Off the Shelf

Kraig Conrad, CEO of the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) and chair of the Commerce & Contract Management Institute is this week's guest on Off the Shelf. Conrad shares his vision for the NCMA and how it is responding to the sweeping changes in federal procurement. He highlights NCMA's role in the continuous professional development of the acquisition workforce, and outlines the role NCMA plays in developing standards and certifications and how it is evolving to meet the rapidly changing procurement and contract management landscape. Conrad also discusses the various training/learning opportunities across NCMA's local chapters, training events, webinars, briefing and, of course, World Congress. Finally, he talks about the role the Commerce & Contract Management Institute is playing in advancing the contract management profession across the globe. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Off the Shelf, Rob Burton, partner at Crowell & Moring LLP, shares his insights and analysis on how the Trump Administration's first 100 days is restructuring the federal procurement market. Burton discusses the Department of Government Efficiency structure and role in the resetting procurement operations, and highlights the key executive orders reshaping the procurement system, including the consolidation of procurement at GSA, the FAR re-write, and the streamlining of defense acquisition. Burton talks about the key organizations, vision, and goals for the procurement consolidation and the revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO). Finally, he shares his thoughts on the future of government-wide and commercial item contracting, including his take on the federal supply schedules and the IT GWACs. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Off the Shelf, Tina Murphy, president & CEO of GHX, discusses commercial best practices in healthcare supply chain management. Murphy addresses the imperative of simplifying federal healthcare operations through automation technology for order and data management to improve patient care, and explains how digital transformation supports supply chain resilience addressing vulnerabilities and disruptions brought on by events like COVID-19. Automation and AI are driving end-to-end visibility in the healthcare supply chain providing flexibility and creating adaptive “living ecosystems” that are driving efficiencies and resiliency across supply chains. The return on investment for AI and automation means lower costs and better outcomes for patients. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Brian Friel, founder of BD Squared, joins host Roger Waldron on Off the Shelf for a discussion focusing on the consolidation of procurement functions at GSA and the future of interagency contracting. Friel provides his insights and analysis of the leading IT GWAC and governmentwide contracts, including NASA SEWP, CIO-SP4, OASIS+, and the Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) program.He also outlines the overall performance of these vehicles and discusses their current and future status, and shares his his thoughts on the current performance of the MAS program and the likely central role it will play in supporting customer agency operations. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bill Greenwalt, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and Moshe Schwartz, president of Etherton and Associates, join host Roger Waldron on Off the Shelf for a wide ranging, thought-provoking discussion of the imperative for procurement reform. Now more than ever! Greenwalk and Schwartz highlight current consensus coalescing around the need for across-the-board reform of procurement programs, policies, and regulations to deliver innovative, cost-effective, and timely products and services that meet mission requirements. They provide context, highlighting the history of procurement reform and subsequent “re-regulation",and then share their views on key reforms that will drive innovation and streamline delivery of systems. Topics include the FoRGED Act's intent and key provisions, the role of nontraditional firms, the various executive orders on acquisition reform, and the Defense Production Act. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week's Off the Shelf focuses on the mission of the Department of Justice's Procurement Collusion Strike Force (the PCSF). The PCSF is charged with coordinating the national response to antitrust and related crimes in procurement and grant programs at the federal, state, and local levels. It was created to fight procurement collusion which undermines the integrity of the procurement system, diminishes faith in government, and costs the taxpayer billions of dollars. The PCSF's director Daniel Glad and deputy director Sandra Talbot join host Roger Waldron to discuss the PCSF's mission, what it has accomplished, and what contractors and attorneys should know regarding compliance best practices. Glad and Talbot talk about what constitutes antitrust crimes in the context of procurement including collusion and bid-rigging. They also share real life case studies outlining the keys to identifying and combating collusive fraud and explain how the PCSF works across government entities to combat collusive fraud. Additional