (2021): https://media.defense.gov/2021/May/27/2002730593/-1/-1/0/IMPLEMENTING-RESPONSIBLE-ARTIFICIAL-INTELLIGENCE-IN-THE-DEPARTMENT-OF-DEFENSE.PDF
DoD Responsible AI (RAI Strategy & Implementation Pathway:  https://www.ai.mil/docs/RAI_Strategy_and_Implementation_Pathway_6-21-22.pdf
CDAO Press Release on the new DoD RAI Toolkit:  https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3588743/cdao-releases-responsible-ai-rai-toolkit-for-ensuring-alignment-with-rai-best-p/
CDAO's RAI Toolkit Website:  https://rai.tradewindai.com/
Links from previous AI episodes:
DAU AI Toolkit - AI Definition and Reference:   https://www.dau.edu/sites/default/files/Migrated/CopDocuments/DAI%20AI%20Toolkit%20-%20AI%20Descriptors%20and%20Definitions%20Reference%20Charts.pdf
DAU AI Toolkit - AI Systems Intelligence Checklist: https://www.dau.edu/sites/default/files/Migrated/CopDocuments/DAU%20AI%20System%20Intelligence%20Checklist%20-%20508.pdf
DAU AI Toolkit - AI Glossary:  https://www.dau.edu/sites/default/files/Migrated/CopDocuments/DAU%20AI%20Glossary.pdf
DAU AI Toolkit - Statute, Policy & Guidance Tracker: https://www.dau.edu/sites/default/files/Migrated/CopDocuments/DAU%20AI%20SPG%20Framework.pdf
DAU's AI Learning Assets - Created for DoD!
AI Channel Media Playlist:  https://media.dau.edu/channel/Artificial%2BIntelligence/310800832
SWE0056 - What is AI? - Register at:  https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/courses.aspx?crs_id=13232
SWE0056 Standalone video on What is AI? - https://media.dau.edu/media/t/1_fnlts39y
SWE0057 What is Machine Learning (ML) - register at:  https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/courses.aspx?crs_id=13233
SWE0057 Standalone video on What is Machine Learning (ML)?  https://media.dau.edu/playlist/dedicated/310800832/1_rv1ldfxr/1_hsij16av
Access to Contracting Conversations can be found at:
DAU Media:  https://media.dau.edu/channel//231324903
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@dau-contractingconversatio9271
Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/contracting-conversations/id1621567225
Please subscribe, like and share - thank you for being part of the Contracting Conversations family!
13 min
December 13, 2023 CBFM 002 Industry Financial Business Acumen Credential
In this episode of Contracting Conversations, Chris Merkel sat down with Jim and Scott to discuss CBFM 002, Industry Financial Business Acumen Credential.  The credential provides DoD Acquisition professionals a deeper understanding of how Industry supports DoD. This credential will address the operational, financial, and decision-making aspects of doing business with DoD where the Business Financial Manager is involved in the process from beginning to end. Prof Chris Merkel talks about the multiple learning assets involved and more details for the benefit of interested acquisition professionals, to include the DoD Contracting Workforce.

CBFM 002:  https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/CredentialConceptCard.aspx?crs_id=95
BFM 2750V: https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/courses.aspx?crs_id=13005
ACQ 315V:  https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/courses.aspx?crs_id=12392
ACQ 315: https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/courses.aspx?crs_id=1942

Back to Basics: https://www.dau.edu/back-to-basics
Business Financial Management Community of Practice:  https://www.dau.edu/cop/fm
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 Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/contracting-conversations/id1621567225
14 min
December 11, 2023 BFM 2750V - Industry Financial Business Acumen
In this episode of Contracting Conversations, Prof Chris Merkel joins Jim and Scott to discuss BFM 2750V, Industry Financial Business Acumen. Chris shares the class subjects such as how Industry asses their priorities leading to how that influences their business decisions. The course then addresses, from a government perspective, how knowing this process can help us reach better acquisition outcomes. Chris explains how this Financial Management course can be of great benefit to those in the Contracting field as well, by looking at financial responsibility and understanding how the proportion of fixed costs in the cost pool for an indirect rate can have a significant impact on the rates. Chris provides a thorough breakdown of this class and the aspects that can help both financial managers and contracting professionals.

