Fed Talks: A Baker Tilly Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Zero Trust thirty: reflections on cybersecurity Apr 19, 2021

Show notes

On this episode of Fed Talks, we discuss all things cybersecurity in the government contracting industry with subject matter specialist Dr. Sabari Gupta. Questions addressed include:

-What are the biggest similarities and differences in managing cybersecurity for a company versus the federal government?

-What is the ‘Zero Trust’ model of information security and why is establishing user identity a critical component for an effective Zero Trust model?

-How can companies balance good security practices with the cost and complexity it takes to implement them?

CMMC for Non-Traditional Contractors Mar 29, 2021

Show notes

On the first episode of Fed Talks season two, we play a game of ‘What’s the Word’ with subject matter expert Mike Cullen to better understand how CMMC will affect non-traditional government contractors.

Questions addressed include:

How concerned should non-traditional government contractors be about CMMC?
What level of certification should non-traditional government contractors seek?
What are some of the complexities surrounding Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)?

Fed Talks Season 2 Mar 29, 2021

Show notes

Have you heard of Baker Tilly’s podcast, Fed Talks?

Fed Talks is a series of bite-size audio episodes, featuring guests across the government contracting industry, as they provide unique perspectives on current issues. Season two of Fed Talks will highlight trending topics in the same conversational nature, but with enhancements to make the episodes even more entertaining.

11. Service Contract Act: Before You Bid Sep 14, 2020

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On this episode of Fed Talks, we discuss the top five things contractors need to know when putting together a proposal for a Service Contract Act (SCA) contract with Baker Tilly subject matter experts Jennifer Flickinger & Rachelle Jackson. Questions addressed include:

1. What is the Service Contract Act?
2. How does the contract type affect both a contractor’s focus during a proposal and ability to secure future funding?
3. How can contractors ensure they are complying with SCA throughout the life of the contract?

10. CMMC: Will Perfection be the Enemy of Procurement? Aug 24, 2020

Show notes

On this episode of Fed Talks, we discuss industry critiques of CMMC’s binary certification process with Baker Tilly subject matter expert Matt Gilbert.

Questions addressed include:

Why are some industry experts saying that CMMC lacks agility?

In what ways can the CMMC assessment process be more flexible without undermining its purpose?

How can contractors prepare themselves to succeed within CMMC’s current design?

Beers with Brent #4: Double IPA: Independent Public Accountants and India Pale Ales (featuring Nicole Owren-Wiest) Aug 03, 2020

Show notes

On the fourth installment of our Fed Talks miniseries edition: Beers with Brent, we discuss Independent Public Accountants (IPAs) with Baker Tilly partner Brent Calhoon and special guest Nicole Owren-Wiest, a partner at Crowell & Moring LLP. Questions addressed include: What are IPAs and how are they utilized in the government contractor space? How have government contractors reacted to the use of IPAs? How do we expect IPAs to be utilized more going forward?

9. An Update on Commercial Item Determinations Jul 15, 2020

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On this episode of Fed Talks, we discuss recent happenings in the commercial item space with Baker Tilly subject matter experts Jeffrey Clayton and Steven Brewer. Questions addressed include: What are commercial item determinations and why are they important for government contractors? What are some key takeaways from the Defense Contract Management Agency Commercial Item Group’s recent Request for Information? What are some best practices for contractors working to put documentation together for commercial item determinations?

Beers w/ Brent #3: Does CAS Make Sense (featuring Nicole Owren-Wiest) Jun 22, 2020

Show notes

On the third installment of our Fed Talks miniseries edition: Beers with Brent, we discuss the Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) with Baker Tilly partner Brent Calhoon and special guest Nicole Owren-Wiest, a partner at Crowell & Moring LLP. Questions addressed include: What was the background and theory behind CAS? Does CAS successfully establish the original mission of the CAS Board? What can contractors do to ensure success when they make cost accounting practice changes?

8. Accounting Systems: The Destination, not the Journey Jun 08, 2020

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On this episode of Fed Talks, we discuss accounting system audits and how accounting systems can be a strategic differentiator for government contractors, with Baker Tilly subject matter experts Jennifer Flickinger & Jack Coviello. Questions addressed include: 1. What actually is an accounting system audit and what are the different variations? 2. What recent developments in the industry have led to a renewed importance for system approvals? 3. How does the size and maturity of a contractor affect accounting system design and the ability to receive approval?

7. Administrative Agreements and Independent Monitors May 11, 2020

Show notes

On this episode of Fed Talks, we discuss how contractors or recipients of assistance awards (grantees) can assess their organizational risks and improve internal controls when faced with the imposition of an Administrative Agreement. Baker Tilly subject matter experts Patrick Fitzgerald and Delaney Gordon dig into this topic, and further discuss how organizations can get out in front of the government’s concerns to address issues early and efficiently. Questions addressed include: What is an administrative agreement and when does the government impose this type of independent oversight? How does a contractor or grantee know when an Administrative Agreement is being contemplated and what can the contractor do to lessen the impact of the Agreement on its operations? What are the best mitigation strategies that contractors and grantees can implement to avoid administrative agreements altogether?