links: PCSF Complaint Online Form: https://www.justice.gov/atr/webform/pcsf-citizen-complaint Antitrust Division Evaluation of Corporate Compliance Programs in Criminal Antitrust Investigations: https://www.justice.gov/atr/media/1376686/dl?inline PCSF contact: pcsf@usdoj.gov Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicev Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week's Off the Shelf focuses on the mission of the Department of Justice's Procurement Collusion Strike Force (the PCSF).The PCSF is charged with coordinating the national response to antitrust and related crimes in procurement and grant programs at the federal, state, and local levels.It was created to fight procurement collusion which undermines the integrity of the procurement system, diminishes faith in government, and costs the taxpayer billions of dollars.The PCSF's director Daniel Glad and deputy director Sandra Talbot join host Roger Waldron to discuss the PCSF's mission, what it has accomplished, and what contractors and attorneys should know regarding compliance best practices.Glad and Talbot talk about what constitutes antitrust crimes in the context of procurement including collusion and bid-rigging.They also share real life case studies outlining the keys to identifying and combating collusive fraud and explain how the PCSF works across government entities to combat collusive fraud.Additional links:PCSF Complaint Online Form: https://www.justice.gov/atr/webform/pcsf-citizen-complaintAntitrust Division Evaluation of Corporate Compliance Programs in Criminal Antitrust Investigations: https://www.justice.gov/atr/media/1376686/dl?inlinePCSF contact: pcsf@usdoj.govLearn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicev Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nelly Wilson, Google's global head of AI Services for Weather and Climate joins Off the Shelf for a fascinating discussion on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how to implement it.  Wilson discusses the impact of AI as the biggest technology shift since the creation of the internet. She explains how AI will transform business operations and how it can be applied to all aspects of a business, including production, analysis, HR, accounting, sales, and engineering.  AI will drive workforce enhancements and operational efficiencies and Wilson highlights the key management practices and considerations that drive effective AI implementations.  She discusses how to implement AI successfully at scale, and shares key insights regarding data integrity and portability, interoperability, and security.  Finally, Wilson shares real life use case examples of AI implementation and highlights the path to successful AI implementation.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nelly Wilson, Google's global head of AI Services for Weather and Climate joins Off the Shelf for a fascinating discussion on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how to implement it. Wilson discusses the impact of AI as the biggest technology shift since the creation of theinternet.She explains how AI will transform business operations and how it can be applied to all aspects of a business, including production, analysis, HR, accounting, sales, and engineering. AI will drive workforce enhancements and operational efficiencies and Wilson highlights the keymanagement practices and considerations that drive effective AI implementations.  She discusses how to implement AI successfully at scale, and shares key insights regarding data integrity and portability, interoperability, and security. Finally, Wilson shares real life use case examples of AI implementation and highlights the path to successful AI implementation.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alan Thomas, founder of Alpha Tango Strategies, and BillGormley, president of the Gormley Group, join host Roger Waldron on this week's Off the Shelf for an engrossing discussion of the evolving federal procurement market.  The discussion highlights the consolidation of procurement functions at the General Services Administration (GSA) pursuant to the president's executive order.  Thomas and Gormley, both former senior executives at GSA, share their insights on the role of GSA, the management opportunities, and considerations of consolidating federalprocurement for common products and services with GSA's Federal AcquisitionServices (FAS).  They also provide historical context to GSA's role in federal procurement and how the consolidation will reshape the federal market.  As part of that discussion, Thomas and Gormley share their thoughts regarding consolidation opportunities and implementation strategies for GSA and FAS.  Other topics covered include right-sizing GSA's Multiple Award Schedule program, the impending rewrite of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, and thestate of the IT GWACs.     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alan Thomas, founder of Alpha Tango Strategies, and Bill Gormley, president of the Gormley Group, join host Roger Waldron on this week's Off the Shelf for an engrossing discussion of the evolving federal procurement market.  The discussion highlights the consolidation of procurement functions at the General Services Administration (GSA) pursuant to the president's executive order.  