Contracting Officer Podcast 2.0 (samples)

Latest Episodes:

031 What I Learned About Proposals - Special Guest Vicky Strycharske - Part 1 Aug 24, 2026

Show notes

In this special episode, Kevin and Paul discuss proposals with Vicky Strycharske, Senior Proposal Manager at Skyway Acquisition Solutions. This is another “what I wish I knew” episode that covers nuances of the RFP and proposal writing process that weren’t apparent until we wrote many, many RFPs and submitted many, many proposals! This episode provides helpful tips for both Government and Industry as they go through the RFP and proposal process.

030 What is a Competitive Range Determination? Aug 23, 2026

Show notes

In this episode Kevin and Paul describe one step of the Government’s source selection process, Competitive Range Determinations. They explain the purpose of competitive range determinations, when the determination takes place, and why the Government would limit the competitive range during a source selection. As always, learn why both Industry and the Government should care about this useful tool in the Government’s acquisition toolbox.

029 What are Subcontracting and Teaming? Aug 23, 2026

Show notes

In this episode Kevin and Paul discuss the balance that both industry and the Government must consider as they plan how best to meet a requirement. Industry must decide whether or not outside vendors, suppliers, or subcontractors will be needed to meet the requirements of a Government solicitation. The Government must consider whether a particular requirement can be met solely by small businesses. Open communication between Government and Industry can help find the sweet spot between building the most efficient team and meeting regulations for small business utilization.

028 What is a Small Business Set-Aside? Aug 23, 2026

Show notes

In this episode Kevin and Paul discuss the purpose of small business set-asides. Why would the Government only allow small businesses to bid on some opportunities? Learn the different types of set-asides and why they are important for both large and small businesses to understand.

027 Training and Education with Michael Fischetti (NCMA) – Part 2 Aug 23, 2026

Show notes

Part 2 of our interview with Michael Fischetti, Executive Director of the National Contract Management Association (NCMA). Part 1 focused on the training and education that contracts professionals receive, including questions of “depth or breadth” in the education of a CO and “specialist vs. generalist” in building your career. In this Part 2 we explore “non-FAR” based training and education opportunities and discuss the merits of spending time in both Government and industry.

024 Listener Q&A: What is Award Fee? Incremental funding? Certified Cost and Pricing Data? Aug 23, 2026

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In this episode Kevin and Paul answer listeners’ questions. Specific topics are: What is an Award Fee Contract? What does “incremental funding” mean? What is “Certified Cost and Pricing Data? What is meant by the...

025 How much do proposals cost? Aug 23, 2026

Show notes

In this episode Kevin and Paul discuss the cost of writing a proposal in response to a Government RFP. How much does it cost to write a proposal? What drivers can increase or decrease the...

026 Training and Education with Michael Fischetti (NCMA) Part 1 Aug 23, 2026

Show notes

A big welcome to our first guest on the Contracting Officer Podcast. Michael Fischetti, Executive Director of the National Contract Management Association (NCMA), stopped by the official CO Podcast studio to discuss professionalism in contracting. ...

018 Proposal evaluation Aug 23, 2026

Show notes

Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes of a Government source selection? In this episode Kevin and Paul provide a glimpse behind the curtain and answer a listener’s questions about the source selection process....

022 What are Weighted Guidelines? Aug 23, 2026

Show notes

What are weighted guidelines? In this episode Kevin and Paul discuss the Government’s use of a structured approach to determine fair and reasonable profit during sole source negotiations. They explain what weighted guidelines are and...

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