Agile Acquisitions & Alcohol

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Understanding Federal Government acquisitions can be complicated and overwhelming. With almost two decades of experience as a pioneer in Agile Acquisitions in the Federal Government I provide my lessons learned in short, easy to understand, breakdowns of

Jonathan B Mostowski


    • Mar 6, 2021 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 6m AVG DURATION
    • 84 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Agile Acquisitions & Alcohol

    Government Protests

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2021 7:09


    In this episode I discuss the different types of Government protest including Agency Level, GAO, and Court of Federal Claims. https://www.gao.gov/special.pubs/og96024.htm https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/gao-clarifies-the-scope-of-its-2909433/

    Consumption Based Service Acquisitions

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2021 4:56


    In this episode I discuss the importance of government adoption of Consumption Based Service Acquisition models such as those proposed in the NDAA 2021 Section 834.

    Cooperative Research & Development Agreements (CRADA)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2021 6:56


    In this episode I discuss Cooperative Research & Development Agreements (CRADA)and the benefits to industry and the Government.

    Understanding Intellectual Property

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2021 5:58


    In this episode I discuss Intellectual property as it relates to Data Rights in Government Contracts.

    FAR Nerd

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2020 7:01


    In this episode I talk about how to improve your understanding and utilization of the Federal Acquisition Regulations

    Understanding Contract Types

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2020 8:35


    In this episode I discuss the different types of contracts and contract vehicles to help users understand what might best meet their needs. Relevant FAR Sections: https://myfar.io/parts/16 13 Simplified Acquisitions 16 Types of Contracts 16.1 Selecting Contract Types 16.2 Fixed-Price Contracts 16.3 Cost-Reimbursement Contracts 16.4 Incentive Contracts 16.5 Indefinite-Delivery Contracts 16.6 Time-and-Materials, Labor-Hour, and Letter Contracts 16.7 Agreements 35 Research & Development

    Breaking into Government Contracts

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2020 7:17


    In this episode I discuss approaches for entering the Government marketplace. SBIR: https://www.sbir.gov/about FAR 19.5: Set-Asides for Small Business myFAR.io

    Acquisition Principles Part 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2020 4:29


    Welcome to part 3 of the Acquisition Principles series. In this episode I discuss: 7 - Leverage the efficiency of commercial contracting methods. If and when possible, use services and tools sold by private sector vendors. 8- Choose diverse teams that have demonstrated success in developing trust, accountability, and navigating cultural barriers. Evaluate demonstrated coding skills and quality of previous delivery expertise as an indicator for future performance. 9 - Get solutions into the hands of users quickly. Incorporate accessibility, security, and usability testing into the process to avoid bottlenecks.

    Acquisition Principles Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2020 5:57


    Welcome to part two of the Acquisition Principles for Digital Service. In this episode I will discuss: https://techfarhub.cio.gov/learning-center/principles/ 4 - Don't lock technical requirements into contracts so that new, more effective technologies and methods are not blocked. 5 - Buy design and software development services as a repeated process for the delivery of a working product. Technological enhancements never end. Determine how much of the budget to invest in finding the right solution. Only continue investing in the solution if value is demonstrated. 6 - Buy small, build small, test, and iterate. Set up each contract for a quick win, then determine how to scale that success or pivot quickly.

    Acquisition Principles Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2020 5:08


    In this episode I cover the first three of the Acquisition Principles for Digital Service as found on the TechFARHub. Grab a drink and relax as I talk about choosing a mission that matters, paying for performance over time, and separating contractual requirements from technical...Cheers!

