Podcasts about federal contractors

The administration's latest DEI directive is moving ahead on two tracks, into federal contracts and into federal court. While a lawsuit raises questions about its scope and authority, agencies are pressing forward with new clauses and compliance expectations. Dan Ramish, Partner at Haynes Boone, explains where things stand and what contractors can't afford to wait on.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Deltek's new Clarity report, based on 2025 data, shows a widening divide inside the federal contracting market. The firms growing fastest aren't just adding revenue, they're maintaining tighter controls and fewer hidden risks at the same time. Kevin Plexico, senior vice president of information solutions at Deltek, explains what the data shows about balancing speed and scrutiny across the market right now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As hantavirus cases draw renewed attention, contractors are part of how the government builds capacity in public health emergencies, especially with large gatherings like the World Cup on the horizon. At the same time, a new Pentagon memo is putting more pressure on how contractors account for facility costs. Jim Carroll, CEO of the Professional Services Council joins me to connect those dots.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Agency outreach for government contractors is less about what you do and more about what you know before you walk in the room. In this episode, Eric Coffie breaks down exactly how to prepare for virtual agency meetings, which federal vendor portals you cannot afford to skip, and how the Federal Help Center community is actively teaming up to pursue and win real contracts together. What you will learn in this episode: How to structure a 10 to 15 minute virtual agency meeting so you lead with research instead of a company pitch, and walk away with actionable intel on expiring contracts and upcoming opportunities Why SAM.gov is just one piece of the puzzle and how platforms like Tradewinds, the CDAIO AI Playground, DIU vehicles, and agency-specific portals like NASA's vendor registration site are where real opportunities are surfacing How Eric's team solved a persistent agency pain point at a Coast Guard facility and landed a $4 million IDIQ within 60 days by presenting a logistics solution nobody else had thought to offer Why asking agencies about portals, project managers, and end users during a capabilities briefing is more valuable than any amount of time spent reciting your NAICS codes How Federal Help Center members are connecting with each other to form teaming arrangements, refer subcontractors, and pursue multi-year contracts without spending days cold searching for qualified partners If you are serious about growing your federal contracting business, you do not have to figure this out alone. Join the community at federalhelpcenter.com and connect with contractors who are actively pursuing work and willing to team. EPISODE CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Welcome to the Federal Help Center podcast 0:28 - How to prepare for virtual agency meetings 1:26 - Why SAM.gov is not your only procurement resource 1:56 - Tradewinds, DIU, and AI-focused federal platforms 2:26 - NASA vendor portal and agency registration requirements 2:55 - What to ask agencies during a capabilities briefing 4:51 - Solving agency pain points to win an IDIQ contract 6:47 - How Federal Help Center members are teaming up to win 7:44 - Using community connections to pursue multi-year contracts 8:13 - Final takeaways and call to grow together Market Intelligence gives you the federal opportunities, agency signals, recompete intel, and pursuit briefs that tell you not just what contracts exist, but which ones to chase and how to win them. Sign up for free Daily Alerts and get opportunities delivered to your inbox before the day starts. 

A unified federal market intelligence platform built specifically for small business government contractors just changed how GovCon Giants operates — and it could change how you find and win federal contracts too. Eric Coffie pulls back the curtain on Market Intelligence, the platform six months in the making that consolidates SAM.gov, recompete tracking, forecast data, teaming intelligence, and BD pipeline tools into a single dashboard built for solopreneurs and small teams. In this episode you will learn: How Market Intelligence delivers daily and weekly briefings customized to your NAICS code, set-aside type, region, and target agencies so you stop missing opportunities hidden across dozens of federal websites Why the platform's AI-driven insights go beyond raw solicitation data to tell you things like how many bidders competed last time, whether an agency is small business friendly, and when incumbent contracts are expiring How Eric is using free daily alerts to build a coalition of thousands of small businesses capable of strategically responding to Sources Sought notices and flipping full and open requirements to small business set-asides using the Rule of Two What the difference is between free daily alerts and the pro Market Intelligence briefings, including recompete trackers, pursuit briefs, 7,000-plus agency forecasts, and ghosting and teaming plays How existing GovCon Giants customers including Federal Help Center members, bundle purchasers, and lifetime members can access Market Intelligence at no additional cost EPISODE CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Introduction to the Market Intelligence announcement  1:11 - Welcome to the GovCon Giants podcast 1:35 - Why Eric taught 11 tools and what changed 2:32 - Introducing the Market Intelligence platform 3:24 - Daily briefings, recompete tracking, and pipeline features 3:54 - GovCon Giants shifts from training company to SaaS 4:52 - Who Market Intelligence is designed for 7:12 - How to access Market Intelligence and free daily alerts 8:10 - Pro version features and profile-based intelligence 10:32 - Beta access and existing customer pricing 12:28 - How Market Intelligence compares to enterprise tools 13:26 - Live demo walkthrough of the dashboard 17:47 - Onboarding walkthrough setting up your free profile 20:09 - What the daily alert emails actually look like 21:06 - Briefings versus alerts explained with live examples 22:34 - Weekly deep dive recompete opportunities and teaming plays 25:48 - The Rule of Two strategy and Eric's big vision for collective action 33:34 - How past contract data and FOIA fit into the platform 37:25 - Pricing breakdown and honoring existing customers 40:44 - Subcontracting database, NAICS customization, and Q&A 54:42 - Micro purchase and simplified acquisition tools walkthrough 55:42 - Contracting officers confirm small businesses are not responding to Sources Sought 58:37 - Community restructure and Federal Help Center transition   Market Intelligence gives you the federal opportunities, agency signals, recompete intel, and pursuit briefs that tell you not just what contracts exist, but which ones to chase and how to win them. Join the free community and set up your profile today at https://govcongiants.org/mi to start getting daily federal opportunities delivered directly to your inbox. Website: https://govcongiants.org/ Connect with Encore Funding: http://govcongiants.org/funding