Thomas and Gormley, both former senior executives at GSA, share their insights on the role of GSA, the management opportunities, and considerations of consolidating federal procurement for common products and services with GSA's Federal Acquisition Services (FAS).  They also provide historical context to GSA's role in federal procurement and how the consolidation will reshape the federal market.  As part of that discussion, Thomas and Gormley share their thoughts regarding consolidation opportunities and implementation strategies for GSA and FAS.  Other topics covered include right-sizing GSA's Multiple Award Schedule program, the impending rewrite of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, and the state of the IT GWACs.     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Christine Harada, former senior advisor in the Office of Federal Procurement Policy during the Biden administration, joins Aileen Black on this week's Leaders and Legends. Harada is currently the senior advisor of Project Redword at Advanced Energy United and is a dynamic executive leader with over 25 years of experience bridging the public and private sector. That experience coupled with her educational background in aeronautics,astronautics, and business from MIT, Stanford, and Wharton, positions her as a versatile leader. On today's program, Harada will discuss the challenges of leadership during today's changing times. She offers sage advice on approaches to keep teams focused on the mission.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Christine Harada, former senior advisor in the Office of Federal Procurement Policy during the Biden administration, joins Aileen Black on this week's Leaders and Legends.Harada is currently the senior advisor of Project Redword at Advanced Energy United and is a dynamic executive leader with over 25 years of experience bridging the public and private sector.That experience coupled with her educational background in aeronautics,astronautics, and business from MIT, Stanford, and Wharton, positions her as a versatile leader.On today's program, Harada will discuss the challenges of leadership during today's changing times. She offers sage advice on approaches to keep teams focused on the mission.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Off the Shelf, Ken Dodds, executive vice president, and general counsel for the Coalition for Common Sense in Government Procurement, shares his thoughts on opportunities for acquisition reform. Dodds discusses the opportunities to streamline GSA's Multiple Award Schedule (MAS), including potential reform of the underlying statutory authority to focus on best value results for customer agencies. He also highlights the opportunity to put commercial back in commercial contracting by eliminating over 100 clauses from commercial item contracting. Finally Dodds talks about small business contracting opportunities and the roadmap for reform. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Off the Shelf, Ken Dodds, executive vice president, and general counsel for the Coalition for Common Sense in Government Procurement, shares his thoughts on opportunities for acquisition reform.Dodds discusses the opportunities to streamline GSA's Multiple Award Schedule (MAS), including potential reform of the underlying statutory authority to focus on best value results for customer agencies.He also highlights the opportunity to put commercial back in commercial contracting by eliminating over 100 clauses from commercial item contracting.Finally Dodds talks about small business contracting opportunities and the roadmap for reform. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Off the Shelf,  Moshe Schwartz, president of Etherton and Associates, provides a briefing on select provisions in the FY 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and the broad national security landscape driving defense acquisition policy.  Schwartz outlines the traditional defense challenges, new challenges, and the budget constraints shaping overall defense policy.  Additionally, Schwartz highlights key provisions from the FY 2025 NDAA that focus on supply chainrisks, industrial base, and the defense contracting process.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Off the Shelf,  Moshe Schwartz, president of Etherton and Associates, provides a briefing on select provisions in the FY 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and the broad national security landscape driving defense acquisition policy. Schwartz outlines the traditional defense challenges, new challenges, and the budget constraints shaping overall defense policy.  Additionally, Schwartz highlights key provisions from the FY 2025 NDAA that focus on supply chainrisks, industrial base, and the defense contracting process.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Off the Shelf, Jason Workmaster, member and Government Contracts Practice lead at Miller & Chevalier, provides a wide-ranging update on key policy developments and legal trends in government contracts. Workmaster discusses the impact of the administration's EEO/DEI Executive Order (EO) and what government contractors need to know, including how compliance programs will need to adjust.  