    Digital Service Maturity Model

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2020 7:00


    In this week's episode, I enjoy a glass of Yellowstone Bourbon and discuss how you can assess an organizations Digital Service Maturity Model, which is essential in understanding how forward leaning an acquisition can be while still being successful and from an industry perspective if the organization is going to put their agile money where their mouth is. Digital Service Maturity Determination Use this to evaluate and correlate a requiring activities' organizational maturity in adoption of digital service techniques to the resulting contract action https://techfarhub.cio.gov/learning-center/agile-maturity/ Acquisition Principles for Digital Services https://techfarhub.cio.gov/learning-center/principles/

    Innovation in Appropriation

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2020 4:38


    In part 3 of this 3 part series I provide some insight into some of the innovations that are taking place in DoD in this coming Fiscal Year. 1:05 "DIB SWAP Appendix B.2: Appropriations Subgroup Report" https://media.defense.gov/2019/Jan/16/2002080473/-1/-1/0/DIB_APPROPRIATIONS_SUBGROUP_REPORT_2019.01.15.PDF 1:22 Memorandum: Software Acquisition Pathway Interim Policy and Procedures https://www.acq.osd.mil/ae/assets/docs/USA002825-19%20Signed%20Memo%20(Software).pdf 2:06 Here are the pilot programs for the new Software Budget Appropriation https://acquisitiontalk.com/2020/03/here-are-the-pilot-programs-for-the-new-software-budget-appropriation/

    Color of Money Part 2: Challenges with Appropriations

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2020 7:11


    In part 2 of this three part series on Color of Money I cover some of the challenges of current appropriation law. This deep dive focuses on DoD but the challenges apply broadly. 2:02 You can learn more about operating under a continuing resolution at https://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/research_reports/RR2200/RR2263/RAND_RR2263.pdf 2:42 some light reading on the execution of funds from the DoD FMR: https://comptroller.defense.gov/Portals/45/documents/fmr/Volume_14.pdf 4:06 DIB SWAP Study on Appropriations https://media.defense.gov/2019/Jan/16/2002080473/-1/-1/0/DIB_APPROPRIATIONS_SUBGROUP_REPORT_2019.01.15.PDF 5:19 for a detailed overview of the DoD budget process http://acqnotes.com/acqnote/acquisitions/ppbe-overview#:~:text=Budgeting%3A%20The%20Budgeting%20phase%20of,ensure%20efficient%20use%20of%20resources

    Color of Money Part 1: Types of Appropriations

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2020 4:58


    In the first part of this 3 part series discussing color of money, I dive into the fundamentals of different types of appropriations.

    Agile Acquisitions

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2020 5:38


    In part 3 of this 3 part series on Other Transaction Authority, I provide insight on how to find OTA opportunities, which agencies are using them and what consortiums you can join.

    agile acquisitions ota other transaction authority
    Other Transaction Authority Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2020 6:38


    In part 2 of this series on Other transaction Authority (OTA), I discuss the value of using OTA as it compares with FAR based contracting.

    History of Other Transaction Authority Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2020 5:46


    In the first part of this 3 part series on Other Transaction Authority I provide a brief overview of the history of OT and how it impacted the use.

    How Agile Fails

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2020 5:43


    In this episode I discuss how agile contracts and programs fail and what to do.

    COVID 19 Impact on Government Contracting

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2020 6:38


    In this episode I discuss how COVID 19 is impacting both Government agencies and Government Contractors and provide some tips on how both can take advantage of the new policies being released.

    Low Barriers to Entry

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2020 4:46


    In this episode I share a story about how I helped a company get their product in the hands of users...in the DoD; something that is far harder than it sounds. Check out this video to see how they did it.

    Market Engagement Challenge

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2020 3:21


    In this episode I offer a challenge to Government innovators to pick up an idea that I never got to implement...who will be the first program/contracting office to implement virtual video updates for their acquisitions?

    Selling Products to DoD

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2020 7:43


    In this episode I provide innovative approaches to selling “products” to the Department of Defense

    Are You a Professional?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2020 5:15


    In this episode I discuss the incredible importance of being a professional and what inspired me.

