Fundamentals of Cybersecurity and Regulatory Updates Series - Session 1: Introduction to Cybersecurity In this session, we will define cybersecurity foundations and explain why cybersecurity matters. We will discuss the type of information that must be protected, and the key governing bodies tasked with implementing the patchwork of laws and regulations addressing cybersecurity requirements. We will examine the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) clauses governing cybersecurity, as well as certain publications of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), with particular focus on NIST Special Publication (SP) 800-171, Protecting Controlled Unclassified Information in Nonfederal Systems and Organizations. Learning Objectives: By the end of this session, students will understand the importance of cybersecurity and how it impacts their organization. They will be familiar with the basic laws and regulations governing their cybersecurity compliance obligations, as well as the Federal contract clauses and standards implementing those obligations.

In this 4 part series, we will untangle the web of laws, regulations, and guidance surrounding the dynamic cybersecurity requirements currently applicable to contractors in the Federal supply chain.

This session will focus on the process of properly pricing your proposal including the identification of direct costs and the development of an indirect cost allocation methodology that ensures compliance with the FAR and CAS and seeks to maximize cost absorption and recovery through your Grants and Contracts vehicles. We will discuss Indirect Rate lifecycle including, Negotiated Indirect Rate Cost Agreements (NICRA), Forward Pricing Rates (FPR), Provisional Billing Rates (PBR) and Final Indirect Rate Agreements. Learning Objectives: At the end of this webinar you will have learned about:  Negotiated Indirect Rate Cost Agreements (NICRA)  Forward Pricing Rates (FPR)  Provisional Billing Rates (PBR) and Final Indirect Rate Agreements

This Life Science web series is a practical guide to explaining the requirements, process, and common challenges encountered by Life Sciences companies when working in the Federal marketplace.  Understanding the compliance requirements is essential to not only winning Federal funding but also execution of the Statement of Work, maximizing recoverability and profit and proper administration.

Fundamentals of Cybersecurity and Regulatory Updates Series - Session 2: Understanding DoD Assessment Requirements: -7019, -7020, CMMC, and Beyond In this session, we will explore the presence of existing Department of Defense cybersecurity assessment requirements, including DFARS 252.204-7019, DFARS 252.204-7020, and the development and pending arrival of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). We will provide an detailed examination of the NIST 800-171 assessment methodology required by -7019 and -7020, and highlight some of the key challenges contractors are likely to face as they implement these requirements. We will also provide insight as to the future of CMMC and how contractors can best prepare for the coming obligations. Learning Objectives: By the end of this session, students will be familiar with the basics of the DoD NIST 800-171 assessment requirements and will be able to think critically about how these requirements will apply to and impact their organization. They will be up to date on the developments in CMMC and able to identify key steps that should be taken proactively to ensure compliance and avoid liability.

In this session, understanding who you are and what you can provide the DoD is critical before you ever engage a solicitation. The impact of socioeconomic considerations can significantly aid or inhibit your ability to get a DoD contract and will be discussed. Most important you need to understand just "who" you are dealing with and their cultures and motivations. You may be surprised to find out that many really aren't working toward the same goals. By far the key to contract success is understanding the DoD's requirements and just what they want you to do on contract. Learning Objectives: Examples of different types of specifications as well as corresponding contract types will be addressed to better prepare Industry to assess and manage risk during contract performance. Lastly, multiple procurement methods used by the DoD will be reviewed to help you identify how to best prepare a successful proposal or quote.

This 3-part series is designed to demystify doing business with the DoD with a goal to seek government contracts.

Fundamentals of Cybersecurity and Regulatory Updates Series - Session 3: Supply Chain Management and Cybersecurity Updates In this session, we will identify how to ensure that good cybersecurity hygiene flows through a contractor's supply chain. We will discuss the Defense Contract Management Agency's (DCMA) mandate to examine contractor compliance with cybersecurity requirements as part of its Contractor Purchasing System Reviews (CPSR) and its implications for contractors in the near future. At the end of the session, we will discuss the pair of Proposed Rules issued in October 2023 (addressing "Cyber Threat and Incident Reporting and Information Sharing" and "Standardizing Cybersecurity Requirements for Unclassified Federal Information Systems"), and will explore the implications of those Proposed Rules for contractors. Learning Objectives: By the end of this session, students will understand how to ensure cybersecurity hygiene in their supply chain, and be prepared to proactively address their purchasing procedures in anticipation of DCMA reviews. Students will also gain insight as to the likely next developments in and implications of Federal cybersecurity initiatives, particularly as they relate to non-DoD agencies.

In this session we will cover multiple ways the DoD makes their award decisions. The key methodologies of Sealing Bidding as well as Competitive Negotiations (or competitive proposals) will be discussed with an emphasis on the Source Selection Process used by the DoD. A key component of the DoD award decision is the "responsibility determination." Understanding how this final Contracting Officer determination can literally derail an otherwise successful proposal is critical. Learning Objectives: The selection process will be discussed as well as using debriefings to better understand just "why" you weren't successful. Lastly, when all else fails, if the DoD didn't fairly and transparently execute their procurement process, the protest process will be extensively covered to prepare you to challenge a DoD award decision.

Executive orders, new regulations, class deviations, statutes, protests, and litigation all ensure that the compliance landscape for government contracts is always evolving at a breakneck pace. These changes can be difficult to track, but Federal Publication Seminars' Quarterly Update gathers the most significant changes and distills them for government contracting professionals. That usually (but not always) includes updates to:  Cybersecurity requirements  Changes to labor regulations and enforcement  Domestic preferences; and  Small business regulations Each session will be jammed packed with the latest information and is a valuable tool in staying up to date in an ever-changing environment.