BFM 2750V: https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/courses.aspx?crs_id=13005

Back to Basics: https://www.dau.edu/back-to-basics
Business Financial Management Community of Practice:  https://www.dau.edu/cop/fm
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 Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/contracting-conversations/id1621567225
20 min
December 04, 2023 Contracting in the Age of AI - Part 2 - So what is AI…really?
In this episode of Contracting Conversations, it's Part 2 of our series, 'Contracting in the AGE of AI - So what is AI...Really?', Rhonda Maus, Professor of Software Engineering, Agile Coach, and DAU's lead for AI Research, talks about Applied versus Fundamental AI, types of AI software, AI Domains, the three DoD AI definitions, how AI can be applied to the contracting process, and will AI replace contracting personnel. The last one is kind of scary, please listen in to hear what Rhonda has to say about it.
We also want to hear from you and answer your questions about AI. We will bring on other AI experts, with DoD and industry, to help answer your questions and bring additional perspectives. Below are some great resources to grow your AI knowledge:

DAU AI Toolkit - AI Definition and Reference:   https://www.dau.edu/sites/default/files/Migrated/CopDocuments/DAI%20AI%20Toolkit%20-%20AI%20Descriptors%20and%20Definitions%20Reference%20Charts.pdf
DAU AI Toolkit - AI Systems Intelligence Checklist: https://www.dau.edu/sites/default/files/Migrated/CopDocuments/DAU%20AI%20System%20Intelligence%20Checklist%20-%20508.pdf
DAU AI Toolkit - AI Glossary:  https://www.dau.edu/sites/default/files/Migrated/CopDocuments/DAU%20AI%20Glossary.pdf
DAU AI Toolkit - Statute, Policy & Guidance Tracker: https://www.dau.edu/sites/default/files/Migrated/CopDocuments/DAU%20AI%20SPG%20Framework.pdf
DAU's AI Learning Assets - Created for DoD!
AI Channel Media Playlist:  https://media.dau.edu/channel/Artificial%2BIntelligence/310800832
SWE0056 - What is AI? - Register at:  https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/courses.aspx?crs_id=13232
SWE0056 Standalone video on What is AI? - https://media.dau.edu/media/t/1_fnlts39y
SWE0057 What is Machine Learning (ML) - register at:  https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/courses.aspx?crs_id=13233
SWE0057 Standalone video on What is Machine Learning (ML)?  https://media.dau.edu/playlist/dedicated/310800832/1_rv1ldfxr/1_hsij16av
Access to Contracting Conversations can be found at:
DAU Media:  https://media.dau.edu/channel//231324903
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@dau-contractingconversatio9271
Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/contracting-conversations/id1621567225
Please subscribe, like and share - thank you for being part of the Contracting Conversations family!

