Federal Publications Seminars Podcasts
68 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 days ago -Everything that is Federal Government Contracting. We inform listeners on the legal, regulatory and compliance challenges in government contracting as well as contract proposals, pricing and changes. With over 60 years of experience and training thousands of government contracting industry professionals, we are the leader in learning and professional development.
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Episodes
FPS Podcast #61 - Leadership in Federal Government Contracting
April 17, 2024 19:00 - 15 minutes - 10.5 MBWelcome to FPS Podcast #61. In this episode, I talk with Rex Marks about leadership skills. Over the past few years, Rex and I have discussed putting together a learning program on leadership for the industry. There is not a single opportunity that combines the uniqueness of the contracting industry with leadership development. In early 2023 we set out to change that. After months of brainstorming, ideation and interviews, we felt we had a winning formula. FPS Leadership Institut...
FPS Podcast #60 - Getting to Know Unanet
April 02, 2024 21:00 - 12 minutes - 8.68 MBIn this FPS Episode, I have chat with Julie and Chris from our friends at Unanet during the FPS Tampa Weeklong. Unanet is both a partner and a sponsor of FPS and they provide ERP solutions for federal contractors of all sizes. Being around for three decades, they have developed quite a good reputation in the business and continue to keep pace with the ever-changing federal contracting market space.
FPS Podcast #59 - False Claims
April 02, 2024 16:00 - 17 minutes - 12 MBFPS recently completed a week-long series of courses in Tampa Florida in Mid-March. I had the opportunity to speak with Tom Reynolds of the firm HKA to discuss the topic of False Claims in Federal Contracting. This episode we discuss FCA and recent DOJ activity on False Claims including the $400+ Million settlement by a long time federal contractor. Tom gives the audience some pointers on how to best to protect against FCA allegations. For more information on training and federal cont...
FPS Podcast #58 - GAUGE Report for 2024 - Participate today!
March 19, 2024 18:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBFPS in conjunction with Unanet and CohnReznick proudly bring you information on the 2024 GAUGE Report. This industry leading benchmark report has become a 'must read' and 'must participate' event. In this podcast, I am joined by Christine from CohnReznick and Kim from Unanet to discuss the importance of this ever-important survey and discuss their favorite topics from past GAUGE reports. If you are a federal government contractor, we would like you to participate. The link is below: ...
FPS Podcast #57 - The DCAA and Small Business Contracting
January 09, 2024 19:00 - 15 minutes - 10.8 MBIn this episode, I sit down with Katelyn Rigle, Small Business Outreach Coordinator, Defense Contract Audit Agency to learn more about DCAA's roles and responsibilities in the federal contracting life cycle. She discusses all the different areas DCAA is involved in on behalf of the US Taxpayers to ensure contractors and the federal government are providing and receiving fair and reasonable prices for the goods and services purchased by the various defense agencies in order to support the mi...
FPS Podcast #56 - The Advantages of Automation in Federal Contracting
October 04, 2023 17:00 - 20 minutes - 14.3 MBIn this podcast, Jeff White and Randy Shelby discuss the advantages of automating repetitive processes in the procurement of goods and services in the federal contracting marketspace.
FPS Podcast #55 - Digital Badging
October 04, 2023 17:00 - 10 minutes - 7.37 MBIn this Podcast, we talk with Susan Manning from Credly to explain the benefits of digital badging. Recently, FPS adopted digital badging using Credly to enhance the customer's experience and provide a way to highlight the accomplishments of hard work and continuing education in the world of Federal Contracting. FPS is proud to offer digital badging and it is free to anyone taking our courses. Find out more about digital badging and why FPS brought it to the industry!
