Contracting Officer Podcast 2.0 (samples)

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!) We’re here to help Government and Industry acquisition professionals understand more about how the other side thinks.What is a Source Selection Evaluation Board (SSEB) Report? The Government evaluation team must document the results of their evaluation against the Request for Proposal’s (RFP) stated evaluation criteria. This documentation is often called the SSEB Report, which is presented to the Source Selection Authority (SSA) as the primary resource for the selection decision. Kevin and Paul discuss the FAR requirement for documentation of the evaluation decision and why it is important for the Government to justify their source selection decision and be prepared to share that justification with industry———— If you need help with the Government market, join the Skyway Connection Community and get access to one-on-one insights, time-saving tools, and contract-centric training resources that will make sure you’re ready to take advantage of opportunities each time they knock.The Skyway Connection© Community was created specifically to help small companies expand their knowledge and capabilities, and to increase their competitive position in federal government acquisitions. - Learn more at: https://skywayacquisition.com/connectMembership benefits include: Access to Skyway Insight© Webinars Unlimited access to The RFP Score™ Access to Ask a Contracting Officer Forum™ Priority Access to Skyway Team for Skyway Insight, capture, proposal support __________Kevin Jans and Paul Schauer created the Contracting Officer Podcast to help Government and Industry acquisition professionals understand more about how the other side thinks. Admittedly, the podcast’s name sounds very limiting. It is not just for contracting officers or even just for those in the contracting profession. Anyone with an interest in the Federal acquisition world can benefit from the insight and down-to-earth explanations of complicated topics provided by the hosts.

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!) We’re here to help Government and Industry acquisition professionals understand more about how the other side thinks.What is an Acquisition Plan? The Government team is required to document their plan for acquiring goods and services. The plan can be simple for small, low dollar acquisitions but can grow to a massive document requiring high-level approvals for major system buys. Kevin and Paul discuss FAR 7.1 and provide an overview of acquisition plans. Learn why it is important for both sides to understand the plan and how improved communications can result in more successful program execution. ——— If you need help with the Government market, join the Skyway Connection Community and get access to one-on-one insights, time-saving tools, and contract-centric training resources that will make sure you’re ready to take advantage of opportunities each time they knock.The Skyway Connection© Community was created specifically to help small companies expand their knowledge and capabilities, and to increase their competitive position in federal government acquisitions. - Learn more at: https://skywayacquisition.com/connectMembership benefits include: Access to Skyway Insight© Webinars Unlimited access to The RFP Score™ Access to Ask a Contracting Officer Forum™ Priority Access to Skyway Team for Skyway Insight, capture, proposal support __________Kevin Jans and Paul Schauer created the Contracting Officer Podcast to help Government and Industry acquisition professionals understand more about how the other side thinks. Admittedly, the podcast’s name sounds very limiting. It is not just for contracting officers or even just for those in the contracting profession. Anyone with an interest in the Federal acquisition world can benefit from the insight and down-to-earth explanations of complicated topics provided by the hosts.

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!) We’re here to help Government and Industry acquisition professionals understand more about how the other side thinks.Kevin and Paul discuss the balance that both industry and the Government must consider as they plan how best to meet a requirement. Industry must decide whether or not outside vendors, suppliers, or subcontractors will be needed to meet the requirements of a Government solicitation. The Government must consider whether a particular requirement can be met solely by small businesses. Open communication between Government and Industry can help find the sweet spot between building the most efficient team and meeting regulations for small business utilization. This is a holiday encore presentation of a popular early episode. Back next week with brand new episodes!———— If you need help with the Government market, join the Skyway Connection Community and get access to one-on-one insights, time-saving tools, and contract-centric training resources that will make sure you’re ready to take advantage of opportunities each time they knock.The Skyway Connection© Community was created specifically to help small companies expand their knowledge and capabilities, and to increase their competitive position in federal government acquisitions. - Learn more at: https://skywayacquisition.com/connectMembership benefits include: Access to Skyway Insight© Webinars Unlimited access to The RFP Score™ Access to Ask a Contracting Officer Forum™ Priority Access to Skyway Team for Skyway Insight, capture, proposal support __________Kevin Jans and Paul Schauer created the Contracting Officer Podcast to help Government and Industry acquisition professionals understand more about how the other side thinks. Admittedly, the podcast’s name sounds very limiting. It is not just for contracting officers or even just for those in the contracting profession. Anyone with an interest in the Federal acquisition world can benefit from the insight and down-to-earth explanations of complicated topics provided by the hosts.