This week's episode covers implementation of EO 14398 (Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors), the reauthorization of the SBIR program, and the Pentagon's FY27 budget request, and is hosted by Peter Eyre and Yuan Zhou. Crowell & Moring's “Fastest 5 Minutes” is a biweekly podcast that provides a brief summary of significant government contracts legal and regulatory developments that no government contracts lawyer or executive should be without.

This week's episode covers the March 26 Executive Order titled “Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors” and the March 31 OMB Memo titled “Reinforcing Transparency, Accountability, and Oversight of Federal Technology”, and is hosted by Peter Eyre and Yuan Zhou. Crowell & Moring's "Fastest 5 Minutes" is a biweekly podcast that provides a brief summary of significant government contracts legal and regulatory developments that no government contracts lawyer or executive should be without.

Federal contracting background checks can make or break your ability to win and perform government work — and most small business owners don't know what they're actually signing up for. In this live Q&A episode, Eric Coffie and the Federal Help Center community tackle one of the most misunderstood topics in the space: what vetting actually looks like when you're doing work on federal facilities like VA Medical Centers and military bases. Here's what gets covered in this straight-talk session: Personal vs. company background checks — The difference between a check on you as an individual and a facilities clearance for your business, and when each applies VA Medical Center contracts — Why working at VA facilities often triggers personal background checks, and what contractors should expect before pursuing those opportunities Facility clearances explained — What they are, when they're required, and why they only matter for classified or top-secret work environments Real base access stories — Eric shares first-hand accounts: silent alarms, drivers arrested at gates, being accused of theft, and why child support warrants can get your subcontractors detained on-site How to prepare your team — Practical steps to vet drivers, subs, and employees before they ever set foot on a federal installation If you want to learn more about the community and to join the webinars go to: https://federalhelpcenter.com/ https://federalhelpcenter.com/ Website: https://govcongiants.org/ Connect with Encore Funding: http://govcongiants.org/funding

