Contracting Officer Podcast 2.0 (samples)

Latest Episodes:

265 - What is a second-tier sub? Sep 16, 2026

Show notes

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)

Subcontracting in the Government world can be a complicated process. We've talked about small business goals and set-asides among many other subcontracting topics. Today we tackle second-tier subcontractors.

What is a second-tier sub? How can they be viewed differently on services contracts vs. product or solution contracts? Why would the Government limit second-tier subs? Why would industry use a second-tier sub?

Listen and learn the answers to these questions and more.

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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.
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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.

267 - The Past Performance Advantage (Part 1) Sep 16, 2026

Show notes

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)
Use past performance to your advantage? When you read that, did you think of how Government contractors can use past performance? Or how Government Contracting Officers and acquisition teams can use past performance? Maybe because it is a required source selection evaluation factor, past performance is often given the least importance and doesn't really impact many award decisions.
Kevin and Paul discuss why past performance almost always matters, regardless of acquisition strategy. Learn how both Government and industry can tap the power of past performance for better acquisition outcomes. (otherwise known as "making Government contracts better, one contract at a time!")
_________
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

270 - ENCORE - What is a Contracting Officer? Sep 16, 2026

Show notes

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)
In this holiday encore presentation of a foundational episode, Kevin and Paul explain the role of a Contracting Officer along with some detail on how they are appointed. You'll also learn about the different types of contracting officers. (with some personal experience mixed in, of course)
This episode was originally released as episode #9, way back when the Contracting Officer Podcast was brand new and we were brand new podcasters. We hope you enjoy this holiday season and also enjoy hearing how far the podcast has come over the last 5 years thanks to your feedback. We never get tired of hearing from you. Send a note to hosts@contractingofficerpodcast.com with your comments, questions, or concerns. Thanks!
_________
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.

257 - No Ghosting Sep 16, 2026

Show notes

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)
Kevin and Paul expand on a blog written by Michael Derrios (Head of Contracting/Senior Procurement Executive at U.S. Coast Guard) about ghosting - the practice of withdrawing from communication without explanation. The power of open communication is a regular topic on this podcast. This week focuses on the value created when the government releases a Request for Information (RFI) and provides specific feedback on industry responses.
__________
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 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 being a government contractor.
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.

260 - Why is there still a Contracting Officer Podcast? Sep 16, 2026

Show notes

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)
The line above has been part of almost every podcast intro for the last 5 years. We know the name has confused a lot of people. In addition, we sometimes talk about Skyway Acquisition, which further confuses things.
For today's episode Kevin and Paul attempt to clarify why they started the podcast and why they still release an episode every week. You'll also learn about the connection to the Skyway Community, how a podcast pays its bills, and where we're heading in 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.

259 - It’s Not What You Know, It’s How You Apply It Sep 16, 2026

Show notes

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)
Past performance is always an important factor in Government award decisions, but just having past performance isn't enough.
Kevin and Paul dive into past performance once again, this time to clarify that the real value of past performance is how you apply it to the job at hand.
_________
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 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.

258 - Is Bigger Better? Sep 16, 2026

Show notes

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)
Kevin and Paul discuss the impact of scale on government contracts. Learn how contract size and scope can impact small and large businesses as well as government acquisition and program offices.
_________
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 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.

256 - Federal budget at ground level (with Larry Leffler) Sep 16, 2026

Show notes

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)
Paul welcomes special guest Larry Leffler of Leffler Consulting (https://www.lefflerconsulting.com) to discuss the federal budget process. Listen and learn:
When does the budgeting process start?
Who is involved in the budgeting process?
How does a program budget request feed the system to result in funds being appropriated and authorized?
How do agencies/offices/programs prioritize the budget that is allowed to them?
What happens if a program doesn't start on time?
What happens if their is a program overrun? (or underrun?)
How does the way a budget request is structured and worded impact the program's flexibility in spending these dollars?
__________
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 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 being a government contractor.
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

255 - Can a Contractor Evaluate My Proposal? Sep 16, 2026

Show notes

If you work in the Government acquisition world, this podcast is for you. (not just for Contracting Officers!)
Can a contractor evaluate your proposal? Tricky question. Kevin and Paul explain how this common practice can lead to organizational conflict of interest issues, what happens if OCI isn't addressed, and why the government needs contractors to participate in the evaluation process.
__________
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 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 being a government contractor.
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.

254 - What is an ACRN? (Encore) 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 an ACRN? Yes, another confusing Government acquisition term. ACRN is an acronym for Accounting Classification Reference Number.
Kevin and Paul explain how ACRNs are used and why both Government and Industry need to pay attention to ACRNs in order to keep the contracting (and billing) process moving along efficiently.
__________
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 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 being a government contractor.
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.