Podcast #54 - A Sit Down With Jeff White and Randy Shelby
September 29, 2023 16:00 - 10 minutes - 7.31 MBIn this episode, I have an opportunity to interview Jeff White and Randy Shelby of JA White & Associates while at the FPS Las Vegas week long conference in September 2023. We discuss a number of things including Randy's background at DCMA and the importance of documentation
FPS Podcast #53 - SMB Contracting and an Update on the Polaris Contract
May 09, 2023 13:00 - 20 minutes - 13.9 MBIn this episode Larry Allen of Allen Federal discusses the recent COFC decision on GSA's Polaris contract. This impacts a multitude of small businesses who spent countless time preparing and submitting proposals to be a part of this multi-faceted contract only to see multiple bid protest arise over the NDAA Section 871 clause and a COFC decision to make GSA re-think the contract. Larry explains what happened and what small businesses should do now. Larry also discusses the outlook for ...
FPS Podcast #52 - The 2023 GAUGE Report - Take the Survey
April 26, 2023 13:00 - 10 minutes - 7.15 MBIn this Podcast, we talk with Christine Williamson of CohnReznick and Kim Koster of Unanet about the 2023 GAUGE Report. This report has been benchmarking the federal contracting industry and every year a new update to the report is released. This year Christine and Kim want your participation. In this podcast they briefly talk about previous years' findings and how to participate for 2023. To participate, go to: www.unanet.com/gaugesurvey
FPS Podcast #51 - Saving Money with Level 3 P-Card Processing
April 24, 2023 19:00 - 14 minutes - 9.84 MBIn Episode #51, we talk with Sean Jones of Revolution Payments about how contractors could benefit from level 3 credit card processing. The option has been around for years but not every contractor realizes it. Though some contracts require level 3, others do not, yet contractors can still take advantage of the savings. Sean explains the history of level 3 and its savings.
FPS Podcast #50 - A Quick Discussion on Subcontract Price Analysis
April 24, 2023 13:00 - 16 minutes - 11.7 MBIn FPS Podcast #50, we discuss with Jeff White of JA White and Associates the challenges and solutions subcontractors have with price analysis.
FPS Podcast #49 - CPSR Updates
April 04, 2023 19:00 - 18 minutes - 13 MBOn March 31st of the FPS' Orlando Government Contracts Week conference, I recorded Podcast #49 with Jeff White of JA White and Associates. Since 2020 there have a been some significant changes to how CPSRs are conducted by the DCMA. These changes have been mostly positive, but as a vendor to the US Federal Government, you need to ensure your documentation and files are both accessible and organized in a manner that will allow for a smooth purchasing system review. Jeff will discuss how ...
FPS Podcast #48 - Supply Chains and Federal Contracting
March 02, 2023 21:00 - 16 minutes - 11.2 MBIn Episode #48, we talk with Jeffrey White of JA White and Associates about Supply Chain Management and Compliance. This might be one of a few discussions around supply chain as it is very complicated and very broad. We not only have threats to the supply chain, we have shortages in supply chains which neither is desirable for government suppliers and their customers. This episode is brought to you by CPSR ProDocs and JA White & Associates.
FPS Podcast #47 - Developing Statements of Work
February 06, 2023 20:00 - 15 minutes - 10.7 MBIn episode 47, I talk with Eugene Pickarz, a retired contracting officer and instructor for FPS about his new course on Statements of Work. Listen as he explains the development of the SOW, the parties involved and the importance for both the contractor and the federal procurement professional.
FPS Podcast #46 - Economic Price Adjustments
July 18, 2022 16:00 - 16 minutes - 11.4 MBIn Episode #46, I talk with John Hindman of RSM as we discuss EPA's - known as Economic Price Adjustments (EPAs). Recently, this has surfaced has a hot topic in the federal government contracting community as inflationary pressure has increased prices for energy and supplies creating situations where costs of finished goods have skyrocketed. The government is keenly aware of the challenges to contractors in controlling prices while still delivering under the contract terms. Some contr...