The federal market now faces a double shock: an abrupt supply‑chain risk ruling against a major AI vendor and a funding plan that concentrates four years' worth of spending into one. Both will shape how primes and subs manage risk, inventory their tools, and pursue new work in 2026. We break down the implications with Stephanie Kostro, President of the Professional Services Council.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The SBA, Pentagon, and Treasury are running simultaneous audits of the 8(a) program, each targeting different risks but all aimed at restoring integrity to a system the administration says has been widely misused. The scale of the oversight is something the contracting community hasn't seen before. We'll explore what ties these reviews together and what contractors might expect with Emily Murphy, senior Fellow at the George Mason University Baroni Center for Government Contracting and a Former GSA Administrator.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A volatile year across the federal marketplace produced results few expected, with some major contractors posting strong gains while others slipped under the weight of delays and cancellations. New analysis shows how shifting defense priorities, executive‑order signals and program setbacks reshaped the landscape for investors. We break down the biggest surprises and what they signal for 2026 with Paul Murphy, senior contracts analyst with Bloomberg Government.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The workplace in 2025 feels like it's moving at double speed. Federal contractors saw affirmative action requirements disappear virtually overnight. DEI programs have gone from top priority to barely mentioned in less than a year. AI is racing ahead of regulation, and states like Massachusetts are charting their own course while the federal government pulls in the opposite direction.Pete Wright sits down with Tom Jones and Kyle Pardo to make sense of it all. They walk through what the rollback of Executive Order 11246 means for employers still figuring out what they're required to track, how DEI is quietly shifting toward broader inclusion efforts, and why Massachusetts employers need to watch for changes to state average weekly wage calculations. The conversation also touches on what AI regulation might look like when the technology is evolving faster than lawmakers can keep up, and why remote work mandates are hitting morale harder than many leaders expected.But the biggest revelation comes from AIM's latest HR practices survey: for the first time in years, employee engagement and morale have become the number one priority for employers heading into 2026, surpassing even compensation. It's a signal that something fundamental has shifted in how organizations are thinking about their people. This episode offers a clear-eyed look at the year that was and what HR teams should be watching as they head into the next.AIM members can reach the HR Helpline at 800-470-6277 or helpline@aimnet.org for inquiries Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (EST). Email requests will be responded to within 24 hours. Links & NotesExecutive Order 11246 (Wikipedia overview) — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Executive_Order_11246 (historical context and 2025 repeal information)I-9 Central (USCIS) — https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central (comprehensive I-9 compliance guidance)Form I-9 (USCIS) — https://www.uscis.gov/i-9 (current form and instructions)Handbook for Employers M-274 — https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-resources/handbook-for-employers-m-274 (detailed guidance for completing I-9)Massachusetts Workers' Compensation Rates — https://www.mass.gov/info-details/minimum-and-maximum-compensation-rates (official state average weekly wage information)Massachusetts PFML 2025 Updates — https://www.fisherphillips.com/en/news-insights/massachusetts-employers-should-prepare-for-2026-paid-family-and-medical-leave-updates.html (state average weekly wage and benefit updates)State AI Legislation 2025 (Future of Privacy Forum) — https://fpf.org/blog/the-state-of-state-ai-legislative-approaches-to-ai-in-2025/ (comprehensive analysis of state AI laws)NCSL Artificial Intelligence 2025 Legislation — https://www.ncsl.org/technology-and-communication/artificial-intelligence-2025-legislation (tracker of AI bills by state)State AI Laws 2025 (White & Case) — https://www.whitecase.com/insight-alert/california-kentucky-tracking-rise-state-ai-laws-2025 (detailed breakdown of enacted state AI laws) AIM HR Solutions Training CatalogAIM members can reach the HR Helpline at 800-470-6277 or helpline@aimnet.org for inquiries Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (EST). Email requests will be responded to within 24 hours. 

As the shutdown stretches on, federal contractors face growing wage and hour risks, from delayed payments to potential violations of labor law. Employers trying to do the right thing may still stumble into legal trouble. Here to explain how contractors can protect themselves and what organizations should be doing to stay compliant is Co-Chair of the Employment + Labor Practice at Morrison and Foerster, Andrew Turnbull.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Navigating the shift from government service to government contracting can be financially and operationally overwhelming. From managing cash flow to separating personal and business finances, new contractors face challenges that aren't always obvious at the start. Offering guidance on how to stay afloat and grow with confidence is Tripp Kelly, a Partner at Socium Advisors.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A new bill would guarantee back pay for contract workers after a shutdown, while a fresh class deviation gives agencies more flexibility to continue essential work even when appropriations lapse. We break down both developments with Stephanie Kostro, Executive Vice President for Policy at the Professional Services Council.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With a shutdown deadline fast approaching, questions are mounting about which contracts will be paused, who will be furloughed and how the government's contractor workforce should prepare. The ripple effects could hit everything from IT services to facility support, especially in agencies without full-year funding. We get perspective from the President of the Professional Services Council, Stephanie Kostro.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Trump administration is tightening the leash of sort to push contractors on complying with cybersecurity requirements, as well as ensuring their charging the government a fair price. This comes at a time when the government's biggest purchaser is conducting a whirlwind of new activities. Here to break it all down for us, President of the Professional Services Council Stephanie Kostro.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Justice Department and Health and Human Services just relaunched a joint working group and it's taking a fresh look at healthcare fraud. The focus is False Claims Act enforcement...especially in areas like Medicare Advantage, drug pricing, and electronic health records. With more data sharing, whistleblower engagement, and cross-agency coordination, federal contractors could face tougher scrutiny. Here to break down what's new, why it matters, and how companies can prepare is partner at DLA Piper, Andrew Hoffman.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us a textIn this episode of FedBiz'5, host Bobby Testa dives into one of the biggest shifts in government contracting: the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in federal procurement. With more than 200 active AI use cases across federal agencies—from the DoD's Project Maven to the IRS's chatbot—AI is no longer emerging. It's operational, funded, and rapidly expanding.Bobby breaks down five critical insights government contractors need to understand right now if they want to stay ahead in this evolving space. This episode isn't about theory—it's about real agency usage, real budgets, real compliance expectations, and real market strategies that help small to mid-sized contractors show up and compete.You'll learn:How AI is currently being used across federal agenciesWhere AI-related opportunities are growing (hint: DoD, VA, NIH)What regulatory expectations you need to prepare for (yes, FAR clauses are coming)How to position your AI capabilities in SAM.gov, DSBS, and capability statementsWhy early outreach—RFIs, Industry Days, OSDBUs, and teaming—is more important than everWhether your company offers AI tools, supports infrastructure, provides training, or consults on ethical compliance, this episode will show you how to align with what agencies are actually buying.We also explore how tools like FedBiz365 can uncover pre-solicitation activity, highlight AI-related trends, and help you build a smart, targeted strategy based on real data—not guesswork.And of course, Bobby keeps it real (and funny) as always, because what's a discussion about AI and federal procurement without a little commentary on IRS hold music, fantasy football algorithms, and black-box buzzwords?

