FAR & DFARS: Procurement Power

Decoding Government Shutdowns

Eric and Paul examine how government shutdowns happen, agency preparations, furlough procedures, employee impacts, and the legislative framework behind federal shutdowns. Listen in as they unpack the chronology, federal protocols, and both operational and human dimensions of this crucial federal event.

Supply Chain Risk in Federal Acquisition

Dive into the complexities of supply chain risks in federal procurement. We examine how these vulnerabilities are identified, mitigated, and managed through pivotal FAR and DFARS clauses. Join Eric, Ruby, and Paul as they clarify the evolving landscape of supply chain security for contractors and agencies alike.

Breaking Into Federal Government Contracts

Explore how to become a supplier or service provider for the Federal Government, including essential requirements, the major benefits of government contracting, and practical paths to team up or partner on contracts. Drawing from official resources and expert insights, this episode demystifies the journey from readiness to stellar contract performance.

COTS vs Commercial Items

This episode explores the critical differences between Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) products and Commercial Items for federal procurement. Join our hosts as they clarify definitions, share applicable FAR and DFARS clauses, and illustrate real-world examples of how these distinctions impact users and compliance strategies.

Rethinking Supplier Assessment with the Supplier Performance Risk System

This episode unpacks the Department of Defense’s Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS), exploring how it blends diverse risk metrics—far beyond cost and cybersecurity scores—to drive procurement decisions. The hosts delve into the technical algorithms, data sources, and risk management frameworks at the core of SPRS, and discuss why modern supplier evaluations require more than just NIST SP 800-171 scores or price tags.

The Power of Precedence in Federal Contracts

This episode unpacks the critical role of the order of precedence clause in the FAR, revealing why it matters for federal contracting professionals negotiating with prime and sub-contractors. Through practical scenarios, the hosts explore how understanding and applying this order defuses conflicts over terms and enables smarter negotiations when certain T&Cs just don’t fit.

Understanding Limited Data Rights in DFARS Contracts

Dive into the world of limited data rights under DFARS 252.227-7025, exploring how contractors handle government-furnished data, the restrictions involved, and the practical implications for suppliers and support contractors. The team unpacks the nuances of marking legends, disclosure rules, and the importance of compliance.

Demystifying Federal Acquisition Regulations and Tools

In this episode, we unpack the landscape of Federal Acquisition Regulations, who they apply to, and explore powerful tools like the ARC and Smart Matrix. The team dives into how these resources streamline compliance and decision-making for procurement professionals. Learn which tools best fit your agency or contracting scenario.

Should Your Business Enter the Defense Supply Chain?

This episode explores the crucial considerations for businesses thinking about supplying goods and services to the U.S. Federal government. We discuss the benefits, major risks, and hidden costs—from cybersecurity mandates to contract compliance and accounting requirements. Hear from our hosts how getting into the defense sector isn't a decision to take lightly.

Demystifying DoD Cybersecurity Requirements in Federal Contracts

This episode dives into the Federal cybersecurity requirements all DoD contractors must understand, including prohibitions on certain technologies, the CMMC framework, and the assessment process for compliance. Our hosts break down the legal clauses, practical impacts, and real-world implementation challenges for suppliers and contractors.

Overhauling the Federal Acquisition Landscape

Explore the implications and process of the groundbreaking overhaul of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) under the new executive order. Hosts Eric, Ruby, and Paul break down deregulation steps, the rise of Strategic Acquisition Guidance, and what it means for government buyers and vendors.

Overhauling Defense Acquisition: Speed, Innovation, and a New Workforce

Eric, Ruby, and Paul break down the sweeping reforms coming to defense acquisition, from the Adaptive Acquisition Framework’s multiple pathways to the bold policies of Executive Order 14265. They explore the current system, highlight major changes ahead, and discuss how small businesses and commercial tech will play a bigger role. Discover what this all means for program managers and the future of defense procurement.

Inside Federal Cybersecurity Incident Response

Dive into the essentials of federal cybersecurity incident response for contractors. Eric and Ruby break down key protocols, reporting requirements, and why compliance is more critical than ever. Get practical examples and expert insights on keeping your federal contracts secure.

Negotiating Data Protection in Government Contracts

Dive into the essentials of data protection in government procurement, focusing on contract clauses, legal frameworks, and operational challenges. Eric and Ruby explore the key elements that ensure compliance and security in the evolving landscape of federal and defense acquisitions.

Mastering FAR, DFARS, and Contract Negotiations

This episode breaks down the FAR and DFARS framework, including exemptions, flow-down responsibilities, and the risks of misapplied terms. From compliance checklists to real-world case studies, we cover strategies for guiding subcontractors and negotiating favorable terms. Learn how to navigate today's challenging contracting landscape with confidence and clarity.