Contracting Officer Podcast 2.0 (samples)

Latest Episodes:

090 Free Resources for Contractors Sep 03, 2026

Show notes

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!) We’re here to help Government and Industry acquisition professionals understand more about how the other side thinks.As in any market, the Government contracting world is full of scams. We spend a lot of time on this podcast discussing how complicated doing business with the Federal Government can seem to beginners. We know that there are many upstanding consultants and companies that help new entrants to the Government market get started. (and some are free like the Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) and other Small Business Administration resources) There are also scam artists who misrepresent the complexity and costs and swindle aspiring Government contractors out of thousands of dollars.In this episode Paul sits down with special guest Shelley Hall to clarify that it does not cost ANYTHING to register to do business with the Federal Government. In addition, Paul and Shelley discuss a range of free resources available to Industry to simplify the process of registering and submitting a bid. You don’t have to pay to register in the System for Award Management (SAM)You don’t have to pay to get a Dun and Bradstreet No. (DUNS)You don’t have to pay to get a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) codeYou don’t have to pay to use Federal Business Opportunities (FBO)You don’t have to pay for a Taxpayer Information Number (TIN)You don’t have to pay to “get” a North American Industrial Classification System(NAICS) codeYou do not have to pay to get small business assistanceYou do not have to pay to get 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, or EDWOSB statusDON’T LET ANYONE TELL YOU OTHERWISE!———— 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 small 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.

092 What is FAR Part 12 Sep 03, 2026

Show notes

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!) FAR Part 12 “Acquisition of Commercial Items” allows the Government to acquire commercial items using commercial procedures, or at least the Government’s version of commercial procedures. Kevin and Paul discuss the genesis of FAR Part 12 and share their experience acquiring everything from simple off-the-shelf goods to aircraft using FAR Part 12. You’ll learn what types of goods and services can be bought (and sold) using the acquisition policies contained in FAR Part 12. Learn how the Government’s policies and procedures are similar to the commercial marketplace and how they differ. FAR Part 12 can make the acquisition process faster and easier for both sides. Learn how the Government can reduce ‘paperwork” and entice new entrants to the Government market and how Industry can benefit from the use of FAR Part 12’s unique policies. ———— 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 small 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.

091 What is Full and Open Competition? Sep 03, 2026

Show notes

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!) Full and Open competition is the Government’s way of saying that all companies can compete. Many competitions are set aside for small businesses only or have other restrictions on who can compete. Full and open competition gives any responsible company a chance to win. Kevin and Paul discuss why it is important for both Government and Industry to understand when and why full and open competition is appropriate. In addition, learn why the Government’s acquisition planning and Industry’s targeting and shaping activities should begin by addressing whether or not full and open competition is the most beneficial acquisition strategy. ———— 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 small 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.

089 What is a Financial Responsibility Determination? Sep 03, 2026

Show notes

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)This episode is brought to you by PROPRICER(TM), the #1 proposal pricing and cost analysis software used by federal agencies and small to large government contractors. Visit www.PROPRICER.com\podcast to learn more or request a demonstration. Government Contracting Officers are required to make a determination that a contractor is “responsible” before awarding a contract. Part of this determination requires a review of the contractor’s financial capability. (FAR 9.104(a)) Kevin and Paul discuss why it is important for Government Contracting Officers to carefully review their bidder’s financial capabilities (especially for small businesses) and be cognizant of when an acquisition strategy may encourage companies to bid above their weight class. (which introduces risk). Industry should also understand how the Government evaluates financial responsibility and how to be prepared to pass this test. __________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.

081 ENCORE - What is a COTR? What is a COR? Sep 03, 2026

Show notes

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)What does a COTR do? What can a COR direct a contractor to do? What is outside the scope of their authority? In this special encore episode you’ll learn the answers to these questions and more as Kevin and Paul discuss the role of Contracting Officer Technical Representatives (alternately known as Contracting Officer Representatives). Gain new knowledge or refresh your understanding of why the Government appoints COTRs and CORs and why it is important for both Government and Industry to understand their responsibilities, authority, and limitations. ———— If you need help with the Government market, join the Skyway Connection Community 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 small 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.