He notes that the EO guidance includes a new certification requirement that will raise potential Civil False Claims Act liability for government contractors. Workmaster also talks about the new proposed organizational conflict of interest FAR rule, and he looks into his crystal ball and highlights the possibility that the new Congress may repeal some final rules issued by the Biden Administration pursuant to the Congressional Review Act.  It will be a question of timing and Congressional workload as to whether some final rulesare repealed.  Finally, Jason briefs the Federal Circuit's ACLR  decision regarding the adequacy of commercial record-keeping practices in the context of a claim.      Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Off the Shelf, Jason Workmaster, member and Government Contracts Practice lead at Miller & Chevalier, provides a wide-ranging update on key policy developments and legal trends in government contracts.  Workmaster discusses the impact of the administration's EEO/DEI Executive Order (EO) and what government contractors need to know, including how compliance programs will need to adjust.  He notes that the EO guidance includes a new certification requirement that will raise potential Civil False Claims Act liability for government contractors.  Workmaster also talks about the new proposed organizational conflict of interest FAR rule, and he looks into his crystal ball and highlights the possibility that the new Congress may repeal some final rules issued by the Biden Administration pursuant to the Congressional Review Act.  It will be a question of timing and Congressional workload as to whether some final rules are repealed.  Finally, Jason briefs the Federal Circuit's ACLR  decision regarding the adequacy of commercial record-keeping practices in the context of a claim.      Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Eric Crusius, partner at Holland & Knight, joins Off the Shelf for a cybersecurity update as well as providing his procurement expectations for the Trump Administration.  Crusius discusses the likelihood of CMMC remaining intact and moving forward with implementation across DoD.  He also provides his initial comments/analysis on the recently proposed Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) rule, highlighting key considerations for contractors.  Turning to what to expect from the Trump Administration, Crusius shares his thoughts on Administration priorities and how they may impact/influence procurement operations.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Eric Crusius, partner at Holland & Knight, joins Off the Shelf for a cybersecurity update as well as providing his procurement expectations for the Trump Administration.  Crusius discusses the likelihood of CMMC remaining intact and moving forward with implementation across DoD.  He also provides his initial comments/analysis on the recentlyproposed Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) rule, highlighting keyconsiderations for contractors.  Turning to what to expect from the Trump Administration, Crusius shares his thoughts on Administration priorities and how they may impact/influence procurement operations.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Off the Shelf  Alex Canizares, partner at Perkins Coie, shares his thoughts regarding False Claims Act landscape for 2025, including the anticipated priorities of the Department of Justice in 2025.  Canizares also discusses the recent status of the legal challenge to the constitutionality of the FCA's qui tam provisions.  He also addresses recent cybersecurity policy developments, including CMMC and CUI.  Finally, Alex shares his thoughts and insights regarding the major government contract policy trends and case law developments.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Off the Shelf  Alex Canizares, partner at Perkins Coie, shares his thoughts regarding False Claims Act landscape for 2025, including the anticipated priorities of the Department of Justice in 2025.  Canizares also discusses the recent status of the legal challenge to theconstitutionality of the FCA's qui tam provisions.  He also addresses recent cybersecurity policy developments, including CMMC and CUI. Finally, Alex shares his thoughts and insights regarding the major governmentcontract policy trends and case law developments.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bill Gormley, president of the Gormley Group, joins Off the Shelf for a discussion of some the key procurement trends of 2024 and what to expect in 2025.  Gormley gives his thoughts on the key trends shaping interagency contracting with a focus on GSA's Federal Acquisition Service (FAS). Among other topics, Gormley assesses the performance of the Federal Supply Schedules (FSS) in 2024 and the prospects for 2025.   In his assessment, Gormley outlines how the FAS systems, organizational structure, and contracting workforce impact customer agencies and contractors in the FSS marketplace.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bill Gormley, president of the Gormley Group, joins Off theShelf for a discussion of some the key procurement trends of 2024 and what toexpect in 2025.  Gormley gives his thoughts on the key trends shaping interagency contractingwith a focus on GSA's Federal Acquisition Service (FAS). Among other topics, Gormley assesses the performance of the Federal Supply Schedules (FSS) in 2024 and the prospects for 2025.   