FPS Podcast #45 - Protecting Confidential Commercial Information FOIA Exemption 4
July 13, 2022 13:00 - 14 minutes - 10.3 MBIn Episode #45, we speak with Nathan Castellano from Jenner & Block about a very important topic to contractors who enter into agreements with the Federal Government. In May 2022 issue of "Briefing Papers" Published by Thomson Reuters, Nathan discusses in length Exemption 4 where in 2019 the Supreme Court decided a case in Food Marketing Institute v. Argus Leader Media on that topic. In FPS Podcast Episode #45, Nathan walks listeners through the importance of Exemption 4 and what contr...
FPS Podcast #44 - Records Retention for Federal Contractors
July 06, 2022 21:00 - 15 minutes - 10.9 MBIn Episode #44 - We talk with Mike LaCorte of HKA about records retention. The FAR has specific requirements for contractors on how long contractors need to keep records related to the contract. Similar to publicly traded companies who have guidelines to follow for the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Federal Government sets guidelines for contract retention. However, contracts may specify retention requirements based on the type of contract and length of the contract. Mike off...
FPS Podcast #43 - CMMC 2.0 What You Need to Know
May 24, 2022 18:00 - 16 minutes - 11.3 MBIn early May at our FPS La Jolla Weeklong, we had a chance to catch up with Eric Crusius of Holland & Knight to discuss CMMC 2.0. With the new federal fiscal year just around the corner, the CMMC requirements are coming into focus. If you are a DOD contractor - large or small, you at least have to be certified at Level 1. But what does all that mean? Eric explains what "Level 1" certification is as well as "Level 2" and beyond.
FPS Podcast Episode #42 - Why You Should Have a Compliant Accounting System
May 10, 2022 19:00 - 13 minutes - 9.62 MBThis is Episode #42 . During our La Jolla Government Contracts Week, I sat down with Anthony Kim and Jackie Spalding of Capital Edge Consulting to talk about the importance of a compliant accounting system for government contractors.
FPS Podcast Episode #41 - Small Business Compliance Challenges with JAMIS Software
May 03, 2022 21:00 - 9 minutes - 6.44 MBIn this Episode, I talk with Dan Rusert of JAMIS during the FPS La Jolla week May 2-6th. JAMIS Is a long time sponsor of our programs and has a wealth of knowledge related to business systems. They are a leading provider of business systems software in the GovCon space!
FPS Podcast #40 - The Employment Landscape
April 25, 2022 20:00 - 12 minutes - 8.59 MBIn Episode #40, I discuss the current employment landscape in the federal contracting industry with consultant Eric Norvell. Eric has been helping federal contractors find qualified mid and upper level professionals for over two decades. The demand for candidates was hot before COVID and now there is even a greater need in our industry. As we saw with the 'great resignation' a lot of employees took advantage to shop around their skills and to demand more flexibility for their work/life ba...
FPS Podcast #39 - GSA's Polaris Contract - What is Going On?
April 07, 2022 17:00 - 10 minutes - 7.44 MBIn Episode #39, I speak with Jason Miller, Executive Editor for Federal News Network. He has been tracking the POLARIS Contract. POLARIS is a small business GWAC contract which is being released in 'pools' over the coming months. However, there already is some controversy and a bid protest with one of the 'pools' related to past performance requirements. Jason explains the issue and gives insight into what is happening.
FPS Podcast #39 - GSA's Polaris Contract - What is Going On?
April 07, 2022 17:00 - 10 minutes - 7.44 MBIn Episode #39, I speak with Jason Miller, Executive Editor for Federal News Network. He has been tracking the POLARIS Contract. POLARIS is a small business GWAC contract which is being released in 'pools' over the coming months. However, there already is some controversy and a bid protest with one of the 'pools' related to past performance requirements. Jason explains the issue and gives insight into what is happening.
FPS Podcast #38 - Cost Escalation in Construction Contracts
March 31, 2022 20:00 - 14 minutes - 9.83 MBIn construction, cost escalation is not an uncommon thing as the price of raw building materials fluctuate often. More recently, prices have been increasingly volatile since the start of the pandemic due to swings in supply and demand as well as political posturing. In this episode, James Newland of Seyfarth Shaw's construction practice discusses cost escalation and the remedies during and after negotiations have commenced.