082 Which Clauses Belong in my Contract? Sep 03, 2026

Show notes

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)How does a Contracting Officer decide which clauses are included in a contract? Does Industry have a choice in which clauses are in a contract? What does incorporated by reference mean? Listen and learn…Kevin and Paul discuss the process of clause selection and the reasons why Government contracts are so dense. Learn why some clauses are mandatory and some are optional, as well as the reasons why it is important for both sides to understand the difference. ———— If you need help with the Government market, join the Skyway Connection Community 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 small 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.

071 What is Price Reasonableness? Sep 03, 2026

Show notes

This episode is brought to you by PROPRICER(TM), the #1 proposal pricing and cost analysis software used by federal agencies and small to large government contractors. Visit www.PROPRICER.com\podcast to learn more or request a demonstration. You’ll be glad you did!Listen and Learn… What does Price Reasonableness mean? The Government must make a determination that the price is fair and reasonable before awarding a contract. During source selections, prices are usually assessed to be reasonable, accurate, and complete before award. Kevin and Paul discuss how price reasonableness is determined by the Government during source selections and negotiations. Learn why this subjective determination can be so difficult in the Government contracting world and why it is incumbent upon Industry to clearly explain their pricing strategy in enough detail for the Government to make this determination. ___________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, but it’s 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.Thanks again to our sponsor, PROPRICER (tm).

085 3 Things I Wish I Had Known as a Contracting Officer with special guest Floyd Smith Sep 03, 2026

Show notes

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!) We’re here to help Government and Industry acquisition professionals understand more about how the other side thinks.Another installment of our continuing series of interviews with former Government Contracting Officers who share their personal “3 things I wish I had known when I worked for the Government”. Meet Floyd Smith, a friend of Kevin’s who is a retired Army Officer and former Contracting Officer who also worked at the Defense Contract Management Agency. Floyd retired in 2009 and now works on the Industry side of the Government acquisition world. Kevin sat down with Floyd to learn Floyd’s unique perspective on the gulf in understanding that often exists between Government and Industry acquisition professionals.———— If you need help with the Government market, join the Skyway Connection Community 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 small 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.

073 What is a Pre-Award Small Business Notice? Sep 03, 2026

Show notes

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)A unique feature of small business set-aside source selections is the Contracting Officer is required to identify the “apparently successful offeror” to all offeror prior to award. This preaward notice invites the offeror to challenge the size status or small business status of the apparent winner if the offerors have concerns. Kevin and Paul discuss the requirements of FAR 15.503(a)(2), the value it provides the Government, and why Industry should be prepared to quickly respond to this preaward notice. (it’s more interesting than it seems…seriously) ———— If you need help with the Government market, join the Skyway Connection Community 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 small 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.

079 What is a Pre-Award Survey? Sep 03, 2026

Show notes

Cast:079Title:What is a Pre-Award Survey?Zone:Zone 3 & 4 (RFP & Source Selection)This episode is brought to you by the Government Contract Pricing Summit, the groundbreaking pricing event bringing together government and industry!If you are planning to attend a conference this year, this is the event you should consider. The GCP Summit runs June 21st -23rd in San Diego. You’ll want to be there…For the first-class training and workshopsTo learn from top expertsMeet like-minded peersEarn CPE credits Plus you can participate in a special episode of the Contracting Officer Podcast recorded live from the GCP Summit.There is a special rate for CO Podcast listeners. Visit GCP Summit.com/podcast to find out about the savings and see the list of great speakers at the summit. This is a limited time offer so go check out GCP Summit.com/podcast today!————————Contracting Officers are required to make a determination that a contractor is “responsible” before awarding a contract. How do they do that if there is little (or no) publicly available information on a company? Answer: Conduct a Pre-Award Survey.Kevin and Paul discuss the Pre-Award Survey process including benefits and pitfalls for both Government and Industry. Learn why Industry should take responsibility for demonstrating they are capable of performing the work required by the contract and how to help the Government make a responsibility determination without resorting to a Pre-Award Survey. ——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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