The Trump administration has declared war on Mexican drug cartels. Federal contractors already have to declare they don't do business with foreign terrorist organizations. But new guidance from the Department of Justice means it turns out it might not be so easy to tell who's who, and that has legal repercussions. To help us understand these new complexities, Counsels from King and Spalding, Mike Galdo and Brandt Leibe join me now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this podcast, shareholders Chris Near (Columbia) and Lauren Hicks (Indianapolis, Atlanta) discuss federal contractors' and subcontractors' obligations in unwinding Executive Order (EO) 11246, which mandates affirmative action programs for women and minorities. Lauren and Chris focus on the new administration's EO 14173, the ongoing requirements for affirmative action programs for veterans and individuals with disabilities, and the necessary adjustments contractors must make to their policies, self-identification processes, and internal communications.

This week, we highlight new guidance from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and Department of Justice (DOJ) on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)-related discrimination. We also examine the Acting EEOC Chair's letters to 20 law firms regarding their DEI practices, as well as the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) Director's orders to retroactively investigate affirmative action plans. EEOC and DOJ Warn DEI Policies Could Violate Title VII  The EEOC and the DOJ jointly released guidance on discrimination in DEI policies at work, warning that these policies could violate Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Although the guidance does not define DEI, it provides clarity on the EEOC's focus moving forward. Acting EEOC Chair Targets Law Firms Acting Chair Andrea Lucas sent letters to 20 law firms warning that their employment policies intended to boost DEI may be illegal.  OFCCP Plans Retroactive DEI Enforcement A leaked internal email obtained by The Wall Street Journal reveals that newly appointed OFCCP Director Catherine Eschbach has ordered a review of affirmative action plans submitted by federal contractors during the prior administration. These reviews will be used to help determine whether a federal contractor should be investigated for discriminatory DEI practices. - Visit our site for this week's Other Highlights and links: https://www.ebglaw.com/eltw384 Subscribe to #WorkforceWednesday: https://www.ebglaw.com/subscribe/ Visit http://www.EmploymentLawThisWeek.com This podcast is presented by Epstein Becker & Green, P.C. All rights are reserved. This audio recording includes information about legal issues and legal developments. Such materials are for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most current legal developments. These informational materials are not intended, and should not be taken, as legal advice on any particular set of facts or circumstances, and these materials are not a substitute for the advice of competent counsel. The content reflects the personal views and opinions of the participants. No attorney-client relationship has been created by this audio recording. This audio recording may be considered attorney advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. The determination of the need for legal services and the choice of a lawyer are extremely important decisions and should not be based solely upon advertisements or self-proclaimed expertise. No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.

Reese and Jasmin discuss the rise in measles cases in New York State as well as general information on the measles, segregated facilities no longer being officially banned for federal contractors, and the United Kingdom planning to spend £600 million on construction worker training.

President Trump's executive orders against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are back in effect after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit stayed a nationwide injunction, posing new compliance challenges for federal contractors. In this week's episode, Epstein Becker Green attorneys Nathaniel M. Glasser and Frank C. Morris, Jr., outline the implications for employers, focusing on the False Claims Act, whistleblower risks, and the need for certification of compliance with anti-discrimination laws. Tune in to learn what steps your organization can take to mitigate potential penalties and retaliation claims. Visit our site for this week's Other Highlights and links: https://www.ebglaw.com/eltw383 Subscribe to #WorkforceWednesday: https://www.ebglaw.com/subscribe/ Visit http://www.EmploymentLawThisWeek.com This podcast is presented by Epstein Becker & Green, P.C. All rights are reserved. This audio recording includes information about legal issues and legal developments. Such materials are for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most current legal developments. These informational materials are not intended, and should not be taken, as legal advice on any particular set of facts or circumstances, and these materials are not a substitute for the advice of competent counsel. The content reflects the personal views and opinions of the participants. No attorney-client relationship has been created by this audio recording. This audio recording may be considered attorney advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. The determination of the need for legal services and the choice of a lawyer are extremely important decisions and should not be based solely upon advertisements or self-proclaimed expertise. No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.

