Contracting Officer Podcast 2.0 (samples)

Latest Episodes:

121 Termination of Contracts Sep 09, 2026

Show notes

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)Kevin and Paul dive into contract terminations. (FAR Part 49)Learn the difference between termination for convenience (T4C) and termination for default (T4D) and why the FAR considers terminations to be a last resort. __________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. Admittedly, the podcast’s name sounds very limiting. It is not just for contracting officers or even just for those in the contracting profession. Anyone with an interest in the Federal acquisition world can benefit from the insight and down-to-earth explanations of complicated topics provided by the hosts.

125 Cost vs. Price With Wendy Frieman Sep 09, 2026

Show notes

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!) Do the words cost and price mean the same thing to you? In most of your life the answer is probably yes. In the business world (and Government acquisition world) they are quite different. Confusing the two can cause real problems.Paul discusses the important distinction between cost and price with regular guest Wendy Frieman. Learn the general elements of “cost”, the complexity of cost estimation, and why pricing is more than just building up the costs. ———— If you need help with the Government market, become a Skyway Connection Community licensee and get access to one-on-one insights, time-saving tools, and contract-centric training resources that will make sure you’re ready to take advantage of opportunities each time they knock.The Skyway Connection© Community was created specifically to help companies expand their knowledge and capabilities, and to increase their competitive position in federal government acquisitions. - Learn more at: https://skywayacq.com/connectMembership benefits include: Access to Skyway Insight© Webinars Unlimited access to The RFP Score™ Access to Ask a Contracting Officer Forum™ Priority Access to Skyway Team for Skyway Insight, capture, proposal support __________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. Admittedly, the podcast’s name sounds very limiting. It is not just for contracting officers or even just for those in the contracting profession. Anyone with an interest in the Federal acquisition world can benefit from the insight and down-to-earth explanations of complicated topics provided by the hosts.

123 The Wrap Up Zone Sep 09, 2026

Show notes

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)It’s time to wrap up the Execution Zones with the final episode in the series: The Wrap Up Zone. (sorry…couldn’t resist that one)Kevin and Paul introduced the Execution Zones in Episode 84. The Execution Zones are a helpful way to envision where and how certain topics fit into the Government contracting world. The Execution Zones are the post-award companions to the Acquisition Time Zones and are referenced in many episodes. In chronological order, they are:1) The Honeymoon Zone2) The Performance Zone3) The Recompete Zone4) The Wrap-up ZoneThe work is done. The product is delivered. The services have ended. Your contract is over. The Wrap Up Zone is the culmination of the Execution Zones. It covers the time period from the end of the contract period of performance until the final closeout modification is signed. With service contracts, there is often a transition period between the incumbent and the new contractor when both are working simultaneously to ensure a clean hand off of the responsibilities. Learn how the Wrap Up Zone can impact the Government’s perception of a contractor and why a contract (and potential financial liability) is not over until the final closeout modification is signed.__________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. Admittedly, the podcast’s name sounds very limiting. It is not just for contracting officers or even just for those in the contracting profession. Anyone with an interest in the Federal acquisition world can benefit from the insight and down-to-earth explanations of complicated topics provided by the hosts.

113 Targeting Live! Special Presentation from the GCP Summit. Sep 07, 2026

Show notes

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!) This special episode is a recording of Kevin and Paul live at the Government Contract Pricing Summit. Listen as they discuss a critical skill for Industry and Government acquisition professionals: Targeting! Yes, both sides can target to help improve the efficiency of the Government acquisition process. (and we all know we need to be more efficient)Remember this is a live recording, background noise, mic bumps, and all! ———— If you need help with the Government market, become a Skyway Connection Community licensee and get access to one-on-one insights, time-saving tools, and contract-centric training resources that will make sure you’re ready to take advantage of opportunities each time they knock.The Skyway Connection© Community was created specifically to help companies expand their knowledge and capabilities, and to increase their competitive position in federal government acquisitions. - Learn more at: https://skywaymember.comMembership benefits include: Access to Skyway Insight© Webinars Unlimited access to The RFP Score™ Access to Ask a Contracting Officer Forum™ Priority Access to Skyway Team for Skyway Insight, capture, proposal support __________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. Admittedly, the podcast’s name sounds very limiting. It is not just for contracting officers or even just for those in the contracting profession. Anyone with an interest in the Federal acquisition world can benefit from the insight and down-to-earth explanations of complicated topics provided by the hosts.

