Podcasts about Contracting Officer

Monica Harris, former DHS Senior IT Acquisition Advisor, joins Mike Shanley to discuss the federal funding market. The conversation focuses on how evaluation criteria are determined, government's evaluation and award process, proposal tips, and how to influence before the RFP drops. Resources: GovDiscovery AI Federal Capture Support: https://www.govdiscoveryai.com/ BIOGRAPHY: Monica Padron-Harris recently retired (Nov 2024) from DHS USCIS as a Sr. IT Acquisition Advisor supporting the Office of Technology (OIT) and the Office of Contracting (OCON). She was responsible for preparing and identifying the most effective procurement strategies for OIT's portfolio. This included determining the evaluation factors, contract vehicle, business size (full and open or set aside), authoring the RFI questions and answers, and preparing the procurement documentation to support the decision. This included the evaluation plan, market research, Independent Government Cost Estimate (IGCE), and Acquisition Plan approvals. She also served as a technical advisor on the source selection panel. As an IT acquisition consultant with over 30 years of experience in a variety of Federal agencies (21 years at DoD/Navy), Monica specializes in identifying strategic acquisition targets and understanding the federal contracting marketplace, specifically within DHS. She spent the last 12+ years at USCIS as a Contracting Officer, Sr. Procurement Analyst (Policy), and Sr. IT Acquisition Advisor to the senior leadership team within OIT and the Office of Contracting. She has an intimate knowledge of the industry landscape within the DMV and specifically within DHS. Monica has excellent external and internal relationships within the Federal landscape and understands the importance and value of industry intelligence. She has the “inside” perspective of industry partners, expertise, and value to ensure partnerships are comprised of the best teaming arrangements to have the highest PWIN. LEARN MORE: Thank you for tuning into this episode of the Global Strategy Podcast with Mike Shanley. You can learn more about working with the U.S. Government by visiting our homepage: Konektid International and GovDiscovery AI. To connect with our team directly, message the host Mike Shanley on LinkedIn.

Welcome to Contracting Conversations! Join hosts Jim Valley and Scott Williams as they chat with David Dotson, a Professor of Contract Management at DAU in the Mid-Atlantic region. David, who manages the COR 222 class and moderates the COR Community of Practice and DAU's weekly COR Office Hours, shares insights on improving statements of work. Discover four key steps to enhance any work statement, making them more efficient and effective. Tune in for practical tips and expert advice on contract management.CLC 222 Contracting Officers Representative (COR) Online Training (On-line 32 CLPs): https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/courses.aspx?crs_id=1731COR 222 Contracting Officer's Representative Course (Virtual or in-person 32 CLPs via DAU's Mission Assistance (see link below)):  https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/courses.aspx?crs_id=1584WSC 027 Virtual Augmentation Workshop for the Contracting Officer (augments CLC 222/COR222 - 10 CLPs)P: https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/courses.aspx?crs_id=12359CLC 106 - Contracting Officer's Representative with a Mission Focus (On-line 3 CLPs):  https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/courses.aspx?crs_id=240DAU Mission Assistance:  https://www.dau.edu/mission-assistanceBack to Basics: https://www.dau.edu/back-to-basics; BtB Contracting: https://www.dau.edu/functional-areas/contractingContracting Officer Representative Community of Practice:  https://www.dau.edu/cop/corContracting Community of Practice: https://www.dau.edu/cop/contractingIf you are watching this video on DAU Media, but rather watch on YouTube, go to https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbF8yqm-r_M5czw5teb0PsAApple Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/contracting-conversations/id1621567225

In this episode of Contracting Conversations, hosts Jim Valley and Scott Williams sit down with David Dotson, a professor of contract management at DAU in the Mid-Atlantic region. David, who manages the COR 222 course and moderates the COR Community of Practice and weekly COR Office Hours, shares his insights on the three golden rules of being a Contracting Officer Representative (COR). The discussion delves into the complexities and responsibilities of CORs, emphasizing the importance of understanding the contract, the exclusive authority of the contracting officer to modify contracts, and the critical distinction that CORs are not contracting officers. This episode provides valuable guidance for CORs navigating their roles and highlights the foundational principles that ensure effective contract management. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the essential rules that govern the COR's duties and responsibilities.CLC 222 Contracting Officers Representative (COR) Online Training (On-line 32 CLPs): https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/courses.aspx?crs_id=1731COR 222 Contracting Officer's Representative Course (Virtual or in-person 32 CLPs via DAU's Mission Assistance (see link below)):  https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/courses.aspx?crs_id=1584WSC 027 Virtual Augmentation Workshop for the Contracting Officer (augments CLC 222/COR222 - 10 CLPs)P: https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/courses.aspx?crs_id=12359CLC 106 - Contracting Officer's Representative with a Mission Focus (On-line 3 CLPs):  https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/courses.aspx?crs_id=240DAU Mission Assistance:  https://www.dau.edu/mission-assistanceBack to Basics: https://www.dau.edu/back-to-basics; BtB Contracting: https://www.dau.edu/functional-areas/contractingContracting Officer Representative Community of Practice:  https://www.dau.edu/cop/corContracting Community of Practice: https://www.dau.edu/cop/contractingIf you are watching this video on DAU Media, but rather watch on YouTube, go to https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbF8yqm-r_M5czw5teb0PsAApple Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/contracting-conversations/id1621567225

In this special "20 Questions for Troy" episode of Game Changers for Government Contractors, host Michael LeJeune and guest Troy Francis tackle some of the most pressing questions contractors have about government contracting. With over 16 years of experience in both federal and local government sectors, Troy shares valuable insights on how to improve proposal submissions, navigate protests, and interact effectively with contracting officers. Whether you're new to GovCon or a seasoned pro, this episode offers a wealth of practical advice to help you succeed in government contracting. ----- Frustrated with your government contracting journey? Join our group coaching community here: https://federal-access.com/gamechangers Grab my #1 bestselling book, "I'm New to Government Contract. Where Should I Start?" Here: https://amzn.to/4c5Vb0d

Kimberly Ball, Director of USAID's Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization joins Mike Shanley to discuss small businesses and localization, success in using small businesses, how to connect with OSDBU, and what's next.    RESOURCES: Learn More about the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization Connect with Kimberly Ball on LinkedIn Aid Market Podcast Aid Market Podcast YouTube Mike Shanley LinkedIn BIOGRAPHY:  Kimberly Ball serves as the Director of the U.S. Agency for International Development's (USAID) Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU).  USAID/OSDBU coordinates the Small Business Program and is the initial point of contact at USAID for all categories of U.S. small businesses.  USAID/OSDBU also oversees USAID's efforts to increase the participation of Minority Serving Institutions of Higher Education in USAID-sponsored programs and activities. Prior to joining OSDBU in 2008, Ms. Ball served as a Contract Specialist in USAID's Management/Office of Acquisition and Assistance (M/OAA).   During her ten year stint in M/OAA, she supported the Global Health (GH), Europe and Eurasia (E&E), Economic Growth and Trade (EGAT), Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA) Bureaus and M/OAA's Policy Division.  She ended her M/OAA career as a Contracting Officer and Team Leader supporting various divisions in the DCHA Bureau. Prior to joining USAID, Ms. Ball worked as a contract negotiator with the United States Air Force.  As a civilian employee of the U. S. Air Force, Ms. Ball served at Nellis Air Force Base, Gunter Annex and Bolling Air Force Base.  She began her career with the U.S. Air Force as a Palace Acquire Intern. Ms. Ball holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Hampton University.   LEARN MORE Thank you for tuning into this episode of the Aid Market Podcast. You can learn more about working with USAID by visiting our homepage: Konektid International and AidKonekt. To connect with our team directly, message the host Mike Shanley on LinkedIn.