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!) We’re here to help Government and Industry acquisition professionals understand more about how the other side thinks.Another installment of our continuing series of interviews with former Government Contracting Officers who share their personal “3 things I wish I had known when I worked for the Government”. Meet Floyd Smith, a friend of Kevin’s who is a retired Army Officer and former Contracting Officer who also worked at the Defense Contract Management Agency. Floyd retired in 2009 and now works on the Industry side of the Government acquisition world. Kevin sat down with Floyd to learn Floyd’s unique perspective on the gulf in understanding that often exists between Government and Industry acquisition professionals.———— If you need help with the Government market, join the Skyway Connection Community and get access to one-on-one insights, time-saving tools, and contract-centric training resources that will make sure you’re ready to take advantage of opportunities each time they knock.The Skyway Connection© Community was created specifically to help small companies expand their knowledge and capabilities, and to increase their competitive position in federal government acquisitions. - Learn more at: https://skywayacquisition.com/connectMembership benefits include: Access to Skyway Insight© Webinars Unlimited access to The RFP Score™ Access to Ask a Contracting Officer Forum™ Priority Access to Skyway Team for Skyway Insight, capture, proposal support __________Kevin Jans and Paul Schauer created the Contracting Officer Podcast to help Government and Industry acquisition professionals understand more about how the other side thinks. Admittedly, the podcast’s name sounds very limiting. It is not just for contracting officers or even just for those in the contracting profession. Anyone with an interest in the Federal acquisition world can benefit from the insight and down-to-earth explanations of complicated topics provided by the hosts.

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)How does context influence perception in Government Acquisition? Kevin and Paul discuss context, the central concept behind the Contracting Officer Podcast, as it relates to the Government acquisition process and Government contracting in general. Without context, every conversation can lead to misunderstandings, open questions, guesses, and in the case of source selections: protests. Don’t assume that the people on the other side of the issue understand your position. Explain! Give them the context they need to ensure you aren’t talking past each other. Learn what Government and Industry professionals can do to improve communication through real life examples. ———— If you need help with the Government market, join the Skyway Connection Community and get access to one-on-one insights, time-saving tools, and contract-centric training resources that will make sure you’re ready to take advantage of opportunities each time they knock.The Skyway Connection© Community was created specifically to help small companies expand their knowledge and capabilities, and to increase their competitive position in federal government acquisitions. - Learn more at: https://skywayacquisition.com/connectMembership benefits include: Access to Skyway Insight© Webinars Unlimited access to The RFP Score™ Access to Ask a Contracting Officer Forum™ Priority Access to Skyway Team for Skyway Insight, capture, proposal support __________Kevin Jans and Paul Schauer created the Contracting Officer Podcast to help Government and Industry acquisition professionals understand more about how the other side thinks. Admittedly, the podcast’s name sounds very limiting. It is not just for contracting officers or even just for those in the contracting profession. Anyone with an interest in the Federal acquisition world can benefit from the insight and down-to-earth explanations of complicated topics provided by the hosts.

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)How does a Contracting Officer decide which clauses are included in a contract? Does Industry have a choice in which clauses are in a contract? What does incorporated by reference mean? Listen and learn…Kevin and Paul discuss the process of clause selection and the reasons why Government contracts are so dense. Learn why some clauses are mandatory and some are optional, as well as the reasons why it is important for both sides to understand the difference. ———— If you need help with the Government market, join the Skyway Connection Community and get access to one-on-one insights, time-saving tools, and contract-centric training resources that will make sure you’re ready to take advantage of opportunities each time they knock.The Skyway Connection© Community was created specifically to help small companies expand their knowledge and capabilities, and to increase their competitive position in federal government acquisitions. - Learn more at: https://skywayacquisition.com/connectMembership benefits include: Access to Skyway Insight© Webinars Unlimited access to The RFP Score™ Access to Ask a Contracting Officer Forum™ Priority Access to Skyway Team for Skyway Insight, capture, proposal support __________Kevin Jans and Paul Schauer created the Contracting Officer Podcast to help Government and Industry acquisition professionals understand more about how the other side thinks. Admittedly, the podcast’s name sounds very limiting. It is not just for contracting officers or even just for those in the contracting profession. Anyone with an interest in the Federal acquisition world can benefit from the insight and down-to-earth explanations of complicated topics provided by the hosts.

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)What does a COTR do? What can a COR direct a contractor to do? What is outside the scope of their authority? In this special encore episode you’ll learn the answers to these questions and more as Kevin and Paul discuss the role of Contracting Officer Technical Representatives (alternately known as Contracting Officer Representatives). Gain new knowledge or refresh your understanding of why the Government appoints COTRs and CORs and why it is important for both Government and Industry to understand their responsibilities, authority, and limitations. ———— If you need help with the Government market, join the Skyway Connection Community and get access to one-on-one insights, time-saving tools, and contract-centric training resources that will make sure you’re ready to take advantage of opportunities each time they knock.The Skyway Connection© Community was created specifically to help small companies expand their knowledge and capabilities, and to increase their competitive position in federal government acquisitions. - Learn more at: https://skywayacquisition.com/connectMembership benefits include: Access to Skyway Insight© Webinars Unlimited access to The RFP Score™ Access to Ask a Contracting Officer Forum™ Priority Access to Skyway Team for Skyway Insight, capture, proposal support __________Kevin Jans and Paul Schauer created the Contracting Officer Podcast to help Government and Industry acquisition professionals understand more about how the other side thinks. Admittedly, the podcast’s name sounds very limiting. It is not just for contracting officers or even just for those in the contracting profession. Anyone with an interest in the Federal acquisition world can benefit from the insight and down-to-earth explanations of complicated topics provided by the hosts.