How will the recent Executive Order 14173, titled "Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity," affect federal contractors? In this episode, we explore this important issue with legal experts Stephen Irving and Tara Munder of the law firm of Peckar & Abramson. They explain the intent of the order, its impact on affirmative action policies, what businesses need to do to remain compliant, and issues related to enforcement. With companies trying to discern their “go forward” strategies and legal challenges to this and related Executive Orders mounting, this episode begins to unpack these complexities. With special guests: Stephen E. Irving, Co-Vice Chair - Labor & Employment Practice, Partner, Peckar & Abramson, P.C. and Tara R. Munder, Associate, Peckar & Abramson, P.C. Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP Sponsored by Old Republic!

Thursday, March 13th, 2025Today, Judge Beryl Howell has granted the law firm Perkins Coie a temporary restraining order blocking challenge sections of Trump's executive order; MSW media has partnered with national security counselors to file a FOIA request for the USAID destroyed document logs; House Republicans have passed a bill to fund the government, but Senate Democrats are divided; the Trump administration is still refusing to produce the head of OPM to testify under oath in court; a judge has blocked Trump's efforts to defund teacher training; Trump's OPM spokesperson posted fashion influencer videos from her government office; and Allison and Dana deliver your Good News.Thank You, AG1New subscribers, go to drinkAG1.com/dailybeans to get a FREE $76 Welcome Kit, bottle of D3K2 AND 5 free travel packs in your first box when you sign up.Stories:Senate Democrats insist on voting on 30-day government funding bill | The HillUSAID order to delete classified records sparks flurry of litigation | The HillUS judge temporarily halts Trump plan to cut hundreds of millions of dollars for teacher training | AP NewsLegal profession 'watching in horror,' judge says in blocking Trump order against Perkins Coie | ReutersTrump official tasked with defending DOGE cuts posted fashion influencer videos from her office | CNN PoliticsGood Trouble:DOGE Privacy Act Requests - Jamie Raskin for Congress From The Good NewsAsk an axolotl son | IGEnchanted Fredericksburg RanchEmpty Chair Town Hall 3/23/2025 4-6:00 PM.TeslaTakedown - Action NetworkReminder - you can see the pod pics if you become a Patron. The good news pics are at the bottom of the show notes of each Patreon episode! That's just one of the perks of subscribing! Federal workers - feel free to email me at fedoath@pm.me and let me know what you're going to do, or just vent. I'm always here to listen.Share your Good News or Good Trouble:https://www.dailybeanspod.com/good/ Check out other MSW Media podcastshttps://mswmedia.com/shows/Subscribe for free to MuellerSheWrote on Substackhttps://muellershewrote.substack.comFollow AG and Dana on Social MediaDr. Allison Gill Substack|Muellershewrote, Twitter|@MuellerSheWrote, Threads|@muellershewrote, TikTok|@muellershewrote, IG|muellershewrote, BlueSky|@muellershewroteDana GoldbergTwitter|@DGComedy, IG|dgcomedy, facebook|dgcomedy, IG|dgcomedy, danagoldberg.com, BlueSky|@dgcomedyHave some good news; a confession; or a correction to share?Good News & Confessions - The Daily Beanshttps://www.dailybeanspod.com/confessional/ Listener Survey:http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=shortFollow the Podcast on Apple:The Daily Beans on Apple PodcastsWant to support the show and get it ad-free and early?Supercasthttps://dailybeans.supercast.com/Patreon https://patreon.com/thedailybeansOr subscribe on Apple Podcasts with our affiliate linkThe Daily Beans on Apple Podcasts

In this episode of Workplace Stories, we sit down with Heather Bussing, a California employment lawyer, to break down the recent executive orders on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I).Heather brings her sharp legal perspective, offering clarity on what these orders actually mean for businesses—especially those in the private sector—and how employers can navigate this complex landscape without overreacting.Heather is direct, no-nonsense, and refreshingly calm in the face of the confusion swirling around DE&I today. We dive into the details of the executive orders, what they really say (and what they don't), and what companies can do to stay on the right side of the law while building a more inclusive workplace.One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is the importance of staying focused on fairness and merit. Heather stresses that while the executive orders might stir up public debates, the real work for companies is about being transparent and fair in their practices, especially around hiring, promotions, and performance assessments.She also talks about the growing need to rethink the way organizations measure success in their DE&I efforts, focusing on meaningful change rather than just checking boxes.If you're a leader or HR professional feeling the pressure to adjust your DE&I strategy, this episode is for you. Heather offers clear, actionable advice that will help you move forward with confidence.You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...(0:00) Introduction to Heather Bussing (and Why You Should Listen to Her)(6:24) What Is an Executive Order?(8:51) The DE&I Executive Orders and Their Focus on Federal Contractors(15:03) Legal Impact vs. Cultural Backlash on DE&I Programs(22:29) Why Fairness Should Still Be the Focus of DE&I Efforts(26:48) Lightening the Mood with the Lightning Round(30:48) Why You Should Do What You're Already Doing (35:20) Moving Forward: Maintaining DE&I Programs Amidst ChangeConnect with Heather BussingConnect on LinkedInConnect With Red Thread ResearchWebsite: Red Thread ResearchOn LinkedInOn FacebookOn TwitterSubscribe to WORKPLACE STORIES