FPS Podcast #37 - Davis Bacon Act - Proposed Rule Changes
March 31, 2022 18:00 - 17 minutes - 12.2 MBThe Davis Bacon Act - (DBA) has been an act since the 1930s and covers prevailing wages for federal construction contracts. The DBA as gone through a number of updates over the years including a large overhaul in the 1980's. Now, the Biden Administration through a a few executive orders, and the Department of Labor has proposed new rules that, if enacted may impact not only federal construction but private construction wages. Seyfarth Shaw attorneys Scott Hecker and Ted North discuss t...
FPS Podcast #37 - Davis Bacon Act - Proposed Rule Changes
March 31, 2022 18:00 - 17 minutes - 12.2 MBThe Davis Bacon Act - (DBA) has been an act since the 1930s and covers prevailing wages for federal construction contracts. The DBA as gone through a number of updates over the years including a large overhaul in the 1980's. Now, the Biden Administration through a a few executive orders, and the Department of Labor has proposed new rules that, if enacted may impact not only federal construction but private construction wages. Seyfarth Shaw attorneys Scott Hecker and Ted North discuss t...
FPS Podcast #36 - An Update on Russian Sanctions with Barnes & Thornburg
March 15, 2022 18:00 - 22 minutes - 15.1 MBThis is FPS Episode #36. It is an update to Episode #35 where we talked with colleagues of Barnes & Thornburg on Russian Sanctions. Things move fast and more sanctions were imposed on Russian imports from and exports to Russia. This episode covers the latest and recaps the early March 2022 sanctions and changes.
FPS Podcast #35 - Russian Sanctions and Changes in Export Controls
March 03, 2022 12:00 - 21 minutes - 14.6 MBIn FPS Podcast #35 - We are joined by Barnes & Thornburg's International Trade Group colleagues Nicholas Galbraith, Adetayo Osuntogun, and Luis Arandia to discuss the most recent Russian Sanctions on trade and financial transactions which went into effect on March 1, 2022. This is one of a few planned podcasts FPS will present regarding Sanctions in the coming months. In this Podcast, the team covers information on: The SDN List - Specially Designated Nationals Export Control Rule Ch...
FPS Podcast #34 - Pricing Federal Contract Proposals With Excel
February 25, 2022 21:00 - 20 minutes - 14.4 MBThis is FPS Podcast #34 with the McKelvey Group. Companies spend an incredible amount of time making their Technical, Past Performance, and Price Narrative volumes look professional before submission. But they rarely do the same with the Excel Pricing Model, and evaluators notice this. The McKelvey Group’s Marc Hamann and Vinny D’Amore explain why taking the extra effort in making your Excel Pricing Models matters, and suggestions on how to approach it. Pricers of all levels will find value...
FPS Podcast #33 - Avoiding Fraud in Federal Contract Claims
February 25, 2022 21:00 - 25 minutes - 17.4 MBFPS Podcast #33, Avoiding Fraud in Federal Contract Claims, I talk with Seyfarth Shaw's Teddie Arnold and Stephanie Magnell. As a contractor, you have the right to file for a claim for a number of reasons. However, you may want to make sure you are on solid ground to file the claim against the government or you could be looking at a number of actions the federal government could take against your organization as explained in this podcast.
FPS Podcast #32 - Cost Accounting Practices in a Nutshell
February 21, 2022 20:00 - 16 minutes - 11.3 MBI episode #32 - I talk with Deb Nixon of Crosshair Advisors and we examine cost accounting practices for government contractors.
FPS Podcast #31 - Full Absorption Accounting
February 06, 2022 18:00 - 15 minutes - 10.5 MBIn FPS Episode #31, I talk with Deb Nixon regarding the concept of full absorption accounting with some practical understanding of the practice compared to what we may consider as general accounting practices.
