Contracting Officer Podcast 2.0 (samples)

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)

Kevin and Paul discuss the SBIR program, a great way for small businesses to enter the government market or to grow their capabilities.  It's also an exciting way for the Government to streamline the acquisition process for innovative concepts.  The Air Force has used "Pitch Days" to award SBIR contracts on the spot with their credit cards.  

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If you enjoy our podcast, we invite you to check out the Skyway Community at skywaymember.com. The Skyway Community is the essential resource for anyone at any stage of starting, growing and running a government contracting business. We speak GovCon.

Whether you are brand new to GovCon, just got your first contract, or you are already a successful government contractor, being a Skyway Community member will guide you to the next level.

With our extensive tools and training, exclusive member discounts on consulting support, and a supportive and active community of peers to help you along the way, the Skyway Community is the perfect place for anyone who is serious about winning more contracts.

Give us a call at 877-884-5280 or check us out at skywaymember.com. 
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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. As former government Contracting Officers who have also walked in industry's shoes, Kevin and Paul share their perspectives in support of the podcast mission:  Make government contracts better, one contract at a time. 

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 holiday encore episode you’ll learn the answers to these questions and more as Kevin and Paul discuss the role of Contracting Officer Technical Representatives (sometimes 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. 
 
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If you enjoy our podcast, we invite you to check out the Skyway Community at skywaymember.com. The Skyway Community is the essential resource for anyone at any stage of starting, growing and running a government contracting business. We speak GovCon.

Whether you are brand new to GovCon, just got your first contract, or you are already a successful government contractor, being a Skyway Community member will guide you to the next level.

With our extensive tools and training, exclusive member discounts on consulting support, and a supportive and active community of peers to help you along the way, the Skyway Community is the perfect place for anyone who is serious about winning more contracts.

Give us a call at 877-884-5280 or check us out at skywaymember.com. 
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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. As former government Contracting Officers who have also walked in industry's shoes, Kevin and Paul share their perspectives in support of the podcast mission:  Make government contracts better, one contract at a time. 

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!)

In this holiday encore presentation of a foundational episode,  Kevin and Paul explain  the  role of a Contracting Officer along with some detail on how they are appointed.  You'll also learn about the different types of contracting officers. (with some personal experience mixed in, of course) 

This episode was originally released as episode #9, way back when the Contracting Officer Podcast was brand new and we were brand new podcasters.  We hope you enjoy this holiday season and also enjoy hearing how far the podcast has come over the last 5 years thanks to your feedback.  We never get tired of hearing from you.  Send a note to [email protected] with your comments, questions, or concerns.  Thanks!
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If you enjoy our podcast, we invite you to check out the Skyway Community at skywaymember.com. The Skyway Community is the essential resource for anyone at any stage of starting, growing and running a government contracting business. We speak GovCon.

Whether you are brand new to GovCon, just got your first contract, or you are already a successful government contractor, being a Skyway Community member will guide you to the next level.

With our extensive tools and training, exclusive member discounts on consulting support, and a supportive and active community of peers to help you along the way, the Skyway Community is the perfect place for anyone who is serious about winning more contracts.

Give us a call at 877-884-5280 or check us out at skywaymember.com. 
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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. As former government Contracting Officers who have also walked in industry's shoes, Kevin and Paul share their perspectives in support of the podcast mission:  Make government contracts better, one contract at a time. 

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!)

It's a common human tendency. When things are going well, we become complacent to the reality of why they are going well and what risks could materialize if things stop going well. 

Kevin and Paul discuss this tendency in the context of Government acquisition. What happens if the Government relies on the same acquisition strategy over and over "because it works"?  Why should contractors focus on more than relationships to continue winning at an agency?  Listen and learn the answers to these questions and more.

Ignorance is Bliss

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If you enjoy our podcast, we invite you to check out the Skyway Community at skywaymember.com. The Skyway Community is the essential resource for anyone at any stage of starting, growing and running a government contracting business. We speak GovCon.

Whether you are brand new to GovCon, just got your first contract, or you are already a successful government contractor, being a Skyway Community member will guide you to the next level.