The best way to understand how contracting officers think and how they approach working with small businesses is go to the source.  Shauna Weatherly has more than 30 years working in federal procurement and now brings that expertise to the private sector. The say knowledge is power and she now shares her knowledge with her small business clients and with Randy on Small Business Set Aside.

Aubrey Gainfort, Contracting Officer at Transportation Security Administration the host of the podcast, Breaking the Standard, joins the show to talk about the best ways for companies to be successful at the end of the Federal fiscal year. We also discuss common mistakes she sees companies make during the procurement process, she explains the dynamics between contracting officers and program leaders, and we deep dive into ways companies can stand out in this crowded marketplace.

Join Jim and Scott as they sit down with Cindy Baker, Professor of Contract Management for the Mid-Atlantic Region and co-host of COR Office Hours. Held every Tuesday from 11:45 AM to 12:45 PM Eastern Time, COR Office Hours has been a vital resource for the COR community since its inception in October 2020. This weekly event, held 49 times a year, offers a platform for discussing a wide range of COR topics. Initially starting as open forums, the sessions have evolved to include specific topics suggested by attendees through event surveys and in-session chats. Whether you're a COR or a contracting officer looking to deepen your understanding of the COR profession, join the 150-250 weekly attendees and enhance your knowledge.Contracting Officer Representative Community of Practice:  https://www.dau.edu/cop/cor COR Office Hours:  https://www.dau.edu/cop/cor/COROfficeHours If you are watching this video on DAU Media, but rather watch on YouTube, go to https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbF8yqm-r_M5czw5teb0PsAApple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/contracting-conversations/id1621567225

In this interview, Eric Alonso-Bernal discusses: Growing up in Mexico City, Mexico Losing his dad at an early age Growing up alone with his brother while his mom worked 3 jobs His journey to become a US citizen Learning to speak English His time working in a restaurant and serving as a Texas Corrections Officer Joining the the Air Force and his growth journey from an E-1 Airman to an O-5 Lt. Colonel Thoughts on leadership Eric Alonso-Bernal (Retired USAF, Lt Colonel) was born in Mexico City, Mexico. After serving in the enlisted ranks as an accounting and finance technician from 2000 to 2004, he received his commission from the Air Force Officer Training School. Today, he's supporting the Air Force JROTC program as a Senior Aerospace Science Instructor. Ret. Lt Col Alonso-Bernal previously served as a Level III Acquisition Professional. His contracting experience included serving as SquadronCommander, Director of Business Operations, Contracting Officer, Flight Commander, Deputy Chief, and Contracts Manager. Don't miss the 26th episode of the "Real People Getting Real Results!" interview series featuring Eric Alonso-Bernal interviewed by Mack Story. Visit the Blue-Collar Leadership YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@bluecollarleadership and check out the previous interviews in this series which can be found under the playlist titled "Real People Getting Real Results!" Be sure to subscribe while you're there, and tap the 

Get the GovClose Certification: https://www.govclose.com/sales-certif... Our students learn the government contracting skills to : Start their own consulting business that can earn up to $400k as a "solopreneur" advising businesses that sell to the government. Land high paying sales executive jobs with companies in the public sector. Increase government contracting revenue for companies selling to the US government. Learn more at GovClose.com Subscribe to our YOUTUBE channel!

Blake Dailey is an Air Force Veteran turned entrepreneur and real estate investor. Blake attended the USAFA from 2015-2018 where he played football as a middle linebacker. Early in his Air Force career as a Contracting Officer, Blake started investing in real estate with a single Airbnb unit and has, over the last five years, scaled his business to operate in four states with a team of 30 employees, both virtual and domestic. He now manages over 150 short-term rental (STR) listings, generating an annual income of $3 million. Blake shares his expertise on growing and scaling STR businesses to earn passive income and offers investment opportunities for passive investors seeking similar success. Connect with Blake: Website: https://blakedailey.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BlakeDailey IG: https://www.instagram.com/blakejdailey/ Other Resources: https://www.bestplaces.net/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/militarybottomline/support

In this episode of the Govcon Giants Podcast, Randie Ward sits down with Shauna Weatherly, President and Founder of Federal Subcontract Solutions LLC, to delve into Weatherly's extensive experience in Federal acquisition. With over 35 years of hands-on experience and a career spanning various crucial roles within the General Services Administration (GSA), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and more, Weatherly brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Throughout the discussion, Weatherly shares insights gleaned from her tenure as a Senior Procurement Analyst at GSA, where she served as an advisor to the Civilian Agency Acquisition Council, analyzing the impacts of new laws, executive orders, and Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense FAR Supplement (DFARS) rules on SAM.gov. Her roles as Lead Business Management Specialist and Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) on the governmentwide GSA SmartPay 3 contracts provided her with invaluable experience in navigating complex procurement processes. Weatherly's leadership positions, including Director of the National Airspace System, Logistics, and Facilities O&M Contract Branch at FAA, and Contracting Chief at USACE's Tulsa District, showcase her expertise in developing acquisition strategies, evaluating sources, and negotiating contracts across various industries. Additionally, her deployment to the Afghanistan Engineer District highlighted her commitment to overseeing compliance processes for construction contracts in challenging environments. As a seasoned instructor and sought-after speaker on Federal acquisition topics, Weatherly brings a unique perspective to the conversation, offering practical advice for small businesses looking to navigate the intricacies of Federal acquisition policies and processes. Her dedication to supporting the Department of Defense (DoD), FAA, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), GSA, and civilian agencies underscores her passion for ensuring mission success. Join us as we explore Weatherly's journey from Federal Civilian Service to entrepreneurship, and gain valuable insights into the world of Federal acquisition from one of the industry's most respected experts.   Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-weatherly/  Website: https://www.fedsubk.com/about  Contact: https://www.fedsubk.com/contact-us  Email: info@mysite.com 

Veteran of the U.S. Navy, where he served 8 years active duty and 9 years reserves. M.B.A. in Finance from LaSalle University. Cedric worked as Yield Accountant for 3 years for Sunoco. In 2009, Cedric began working for the Dept. of Defense as a Contracting Officer. In this role he assisted in awarding a $10 Billion contract for the U.S. Services. In 2017, he purchased his first investment property then flipped that property for a 22% ROI. Following that, Cedric began to acquire rental properties in the Philadelphia market. Cedric is Managing Partner of Cobbs Creek Capital we raising capital to purchase Multifamily communities in emerging markets in the U.S. Cedric's Multifamily portfolio consists of 436 units. Cedric is also host of the Service to Syndication podcast where he interviews Real Estate Investors who are serving in the U.S. Military or have Served in the U.S. Military......Ladies and Gentlemen!!! CEDRIC MARLOW! For more information, visit https://cobbscreekcapital.us/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rngradioshow/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rngradioshow/support