FPS Podcast #29 - Priced Based and Cost Based Contracts - Advantages and Disadvantages
January 19, 2022 17:00 - 18 minutes - 12.7 MBIn FPS ' Episode #29, Deborah Nixon of Crosshair Advisors discusses the differences between a Price-Based Contract (PBA) and a Cost-Based Contract (CBA) within US Federal Contracting. Both offer advantages and disadvantages for prospective contractors. When you enter into a contract with the government, read the contract and determine your contractual requirements.
FPS Podcast #28 - Request for Equitable Adjustments
January 18, 2022 21:00 - 25 minutes - 17.3 MBIn this episode, we talk with Dan Ramish of the law firm Smith Pachter McWhorter on REAs and Claims. Dan gives us a description of both an REA and a Claim and defines the two with examples and challenges through out federal contracting history.
FPS Podcast #28 - Request for Equitable Adjustments
January 18, 2022 21:00 - 25 minutes - 17.3 MBIn this episode, we talk with Dan Ramish of the law firm Smith Pachter McWhorter on REAs and Claims. Dan gives us a description of both an REA and a Claim and defines the two with examples and challenges through out federal contracting history.
FPS Podcast #27 - Managing Subcontractors Sealed Package Submissions
December 27, 2021 18:00 - 13 minutes - 9.61 MBin Episode #27, we talk with The McKelvey Group's Marc Hamman about pricing of proposals. He gives us a number of things to think about when pricing a proposal and how primes and subs should prepare and present their pricing proposals.
FPS Podcast #26 - New Developments in Contract Terminations
December 27, 2021 15:00 - 23 minutes - 16 MBIn this episode we talk with HKA's Greg Bingham and John Chesbro about contract terminations. Over the past 12-18 months during the change in the administration and the pandemic a number of high profile events happened that caused a number of somewhat unexpected terminations. As a contractor, you have certain rights and obligations you must be acutely aware of including the stoppage of work and documenting your inventory. Greg and John will discuss what happens and how to recover from su...
FPS Podcast #25 - Understanding Definitized Contracts
December 03, 2021 22:00 - 19 minutes - 13.3 MBThis is FPS Podcast #25 - Understanding Definitized Contracts. In this episode Deb Nixon of Crosshair Advisor explains Definitized Contracts , what they are, how they are used and the responsibilities of both the government and the contractor when entering into this type of contract.
FPS Podcast #25 - Understanding Undefinitized Contracts
December 03, 2021 22:00 - 19 minutes - 13.3 MBThis is FPS Podcast #25 - Understanding Undefinitized contracts. In this episode Deb Nixon of Crosshair Advisor explains undefinitized contracts , what they are, how they are used and the responsibilities of both the government and the contractor when entering into this type of contract.
FPS Podcast #24 - Strategic Pricing Essentials
November 22, 2021 19:00 - 16 minutes - 11.1 MBIn this episode I talk with Marsha Lindquist of Granite Leadership Strategies on strategic pricing essentials. If you are bidding on a federal contract or any government contract for that matter, knowing how you got to your price and the ability to explain your bid will go a long way in winning the award. She will explain to the audience: How and what is strategic pricing as it relates to federal government contracting. Top three strategies most contractors do not often consider Resp...
FPS Podcast #23 - The Contract Appeals Process
November 08, 2021 15:00 - 10 minutes - 7.53 MBThis is FPS Podcast #23. In this episode we talk with The Honorable (Ret) Jeri Somers, partner at Jenner & Block. Ms. Somers is the former chief justice for the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals and now advises clients on a variety of federal contracting matters at Jenner & Block. Ms. Somers explains the difference between the appeals boards - whether civilian or armed services - and the federal courts.