24 min
November 29, 2023 Contracting in the Age of AI - Part 1 - Introduction
In this episode of Contracting Conversations, are you curious about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how it affects your work as a contracting professional? If so, you will want to tune in to the new series, Contracting in the Age of AI, where we will dive into the fascinating world of AI with our software expert, Rhonda Maus, Professor of Software Engineering, Agile Coach, and DAU's lead for AI research. Please post your questions in the comments below or send them to [email protected]. You will learn what AI is and what it is not, how fast AI is changing and evolving, the difference between Fundamental and Applied AI, the types of AI software and how they work, how AI will impact your job and career, what is happening with AI within DoD and the challenges it poses, how to contract for AI effectively, and efficiently, how AI is being applied to contract management and the contracting process, and much more!
We also want to hear from you and answer your questions about AI. We will bring on other AI experts, within DoD and industry, to help answer your questions and bring additional perspectives. Below are some great resources to continue to grow your AI knowledge:
DAU AI Toolkit – AI Definition & Reference Chart chart: https://www.dau.edu/sites/default/files/Migrated/CopDocuments/DAI%20AI%20Toolkit%20-%20AI%20Descript...
DAU AI Toolkit-AI Systems Intelligence: https://www.dau.edu/sites/default/files/Migrated/CopDocuments/DAU%20AI%20System%20Intelligence%20Che...
DAU AI Toolkit –AI Glossary: https://www.dau.edu/sites/default/files/Migrated/CopDocuments/DAU%20AI%20Glossary.pdf
DAU AI Toolkit – Statute, Policy & Guidance Tracker: https://www.dau.edu/sites/default/files/Migrated/CopDocuments/DAU%20AI%20SPG%20Framework.pdf
DAU’s AI Learning Assets – Created for DoD!
AI Channel Media Playlist: https://media.dau.edu/channel/Artificial%2BIntelligence/310800832
SWE0056 – What is AI? - Register to take the course at https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/courses.aspx?crs_id=13232
Standalone Video on ‘What is AI?’ - https://media.dau.edu/media/t/1_fnlts39y
SWE0057 – What is Machine Learning (ML) – Register for the course: https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/courses.aspx?crs_id=13233
Standalone Video on ‘What is Machine Learning(ML)?’ - https://media.dau.edu/playlist/dedicated/310800832/1_rv1ldfxr/1_hsij16av
Access to Contracting Conversations can be found at:
DAU Media: https://media.dau.edu/channel//231324903
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dau-contractingconversatio9271
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/contracting-conversations/id1621567225.
Please subscribe, like and share – thank you for being part of Contracting Conversations!
13 min
November 20, 2023 Introduction to Contracting Conversations (UPDATED!)
Welcome to Contracting Conversations, the podcast that brings you the latest insights and best practices for the contracting workforce. I’m Scott, and I’m Jim, and we are your hosts for this channel. We started this podcast 18 months ago, and since then we have learned a lot from our guests, our listeners, and our own experiences. That’s why we decided to update our introduction and let you know what this channel is all about.
Contracting Conversations is dedicated to educating the contracting workforce on the CON Certification Courses, Credentials, DAU Tools, and other hot topics of the day, such as Artificial Intelligence, Personal Services Contracts, Source Selection, and Other Transactional Authority. We cover these topics in an engaging and informative way, featuring experts, practitioners from the field and DAU. We also want to hear from you, our listeners, and learn what topics interest you the most. That’s why we invite you to click on the “like” button, subscribe to our channel, and leave your comments and suggestions below. We read all the comments, and they do influence what we publish.
You can find our podcast on YouTube and Apple podcasts, as well as on DAU Media. Please see below links to some of our resources, such as our CON Certification Courses, Credentials, DAU Tools, and previous episodes. Thank you for listening, and we hope you enjoy Contracting Conversations.
The Contracting Conversations YouTube/Podcast is the place to go for up-to-date information on the new contracting curriculum at DAU as well as getting answers to your questions as we move into a new training structure. We plan on providing information on the courses, credentials, and the courses within the credentials - we need your feedback and ideas for future episodes.

Some good links for Back to Basics (BtB) and CON Community of Practice (CoP) are located at these links:
https://www.dau.edu/functional-areas/contracting
https://www.dau.edu/back-to-basics
Contracting Community of Practice:  https://www.dau.edu/cop/contracting
DAU Tools:  https://www.dau.edu/tools
DAU Media:  https://media.dau.edu/channel//231324903

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
November 16, 2023 CON 7630 Award-Fee and Award-Term Contracts
In this episode of Contracting Conversations, we explore incentives which have been out of favor in the recent past but can be a part of a contracting officer's toolbox - Award Fee and Award Term Contract. Jim and Scott continue their conversation concerning incentive contracts with Dave Lewis with Dave Lewis, the Learning Asset Manager for CON 7630 - Award Fee and Award Term Contracts. He explains how these contracts work at a high level, when to use, and who the target audience is. Take a listen and see if this training is right for you Don’t miss our previous episodes on CON 7600, CON 7610, and CON 7620. And if you enjoy our podcast, please subscribe to our channel on your favorite platform (DAU Media, Apple Podcasts and/or YouTube) and hit the like button or give us a thumbs up. Thank you for listening.
CON 7630 - Award-Fee and Award-Term Contracts Course:  https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/courses.aspx?crs_id=13109

CON 7600 - https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/courses.aspx?crs_id=13108
CON 7610 - Fixed-Price Incentive (Firm Target) Contracts Course: https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/courses.aspx?crs_id=13014
CON 7620 - Cost-Plus Incentive Fee (CPIF) Contracts Course:   https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/courses.aspx?crs_id=13013
CON 7640 - Coming Soon
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
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

10 min