In his assessment, Gormley outlineshow the FAS systems, organizational structure, and contracting workforce impactcustomer agencies and contractors in the FSS marketplace.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Dr. Evan Loh, Paratek CEO, returns to Off theShelf to share the latest in the biopharmaceutical company's partnership withthe Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority's (BARDA's) Project BioShield. Paratek's antibiotic, NUZYRA (omadacycline) has beendesignated “an essential” medicine by the FDA, and Loh provides an updateon the progress made in onshoring of manufacturing of NUZYRA, from theproduction of API through finished drug product for both IV and oralformulations. Loh shares the journey to domestic manufacturing, highlighting the critical role Paratek's public-private partnership with BARDA played in developing manufacturing capability.Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) along with biological threat actors are continuing and growing threat and Loh discusses the current environment and the key policy considerations incombatting these and other healthcare threats. Finally, Loh talks about the potential that the results from the successful development of treatments through public-partnerships have the potential to be leveraged to support/protectthe warfighter.     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Dr. Evan Loh, Paratek CEO, returns to Off the Shelf to share the latest in the biopharmaceutical company's partnership with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority's (BARDA's)  Project BioShield.  Paratek's antibiotic, NUZYRA (omadacycline) has been designated “an essential” medicine by the FDA, and Loh provides an update on the progress made in onshoring of manufacturing of NUZYRA, from the production of API through finished drug product for both IV and oral formulations.  Loh shares the journey to domestic manufacturing, highlighting the critical role Paratek's public-private partnership with BARDA played in developing manufacturing capability. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) along with biological threat actors are continuing and growing threat and Loh discusses the current environment and the key policy considerations in combatting these and other healthcare threats.  Finally, Loh talks about the potential that the results from the successful development of treatments through public-partnerships have the potential to be leveraged to support/protect the warfighter.     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Alan Thomas, founder of Alpha Tango Strategies,joins Off the Shelf for a look back at 2024 and a look forward at what's nextfor 2025.  Thomas provides his thoughts on some of the key trends from 2024and what to look for in 2025.  Among the trends he identifies for 2025 are the return of shared services, the continuous yet cautious growth in AI across government, the challenging IT GWAC landscape, small business policy and programs, and the potential impact of changes at the Office of Management andBudget. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Alan Thomas, founder of Alpha Tango Strategies, joins Off the Shelf for a look back at 2024 and a look forward at what's next for 2025.  Thomas provides his thoughts on some of the key trends from 2024 and what to look for in 2025.  Among the trends he identifies for 2025 are the return of shared services, the continuous yet cautious growth in AI across government, the challenging IT GWAC landscape, small business policy and programs, and the potential impact of changes at the Office of Management and Budget. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Karla Smith Jackson, senior procurement executive, deputy chief acquisition officer, and assistant administrator for the Office of Procurement at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), joins Off the Shelf for an engaging discussion focusing on federal procurement policy and operations.Jackson outlines her management priorities for NASA procurement while also sharing how her experiences over a 30-year career have shaped her approach to acquisition policy development. She also highlights the “care and feeding” of the acquisition workforce, outlining her philosophy and approach to strengthening the professional development across the NASA procurement workforce.  Finally, Jackson gives her thoughts on the keys to effective leadership.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Karla Smith Jackson, senior procurement executive, deputy chief acquisition officer, and assistant administrator for the Office of Procurement at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), joins Off the Shelf for an engaging discussion focusing on federal procurement policy and operations. Jackson outlines her management priorities for NASA procurement while also sharing how her experiences over a 30-year career have shaped her approach to acquisition policy development.  She also highlights the “care and feeding” of the acquisition workforce, outlining her philosophy and approach to strengthening the professional development across the NASA procurement workforce.   