In this episode, I interviewed Troy Francis, a seasoned contracting officer. With 17 years of experience spanning federal to local levels, including a pivotal role at the Department of Defense. Troy offers a rare glimpse into the life of a contracting officer. This episode delves into the complexities and nuances of government procurement, exploring everything from market research to the art of negotiation. Discover how contracting officers manage vast portfolios of procurement actions, the intricate process behind the scenes, and the impact of innovative contract vehicles on the industry. Troy's journey from the Department of Defense to launching his own venture and his insights into the evolving landscape of government contracting provide invaluable lessons for professionals in the field. Whether you're a seasoned contractor or new to the industry, this episode is packed with expert advice and real-world experiences that illuminate the challenging yet rewarding world of government contracting. ----- Join our Coaching and Training Platform Today! - Our clients have won more than $14.6 Billion in contracts - Over 24K government contractors trained - Every document, strategy guide, and template you need - More than 150 video trainings - Email Support - Monthly Inner Circle Live Q&A Call Go check out this special offer today at https://federal-access.com/gamechangers

In this episode, we have Troy Francis, a Contracting Officer from the DC Office of Contracting and Procurement with us. Troy shares with us some of his favorite and least favorite things about being a CO as well as the things he usually never gets to talk about as a CO - which get really juicy. Don't miss it.  Connect with Troy on LinkedIn

Join us in this insightful interview with E. Darlene Bullock, Director of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU). With over 27 years of experience in procurement, federal assistance, and acquisitions management, Ms. Bullock brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Prior to her current position, Ms. Bullock served as a Division Director and Contracting Officer in the DHS Office of Procurement Operations (OPO), overseeing billions of dollars in procurement annually. Notably, she led the award process for the first DHS-wide Program Management, Administrative, Clerical, and Technical Services (PACTS) Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contracts, valued at $1.5 billion and set aside for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs). Ms. Bullock's distinguished career includes leadership positions at various Federal and local agencies, including the U.S. Agency for International Development, U.S. Department of Commerce, and the District of Columbia Government. She began her acquisition career with the U.S. Army and is a Certified Federal Contract Manager (CFCM) with the National Contract Management Association (NCMA). Don't miss this opportunity to learn from Ms. Bullock's insights and experiences in fostering small and disadvantaged businesses within the DHS procurement landscape. Subscribe now for more updates and interviews with industry leaders. Doing Business with DHS https://www.dhs.gov/topics/do-business-dhs Business Opportunities at DHS https://www.dhs.gov/business-opportunities For questions: dhsosdbu@hq.dhs.gov --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/support

Join us in this insightful interview with E. Darlene Bullock, Director of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU). With over 27 years of experience in procurement, federal assistance, and acquisitions management, Ms. Bullock brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Prior to her current position, Ms. Bullock served as a Division Director and Contracting Officer in the DHS Office of Procurement Operations (OPO), overseeing billions of dollars in procurement annually. Notably, she led the award process for the first DHS-wide Program Management, Administrative, Clerical, and Technical Services (PACTS) Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contracts, valued at $1.5 billion and set aside for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs). Ms. Bullock's distinguished career includes leadership positions at various Federal and local agencies, including the U.S. Agency for International Development, U.S. Department of Commerce, and the District of Columbia Government. She began her acquisition career with the U.S. Army and is a Certified Federal Contract Manager (CFCM) with the National Contract Management Association (NCMA). Don't miss this opportunity to learn from Ms. Bullock's insights and experiences in fostering small and disadvantaged businesses within the DHS procurement landscape. Subscribe now for more updates and interviews with industry leaders. Doing Business with DHS https://www.dhs.gov/topics/do-business-dhs Business Opportunities at DHS https://www.dhs.gov/business-opportunities For questions: dhsosdbu@hq.dhs.gov --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/support

This week on Amtower Off Center, host Mark Amtower starts year 18 at Federal News Network with guest Kevine Jans, president of Skyway Acquisition and host of the Contracting Officer's Podcast. Topics include: Kevin's background as a DOD contracting officer prior to Skyway Starting his podcast 10 years ago Proposal "do's and dont's" The Aristotelian method of RFPS (ethos, pathos and logos) Why Kevin prefers LinkedIn to conferences

This week on Amtower Off Center, host Mark Amtower starts year 18 at Federal News Network with guest Kevine Jans, president of Skyway Acquisition and host of the Contracting Officer's Podcast.Topics include: Kevin's background as a DOD contracting officer prior to Skyway Starting his podcast 10 years ago Proposal "do's and dont's" The Aristotelian method of RFPS (ethos, pathos and logos) Why Kevin prefers LinkedIn to conferences 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.

Welcome to DoD Contract Academy, In this episode, we delve into what it really takes to get government contracts. Ricky hops on a flight to Europe days after identifying a Foreign Military Sales opportunity. We'll give you the first hand the ins and outs of going after an FMS contract, experiencing the real hustle it demands. 0:00 A Crazy Journey 0:19 Identified A Sources Sought Opportunity 0:35 What is A Foreign Military Sale 1:10 Engaging the Contracting Officer 1:54 Small Victory 2:14 An Epic Journey 2:54 The Briefing 3:20 The Return 6:04 A Surprise To help You Win Government Contracts Explore courses and consulting services at DoDContract.com for invaluable insights and guidance from Ricky Howard and the DoD Contract Academy team. Also, don't miss out on the engaging discussions in our podcast, DoD Contract Academy!

Join host Michael Shanley on The Aid Market podcast as he sits down with former Senior USAID Official, Chuck Pope.  In this episode, Chuck provides a deep dive into pivotal trends shaping USAID's approach, covering topics such as the emphasis on localization, the innovative New Partnerships Initiative, and the expanding role of Small Business Utilization.  The conversation extends to the intersection of artificial intelligence in aid efforts, offering a glimpse into the transformative potential that technology brings to the forefront. IN THIS EPISODE: [02:00] Chuck describes the catastrophic staffing crisis at the USAID [06:42] What changes does Chuck expect to see in light of the current global context  [11:02] Chuck's helpful 4-part infographics solution:  what's the problem, what's the proposed solution, what's the policy, and what's the precedent [13:05] Chuck discusses the context relating to localization and discusses the New Partnerships Initiative [26:34] Chuck discusses partnering with veteran owned US small businesses [35:32] Chuck summarizes his views on Ukraine and Zelensky's administration and that the US should defend Ukraine [49:07] Chuck shares what happens if there is a government shutdown on September 30th and how essential and non-essential employees are determined [55:15] How does the 2024 election affect USAID    KEY TAKEAWAYS:  Even with Republican Leadership in 2025, the localization agenda will continue. USAID's biggest problem is staffing.   RESOURCES: Aid Market Podcast Mike Shanley - LinkedIn Pope International -  Website Chuck Pope - LinkedIn Chuck Pope - Email   BIOGRAPHY:    Pope International | Integrated Development Solutions was founded and is led by Charles S. “Chuck” Pope, a former USAID Foreign Service Contracting Officer and senior leader at the Agency. Chuck started his development career in Russia, becoming a Russian speaker and spending most of his career either in the former Soviet Union or countries with historical ties to Russia. His overseas tours in the Foreign Service were in Russia, Afghanistan, Tanzania and India. As a senior Contracting Officer, Chuck supported previous versions of current initiatives like Localization and Private Sector Engagement and personally signed the New Partnerships Initiative into force. Chuck served on both COVID-19 task forces as an acting Deputy Assistant Administrator and Chief of Operations in the Global Health Bureau. His final senior leadership assignment at the Agency before retirement last year was as Senior Regional Advisor for the Middle East. Chuck's company embodies his strong belief in seeking, forming, and nurturing partnerships by providing the following high-quality services to its partners: International Aid & Development; Business Development; Acquisition & Assistance Support; Capacity Building, Capture Management; Compliance and risk Management; Program & Project Management; and Course & Curriculum Development. Partner with him today at https://pope.international/  