With our extensive tools and training, exclusive member discounts on consulting support, and a supportive and active community of peers to help you along the way, the Skyway Community is the perfect place for anyone who is serious about winning more contracts.

Give us a call at 877-884-5280 or check us out at skywaymember.com. 
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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. As former government Contracting Officers who have also walked in industry's shoes, Kevin and Paul share their perspectives in support of the podcast mission:  Make government contracts better, one contract at a time. 

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 is the advantage of being in a HUBZone? (Historically Underutilized Business Zone) Kevin and Paul gave an overview of the HUBZone program in Episode 178.  Today they dive deeper into this special niche for small businesses.  

Listen and learn how FAR 19.1305 gives contracting officers the ability to set certain acquisitions aside exclusively for qualified HUBZone small businesses and in some circumstances even award on a sole source basis. You'll also gain insight into why just being a HUBZone small business concern isn't enough to gain the Government's interest.  

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If you enjoy our podcast, we invite you to check out the Skyway Community at skywaymember.com. The Skyway Community is the essential resource for anyone at any stage of starting, growing and running a government contracting business. We speak GovCon.

Whether you are brand new to GovCon, just got your first contract, or you are already a successful government contractor, being a Skyway Community member will guide you to the next level.

With our extensive tools and training, exclusive member discounts on consulting support, and a supportive and active community of peers to help you along the way, the Skyway Community is the perfect place for anyone who is serious about winning more contracts.

Give us a call at 877-884-5280 or check us out at skywaymember.com. 
___________

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. As former government Contracting Officers who have also walked in industry's shoes, Kevin and Paul share their perspectives in support of the podcast mission:  Make government contracts better, one contract at a time. 

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!)

Use past performance to your advantage? When you read that, did you think of how Government contractors can use past performance?  Or how Government Contracting Officers and acquisition teams can use past performance?  Maybe because it is a required source selection evaluation factor, past performance is often given the least importance and doesn't really impact many award decisions.  

Kevin and Paul discuss why past performance almost always matters, regardless of acquisition strategy.  Learn how both Government and industry can tap the power of past performance for better acquisition outcomes.  (otherwise known as "making Government contracts better, one contract at a time!")

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If you enjoy our podcast, we invite you to check out the Skyway Community at skywaymember.com. The Skyway Community is the essential resource for anyone at any stage of starting, growing and running a government contracting business. We speak GovCon.

Whether you are brand new to GovCon, just got your first contract, or you are already a successful government contractor, being a Skyway Community member will guide you to the next level.

With our extensive tools and training, exclusive member discounts on consulting support, and a supportive and active community of peers to help you along the way, the Skyway Community is the perfect place for anyone who is serious about winning more contracts.

Give us a call at 877-884-5280 or check us out at skywaymember.com. 
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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. As former government Contracting Officers who have also walked in industry's shoes, Kevin and Paul share their perspectives in support of the podcast mission:  Make government contracts better, one contract at a time. 

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!)  

This is a special holiday encore presentation of a previously released podcast.  

Kevin and Paul discuss the power of succinct writing set up by a quote from Mark Twain, “If I had more time, I would have written a shorter letter”.  Government Requests for Proposals and the proposals submitted in response are well known for “dense” content.  Learn tips on how to purge your writing of unnecessary content that obscures the intended message and how this can help both Government and Industry save time and money.  

…yes…we know…Twain wasn’t the first.  The earliest recorded use of the concept "If I Had More Time, I Would Have Written a Shorter Letter" comes from French mathematician and philosopher Blaise Pascal's work "Lettres Provinciales" in 1657.  It has been attributed to many others since.  
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If you enjoy our podcast, we invite you to check out the Skyway Community at skywaymember.com. The Skyway Community is the essential resource for anyone at any stage of starting, growing and running a government contracting business. We speak GovCon.

Whether you are brand new to GovCon, just got your first contract, or you are already a successful government contractor, being a Skyway Community member will guide you to the next level.