115 What Are Delivery Incentives? Sep 07, 2026

Show notes

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)FAR Part 16.401 describes incentive contracts. Incentives fall into 3 general categories: cost, performance, and schedule. Kevin and Paul discuss delivery incentives (FAR 16.402-3) and provide an overview of how delivery incentives can be used. You want it fast, you’ll get it fast! Don’t forget the law of unintended consequences when using any kind of incentives.Learn why faster isn’t always better, even if the cost and performance stay the same. And always remember, communication is key when structuring incentives to ensure that both parties’ needs are met. __________If you need help with the Government market, become a Skyway Connection Community licensee and get access to one-on-one insights, time-saving tools, and contract-centric training resources that will make sure you’re ready to take advantage of opportunities each time they knock.The Skyway Connection© Community was created specifically to help companies expand their knowledge and capabilities, and to increase their competitive position in federal government acquisitions. - Learn more at: https://skywaymember.comMembership benefits include: Access to Skyway Insight© Webinars Unlimited access to The RFP Score™ Access to Ask a Contracting Officer Forum™ Priority Access to Skyway Team for Skyway Insight, capture, proposal support __________________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. Admittedly, the podcast’s name sounds very limiting. It is not just for contracting officers or even just for those in the contracting profession. Anyone with an interest in the Federal acquisition world can benefit from the insight and down-to-earth explanations of complicated topics provided by the hosts.

111 What is GFP? Sep 07, 2026

Show notes

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!) What is Government Furnished Property? (GFP) Kevin and Paul walk through the basics of GFP. Learn how Government agencies can potentially increase competition through the use of GFP and why Industry must take GFP management seriously to enable future wins.———— If you need help with the Government market, become a Skyway Connection Community licensee and get access to one-on-one insights, time-saving tools, and contract-centric training resources that will make sure you’re ready to take advantage of opportunities each time they knock.The Skyway Connection© Community was created specifically to help companies expand their knowledge and capabilities, and to increase their competitive position in federal government acquisitions. - Learn more at: https://skywaymember.comMembership benefits include: Access to Skyway Insight© Webinars Unlimited access to The RFP Score™ Access to Ask a Contracting Officer Forum™ Priority Access to Skyway Team for Skyway Insight, capture, proposal support __________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. Admittedly, the podcast’s name sounds very limiting. It is not just for contracting officers or even just for those in the contracting profession. Anyone with an interest in the Federal acquisition world can benefit from the insight and down-to-earth explanations of complicated topics provided by the hosts.

112 Task Order Management w/ Christi Gilbert Sep 07, 2026

Show notes

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!) What is a Task Order? How are task orders managed by Industry? What should Government acquisition teams understand about how task orders are managed by Industry. Kevin discusses task orders and IDIQ contracts with special guest Christi Gilbert. Learn common factors that can complicate task order management and how both Government and Industry can make their work lives easier through a common understanding that task orders must be managed as if they are separate, segregable contracts. ———— If you need help with the Government market, become a Skyway Connection Community licensee and get access to one-on-one insights, time-saving tools, and contract-centric training resources that will make sure you’re ready to take advantage of opportunities each time they knock.The Skyway Connection© Community was created specifically to help companies expand their knowledge and capabilities, and to increase their competitive position in federal government acquisitions. - Learn more at: https://skywaymember.comMembership benefits include: Access to Skyway Insight© Webinars Unlimited access to The RFP Score™ Access to Ask a Contracting Officer Forum™ Priority Access to Skyway Team for Skyway Insight, capture, proposal support __________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. Admittedly, the podcast’s name sounds very limiting. It is not just for contracting officers or even just for those in the contracting profession. Anyone with an interest in the Federal acquisition world can benefit from the insight and down-to-earth explanations of complicated topics provided by the hosts