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Shaheen, a Contracting Officer at Air Force Material Command. Chris talks about the duties and responsibilities of his position as well as roadblocks faced by an Airforce contracting/acquisition specialist. He discusses Small Business Innovation Research (SBIRs) and the plethora of systems and tools that exist for different organizations to fund innovation. *Note: This podcast was processed through an AI tool to help remove background noise. Some may still remain.*

In this episode Kevin welcomes guest Shelley Hall  from The Skyway team to talk about unduly restrictive requirements.  Every contract starts with a requirement,  one of the roles of the Contracting Officer is to decide how to compete that requirement.An element of that process is determining whether or not the requirement is unduly restrictive.  Meaning that only a few companies, or even one company can do the work.  If the requirement is unduly restrictive, it can be protestable and may lead to ineffective competitions.**The first 400 episodes are still free**Episodes 401 and beyond are inside The Skyway Community.Click here to access your Podcast 2.0 license and start listening today!

Recorded: September 14, 2021    Join us for a virtual conversation with USAID's COVID Task Force. We look forward to hosting this event with their team to update the USAID partner community on their important work. This is also a great opportunity for new USAID partners to learn more about this crucial initiative. Learn more about USAID's COVID response here: https://www.usaid.gov/coronavirus Panelist Bios: Shanda Steimer, Director, Center for Nutrition at USAID Shanda Steimer is a career member of the United States Foreign Service with more than 20 years of development experience. Ms. Steimer has worked for USAID since 2002 and is currently detailed to the USAID COVID-19 Task Force, serving as the Pillar Lead for Programs and Strategic Planning. She is a health officer by background and has served in Mali, Nepal, Pakistan, Uganda, Washington and Zambia, managing a diverse range of USAID portfolios primarily in health, but also in education, Feed the Future, Energy, Food for Peace and the Environment. Before joining the Task Force, Ms. Steimer was the Director for the Center for Nutrition in the Bureau for Resilience and Food Security. Prior to joining USAID, Ms. Steimer worked for various international organizations, the private sector and served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Guinea. Ms. Steimer has a Master of Public Health degree in maternal and child health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Stephanie Fugate, Program Operations, COVID-19 Task Force at USAID Stephanie Fugate is currently the Program Operations/Management/Budget Lead for the USAID COVID Task Force (on detail from her role as Division Chief, Professional Development and Training). With over 15 years in international development, in both the public and private sector, she has served as Branch Chief/Supervisory Contracting Officer with USAID's Special Initiatives and Development Partners division, and Contracting Officer with USAID's Bureau of Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance. She also held the role of USAID's first Coordinator for the Acquisition and Assistance Innovation Lab and remains a USAID Agency Innovation Advocate (AIA) to this day. Previously she held Contracting and Program Officer roles with the U.S. Department of Treasury's Office of Technical Assistance/Revenue Administration and Policy team which sits within the Treasury's International Affairs bureau where she was assigned to the Africa and Caribbean regions. Prior to joining the public sector, she worked for Chemonics International, Inc. where she was a Business Development Manager for the Africa region focused mainly on Eastern and Southern Africa. Ms. Fugate is a member of the NCMA Board of Advisors and holds a BA in International Studies from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a MA in International Commerce and Policy from George Mason University. Chuck Pope, A&A Strategy Lead, COVID-19 Task Force at USAID Charles S. “Chuck” Pope is the Senior Regional Advisor for the Middle East at USAID. Prior to that, he served as Chief of Operations in the Global Health Bureau providing senior leadership to the COVID-19 Response and current and future Supply Chain programming. Previous to that, he served the bureau as Deputy Assistant Administrator leading policy, programs, planning, innovation and systems. He started his career overseas in Russia as a Peace Corps volunteer attached to Moscow City Administration (Zelenograd Prefecture) working on NGO development. Afterwards, he went to work for IREX in Central Asia on the State Department's Internet Access and Training Program. IREX would later promote Chuck to Regional Director of the Caucasus overseeing all programs in the region. Peace Corps subsequently hired him as Administrative Officer to restart the program in Uzbekistan, which had been closed following 9/11. The program would grow to become one of the largest Peace Corps posts, with Chuck also serving a stint as acting Country Director. After his tour, the Peace Corps put Chuck in charge of training new Administrative Officers for overseas assignments. During this time, he also served the agency as the Financial and Administrative Officer of the Hurricane Katrina Relief efforts, the historic deployment of the Peace Corps domestically. Chuck joined USAID's Foreign Service in 2007 and has served in Russia, Afghanistan, Tanzania and India. Prior to public service, Chuck grew up on his family's farm in Kansas and was an accomplished athlete, winning collegiate national championships as both a player and a coach, and garnering all-American accolades at the junior college level before going on to start at Baylor University as center on the football team.   ABOUT THE HOST:   The podcast is hosted by Mike Shanley, Founder and CEO of Konektid International and AidKonekt Data, the leading USAID partner support firms that help clients to grow their USAID funding portfolios. Mike has nearly two decades of experience in working with USAID projects and funding opportunities. His USAID funding expertise has been recognized by the largest aid and development associations, partners, and conferences, including by USAID, Devex, British Expertise International, AidEx, and by the Society for International Development-US where he also serves as Board Member.   Websites: Konektid International: www.konektid.com AidKonekt Data: https://www.aidkonekt.com/usaid-biz-dev Connect with Mike Shanley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/konektid-usaid-specialists/

Sometimes the Government's acquisition plan doesn't line up with the schedule for a requirement.  While there are lots of ways to meet a short term requirement,  the Contracting Officer may use a bridge contract as an option.This is not a contract to build a bridge, rather this is a contract that bridges between the old contract and a new one.  In this episode we outline the why, how and what of a bridge contract.