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)The Federal government uses the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) (http://www.census.gov/eos/www/naics/) to classify businesses and collect statistical data related to the U.S. business economy. NAICS codes define companies of all types based on the activities in which they are primarily engaged. The Small Business Administration (SBA) uses the NAICS as a basis for its size standards, which determines whether a business is considered large or small for each applicable NAICS code. Paul discusses NAICS Codes with special guest Shelley Hall and explains what they are, how they are used, and why it is important for both Government and Industry to understand NAICS codes. Learn how misuse of NAICS codes can skew the Government’s market research and how Industry can use NAICS codes strategically to eliminate potential competitors. ———— If you need help with the Government market, join the Skyway Connection Community and get access to one-on-one insights, time-saving tools, and contract-centric training resources that will make sure you’re ready to take advantage of opportunities each time they knock.The Skyway Connection© Community was created specifically to help small companies expand their knowledge and capabilities, and to increase their competitive position in federal government acquisitions. - Learn more at: https://skywayacquisition.com/connectMembership benefits include: Access to Skyway Insight© Webinars Unlimited access to The RFP Score™ Access to Ask a Contracting Officer Forum™ Priority Access to Skyway Team for Skyway Insight, capture, proposal support __________Kevin Jans and Paul Schauer created the Contracting Officer Podcast to help Government and Industry acquisition professionals understand more about how the other side thinks. Admittedly, the podcast’s name sounds very limiting. It is not just for contracting officers or even just for those in the contracting profession. Anyone with an interest in the Federal acquisition world can benefit from the insight and down-to-earth explanations of complicated topics provided by the hosts.

Cast:079Title:What is a Pre-Award Survey?Zone:Zone 3 & 4 (RFP & Source Selection)This episode is brought to you by the Government Contract Pricing Summit, the groundbreaking pricing event bringing together government and industry!If you are planning to attend a conference this year, this is the event you should consider. The GCP Summit runs June 21st -23rd in San Diego. You’ll want to be there…For the first-class training and workshopsTo learn from top expertsMeet like-minded peersEarn CPE credits Plus you can participate in a special episode of the Contracting Officer Podcast recorded live from the GCP Summit.There is a special rate for CO Podcast listeners. Visit GCP Summit.com/podcast to find out about the savings and see the list of great speakers at the summit. This is a limited time offer so go check out GCP Summit.com/podcast today!————————Contracting Officers are required to make a determination that a contractor is “responsible” before awarding a contract. How do they do that if there is little (or no) publicly available information on a company? Answer: Conduct a Pre-Award Survey.Kevin and Paul discuss the Pre-Award Survey process including benefits and pitfalls for both Government and Industry. Learn why Industry should take responsibility for demonstrating they are capable of performing the work required by the contract and how to help the Government make a responsibility determination without resorting to a Pre-Award Survey. ——Kevin Jans and Paul Schauer created the Contracting Officer Podcast to help Government and Industry acquisition professionals understand more about how the other side thinks. Admittedly, the podcast’s name sounds very limiting. It is not just for contracting officers or even just for those in the contracting profession. Anyone with an interest in the Federal acquisition world can benefit from the insight and down-to-earth explanations of complicated topics provided by the hosts.

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)Government Contracting Officers are required to make a determination that a contractor is “responsible” before awarding a contract. (FAR 9.104) This determination requires a review of the contractor’s financial resources, performance record, and business capabilities. (among other things…)Kevin and Paul discuss why it is important for industry to understand how the Government evaluates responsibility and why Government Contracting Officers should be prepared to help small businesses pass this test. ———— If you need help with the Government market, join the Skyway Connection Community and get access to one-on-one insights, time-saving tools, and contract-centric training resources that will make sure you’re ready to take advantage of opportunities each time they knock.The Skyway Connection© Community was created specifically to help small companies expand their knowledge and capabilities, and to increase their competitive position in federal government acquisitions. - Learn more at: https://skywayacquisition.com/connectMembership benefits include: Access to Skyway Insight© Webinars Unlimited access to The RFP Score™ Access to Ask a Contracting Officer Forum™ Priority Access to Skyway Team for Skyway Insight, capture, proposal support __________Kevin Jans and Paul Schauer created the Contracting Officer Podcast to help Government and Industry acquisition professionals understand more about how the other side thinks. Admittedly, the podcast’s name sounds very limiting. It is not just for contracting officers or even just for those in the contracting profession. Anyone with an interest in the Federal acquisition world can benefit from the insight and down-to-earth explanations of complicated topics provided by the hosts.