Contracting Officer Podcast 2.0 (samples)

Latest Episodes:

305 - The Educated Customer Sep 18, 2026

Show notes

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)
Kevin and Paul continue the conversation from previous "who is the customer and how/when should I talk to them" kind of episodes. Listen and learn customer roles as well as when each role has influence over the acquisition process. The discussion continues with what can go wrong if the customer doesn't have context into the tradeoffs and decisions that are made to create and execute an acquisition.
_________
If you enjoy this podcast, we invite you to check out the Skyway Community at skywaymember.com. The Skyway Community is the essential resource for anyone at any stage of starting, growing and running a government contracting business. We speak GovCon.
Whether you are brand new to GovCon, just got your first contract, or you are already a successful government contractor, the Skyway Community will guide you to the next level.
With our extensive tools and training, exclusive member discounts on consulting support, and a supportive and active community of peers to help you along the way, the Skyway Community is the perfect resource for anyone who is serious about winning more contracts.
Give us a call at 877-884-5280 or check it out at skywaymember.com.
___________
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 walked in industry's shoes, Kevin and Paul share their perspectives in support of the podcast mission: Make government contracts better, one contract at a time.
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.

303 - Why SBIRs? (with Geoff Orazem from Federal Foundry) Sep 18, 2026

Show notes

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)
Today we welcome special guest Geoff Orazem (Eastern Foundry, Federal Foundry, Agency-Capital) and return to a semi-regular topic: SBIRs. Listen and learn as Paul absorbs Geoff's unique take on why SBIRs are a great way for small businesses to enter GonCon, what processes are streamlined for SBIRs vs. other GovCon acquisition methods, and why SBIRs are a valuable source of venture capital.
_________
If you enjoy this podcast, we invite you to check out the Skyway Community at skywaymember.com. The Skyway Community is the essential resource for anyone at any stage of starting, growing and running a government contracting business. We speak GovCon.
Whether you are brand new to GovCon, just got your first contract, or you are already a successful government contractor, the Skyway Community will guide you to the next level.
With our extensive tools and training, exclusive member discounts on consulting support, and a supportive and active community of peers to help you along the way, the Skyway Community is the perfect resource for anyone who is serious about winning more contracts.
Give us a call at 877-884-5280 or check it out at skywaymember.com.
___________
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 walked in industry's shoes, Kevin and Paul share their perspectives in support of the podcast mission: Make government contracts better, one contract at a time.
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.

297 - What is a Letter Contract? Sep 18, 2026

Show notes

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)
Letter contracts are a special type of contract that allow the Government to authorize a contractor to start work immediately when there isn't time to negotiate every detail of the contract in time to meet the requirement.
Kevin and Paul discuss the letter contract process and the pitfalls that both government and industry can avoid through open communication and planning.
_________
If you enjoy our podcast, we invite you to check out the Skyway Community at skywaymember.com. The Skyway Community is the essential resource for anyone at any stage of starting, growing and running a government contracting business. We speak GovCon.
Whether you are brand new to GovCon, just got your first contract, or you are already a successful government contractor, the Skyway Community will guide you to the next level.
With our extensive tools and training, exclusive member discounts on consulting support, and a supportive and active community of peers to help you along the way, the Skyway Community is the perfect place for anyone who is serious about winning more contracts.
Give us a call at 877-884-5280 or check us out at skywaymember.com.
___________
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 walked in industry's shoes, Kevin and Paul share their perspectives in support of the podcast mission: Make government contracts better, one contract at a time.
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.