In this enlightening conversation, we dive deep into the world of government contracts with Louis Orndorff, a former US government contracting officer. Join us as we uncover the essential details that often go unnoticed when executing government contracts. Selling to the US government can be a lucrative opportunity for businesses, but the devil is truly in the details. While many companies focus on securing contracts, they often overlook the crucial aspects that govern their success once they've won the bid. Louis Orndorff, with his extensive experience and knowledge, shares invaluable insights on the important intricacies that demand attention throughout the contract execution process. Throughout the episode, we explore various topics essential for any organization venturing into government contracting. From understanding and meeting contract requirements to ensuring compliance with intricate regulations and standards, Louis sheds light on the critical elements that can make or break a government contract. Whether you're a seasoned player in government contracting or just exploring this realm, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge to help you navigate the complexities of executing government contracts successfully. Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain crucial insights from Louis Orndorff, a seasoned expert in the field. This episode first aired in June 2021 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   If you want personalized assistance from my team and I to help you start selling to the US government, increase the number of contracts you are winning or optimize the contracts you currently have please reach out to us at: https://www.dodcontract.com/ If you have comments or would like to reach me personally you can do so at richard@richardchoward.com You can also connect with me on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickychoward/

(4/27/23) - In today's Federal Newscast: A no-show job and 31 government-paid trips to Orlando, leave an Army contracting officer to plead guilty to conspiracy and 10 counts of theft. Senators Braun and Ernst revive a bill to withhold the salaries of feds who don't pay their taxes. And the Air Force unveils a new strategy to fill nearly 2,000 job openings for pilots. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's guest is Lori Smith, founder of Acu-Elligent LLC, a consulting agency specialized in helping small businesses successfully obtain government contracts. With 40+ years of experience as a Procurement decision maker & Contracting Officer, Lori provides insider perspective and guidance to navigate the government marketplace. In this episode, Lori shares her insights and tips on how to successfully win federal, state & local contracts for your business. Lori is committed to helping black women-owned and other small businesses obtain lucrative contracts and simplify the federal contracting process. She also shares her journey from federal service to founding Acu-Elligent LLC, highlighting the difficulties small businesses often face when trying to secure government contracts. She explains how her team of seasoned business strategists collaborates to develop cost-effective solutions that help companies achieve their contracting goals. Navigating the government marketplace can be a challenging and complex process, but with Lori's insights and guidance, small businesses can successfully win government contracts. So let's welcome our next Giant, Lori Smith.  

Kevin White, a long provider of Contracting Officer Representative (COR) Training, comes on the show to discuss his experience with training CORs, and what is available to future and present CORs in the way of training from DAU.  Kevin's training has made a big difference in COR performance throughout the world, including war zones,  and brings a passion for the topic.  P listen in, you won't regret it. Below are links to the training DAU provides.  CLC 222 Contracting Officers Representative (COR) Online Training (On-line 32 CLPs): https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/courses.aspx?crs_id=1731 COR 222 Contracting Officer's Representative Course (Virtual or in-person 32 CLPs via DAU's Mission Assistance (see link below)):  https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/courses.aspx?crs_id=1584 WSC 027 Virtual Augmentation Workshop for the Contracting Officer (augments CLC 222/COR222 - 10 CLPs)P: https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/courses.aspx?crs_id=12359 CLC 106 - Contracting Officer's Representative with a Mission Focus (On-line 3 CLPs):  https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/courses.aspx?crs_id=240DAU Mission Assistance:  https://www.dau.edu/consulting-services Back to Basics: https://www.dau.edu/back-to-basics; BtB Contracting: https://www.dau.edu/functional-areas/contractingContracting Community of Practice: https://www.dau.edu/cop/contracting/Pages/Default.aspxIf you are watching this video on DAU Media, but rather watch on YouTube, go to https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbF8yqm-r_M5czw5teb0PsAApple Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/contracting-conversations/id1621567225

"I want to give back to the community that gave me so much."     This week on the FourBlock Podcast, we are honored to be joined by Labor and Employment attorney Allison Kruse, a U.S. Air Force veteran and current associate at Stinson LLP, who serves as the chair of the firm's Veterans Employee Resource Group (ERG).     In conversation with FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams, Allison shares what first inspired her to attend the Air Force Academy and join the military and details her experience transitioning from the Air Force into law school and then the private sector.    Allison delves into her unique familiarity with Federal Acquisition Regulations and how it benefits and supports her clients at Stinson. She then shares more about her participation with the firm's Veterans ERG, why she is inspired to continue giving back, how Stinson helps support and integrate veterans within the law firm, and her advice for veterans transitioning into the civilian workforce.    As we close out Women's History Month, Allison also shares some of the women veterans and leaders who inspired her in her career and influenced her professional values, as well as words of wisdom for young women starting their journey in the military or transitioning out.     Allison is an associate at Stinson LLP, a law firm with 450 attorneys and 12 offices nationwide. She primarily focuses on employment related matters and navigating various facets of employment relationships. She handles each case with precision and integrity, working diligently to deliver results that take her clients to new heights.    Before attending law school, Allison was a Contracting Officer in the U.S. Air Force. Her prior experience in leadership roles enables her to relate quickly with clients and solve complex issues. Allison has received multiple awards and recognitions for her outstanding service while serving.    ABOUT US Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace. General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat. But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.  FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.  Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective. Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.  Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/ Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate. Follow FourBlock on Social Media  LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Podcast episodes are produced and edited in part by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.  

In this episode Col (ret) Louis Orndorff is back on the podcast to talk about his life as a contracting officer, playing bass in our rock band and how we now help businesses succeed in government contracting! Learn more at: https://www.dodcontract.com

What do you wish you knew about government contracting? What if you had access to a seasoned contracting officer, so you could understand the process from their point of view? Kevin Jans is President of Skyway Acquisition, a team of former COs on a mission to bridge government and industry, helping clients target better and win more contracts. He also serves as host of the Contracting Officer Podcast. With 16 years of experience as a contracting officer for the Department of Defense, Kevin bought and managed more than $3 billion in products and services. On this episode of the RFP Success Show, Kevin joins me to discuss the three deciders in every purchase and describe how much control contracting officers have in the decision-making process. Kevin walks us through the four acquisition time zones, explaining why you need to know about an RFP long before it drops and how to learn more about the budget for a given purchase. Listen in to understand the #1 thing Kevin feared when selecting a new vendor and learn what a contracting officer looks for—beyond simply meeting the requirements of an RFP. Key Takeaways Kevin's background as a contracting officer for the Department of Defense How Skyway Acquisition serves as a bridge between government and industry The 3 deciders in every purchase—economic decider, customer and procurer How much control contracting officers have in the decision-making process What differentiates a technical sale from a business sale Kevin's 4 acquisition time zones Requirement Market research RFP Selection Why you need to know about an RFP long before it drops The best way to learn more about the budget for a particular purchase 3 things you can do to go beyond just meeting the requirements of an RFP The #1 thing contracting officers fear when selecting a new vendor The limits of a contracting officer's responsibility to engage with industry Connect with Kevin Skyway Acquisition Kevin on LinkedIn Contracting Officer Podcast Connect with Lisa  Lisa's Website Lisa on Twitter Lisa on Facebook Lisa on LinkedIn The RFP Success Company on YouTube The RFP Success Company on LinkedIn Subscribe on iTunes Email podcast@rfpsuccess.com  Resources Agile Government Contracting by John Stenbeck and Kevin Jans Save Your Time: A Former Contracting Officer Explains Why the Government Market May (or May Not) Be Right for You by Kevin Jans The 3 Deciders on Contracting Officer Podcast EP118 FOIA The Technical vs. the Business Sale on Contracting Officer Podcast EP222 What Is a Mid-Size Business? on Contracting Officer Podcast EP099 The Acquisition Time Zones on Contracting Officer Podcast EP003 Where Do RFPs Come From? on Contracting Officer Podcast EP381 Is Your Price Reasonable & Realistic? on Contracting Officer Podcast EP338 What Is a Red Team Review? on Contracting Officer Podcast EP396 Staffing Is Not Just Staffing on Contracting Officer Podcast EP097 The Execution Time Zones on Contracting Officer Podcast EP372 FAR 15.2 Book a Call with the RFP Success Company Dare to Be Influential: Maximizing Your Positive Influence While Still Being True to You by Lisa Rehurek The RFP Success Book by Lisa Rehurek The RFP Success Institute