Finally, Jackson gives her thoughts on the keys to effective leadership.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Michael Gruden, counsel at Crowell & Moring, joins Off the Shelf, for a wide-ranging discussion focusing on cybersecurity and the CMMC journey. Gruden provides a cyber retrospective, outlining the evolution of government cybersecurity requirements to the present-day implementation of CMMC. A former contracting officer and Pentagon Branch Chief, Gruden shares his perspectives and insights on the key contracting considerations surrounding cybersecurity compliance. He also discusses the notable changes in the CMMC program outlined in the final rule along with the key features of the proposed DFARS rule that would implement CMMC in applicable defense contracts. Finally, Gruden discusses the legal risks associated with CMMC and then provides some compliance best practices for addressing those risks.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Michael Gruden, counsel at Crowell & Moring, joins Off the Shelf, for a wide-ranging discussion focusing on cybersecurity and the CMMC journey.  Gruden provides a cyber retrospective, outlining the evolution of government cybersecurity requirements to the present-day implementation of CMMC. A former contracting officer and Pentagon Branch Chief, Gruden shares his perspectives and insights on the key contracting considerations surrounding cybersecurity compliance.  He also discusses the notable changes in the CMMC program outlined in the final rule along with the key features of the proposed DFARS rule that would implement CMMC in applicable defense contracts.  Finally, Gruden discusses the legal risks associated with CMMC and then provides some compliance best practices for addressing those risks.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Luke Levasseur and Evan Williams, counsel at Mayer Brown, join Off the Shelf for an in depth discussion of the bid protest process. Levasseur and Williams outline the underlying authority and rationale for bid process and the role the process plays in the procurement process. They walk through the procedural steps of a GAO bid protest, sharing the key litigation timelines, standards of review, document production requirements, and the administrative procedures for reviewing and commenting on the agency record. In addition, Levasseur and Williams provide their insights on the “dos and don'ts” of the litigation process, including common mistakes protesters make when challenging an agency award decision. They also cover the Court of Claims bid protest process, highlight the procedural, jurisdictional, and precedential differences between the Court and GAO.Finally, Levasseur and Williams share the strategic considerations for a protester when choosing whether to go to GAO or the Court, including the relative success numbers.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Luke Levasseur and Evan Williams, counsel at Mayer Brown, join Off the Shelf for an in depth discussion of the bid protest process.  Levasseur and Williams outline the underlying authority and rationale for bid process and the role the process plays in the procurement process. They walk through the procedural steps of a GAO bid protest, sharing the key litigation timelines, standards of review, document production requirements, and the administrative procedures for reviewing and commenting on the agency record.  In addition, Levasseur and Williams provide their insights on the “dos and don'ts” of the litigation process, including common mistakes protesters make when challenging an agency award decision. They also cover the Court of Claims bid protest process, highlight the procedural, jurisdictional, and precedential differences between the Court and GAO. Finally, Levasseur and Williams share the strategic considerations for a protester when choosing whether to go to GAO or the Court, including the relative success numbers.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Off the Shelf, Alan Thomas, founder of Alpha Tango Strategies, examines the state of interagency contracting and the role of Multiple Award Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (MAIDIQ) contracts.  Thomas shares his thoughts and observations on the increasingly duplicative structure of the IT GWACs and OASIS+. With potentially hundreds, if not thousands of contractors, all competing for the same or similar requirements across each of the major IT GWACs, many in the procurement community are increasingly concerned regarding the impact on customer agencies and the industrial base. Thomas outlines some of the key considerations/impacts on customer agencies, small businesses, and the commercial IT industrial base. He also discusses the future of GSA's e-commerce contract vehicle and the potential opportunities for GSA, customer agencies and contractors. Finally, Thomas addresses the ongoing systems modernization efforts at FAS and what it could mean schedule contractors and customer agencies.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Off the Shelf, Alan Thomas, founder of Alpha Tango Strategies, examines the state of interagency contracting and the role of Multiple Award Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (MAIDIQ) contracts.   