The regulatory environment for employers is undergoing significant changes. President Trump's removal of an NLRB member, the NLRB's general counsel, and two EEOC commissioners has left those agencies without a quorum, delaying decisions and creating uncertainty for employers. Meanwhile, the repeal of Executive Order 11246 has ended affirmative action requirements for federal contractors and grantees. In this week's episode, Epstein Becker Green attorneys Erin E. Schaefer and Courtney McFate provide clarity amid these shifts. Employers should prepare for procedural delays from both agencies and reassess their compliance obligations under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and state or municipal contracts in light of reduced affirmative action requirements. Visit our site for this week's Other Highlights and links: https://www.ebglaw.com/eltw377 Subscribe to #WorkforceWednesday: https://www.ebglaw.com/subscribe/ Visit http://www.EmploymentLawThisWeek.com This podcast is presented by Epstein Becker & Green, P.C. All rights are reserved. This audio recording includes information about legal issues and legal developments. Such materials are for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most current legal developments. These informational materials are not intended, and should not be taken, as legal advice on any particular set of facts or circumstances, and these materials are not a substitute for the advice of competent counsel. The content reflects the personal views and opinions of the participants. No attorney-client relationship has been created by this audio recording. This audio recording may be considered attorney advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. The determination of the need for legal services and the choice of a lawyer are extremely important decisions and should not be based solely upon advertisements or self-proclaimed expertise. No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.

In this podcast, shareholders Scott Kelly (Birmingham) and Lauren Hicks (Indianapolis/Atlanta) discuss the implications of President Donald Trump's Executive Order 14173, which aims to end illegal discrimination and restore merit-based opportunities. Lauren and Scott delve into the executive order's impact on federal contractors and subcontractors, particularly the revocation of Executive Order 11246, which mandated affirmative action and non-discrimination obligations. They also explore the potential future actions of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) and the broader ramifications of the executive order.

In episode 185, Coffey talks with Kara Kelley about the impact of President Trump's affirmative action order, how not to respond to employee criticism, and nervous candidates.They discuss the implications for federal contractors following the President's rescission of Executive Order 11246, eliminating most affirmative action program and DEI requirements; the ongoing relevance of Title VII and other anti-discrimination laws; JP Morgan's return-to-office mandate and their decision to shut down employee feedback channels; how hiring managers should handle candidate nervousness in interviews; and the importance of focusing on job-relevant criteria in hiring decisions.Links to stuff they talked about are on our website at https://goodmorninghr.com/EP185 and include the following topics:Trump Rescinds Affirmative Action by Contractors Based on Race, GenderENDING ILLEGAL DISCRIMINATION AND RESTORING MERIT-BASED OPPORTUNITY2025: A Comprehensive Analysis of Class Action LitigationJPMorgan Just Decided That Employee Feedback Doesn't Matter. It's a Spectacularly Bad DecisionHiring Managers of Reddit: How likely are you to give someone a second chance if they seemed nervous during a phone screening and froze up on one question?Good Morning, HR is brought to you by Imperative—Bulletproof Background Checks. For more information about our commitment to quality and excellent customer service, visit us at https://imperativeinfo.com. If you are an HRCI or SHRM-certified professional, this episode of Good Morning, HR has been pre-approved for half a recertification credit. To obtain the recertification information for this episode, visit https://goodmorninghr.com. About our Guest:Kara works with Dental Practice Leaders to develop strategic HR systems that engage their team and strengthen their practice. She is the founder and CEO of Clinical HR LLC, a Human Resources advisory firm for dental and medical practices. Kara focuses on cultivating leadership skills, managing employee relations issues, and implementing competitive total rewards systems. She also works with practices to develop employee policies and establish compliant HR systems.Though Kara initially enrolled in a Marketing degree program, she took an HR course for a general business credit and fell in love with it, eventually earning a B.S. in Business with a concentration in Human Resource Management. Kara is a Society for Human Resource Management Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) and holds Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) designation from the HR Certification Institute (HRCI). She is also an Everything DiSC Workplace Certified Facilitator and a Five Behaviors Certified Practitioner.A life-long learner who is never content with the status quo, Kara serves on several professional boards and committees. She is the Co-Chair of the Mentorship Committee and a member of the Legal & Legislative committee for Austin SHRM. Kara is currently serving as President of the National Speakers Association Austin chapter. In 2022, she helped found the ADMC Memorial Foundation, a scholarship program for new practice owners.Kara Kelley can be reached athttps://www.facebook.com/ClinicalHRLLC https://twitter.com/ClinicalHR http://www.instagram.com/clinicalhrllc https://www.linkedin.com/in/karadkelleyAbout Mike Coffey:Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, licensed private investigator, business strategist, HR consultant, and registered yoga teacher.In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations and due diligence firm helping risk-averse clients make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business.Imperative delivers in-depth employment background investigations, know-your-customer and anti-money laundering compliance, and due diligence investigations to more than 300 risk-averse corporate clients across the US, and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies.Imperative has been named the Texas Association of Business' small business of the year and is accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association. Mike shares his insight from 25 years of HR-entrepreneurship on the Good Morning, HR podcast, where each week he talks to business leaders about bringing people together to create value for customers, shareholders, and community.Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence by FW, Inc. and has twice been recognized as the North Texas HR Professional of the Year. Mike is a member of the Fort Worth chapter of the Entrepreneurs' Organization and is a volunteer leader with the SHRM Texas State Council and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce.Mike is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute and a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). He is also a Yoga Alliance registered yoga teacher (RYT-200).Mike and his very patient wife of 27 years are empty nesters in Fort Worth.Learning Objectives:Respond to changes in affirmative action and diversity initiative expectations for federal contractors.Develop effective change-management strategies for workplace policy shifts that avoid National Labor Relations Act claims.Build employee-selection systems that focus on job-relevant attributes.