Today's guest is Mr. Donnie Harris, is a former guest of ours on the show. However, given the fact that there's so much money put into the infrastructure plan, I thought it would behoove me to bring him back on to let all the listeners out there to listen to the episode once again. Donnie Harris is a former senior contracting officer with an unlimited warrant, meaning he could sign off at any size contract. Over the course of his 20 years in government he managed complex and high-profile procurements totaling over $3 billion, that's billion with a B, from the acquisition phase to the pre-award for three DC agencies. His government customers where Mr. Harris provided procurement support included the Internal Revenue Service, Federal Aviation Administration, the Veterans Administration, Food and Drug Administration, Commerce, SBA, Department of Homeland Security, Coast Guard, DOE, National Institutes of Health, and the Department of Labor. What I like the most about this interview with Mr. Harris was that he shared some truths about how the government works from the inside. These are things that are rarely heard outside of the government workplace. He shared his insights, tools, the things that he's learned, suggestions for small businesses on how to grow, all of that in this episode. Listen to this episode with our Govcon giant, Mr. Donnie Harris.

In this episode, Nicole and Aubrey discuss training that would educate Contracting Officers and benefit Woman Owned Small Businesses (WOSB). However we uncover a key part of the WOSB that surprises both of us. Listen in and let us know if you have the same reactions we did. Link to GAO Report referenced in episode: https://smallbusiness.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=2536

Our Theme for August - September is "The Value of Service," focuses on giving back and finding joy and fulfillment. I greatly appreciate my time in public service and the invaluable lessons I learned about leadership, people, community, and giving back in a meaningful way! Today, we're honored to have as our guest Ms. Kendall Johnson. Kendall serves as Executive Director for the 2020 Census Integrated Communications Contract. Kendall's federal government service spans more than three decades. She served as the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) on the Census 2000 Advertising Contract and the 2010 Census Communications Contract. She also worked in the Office of National Drug Control Policy, serving as the Deputy Associate Director for the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign. For someone who was a "reluctant public servant," Kendall has positively impacted every government operation she's been a part of. Listen as she shares critical career advice that applies to any professional. Kendall's unique perspective on fulfilling public service will energize you to do more service! You feel her passion when she says, "don't sleep on public service." Upcoming podcasts: September 16th & 30th --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/dr-l-d-bennett1/message

On this episode, we talk with Federal CIO Clare Martorana about the recently released Federal IT Operating Plan and hear from two more of the ACT-IAC 2022 Innovation Champion Award winners; Guests: Clare Martorana, Federal Chief Information Officer.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/claremartorana/ John Hutchison, Assistant Operations Research Analyst at the Argonne National Laboratory.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-k-hutchison/ Ronie Namata, Contracting Officer at U.S. Customs and Border Protection.    Additional Resources: To learn more about ACT-IAC, please visit our website: https://www.actiac.org/ To read the Federal Government's IT Operating Plan, visit: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Federal-IT-Operating-Plan_June-2022.pdf To learn more about the 2022 ACT-IAC Innovation Awards:  https://www.actiac.org/act-iac-emerging-technology-and-innovation-awards-2022

In this episode, we have special guest Justin Lerma, an advocate for best practices in acquisition. From technical challenges in the Contracting Officer's “toolbox”, we discuss how innovations and education in contracting can result in better exchanges between industry and government. Listen in now!

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)Kevin and special guest (and former Contracting Officer) Angela Jacobs discuss the differences between official contractual direction, business conversations, and basic communication.  Listen and learn why documentation of communications is critical to both industry and government.  _________If you enjoy this podcast, check out Skyway Acquisition at skywaymember.com  to begin your relationship with our team of former contracting officers. The Skyway Community is the essential resource for context in the government market. Give us a call at 877-884-5280 or email us at connect@skywayacquisition.com  LinkedIn CO Podcast Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/6796606/ Facebook Government Contracting Network Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GovernmentContractingNetwork ___________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 worked on the industry side, Kevin and Paul share their perspectives in support of the podcast's mission:  Make government contracts better, one contract at a time. 

Dr. Zamora Crawford Olin is the CEO and Co-Founder of Crawford Olin, LLC. As the CEO of Crawford Olin, Dr. Olin has worked with small-medium-sized business to create viable business development strategies and sustainable growth solutions to increase their sales and competitive positioning in the federal marketplace. With over 20 years of experience in federal contracting and procurement, her strong desire to help small businesses build and scale their companies through government contracts served as the fuel to start this company. Since its founding in 2014, Dr. Olin has helped her clients win nearly $7.0 Billion in federal contracts. Dr. Olin began her career in contracting and procurement as an Aviation Storekeeper in the US Navy. During her time in the Navy, Dr. Olin received several awards and commendations for her exemplary leadership and performance in procurement. After an honorable discharge, she worked as a Sr. Buyer within a Fortune 500 company, then as a Contracts Manager for a large DoD Contractor. In 2008, Dr. Olin began her career as a Senior Contracting Specialist for the Navy. By 2011, Dr. Olin became the Chief of Contracts and Grants and was responsible for the annual spending of $300-$500 million in products and services. During her tenure as a Contracting Officer, she developed a passion for working with and promoting small businesses while working a temporary assignment as a Small Business Advocate. After leaving federal service, Dr. Olin and her partner founded Crawford Olin to help small businesses navigate the federal business development process. Recognizing the growing divide in the competitive readiness of established small and micro-small businesses, Dr. Olin founded the GovCon GrowthLab in 2019. The GovCon GrowthLab is an online community created to increase the competitive readiness of minority small businesses entering the federal marketplace. Dr. Olin uses her subject matter expertise to teach small businesses how to leverage their professional skills to launch and grow their business, obtain subcontracting opportunities, and how to position and market their capabilities to government agencies and strategic partners. Since 2007, Dr. Olin has taught contracting, procurement, and operations management at multiple universities. In 2019, under Dr. Olin's leadership, Crawford Olin developed a workforce development program and became a certified provider for the Defense Acquisition University. Dr. Olin is currently pursuing an Executive Education Certificate in Business Analytics through the Harvard Business Analytics Program at Harvard Business School. She holds a Doctorate of Business Administration with a concentration in Global Business Sustainability, a Masters of Business Administration with a concentration in Management, and a Bachelor of Arts (Pre-Law) in Political Science and Criminal Justice. Follow GovCon GrowthLab on Instagram for all tips and gems about her experience in #GovCon: https://www.instagram.com/govcongrowthlab/ Learn more about GovCon GrowthLab and the work they do: https://www.govcongrowthlab.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/governmentcoins/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/governmentcoins/support