    Oversight

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2020 3:46


    In this episode I discuss the reality that we really have all the tools we need to conduct innovative acquisitions

    Risk Management

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2020 5:48


    In this episode I discuss the risk, or better yet, the perceived risk associated with innovative SW Development

    Root Cause Analysis

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2020 6:21


    In this episode I discuss an underlying challenge to acquisitions

    SBIRs & Innovation

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2020 5:12


    In this episode I discuss the increasing trend of using SBIRs for accessing innovative companies

    Should vs Shall

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2020 4:19


    In this episode I discuss the difference between should and shall in requirements documents especially in agile development requirement documents, you “should” enjoy it and I “shall” be grateful.

    Talking to the Government

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2020 3:23


    In this episode I discuss how industry can and should engage with the federal government throughout the acquisition lifecycle.

    Leaving the Digital Service

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2020 5:08


    In my first post-government episode, I give my honest opinion of the Digital Service and my time in Federal Service

    Debriefs and Downselects

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2020 4:16


    In this episode I follow-on to my previous video discussing “downselect acquisitions” to provide some insights on debriefs and the importance of timing.

    Down Selections

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2020 4:35


    In this episode I provide some useful tips on the growing trend in federal procurement around the use of down-selections.

    Ask Questions

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2020 3:07


    In this episode, I discuss the three most important questions a business advisor should ask when building an acquisition strategy

    Government Cost Estimating

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2020 7:17


    In this episode I breakdown the IGCE or Independent Government Cost Estimation; what it is, how it is historically done, how it should be done for agile, and what it means for industry.

    Commercial Contracting

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2020 7:41


    In this episode I unpack Commercial Contracting in the Federal Government; what it is, how to use it, and what it means to you. Check out the new video format with editing support from Alex Romero; he may have even slipped in a little drinking game if you care to play along.

    Scalable Agile

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2020 6:49


    In this episode I discuss the how and why of scaling Agile programs

    Agile Services

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2020 6:52


    In this episode I break down the three categories of agile services: Coaching, Training, & Delivery

    Legacy to Agile Transitions

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2020 7:41


    In this episode I describe how you can transition a legacy program to an agile program

    Government Shutdown

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2020 4:54


    In this week's episode I discuss the impacts of the Government Shutdown on contracts and contractors.

    Non-Traditional Contractors

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2020 4:27


    In this episode I head to Baltimore, MD to talk with Fearless President, Delali Dzirasa about what it means to be a modern tech vendor in the federal marketplace.

    How to Fix Contracts

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2020 7:01


    In this week's episode I discuss how we can really fix government contracting.

    Contract Structure

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2020 8:59


    In this episode I review Ole Smokey Tennessee Whiskey Mango Habanero Whiskey and respond to Mark Ginise's question regarding contract structures and CLIN length.

    Acquiring User Experience

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2020 6:12


    In this episode I respond to a viewers request to discuss how you contract for User Experience

    Agile Incentives

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2020 9:55


    In this episode, I respond to a viewer's question regarding the use of Agile Incentives and introduce a new segment, answering the question, "what's he drinking?"

    Talking to Contracting Officers

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2020 6:24


    In this episode I talk about how and when Industry can interact with Government Officials

    Contract Deliverables

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2020 10:21


    In this episode I talk about Contract Deliverable Requirement Lists (CDRL's) which we should keep, which we should add, and which we should get rid of all together.

    New Fiscal Year

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2020 7:38


    In this episode I provide 3 trends I see in the new fiscal year, and provide tips for Agencies and Industry to take advantage of them

    Requirement Documents

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2020 6:49


    In this episode I explain the difference between a SOO, SOW, & PWS

    Agile Program Management

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2020 6:00


    In this episode I provide 6 unique characteristics of agile program management

    Acquisition Timeline

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2020 8:35


    In this episode I breakdown the acquisition timeline to answer the age old question, "why does it take so long?"

    Agile Methodology

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2020 5:03


    In this episode it is back to the fundamentals, where I breakdown 6 key factors to the Agile Development Methodology.

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