On January 20, 2025, President Trump began his second term. On his first day back, he signed a record-breaking number of executive orders, many of which have a direct impact on both public- and private-sector employers. In this week's episode, we turn to Epstein Becker Green attorney Paul DeCamp to help clients make sense of this flurry of activity. Tune in as Paul outlines what employers can anticipate from Trump 2.0 in the months ahead. Visit our site for this week's Other Highlights and links: https://www.ebglaw.com/eltw376 Subscribe to #WorkforceWednesday: https://www.ebglaw.com/subscribe/ Visit http://www.EmploymentLawThisWeek.com This podcast is presented by Epstein Becker & Green, P.C. All rights are reserved. This audio recording includes information about legal issues and legal developments. Such materials are for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most current legal developments. These informational materials are not intended, and should not be taken, as legal advice on any particular set of facts or circumstances, and these materials are not a substitute for the advice of competent counsel. The content reflects the personal views and opinions of the participants. No attorney-client relationship has been created by this audio recording. This audio recording may be considered attorney advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. The determination of the need for legal services and the choice of a lawyer are extremely important decisions and should not be based solely upon advertisements or self-proclaimed expertise. No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.

President-elect Trump has promised to use tariffs as economic levers to benefit the U.S. Perhaps strangely, tariffs figure into federal acquisition rules and practices. Lots of things to fulfill federal contracts some from other countries. We get a detailed look now from Haynes Boone procurement attorney Dan Ramish. 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.

President-elect Trump has promised to use tariffs as economic levers to benefit the U.S. Perhaps strangely, tariffs figure into federal acquisition rules and practices. Lots of things to fulfill federal contracts some from other countries. We get a detailed look now from Haynes Boone procurement attorney Dan Ramish. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Recruitment software development company Dstribute can automate all your job posting. Stay compliant with the OFCCP and find your dream hires too! More details at https://dstribute.io/ofccp-compliance-job-posting/ dstribute.io Job Distribution Software City: San Marcos Address: 251 N City Dr Website: https://dstribute.io Phone: +1 760 664 5003 Email: hello@dstribte.io

Two government contractors agree to pay a total of $4.3 million to settle allegations that they violated the False Claims Act and forced the Army to overpay for IT hardware. The Justice Department says Dell Technologies and Iron Bow will each pay more than $2 million to resolve a Qui Tam lawsuit. DoJ says Dell and Iron Bow allegedly conspired to collude on solicitations under the Army's AMDC-3 contract. Justice says from 2020 to 2024 Dell operated a deal registration program, whereby it gave advantageous pricing to Iron Bow to sell certain Dell computer hardware products and then also submitted their own direct bids on the same solicitations that were more costly. 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.

Two government contractors agree to pay a total of $4.3 million to settle allegations that they violated the False Claims Act and forced the Army to overpay for IT hardware. The Justice Department says Dell Technologies and Iron Bow will each pay more than $2 million to resolve a Qui Tam lawsuit. DoJ says Dell and Iron Bow allegedly conspired to collude on solicitations under the Army's AMDC-3 contract. Justice says from 2020 to 2024 Dell operated a deal registration program, whereby it gave advantageous pricing to Iron Bow to sell certain Dell computer hardware products and then also submitted their own direct bids on the same solicitations that were more costly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Federal contractors have more questions than answers when it comes to the forthcoming Trump administration. Among the top questions: What will a budget deal now look like? And what about 2026 now in preparation by the agencies. We get some insight now from the president and CEO of the Professional Services Council, David Berteau. 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 contractors have more questions than answers when it comes to the forthcoming Trump administration. Among the top questions: What will a budget deal now look like? And what about 2026 now in preparation by the agencies. We get some insight now from the president and CEO of the Professional Services Council, David Berteau. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Contractors are facing the obligation of a more than three percent minimum wage. That's under the annual wage determination coming from the Labor Department. But a couple of federal court cases seem to limit how widely the new wage determination will apply. We get more now from Centre Law partner Alan Chvotkin. 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.