Dr. Zamora Crawford Olin is the CEO and Co-Founder of Crawford Olin, LLC. As the CEO of Crawford Olin, Dr. Olin has worked with small-medium-sized business to create viable business development strategies and sustainable growth solutions to increase their sales and competitive positioning in the federal marketplace. With over 20 years of experience in federal contracting and procurement, her strong desire to help small businesses build and scale their companies through government contracts served as the fuel to start this company. Since its founding in 2014, Dr. Olin has helped her clients win nearly $7.0 Billion in federal contracts. Dr. Olin began her career in contracting and procurement as an Aviation Storekeeper in the US Navy. During her time in the Navy, Dr. Olin received several awards and commendations for her exemplary leadership and performance in procurement. After an honorable discharge, she worked as a Sr. Buyer within a Fortune 500 company, then as a Contracts Manager for a large DoD Contractor. In 2008, Dr. Olin began her career as a Senior Contracting Specialist for the Navy. By 2011, Dr. Olin became the Chief of Contracts and Grants and was responsible for the annual spending of $300-$500 million in products and services. During her tenure as a Contracting Officer, she developed a passion for working with and promoting small businesses while working a temporary assignment as a Small Business Advocate. After leaving federal service, Dr. Olin and her partner founded Crawford Olin to help small businesses navigate the federal business development process. Recognizing the growing divide in the competitive readiness of established small and micro-small businesses, Dr. Olin founded the GovCon GrowthLab in 2019. The GovCon GrowthLab is an online community created to increase the competitive readiness of minority small businesses entering the federal marketplace. Dr. Olin uses her subject matter expertise to teach small businesses how to leverage their professional skills to launch and grow their business, obtain subcontracting opportunities, and how to position and market their capabilities to government agencies and strategic partners. Since 2007, Dr. Olin has taught contracting, procurement, and operations management at multiple universities. In 2019, under Dr. Olin's leadership, Crawford Olin developed a workforce development program and became a certified provider for the Defense Acquisition University. Dr. Olin is currently pursuing an Executive Education Certificate in Business Analytics through the Harvard Business Analytics Program at Harvard Business School. She holds a Doctorate of Business Administration with a concentration in Global Business Sustainability, a Masters of Business Administration with a concentration in Management, and a Bachelor of Arts (Pre-Law) in Political Science and Criminal Justice. Follow GovCon GrowthLab on Instagram for all tips and gems about her experience in #GovCon: https://www.instagram.com/govcongrowthlab/ Learn more about GovCon GrowthLab and the work they do: https://www.govcongrowthlab.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/governmentcoins/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/governmentcoins/support

Entrepreneurship, Standing Out, and Empowering Small Businesses.In this episode of The Outspoken Podcast, host Shana Cosgrove talks to Robb Wong, CEO and Founder of Fedsolve. Robb discusses his lifelong entrepreneurial drive starting at 11 years old, stringing tennis rackets with his brother, and holding 7 part-time jobs in college. He also talks about his email hack to avoid spam and whether or not he feels like a Government Contracting Celebrity. Robb's experience with HUBZone and the SBA has had a major impact on small businesses in America, and he discusses that path and the potential effect of recent developments. Lastly, Robb recommends a book that you may not have read in a while! QUOTES “I would say this about leadership in general. I practice this. I try to practice this at home. What I say to my daughter is, I'm trying to be the dad that you expect me to be, not the dad that I want to be. And so, I say that to my wife about me trying to be a husband. And I tried to apply that to SBA. I tried to be the type of leader that other people expected me to be, not the person that I wanted to be.” - Robb Wong [26:59] “What's going to happen is if you continue to try to help people, they're going to come to you and they're going to say, Shana, I know this isn't what NYLA does, but we have this other problem. And if you answer and honestly say, listen, I'm not the expert in that, but I can figure it out. That's how you, that's how you evolve, that's how you change as a company. And you have to be open for change.” - Robb Wong [50:50] “I love helping small businesses who can help our government because I think it makes for a stronger government. And I devoted my life to government service. I was inside, I was outside. I was inside again, now I'm outside, but I think if we have a strong government then we have a strong country.” - Robb Wong [54:00]   TIMESTAMPS  [00:04] Intro [02:12] Meet Robb Wong [04:09] Robb's College Experience [05:22] Ursinus College [07:57] Born an Entrepreneur [12:52] Robb's Email Address Hack [15:02] Robb's Experience with Race-Based Assumptions [20:37] The Advantages of Living in America [22:34] Does Robb feel like a Government Contracting Celebrity? [25:43] Robb's Experience with HUBZone and the SBA [34:44] Recent Developments with the SBA and Category Management [37:38] It Comes Down to Business Development [41:47] Lowest Price Technically Acceptable [45:00] Role of the Contracting Officer [48:32] The Personal Aspect of Government Contracting [50:03] Advice Robb Would Give to his Younger Self [51:20] Robb's Interest in Curious George [51:53] Robb's Surprising Fact [54:44] Outro   RESOURCES https://www.ursinus.edu/ (Ursinus College) https://www.georgetown.edu/ (Georgetown University) https://www.nih.gov/ (National Institutes of Health) https://www.gwu.edu/ (The George Washington University) https://www.wikihow.com/String-a-Tennis-Racquet (How to String a Tennis Racket) https://www.berkeley.edu/ (University of Berkeley, California) https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/8a-business-development-program (8(a) Business Development Program) https://hubzonecouncil.org/National-HUBZone-Conference (National HUBZone Conference) https://www.gsa.gov/buying-selling/category-management#:~:text=Category%20Management%20is%20the%20practice,and%20effectiveness%20of%20acquisition%20activities. (Category Management) https://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/president-biden/ (President Joe Biden) https://discover.dtic.mil/section-809-panel/ (Section 809 Panel) https://www.va.gov/osdbu/verification/ (Center for Verification and Evaluation (CVE) Program) https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/veteran-assistance-programs (Information on SDVOSBs from the SBA) https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/joint-ventures (Joint Ventures)...