Thomas shares his thoughts and observations on the increasingly duplicative structure of the IT GWACs and OASIS+. With potentially hundreds, if not thousands of contractors, all competing for the same or similar requirements across each of the major IT GWACs, many in the procurement community are increasingly concerned regarding the impact on customer agencies and the industrial base.  Thomas outlines some of the key considerations/impacts on customer agencies, small businesses, and the commercial IT industrial base. He also discusses the future of GSA's e-commerce contract vehicle and the potential opportunities for GSA, customer agencies and contractors.  Finally, Thomas addresses the ongoing systems modernization efforts at FAS and what it could mean schedule contractors and customer agencies.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Off the Shelf, Ken Dodds, executive vice president and general counsel at the Coalition for Government Procurement provides a small business policy and regulatory update. Dodds tackles the SBA's August 2024 proposed rule, which addresses multiple small business contracting programs, including mentor protégé joint ventures, the HUBZone program, and the 8(a) program. He also provides analysis of recent administrative and court decisions impacting the mentor protégé program. Continuing the discussion, Dodds shares the latest on how the government is doing regarding small business contracting, including recent changes to certain socio-economic goals. Finally, he discusses the workings of the non-manufacturer rule and offers his initial thoughts on the potential application of the rule of two to MAIDIQ contacts.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Off the Shelf, Ken Dodds, executive vice president and general counsel at the Coalition for Government Procurement provides a small business policy and regulatory update.Dodds tackles the SBA's August 2024 proposed rule, which addresses multiple small business contracting programs, including mentor protégé joint ventures, the HUBZone program, and the 8(a) program. He also provides analysis of recent administrative and court decisions impacting the mentor protégé program.Continuing the discussion, Dodds shares the latest on how the government is doing regarding small business contracting, including recent changes to certain socio-economic goals. Finally, he discusses the workings of the non-manufacturer rule and offers his initial thoughts on the potential application of the rule of two to MAIDIQ contacts.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jeff Koses, senior procurement executive at the General Services Administration (GSA) joins Off the Shelf for a focused discussion on GSA's current procurement policy priorities. Koses talks about the implementation and expansion of Transactional Data Reporting (TDR) across the Federal Supply Schedules (FSS) program. He highlights the positive impact on small businesses, customer agencies, and GSA through the management, evaluation, and use of the data to enhance competition, value, and security. Koses also discusses GSA's efforts in supporting the acquisition workforce both within GSA and across government. Finallly Koses shares his thoughts on the potential role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in federal procurement. He discusses the potential uses of AI in procurement operations and the key considerations in the procurement of AI. The opportunities and challenges of AI will be the focus of a new GSA advisory committee on AI.

Jeff Koses, senior procurement executive at the General Services Administration (GSA) joins Off the Shelf for a focused discussion on GSA's current procurement policy priorities.Koses talks about the implementation and expansion of Transactional Data Reporting (TDR) across the Federal Supply Schedules (FSS) program. He highlights the positive impact on small businesses, customer agencies, and GSA through the management, evaluation, and use of the data to enhance competition, value, and security.Koses also discusses GSA's efforts in supporting the acquisition workforce both within GSA and across government.Finallly Koses shares his thoughts on the potential role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in federal procurement. He discusses the potential uses of AI in procurement operations and the key considerations in the procurement of AI. The opportunities and challenges of AI will be the focus of a new GSA advisory committee on AI. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Federal News Network Executive Editor Jason Miller joins host Roger Waldron on this week's Off the Shelf for “Procurement Potpourri,” a wide-ranging discussion of key procurement policy and program developments across the federal market. They tackle the state of interagency contracting focusing on the status of the four major interagency procurements: OASIS+, CIO-SP4, NASA SEWP, and Alliant 3.  The discussion highlighted the role of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy has played in establishing and overseeing the IT GWACs and whether enough is currently being done.  Miller also shares his thoughts on the ever-growing cybersecurity regulatory regime, including CMMC, and the need for cyber harmonization.   Finally Miller talks about a new SBA report on the mentor-protégé program.