299 - The Proposal Kickoff Meeting (Step 3 of 4) with Vicki Strycharske Sep 18, 2026

Show notes

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)
Kevin welcomes back Vicki Strycharske to discuss best practices for proposal writing - this time focusing on the Proposal Kickoff meeting. Vicki is a regular guest, former contracting officer, professional proposal manager, and Skyway Acquisition Solutions team member.
This is Step 3 of 4 in a series about the first 4 steps that industry should take when an RFP is released by the Government. Episode 165 is an overview of the steps. Episodes 176 and 196 cover the first two steps - reading the RFP and building a proposal schedule.
_________
If you enjoy this podcast, we invite you to check out the Skyway Community at skywaymember.com. The Skyway Community is the essential resource for anyone at any stage of starting, growing and running a government contracting business. We speak GovCon.
Whether you are brand new to GovCon, just got your first contract, or you are already a successful government contractor, the Skyway Community will guide you to the next level.
With our extensive tools and training, exclusive member discounts on consulting support, and a supportive and active community of peers to help you along the way, the Skyway Community is the perfect resource for anyone who is serious about winning more contracts.
Give us a call at 877-884-5280 or check it out at skywaymember.com.
___________
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 walked in industry's shoes, Kevin and Paul share their perspectives in support of the podcast mission: Make government contracts better, one contract at a time.
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.

296 - What is a Contracting Officer? (Redux) Sep 18, 2026

Show notes

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)
Kevin and Paul describe the role and responsibilities of the Contracting Officer from a FAR perspective and a practical perspective. Learn how Contracting Officers are appointed and why there can be different names for Contracting Officers depending on their role. (yes...we've talked about this topic before, way back in Episode 7...this is a much needed update)
_________
If you enjoy our podcast, we invite you to check out the Skyway Community at skywaymember.com. The Skyway Community is the essential resource for anyone at any stage of starting, growing and running a government contracting business. We speak GovCon.
Whether you are brand new to GovCon, just got your first contract, or you are already a successful government contractor, the Skyway Community will guide you to the next level.
With our extensive tools and training, exclusive member discounts on consulting support, and a supportive and active community of peers to help you along the way, the Skyway Community is the perfect place for anyone who is serious about winning more contracts.
Give us a call at 877-884-5280 or check us out at skywaymember.com.
___________
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 walked in industry's shoes, Kevin and Paul share their perspectives in support of the podcast mission: Make government contracts better, one contract at a time.
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.

295 - Buried Treasure Sep 18, 2026

Show notes

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)
When you're looking for buried treasure, it's helpful to have a map.
GovCon presents you with a map to contract award - if you choose to use it.
Kevin and Paul discuss how the government's acquisition plan is the map, and the key to a successful acquisition. Listen and learn how both government and industry can use that map to openly communicate what the treasure is and how to find it.
_________
If you enjoy our podcast, we invite you to check out the Skyway Community at skywaymember.com. The Skyway Community is the essential resource for anyone at any stage of starting, growing and running a government contracting business. We speak GovCon.
Whether you are brand new to GovCon, just got your first contract, or you are already a successful government contractor, being a Skyway Community member will guide you to the next level.
With our extensive tools and training, exclusive member discounts on consulting support, and a supportive and active community of peers to help you along the way, the Skyway Community is the perfect place for anyone who is serious about winning more contracts.
Give us a call at 877-884-5280 or check us out at skywaymember.com.
___________
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 walked in industry's shoes, Kevin and Paul share their perspectives in support of the podcast mission: Make government contracts better, one contract at a time.
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.

294 - What is a “Competent” Contractor? Sep 18, 2026

Show notes

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)
Contracting Officers must determine that a company is responsible before awarding a contract. How does a small company that has never done business with the Government convince the Contracting Officer that they are responsible?
Paul welcomes special guest (and Skyway contracting officer) Shelley Hall to discuss Certificates of Competency. (FAR 19.601) Small businesses may not be able to meet the FAR requirements for responsibility, this doesn't mean they can't perform, just that they haven't yet developed the history and expected documentation. A Certificate of Competency is sort of a "blessing" from the Small Business Administration that allows these small businesses to get contract awards.
_________
If you enjoy our podcast, we invite you to check out the Skyway Community at skywaymember.com. The Skyway Community is the essential resource for anyone at any stage of starting, growing and running a government contracting business. We speak GovCon.
Whether you are brand new to GovCon, just got your first contract, or you are already a successful government contractor, being a Skyway Community member will guide you to the next level.
With our extensive tools and training, exclusive member discounts on consulting support, and a supportive and active community of peers to help you along the way, the Skyway Community is the perfect place for anyone who is serious about winning more contracts.
Give us a call at 877-884-5280 or check us out at skywaymember.com.
___________
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 walked in industry's shoes, Kevin and Paul share their perspectives in support of the podcast mission: Make government contracts better, one contract at a time.
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.