E. Darlene Bullock serves as the Director of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU). Ms. Bullock has over 27 years of experience in procurement, federal assistance, and acquisitions management. Before joining the OSDBU in January 2011, Ms. Bullock was a Division Director and Contracting Officer in the DHS, Office of Procurement Operations (OPO). OPO is one of the largest procurement divisions in DHS obligating about $4 - 4.5 billion a year. Her division was responsible for supporting the Office of the Secretary and other high-visibility offices at DHS Headquarters. Ms. Bullock oversaw and managed the award process of the first DHS-wide Program Management, Administrative, Clerical, and Technical Services (PACTS) Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contracts which were set-aside for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs). PACTS had an estimated value at $1.5 billion. The award of PACTS enabled DHS to meet and exceed the 3 percent SDVOSB goal for the first time in Fiscal Year 2010. Ms. Bullock has held leadership positions at several Federal and local agencies including the Department of Homeland Security Headquarters, U.S. Agency for International Development, U. S. Department of Commerce, District of Columbia Government, and the U.S. Army. Ms. Bullock began her acquisition career with the U.S. Army successfully completing the Department of Defense contract specialist intern program. She is a Certified Federal Contract Manager (CFCM) with the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) and maintains her FAC-C Level III Certification in Contracting. She has completed various Federal Executive leadership courses throughout her career. She has an undergraduate degree in Agricultural Business and Resource Economics from the University of Maryland, College Park and a MBA in International Management from Southeastern University. Doing Business with DHS https://www.dhs.gov/topics/do-business-dhs Business Opportunities at DHS https://www.dhs.gov/business-opportunities For questions, email dhsosdbu@hq.dhs.gov --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/governmentcoins/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/governmentcoins/support

E. Darlene Bullock serves as the Director of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU). Ms. Bullock has over 27 years of experience in procurement, federal assistance, and acquisitions management. Before joining the OSDBU in January 2011, Ms. Bullock was a Division Director and Contracting Officer in the DHS, Office of Procurement Operations (OPO). OPO is one of the largest procurement divisions in DHS obligating about $4 - 4.5 billion a year. Her division was responsible for supporting the Office of the Secretary and other high-visibility offices at DHS Headquarters. Ms. Bullock oversaw and managed the award process of the first DHS-wide Program Management, Administrative, Clerical, and Technical Services (PACTS) Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contracts which were set-aside for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs). PACTS had an estimated value at $1.5 billion. The award of PACTS enabled DHS to meet and exceed the 3 percent SDVOSB goal for the first time in Fiscal Year 2010. Ms. Bullock has held leadership positions at several Federal and local agencies including the Department of Homeland Security Headquarters, U.S. Agency for International Development, U. S. Department of Commerce, District of Columbia Government, and the U.S. Army. Ms. Bullock began her acquisition career with the U.S. Army successfully completing the Department of Defense contract specialist intern program. She is a Certified Federal Contract Manager (CFCM) with the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) and maintains her FAC-C Level III Certification in Contracting. She has completed various Federal Executive leadership courses throughout her career. She has an undergraduate degree in Agricultural Business and Resource Economics from the University of Maryland, College Park and a MBA in International Management from Southeastern University. Doing Business with DHS https://www.dhs.gov/topics/do-business-dhs Business Opportunities at DHS https://www.dhs.gov/business-opportunities For questions, email dhsosdbu@hq.dhs.gov --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/governmentcoins/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/governmentcoins/support

Derek Sampson is the founder and lead Contract Specialist at LiaiCon, a service-disabled veteran-owned company that provides cradle-to-grave acquisition support to small businesses. As an Air Force veteran and former Contracting Officer, Derek uses his expertise to help small businesses owners navigate the complex world of federal contracting. Derek teaches individuals how to find, compete for, and win federal contracts through his flagship course, Federal Contracting Blueprint for Small Businesses. He currently supports federal agencies and contractors as an Acquisition Analyst and Technical Writer. Derek is also the owner of a Dream Vacations franchise. He specializes in creating life-long memories and unforgettable experiences for clients. Dream Vacations offers a full range of travel planning services, including river and ocean cruises, excursions, tours, all-inclusive resort vacations, and custom Disney vacation experiences. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/governmentcoins/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/governmentcoins/support

Derek Sampson is the founder and lead Contract Specialist at LiaiCon, a service-disabled veteran-owned company that provides cradle-to-grave acquisition support to small businesses. As an Air Force veteran and former Contracting Officer, Derek uses his expertise to help small businesses owners navigate the complex world of federal contracting. Derek teaches individuals how to find, compete for, and win federal contracts through his flagship course, Federal Contracting Blueprint for Small Businesses. He currently supports federal agencies and contractors as an Acquisition Analyst and Technical Writer. Derek is also the owner of a Dream Vacations franchise. He specializes in creating life-long memories and unforgettable experiences for clients. Dream Vacations offers a full range of travel planning services, including river and ocean cruises, excursions, tours, all-inclusive resort vacations, and custom Disney vacation experiences. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/governmentcoins/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/governmentcoins/support

Mr. Mann joined the NASA HQ Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) as a Small Business Program Manager in March 2009. Currently, Mr. Mann is the Program Manager for Marshall Space Flight Center, Stennis Space Center, the NASA Shared Services Center, and the NASA Management Office for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. He also has OSBP responsibility for small business prime and subcontracting goaling and metrics (FPDS-NG and eSRS). From 2003–2009, Mr. Mann worked in various roles at NASA John C. Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, including Contracting Officer, Procurement Analyst, and Small Business Specialist. He has also been a Contracting Officer for the Defense Logistics Agency/Defense Energy Support Center and for the US Agency for International Development. Mr. Mann is a Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM), has an MBA with a concentration in Contracting from the Florida Institute of Technology, and a bachelor's degree from Louisiana State University. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/governmentcoins/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/governmentcoins/support

Mr. Mann joined the NASA HQ Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) as a Small Business Program Manager in March 2009. Currently, Mr. Mann is the Program Manager for Marshall Space Flight Center, Stennis Space Center, the NASA Shared Services Center, and the NASA Management Office for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. He also has OSBP responsibility for small business prime and subcontracting goaling and metrics (FPDS-NG and eSRS). From 2003–2009, Mr. Mann worked in various roles at NASA John C. Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, including Contracting Officer, Procurement Analyst, and Small Business Specialist. He has also been a Contracting Officer for the Defense Logistics Agency/Defense Energy Support Center and for the US Agency for International Development. Mr. Mann is a Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM), has an MBA with a concentration in Contracting from the Florida Institute of Technology, and a bachelor's degree from Louisiana State University. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/governmentcoins/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/governmentcoins/support

Welcome to our focus and celebration of public service! I have tremendous fondness and appreciation for my time in public service and the invaluable lessons I learned about leadership, people, community, and giving back in a meaningful way! Our theme for June-July: "A Call to Public Service: A Leadership Journey" Today, we're honored to have as our guest, Ms. Kendall Johnson. Kendall serves as Executive Director for the 2020 Census Integrated Communications Contract. Kendall's federal government service spans more than three decades. She previously served as the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) on the Census 2000 Advertising Contract and the 2010 Census Communications Contract. She also worked for the Office of National Drug Control Policy where she served as the Deputy Associate Director for the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign while simultaneously overseeing the media contract for that program. For someone who was a "reluctant public servant", Kendall has made a positive impact on every government operation she's been a part of. Listen as she shares key career advice that's applicable to any professional. Kendall's unique perspective on the fulfillment of public service will energize you to do more! You feel her passion when she says "don't sleep on public service." --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/dr-l-d-bennett1/message

In this episode, Mark Bakewell, Chief Finance & Contracting Officer at Liverpool CCG, talks about the challenges and opportunities facing finance in the NHS at the moment, and we get an insight into what the role of finance and resource allocation within a commissioning body.