Contracting Officer Podcast 2.0 (samples)

Latest Episodes:

288 - The Protest Window Sep 17, 2026

Show notes

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)
There is no such thing as a late protest. As you might expect, the rules around when a protest is allowed can be quite confusing.
Kevin and Paul discuss the factors that impact whether a protest is timely and must be considered by the Government or not timely, and ignored.
_________
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.

286 - ENCORE - Are Sole Source Contracts Easier? Sep 17, 2026

Show notes

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)
Are Sole Source Awards Easier?
In this encore presentation of a very early episode, Kevin and Paul debate a question from a Contracting Officer who took issue with a comment from a previous episode regarding sole source contracts and provided not only a great idea but encouragement to expand on the topic.
Gain context around the decisions that need to be made before a sole source award is considered and learn the pros and cons of sole source awards, both before and after award.
_________
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.

284 - Remote Contracting Sep 17, 2026

Show notes

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)
In this update to Episode 239 Kevin and Paul talk working from home, or remote, or anywhere not in your regular office building. Most of us are working from home for the time being. Surprisingly, the FAR has little to say about that. Don't worry though...rules and regulations are surely on the way. Listen and learn why some challenges exist, why we're in a good position to conquer them, and how to turn the situation into something beneficial for the future.
_________
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.

269 - Ignorance is Bliss Sep 16, 2026

Show notes

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)
It's a common human tendency. When things are going well, we become complacent to the reality of why they are going well and what risks could materialize if things stop going well.
Kevin and Paul discuss this tendency in the context of Government acquisition. What happens if the Government relies on the same acquisition strategy over and over "because it works"? Why should contractors focus on more than relationships to continue winning at an agency? Listen and learn the answers to these questions and more.
Ignorance is Bliss
_________
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.

266 - ENCORE - Cut the Blah Blah Sep 16, 2026

Show notes

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)
This is a special holiday encore presentation of a previously released podcast.
Kevin and Paul discuss the power of succinct writing set up by a quote from Mark Twain, “If I had more time, I would have written a shorter letter”. Government Requests for Proposals and the proposals submitted in response are well known for “dense” content. Learn tips on how to purge your writing of unnecessary content that obscures the intended message and how this can help both Government and Industry save time and money.
…yes…we know…Twain wasn’t the first. The earliest recorded use of the concept "If I Had More Time, I Would Have Written a Shorter Letter" comes from French mathematician and philosopher Blaise Pascal's work "Lettres Provinciales" in 1657. It has been attributed to many others since.
__________
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.

268 - HUBZone set-asides Sep 16, 2026

Show notes

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)
What is the advantage of being in a HUBZone? (Historically Underutilized Business Zone) Kevin and Paul gave an overview of the HUBZone program in Episode 178. Today they dive deeper into this special niche for small businesses.
Listen and learn how FAR 19.1305 gives contracting officers the ability to set certain acquisitions aside exclusively for qualified HUBZone small businesses and in some circumstances even award on a sole source basis. You'll also gain insight into why just being a HUBZone small business concern isn't enough to gain the Government's interest.
_________
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.

264 - Winning Your First Contract w/Mike LeJeune Sep 16, 2026

Show notes

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)
Today we welcome Mike LeJeune from RSM Federal and host of the Game Changers for Government Contractors podcast. Mike and Paul discuss sales strategies for winning your first government contract as well as common mistakes that contractors make while attempting to win a government contract award.
_________
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, 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.

263 - beta.sam.gov Sep 16, 2026

Show notes

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)
GovCon isn't static. Many of the common themes of the podcast, like context and communication, never change. But sometimes the specifics of how you get the job done change, and in this case it is long overdue.
The federal government is transitioning and consolidating legacy GovCon websites to the new SAM.gov by the end of Q4 in FY2020. The incremental transition began with the standup of beta.SAM.gov in 2017. Although a few sites have already migrated to beta.SAM.gov, many in the GovCon world have not been impacted yet.
On November 8th, 2019 that will change. FBO.gov is migrating to beta.SAM.gov. FBO.gov (AKA FedBizOpps) is the Governmentwide point of entry (GPE), the single point where Government business opportunities greater than $25k can be accessed by the public. This change will impact nearly everyone in the Government acquisition world.
_________
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, 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.

262 - Stages of Money Sep 16, 2026

Show notes

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)
We talked about colors of money way back in Episode 19, including the limitations that are attached to each color regarding purpose and availability. Today Kevin and Paul take a different route and discuss the stages that Government money travels through regardless of color.
Listen and learn the nuances of terms like committed, obligated, expired, and cancelled...and how they impact the acquisition and contract execution process.
_________
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, 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

261 - Select to Negotiate Sep 16, 2026

Show notes

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)
Can the Government negotiate with an individual offeror after the selection process has begun but before awarding a contract? You may be surprised to learn that the answer is yes!
Kevin and Paul discuss a source selection technique called "select to negotiate". This process is allowable during task order competitions on multiple award IDIQs.
Learn why contractors fear this source selection strategy and how Government acquisition offices can use it to create a positive outcome for 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.

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