In this session we will address "Just what happens after you get a DoD contract?" We will start by understanding just how important "past performance" is in getting subsequent contracts. The DoD Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) is a critical component of the DoD's new emphasis on past performance and in scope is enormous. One thing is certain, your new contract will most certainly change over time and you need to understand just what can change and what your entitlements are to a change. Knowing how delays affect your contract as well as how the DoD will oversee your performance. You may or may not be aware the DoD can terminate your contract whenever they desire (which stipulations of course) Learning Objectives: These processes and entitlement will be explored. When you fail to perform the DoD can terminate your contract and hold you accountable. Understanding your rights and actions can help alleviate those troubling times.

Fundamentals of Cybersecurity and Regulatory Updates Series - Session 4: Preparing for the Future: Breach and AI In this session, we will help contractors navigate the Government's current and future areas of focus in cybersecurity: managing breach and the use of artificial intelligence. We will introduce some of the best practices to implement the cybersecurity requirements in Government contracts, and to assemble an incident response plan to manage breaches if and when they occur. We will conclude the series by talking about AI in the Federal Government, including recent executive orders under the current administration and their effect on the Government's procurement of AI. Learning Objectives: By the end of this session, students will understand how to approach their incident response strategy, and the best practices when experiencing a breach. Students will also be prepared for the future of cybersecurity requirements, and aware of the unique challenges that accompany the procurement and use of AI.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Title: Formation, Performance, and Disputes - So I Should Have Read The Contract Before Signing It? (Session 4 of Subcontracting for Primes and Subs Series 2025) Once a U.S. Government contract is awarded and the prime contractor has identified subcontractors who can support the prime contractor's requirements, the fun begins. Now the prime must work to satisfy its government customer while managing its subcontractors to ensure their efforts support the prime contractor's efforts to satisfy its customer. Meanwhile, subcontractors must find a way to perform in such manner as to satisfy their customer(s), make a profit, and operate a successful business. This leads to challenges relating to Inspection, Acceptance and Warranty; Subcontract Payments; Changes; Disputes; Terminations; and more. This session will explore important performance issues and address some of the significant considerations and concerns of all three contracting parties (i.e., U.S. Government, prime contractor, and subcontractor). Learning Objectives: This session will assist participants in anticipating contract performance issues and risks, mitigating those risks, and achieving successful performance.

In this session, we will introduce students to guidance issued by Federal Agencies following Executive Order 14110 and considerations Federal Agencies are to consider when developing, procuring, and deploying Artificial Intelligence. We will examine cybersecurity and privacy considerations that permeate the procurement of Artificial Intelligence and areas of negotiation when procuring Artificial Intelligence. This session will also note potential further developments in the Federal Government's pursuit of Artificial Intelligence in following years. Learning Objectives: By the end of this session, students will be able to:  Identify the unique issues resident in procuring Artificial Intelligence  Areas of negotiation the Federal Government should consider when purchasing Artificial Intelligence  Cybersecurity and privacy issues that are areas of particular concern for Federal Agencies

Title: Pricing, Sourcing, Socio-Economic Issues, and Workshare - Can't We Just Be Friends? (Session 3 of Subcontracting for Primes and Subs Series 2025) In federal government contracting, government customers are required to purchase their requirements at a "fair and reasonable price". This requirement imposes obligations on U.S. Government prime contractors to seek and obtain products, services, research and development, and other deliverables from subcontractors at "reasonable" prices while simultaneously complying with numerous legally and regulatorily mandated socio-economic objectives, such as by subcontracting with small businesses, women-owned businesses, veteran owned businesses, HUB-zone businesses, etc.; by paying federally mandated wage rates; by purchasing products satisfying "Buy American" and "specialty metals" requirements; and more. These requirements increase costs, complicate performance, and increase immensely the difficulty of dealing with U.S. Government customers and their associated prime contractors. This session will explore unique requirements associated with selling to the U.S. Government and purchasing from associated prime and subcontractors. Learning Objectives: This session will identify and explore challenges associated with the solicitation and award of U.S. Government prime contracts and their associated subcontracts.