Contractors are facing the obligation of a more than three percent minimum wage. That's under the annual wage determination coming from the Labor Department. But a couple of federal court cases seem to limit how widely the new wage determination will apply. We get more now from Centre Law partner Alan Chvotkin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today's Federal Newscast, federal contractors have new advice for using artificial intelligence in the hiring 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.

In today's Federal Newscast, federal contractors have new advice for using artificial intelligence in the hiring process.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of our TECHPLACE™ Talk podcast series, Jenn Betts, who is co-chair of the firm's Technology Practice Group, is joined by Scott Kelly and Lauren Hicks to discuss the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) first detailed guidance on federal contractors' use of artificial intelligence (AI) and automated systems. Scott (chair of Ogletree's OFCCP Compliance, Government Contracting, and Reporting Practice Group) and Lauren review employer obligations, potential risks that arise with AI, and practice pointers. The speakers note that non-federal contractor employers may find the OFCCP guidance helpful when developing best practices.

This week, we're focused on the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's (EEOC's) filing requirements for the EEO-1 Component 1 data. The EEOC requires private employers with 100 or more employees, as well as certain federal contractors, to submit EEO-1 reports annually. Yesterday, June 4, 2024, was the deadline for employers to file EEO-1 Component 1 data. Epstein Becker Green attorneys Dean R. Singewald II and Marissa Vitolo discuss what to do if you missed it, as well as coming changes and how to prepare for next year. Visit our site for this week's Other Highlights and links: https://www.ebglaw.com/eltw348 Subscribe to #WorkforceWednesday: https://www.ebglaw.com/subscribe/ Visit http://www.EmploymentLawThisWeek.com This podcast is presented by Epstein Becker & Green, P.C. All rights are reserved. This audio recording includes information about legal issues and legal developments. Such materials are for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most current legal developments. These informational materials are not intended, and should not be taken, as legal advice on any particular set of facts or circumstances, and these materials are not a substitute for the advice of competent counsel. The content reflects the personal views and opinions of the participants. No attorney-client relationship has been created by this audio recording. This audio recording may be considered attorney advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. The determination of the need for legal services and the choice of a lawyer are extremely important decisions and should not be based solely upon advertisements or self-proclaimed expertise. No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.

This week's episode covers cybersecurity updates, a proposed rule regarding prohibition on semiconductors produced by certain Chinese manufacturers, DOL guidance entitled “Artificial Intelligence and Equal Employment Opportunity for Federal Contractors,” and two settlements under the civil False Claims Act, and is hosted by Peter Eyre and Yuan Zhou. Crowell & Moring's "Fastest 5 Minutes" is a biweekly podcast that provides a brief summary of significant government contracts legal and regulatory developments that no government contracts lawyer or executive should be without.  

In this episode, Chris and Shannon explore the Davis-Bacon Act and the Service Contract Act. Listen as they cover the implications of these regulations for federal contractors and gain valuable insights into the crucial considerations that contractors must be aware of to maintain compliance.

The Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council recently issued a Proposed Rule that would require pay transparency in federal contracting. In this episode, Chris and Jeremy discuss the proposed rule in detail. They cover the implications of the rule, the current landscape of pay equity law, and the steps federal contractors may want to take to prepare for this rule.

Our compliance experts John C. Fox and Candee Chambers are back for their highly-anticipated recap of all things employment law from the past year. As they look back, they'll chat about the top 10 issues affecting federal contractors as directed by government regulatory agencies, and give hints as to what may be to come in 2024.

The last episode for 2023 focuses on the Fall 2023 Federal Regulatory Agenda, published December 6th, that provides the latest insights into the Biden Administration's plans for new regulations in 2024.  Join David, Burt and Nita as they unravel the numerous new regulations that impact employers being developed by the federal agencies governing the workplace, including DOL's Wage and Hour Division, OSHA, OFCCP, and federal contractors, prevailing wages and benefits, EEOC, and the nontraditional workplace agencies, including the FTC and SEC.Contact Fortney & Scott: Tweet us at @fortneyscott Follow us on LinkedIn Email us at info@fortneyscott.com Thank you for listening! https://www.fortneyscott.com/

How does the ruling on ERISA excessive fee cases affect your business? Join Steve Shappell and David Finz, Alliant Claims & Legal, as they look at recent legal developments, including new rules proposed by federal agencies on federal contractors' cybersecurity requirements and excessive fee claims in ERISA litigation. The duo highlights the importance of a software bill of materials (SBOM) for businesses and the need for uniform cybersecurity requirements.