FPS Podcast #22 - The Vaccine Mandate
October 31, 2021 23:00 - 33 minutes - 22.7 MBThis is FPS Podcast #22. In this episode we talk with Daniel Kelly and Hugh Murray partners from the law firm McCarter & English. They help dissect the Executive Order Mandating Vaccination of Federal Contractors and Subcontractors. There are a number of tentacles to this mandate including monitoring and reporting, retroactive to contracts, and how some of the agencies have interpreted the order.
FPS Podcast #21 - Teaming Agreements
October 18, 2021 19:00 - 20 minutes - 14.2 MBThis is Podcast #21. In this episode we talk to Matt McKelvey, founder and president of The McKelvey Group about the advantages and challenges with teaming agreements. Matt discusses from both a prime contractor and subcontractor perspective and what to watch out for, how far in advance you should engage another party on an agreement as well how to best look at the responsibilities of each party.
FPS Podcast #20 - Cost Accounting Standards Applicability
October 11, 2021 19:00 - 16 minutes - 11.6 MBIn this podcast, host Todd Hatherly interviews Deborah Nixon of Crosshair Advisors. Deborah and I will talk Cost Accounting Standards. Conventional wisdom says CAS only comes into play for the big contractors. But as Deborah explains that thinking is not quite right. More often than not, some of those standard can be applicable to smaller organizations. Find out more by listening to how Deborah explains it.
FPS Podcast #19 - Happy New Year FY22!
October 01, 2021 18:00 - 13 minutes - 9.52 MBIn this podcast, host Todd Hatherly interviews Larry Allen of Allen Federal Business Partners on the changes in the new fiscal year. Was it a good ending or a not so good ending? For a good part of September 2021, the news of a budget was center stage. As October 1st approached, a CR was implemented and a deadline was set for debt ceiling. Larry Allen discusses these things as well as gives his insights into what three things federal contractors should do now in the early part of th...
FPS Podcast #18 - Top 10 Reasons to Attend FPS Weeklong Conference in Las Vegas
July 16, 2021 17:00 - 4 minutes - 3.27 MBWe are getting back to the classrooms! With that, host Todd Hatherly wants to give you his top 10 reasons you should join us at our Las Vegas week September 13-17, 2021 at The Flamingo Hotel, Las Vegas. With 350+ hours of instructional training and 35+ classes for federal contracting know-how, the Las Vegas Government Contracts Week conference will be the largest government contracts training event this year! Find out why hundreds of organizations rely on Federal Publications Seminars trai...
FPS Podcast #18 - Top 10 Reasons to Attend FPS Week Long in Las Vegas
July 16, 2021 17:00 - 4 minutes - 3.27 MBWe are getting back to the classrooms! With that, I want to give you my top 10 reasons you should join us at our Las Vegas week September 13th-17th at the Flamingo! With 350+ hours of instructional training and 35+ classes for federal contracting know-how, it will be the largest training event this year! Find out why hundreds of organizations rely on Federal Publications Seminars training in the areas of Administration, Compliance, Cybersecurity, International, Proposals, Subcontractin...
FPS Podcast #17 - The President's Executive Order on Cybersecurity
May 25, 2021 14:00 - 17 minutes - 12.2 MBIn this podcast, host Todd Hatherly discusses with David Black and Eric Crusius of Holland & Knight, the Biden Administration's lengthy executive order related to cybersecurity. This EO had been circulating around the Whitehouse for a while, but with the Colonial Pipeline breach, they decided to release the Executive Order. David and Eric present their perspective on the impact on government contractors and suppliers.
FPS Podcast #16 - 3 Things GSA Schedule Contractors Need to Know Now
May 02, 2021 17:00 - 12 minutes - 8.77 MBIn this FPS Podcast, host Todd Hatherly talks to Larry Allen of Allen Federal Business Partners about GSA Schedule Contracts for 2021 and beyond. Larry provides insights on both opportunities and challenges facing federal government contractors. The GSA Schedules contracting vehicles are a great way to sell both goods and services to all federal government agencies. However, you must be cognizant of the compliance and keep up with GSA's changes.