This session will provide an overview of the reviews and audits conducted by the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) and Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA). Learn about the types of audits, how to address the audit process, and how to deal with audit positions and written findings. Learning Objectives: By the end of the webinar you should be able to:  Be able to describe the similarities and differences between a review and an audit;  Understand what areas DCAA is responsible for auditing and DCMA is responsible for reviewing;  Understand the current DCMA and DCAA initiatives and how they impact the contracting industry;  Recognize potential challenges and corresponding mitigation strategies for auditees; and  Understand current auditor expectations and challenges.

This session will discuss the impact of estimating systems on the accounting and pricing functions. We will cover the Estimating System adequacy criteria contained in the DFARS business systems rule, material weaknesses and significant deficiencies, cost vs. price analysis, basis of estimate (BOE), and what DCAA looks for in the audit process. Learning Objectives: By the end of the webinar you should be able to:  Understand cost estimating system requirements and how they are implemented;  Identify where to locate specific DCAA audit programs which relate to estimating;  Maintain up-to-date information of the threshold for obtaining certified cost or pricing data;  Describe multiple forms of acceptable cost or pricing data and when certification is required;  List the basic Basis of Estimate (BOE) components and develop an estimating technique; and  Understand common estimating challenges.

As a contractor, you may be subject to certain requirements related to your accounting system. This program will cover the Pre-Award Survey (Standard Form 1408) as well as the DFARS Accounting System Rule including Timekeeping, Labor Distribution and Billing. Learning Objectives: By the end of the webinar you should be able to:  Understand a pre-award accounting system survey and its purpose in the federal-award process;  Identify the objective of the accounting business system and its common criteria;  Apply the accounting system adequacy attributes to real-world examples;  Recognize which accounting subsystems are covered in the Defense Contract Audit Manual (DCAM); and  Be aware of potential issues when implementing new accounting systems.

Once a contractor has a contract subject to full CAS coverage, it is important to understand how to make a change to a disclosed cost accounting practice. This session will include a discussion of (Learning Objectives):  What is considered an accounting practice change?  What does not meet the definition of an accounting practice change?  What are common triggers for a cost accounting practice change? Additionally, the course will dive into cost impact proposals covering when a proposal is required, the timing for submission, and how impacts are calculated. The course also includes a case study for hands-on experience with a cost impact calculation.

This session builds on CAS Overview and Applicability with understanding the impacts to an organization's business segments. The session begins with defining the difference between a business unit and a segment and explains the pros and cons of transferring materials, supplies or services based on both cost and price. Learning Objectives: Participants will learn about the applicability of Disclosure Statements to segments, including when a Disclosure Statement is required to be completed. The session also includes a case study which will provide hands-on experience with a sample Disclosure Statement.

Since January 2025, President Trump has signed over 125 Executive Orders - many of which directly or indirectly affect the government contracting industry. These orders range from "Establishing the Department of Government Efficiency" and "Reforming Foreign Defense to Improve Speed and Accountability," to "Restoring Common Sense to Federal Procurement." Among this barrage of Executive Orders, is other information released by agencies such as employee terminations, CMMC 2.0 rollout, and the elimination of whole departments within agencies and the consolidation of purchasing/acquisition offices. With so many rapid changes, disruptions and noise, FPS is offering you the opportunity to talk directly with stakeholders and subject matter experts. This panel is designed to help sort out the current situation and get a glimpse of the future for the industry. This 90+ minute panel features FPS industry specialists who stay current on all the latest trends and can help make sense of and navigate these critical issues contractors are facing. Our panel will discuss:  Executive Orders directly impacting the industry including: - Executive Order 14275 - "Restoring Common Sense to Federal Procurement" AKA - "FAR 2.0"  Impact of various Tariffs  Updates to Audits and Reviews  Cybersecurity Updates This event is not eligible for CLE/CPE credits.

Many Federal contractors initially find Cost Accounting Standards to be difficult to understand and navigate. Our experts break down the requirements so each participant can understand:  What is CAS?  When does it apply?  What is a Disclosure Statement? This session will discuss modified vs. full CAS coverage and will also provide a high-level overview of the standards by grouping and the connection between CAS requirements and the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). Learning Objectives  What are the differences and requirements for Standard, Quick, and Early contract closeouts.  What are the eight steps for a Standard Closeout Contract Complete, Verification Forms, Reports, Resolution of Outstanding Issues Final Payment De-obligation of funds Completion Statements Past Performance File Disposal  What are the basic problems that are being experienced at every step.  How can those problems be addressed.  Why quick closeouts are popular in 2024 and the impact that that process is having on the backlogs

Indirect Costs refer to the cost associated with running the business and supporting direct projects, but cannot themselves be defined as direct costs (e.g. finance, legal, facilities, IT, fringe benefits). The Federal Government allows for reimbursement of these costs and contractors have flexibility in how their indirect costs are structured and applied to direct contract costs. Throughout the contract life cycle and fiscal year, there are several types of indirect rate calculations used. In this program, you will learn about indirect rate structures, the Forward Pricing Rate Proposal (FPRP), DCAA's FPRP Checklist, billing rates and the final indirect cost rate proposal process. Learning Objectives: By the end of the webinar you should be able to:  Differentiate between direct and indirect costs using real examples;  Define two-tier and three-tier rate structures;  Identify three types of G&A allocation bases;  Understand the Forward Pricing Rate Agreement process; and  Determine when an Incurred Cost Proposal (ICS) is appropriate and how it is utilized.

This webinar, led by Locke Bell of Morrison & Foerster LLP, will explore the consequences of developing inventions using federal government funding and developing IP under non-procurement vehicles such as grants, cooperative agreements, and other transactions, answering the questions who owns the IP and what rights does the government obtain. Learning Objectives: By the end of this webinar, you should be able to:  understand the process for reporting inventions to the government and patenting those inventions, and the consequences of not following the rules for doing so.  appreciate the unique IP considerations related to special types of government agreements - grants, cooperative agreements, and other transaction agreements.

This session will examine the consequences of non-compliance, with a particular focus on the False Claims Act (FCA). Attendees will receive an overview of the FCA's background, scope, and enforcement mechanisms. The session will explore the potential legal and financial repercussions contractors may face for violations of applicable laws and regulations. The panelists will discuss key FCA court decisions, along with current enforcement trends and emerging areas of regulatory focus. Learning Objectives: By the end of this session, attendees will be able to:  Understand the basics of the False Claims Act  Understand other potential consequences of non-compliance  Identify and understand common areas of non-compliance and emerging areas of enforcement  Understand the implications of landmark FCA cases  Identify best practices for establishing a robust government contracts ethics / compliance program, including ongoing monitoring and training.