110 What is CPARS? w/Shelly Hall Sep 07, 2026

Show notes

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!) The Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) has been designated as the Federal Government-wide solution for collection of contractor performance information. Paul discusses CPARS with special guest Shelley Hall. Learn how information is collected through CPARS and shared through other tools. Past performance is evaluated in every Government source selection. Positive ratings are key to continued awards. Learn how to challenge inaccurate ratings and why it is important for both Government and Industry to ensure that CPARS contains factual and fair assessments of contractor performance. ———— If you need help with the Government market, become a Skyway Connection Community licensee and get access to one-on-one insights, time-saving tools, and contract-centric training resources that will make sure you’re ready to take advantage of opportunities each time they knock.The Skyway Connection© Community was created specifically to help companies expand their knowledge and capabilities, and to increase their competitive position in federal government acquisitions. - Learn more at: https://skywayacq.com/connectMembership benefits include: Access to Skyway Insight© Webinars Unlimited access to The RFP Score™ Access to Ask a Contracting Officer Forum™ Priority Access to Skyway Team for Skyway Insight, capture, proposal support __________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. Admittedly, the podcast’s name sounds very limiting. It is not just for contracting officers or even just for those in the contracting profession. Anyone with an interest in the Federal acquisition world can benefit from the insight and down-to-earth explanations of complicated topics provided by the hosts.

107 Pricing Primer Sep 07, 2026

Show notes

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!) Cost proposals for Government contracts can be quite different than a proposal or quote in the commercial world. How do you build a price for a Government proposal?Kevin and Paul discuss the basic elements that make up a cost proposal. Depending on what is being acquired, contract type, and other variables you may have to provide details for every element of cost that is included in your price. Learn why the Government requires supporting information for these details and why it is important for the Government to understand the burden placed on contractors (and Government proposal evaluators!) with every supporting detail they request in the RFP. ———— If you need help with the Government market, become a Skyway Connection Community licensee and get access to one-on-one insights, time-saving tools, and contract-centric training resources that will make sure you’re ready to take advantage of opportunities each time they knock.The Skyway Connection© Community was created specifically to help companies expand their knowledge and capabilities, and to increase their competitive position in federal government acquisitions. - Learn more at: https://skywayacquisition.com/connectMembership benefits include: Access to Skyway Insight© Webinars Unlimited access to The RFP Score™ Access to Ask a Contracting Officer Forum™ Priority Access to Skyway Team for Skyway Insight, capture, proposal support __________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. Admittedly, the podcast’s name sounds very limiting. It is not just for contracting officers or even just for those in the contracting profession. Anyone with an interest in the Federal acquisition world can benefit from the insight and down-to-earth explanations of complicated topics provided by the hosts.

109 Proposal Production with Wendy Frieman Sep 07, 2026

Show notes

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!) Another excellent episode in our interview series! Kevin talks to Wendy Frieman, a professional proposal manager who also happens to hold the NCMA’s Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM) designation. We’re thrilled to bring Wendy’s experience and opinions to the podcast. Kevin and Wendy discuss the most critical, but often overlooked, part of the proposal process: document production. The best written proposal is worthless if it isn’t produced and delivered on time! Learn why even experienced Government and Industry acquisition professionals often underestimate the time it will take to generate all the paper, binders, and files that were required by the RFP. ———— If you need help with the Government market, become a Skyway Connection Community licensee and get access to one-on-one insights, time-saving tools, and contract-centric training resources that will make sure you’re ready to take advantage of opportunities each time they knock.The Skyway Connection© Community was created specifically to help companies expand their knowledge and capabilities, and to increase their competitive position in federal government acquisitions. - Learn more at: https://skywayacq.com/connectMembership benefits include: Access to Skyway Insight© Webinars Unlimited access to The RFP Score™ Access to Ask a Contracting Officer Forum™ Priority Access to Skyway Team for Skyway Insight, capture, proposal support __________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. Admittedly, the podcast’s name sounds very limiting. It is not just for contracting officers or even just for those in the contracting profession. Anyone with an interest in the Federal acquisition world can benefit from the insight and down-to-earth explanations of complicated topics provided by the hosts.

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