293 - Past Performance Advantage (Part 4) Sep 18, 2026

Show notes

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)
In Part 1 of our past performance series (Episode 267) we covered the factors the government uses in evaluating past performance and what they mean in context. Part 2 gets deeper into how past performance is used in the source selection process and Part 3 talks application of past performance.
But what happens if you don't have any past performance? Is there any chance of winning a Government contract? Of course there is! In the GovCon world, having no history of past performance doesn't count against you. Sounds confusing? Listen and learn as Kevin and Paul discuss why both Government and industry can leverage this unique situation for the benefit of all.
_________
If you enjoy our podcast, we invite you to check out the Skyway Community at skywaymember.com. The Skyway Community is the essential resource for anyone at any stage of starting, growing and running a government contracting business. We speak GovCon.
Whether you are brand new to GovCon, just got your first contract, or you are already a successful government contractor, being a Skyway Community member will guide you to the next level.
With our extensive tools and training, exclusive member discounts on consulting support, and a supportive and active community of peers to help you along the way, the Skyway Community is the perfect place for anyone who is serious about winning more contracts.
Give us a call at 877-884-5280 or check us out at skywaymember.com.
___________
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 walked in industry's shoes, Kevin and Paul share their perspectives in support of the podcast mission: Make government contracts better, one contract at a time.
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.

292 - ENCORE - No Change Please Sep 18, 2026

Show notes

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)
Why can’t the Government just stick with their current services contractors or system developers? Why do they always want to change? Kevin and Paul discuss the differences between the business-to-business (B2B) market and the business-to-government (B2G) market. Learn why the Government can’t always just continue to buy from the same source, even if they’re completely happy with current performance.
This is a holiday encore presentation of an earlier episode.
__________
If you enjoy our podcast, we invite you to check out the Skyway Community at skywaymember.com. The Skyway Community is the essential resource for anyone at any stage of starting, growing and running a government contracting business. We speak GovCon.
Whether you are brand new to GovCon, just got your first contract, or you are already a successful government contractor, being a Skyway Community member will guide you to the next level.
With our extensive tools and training, exclusive member discounts on consulting support, and a supportive and active community of peers to help you along the way, the Skyway Community is the perfect place for anyone who is serious about winning more contracts.
Give us a call at 877-884-5280 or check us out at skywaymember.com.
___________
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 walked in industry's shoes, Kevin and Paul share their perspectives in support of the podcast mission: Make government contracts better, one contract at a time.

291 - What is the Defense Production Act? What is a rated order? Sep 18, 2026

Show notes

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)
The Defense Production Act (DPA) is in the news due to COVID-19. You might also hear about rated contracts or rated orders. Listen and learn as Kevin and Paul explain how the DPA and DPAS compel companies to produce and deliver the Government's requirements before producing or delivering on any other commitments.
_________
If you enjoy our podcast, we invite you to check out the Skyway Community at skywaymember.com. The Skyway Community is the essential resource for anyone at any stage of starting, growing and running a government contracting business. We speak GovCon.
Whether you are brand new to GovCon, just got your first contract, or you are already a successful government contractor, being a Skyway Community member will guide you to the next level.
With our extensive tools and training, exclusive member discounts on consulting support, and a supportive and active community of peers to help you along the way, the Skyway Community is the perfect place for anyone who is serious about winning more contracts.
Give us a call at 877-884-5280 or check us out at skywaymember.com.
___________
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 walked in industry's shoes, Kevin and Paul share their perspectives in support of the podcast mission: Make government contracts better, one contract at a time.
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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