With our extensive tools and training, exclusive member discounts on consulting support, and a supportive and active community of peers to help you along the way, the Skyway Community is the perfect place for anyone who is serious about winning more contracts.

Give us a call at 877-884-5280 or check us out at skywaymember.com. 
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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. As former government Contracting Officers who have also walked in industry's shoes, Kevin and Paul share their perspectives in support of the podcast mission:  Make government contracts better, one contract at a time. 

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!)

Subcontracting in the Government world can be a complicated process. We've talked about small business goals and set-asides among many other subcontracting topics. Today we tackle second-tier subcontractors.

What is a second-tier sub? How can they be viewed differently on services contracts vs. product or solution contracts? Why would the Government limit second-tier subs? Why would industry use a second-tier sub?

Listen and learn the answers to these questions and more.

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If you enjoy our podcast, we invite you to check out the Skyway Community at skywaymember.com. The Skyway Community is the essential resource for anyone at any stage of starting, growing and running a government contracting business. We speak GovCon.

Whether you are brand new to GovCon, just got your first contract, or you are already a successful government contractor, being a Skyway Community member will guide you to the next level.

With our extensive tools and training, exclusive member discounts on consulting support, and a supportive and active community of peers to help you along the way, the Skyway Community is the perfect place for anyone who is serious about winning more contracts.

Give us a call at 877-884-5280 or check us out at skywaymember.com. 
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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. As former government Contracting Officers who have also walked in industry's shoes, Kevin and Paul share their perspectives in support of the podcast mission: Make government contracts better, one contract at a time.

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!)

Today we welcome Mike LeJeune from RSM Federal and host of the Game Changers for Government Contractors podcast.  Mike and Paul discuss sales strategies for winning your first government contract as well as common mistakes that contractors make while attempting to win a government contract award.      

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If you enjoy this podcast, we invite you to check out the Skyway Community at skywaymember.com. The Skyway Community is the essential resource for anyone at any stage of starting, growing and running a government contracting business. We speak GovCon.

Whether you are brand new to GovCon, just got your first contract, or you are already a successful government contractor, being a Skyway Community member will guide you to the next level.

With our extensive tools and training, exclusive member discounts on consulting support, and a supportive and active community of peers to help you along the way, the Skyway Community is the perfect place for anyone who is serious about winning more contracts.

Give us a call at 877-884-5280 or check us out at skywaymember.com. 
___________

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. As former government Contracting Officers who have also walked in industry's shoes, Kevin and Paul share their perspectives in support of the podcast mission:  Make government contracts better, one contract at a time. 

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!)

GovCon isn't static.  Many of the common themes of the podcast, like context and communication, never change.  But sometimes the specifics of how you get the job done change, and in this case it is long overdue.  

The federal government is transitioning and consolidating legacy GovCon websites to the new SAM.gov by the end of Q4 in FY2020.  The incremental transition began with the standup of beta.SAM.gov in 2017.  Although a few sites have already migrated to beta.SAM.gov, many in the GovCon world have not been impacted yet.  

On November 8th, 2019 that will change.  FBO.gov is migrating to beta.SAM.gov.  FBO.gov (AKA FedBizOpps) is the Governmentwide point of entry (GPE), the single point where Government business opportunities greater than $25k can be accessed by the public. This change will impact nearly everyone in the Government acquisition world.     

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If you enjoy this podcast, we invite you to check out the Skyway Community at skywaymember.com. The Skyway Community is the essential resource for anyone at any stage of starting, growing and running a government contracting business. We speak GovCon.

Whether you are brand new to GovCon, just got your first contract, or you are already a successful government contractor, being a Skyway Community member will guide you to the next level.

With our extensive tools and training, exclusive member discounts on consulting support, and a supportive and active community of peers to help you along the way, the Skyway Community is the perfect place for anyone who is serious about winning more contracts.

Give us a call at 877-884-5280 or check us out at skywaymember.com. 
___________

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. As former government Contracting Officers who have also walked in industry's shoes, Kevin and Paul share their perspectives in support of the podcast mission:  Make government contracts better, one contract at a time. 

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.