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, 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

The Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) historically identifies labor costs as a significant area of risk in government contracting. Labor is a large amount of contractor cost performance, and it relies on accurate timekeeping by all contractor personnel. All contractors make mistakes in timekeeping, and this session will help contractors understand whether these mistakes are minor issues or larger ones that can impact:  Proposal negotiations  Cost reimbursement  Business systems adequacy  Violations of the False Claims Act Brian Gallagher will provide a brief overview of timekeeping requirements followed by discussion of real-life examples of the pitfalls and consequences for timekeeping errors. We will end the session with timekeeping best practices that help minimize the impacts of timekeeping errors before they create significant problems for contractors and the government customer. Learning Objectives:  Understand the primary requirements of an adequate timekeeping system  Understand the consequences of inadequate timekeeping  Learn timekeeping best practices to detect and prevent errors

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, participants will learn about the important aspects of Federal grant negotiation and compliance preparation. The session will cover key strategies for negotiating and managing grants, as well as best practices for preparing for the compliance burden associated with 2 CFR 200. Learning Objectives: By the end of this session, participants will be able to: 1. Understand the basics of Federal grant negotiation and compliance preparation, including the different types of grants and their requirements. 2. Develop effective strategies for negotiating with Federal agencies and ensuring compliance with grant terms and conditions. 3. Identify the common mistakes made during the grant negotiation and compliance preparation process and learn how to avoid them. 4. Gain insight into the tools and resources available to support successful grant management, such as budget tracking and reporting systems. 5. Understand the importance of effective communication and collaboration with grant partners, including Federal agencies and other stakeholders, to ensure successful grant implementation and compliance.

Our last session is on Subchapter H, Clauses and Forms. Clauses have been discussed in the eight previous sessions as they relate to the specific subject matter of that session. The final session is an overview of Part 52, the matrix, and alternate determinations. As a series end point, Part 53, the forms, and the problems that surround their appropriate use will be addressed. All parts of the FAR are not equal. But the FAR is the major document for the billion dollar plus yearly executive agency spend for supplies, services, and construction. The FAR answers many of the questions and sets out to meet the goal of uniform policies for executive agencies acquisitions paid for with appropriated funds. The FAR language seeks uniformity, fairness, trustworthiness, truth in negotiations and awards, availability to bid, and focuses on a system that protects the spend and encourages the best end-product available. These nine sessions have provided the overview of topics that are frequently taught in multi day classes, available in the classroom, and available virtually. What we spent half an hour on may well be available in a two-day class that is able to get "deep into the weeds" of compliance, implementation, enforcement of rules and regulations. Learning Objectives (After this webinar you will have learned) - How Flowdowns implement control. - How The matrix sets the stage. - How Documentation requires forms. - How Maintenance of documentation is mandatory. - How FAR manages spend and performance.

Subchapter C is the topic of the third session and addresses contracting methods and contract types. The parts of C are extremely important because the methodology and the determination of contractual type have a major impact on the contract itself and the contractual performance requirements. This session begins with the simplified acquisition purchase; moving then to sealed bidding and contracting by negotiation as two methods for awarding a contract. Part 16 is a mandatory read because it describes in detail the types of contracts and it forms the base for contractual performance. The FAR also identifies special types of contracts ad circumstances requiring emergency acquisitions. Contract Type plays a major role in the matrix of Part 52 in identifying mandatory, mandatory if applicable, and optional flowdowns. Learning Objectives (After this webinar you will have learned) - How awarding money requires evaluation. - How evaluation is based on procurement methods. - How contract types influence method and award. - How special needs exist.

Contrasts In Accounting - Navigating the Differences February 6, 11:30-1:00 EST This is the first webinar in our four-part webinar series titled "First Year Government Contract Accounting- Building Blocks" As a cost-based Government contractor, the use of full absorption accounting is required. While Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) serves as our foundation for contract accounting and is a requirement for an "adequate" accounting system, FAR Part 31, contract cost principles and procedures and Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) layer additional requirements upon a Government contractor's accounting system. This webinar will introduce some of the key differences between Government contract cost accounting and financial accounting; explain some reasoning behind the divergence in accounting practices; and establish the foundation for this 4 part webinar series. Learning Objectives: By the end of this session, participants will be able to identify key differences between US GAAP accounting and Government contract accounting; Understand the reasoning for the divergence in accounting; Become familiar with full absorption accounting; and become familiar with the accounting implications of cost-based acquisition and FAR Part 15, Contracting by negotiation. NOTE: CPE/CLE credit for attendees is subject to participation and approval by the governing boards. Series Description: There is accounting and then there is Government contract accounting. Government contract accounting imposes unique pricing, accounting and compliance requirements on Government contractors. And, unlike Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), requires full absorption accounting. If you are new to Government contracting or want to understand more about the unique accounting requirements this four part webinar series will introduce critical accounting fundamentals.

FAR Parts 15 and 36, Contracting by Negotiation, Construction, Architect & Engineer Contracts This is Session 6 of the Foundations of the FAR webinar series. Franklin Turner of McCarter English will cover Parts 15 and 36 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation. Contracting by Negotiation (Part 15) includes information on Source Selection, Solicitation and Receipt of Proposals, Pricing Notifications, Protests and Unsolicited Proposals, Construction, Architect and Engineering Contracts. (Part 36) prescribes the policies and procedures in these types of contracts with certain clauses and standard forms which would be unique to this area. Part 15 Scope This part prescribes policies and procedures governing competitive and noncompetitive negotiated acquisitions. A contract awarded using other than sealed bidding procedures is a negotiated contract. Part 36 Scope This part prescribes policies and procedures peculiar to contracting for construction and architect-engineer services. It includes requirements for using certain clauses and standard forms that apply also to contracts for dismantling, demolition, or removal of improvements. This live webinar is eligible for both CLE and CPE credit. NOTE: CPE/CLE credit for attendees are subject to participation and approval by the governing boards.

Transactions involving government contractors are on the rise. Several macro trends, including an intensified focus on defense spending, evolving regulations, cybersecurity threats, and foreign investment concerns, are driving activity in this space as well as complexity around structure and negotiated terms. These influences implicate a host of unique legal issues for suppliers of the federal government. This panel will touch on several of these and others, including distinctions between public and private transactions, changing regulatory requirements, novations, small business concerns, and recent developments at CFIUS. CPE/CLE credit for attendees are subject to participation and approval by the governing boards. About Our Presenters: Peter H. Rosenbaum, Partner Peter H. Rosenbaum concentrates in corporate transactions and counseling, with a focus on mergers and acquisitions and securities compliance and reporting. In the area of mergers and acquisitions, he has represented public and private companies as buyers and sellers in a wide range of industries and an array of transaction structures. His securities practice centers on securities compliance matters and capital raising transactions. Grant B. Schweikert, Associate Grant B. Schweikert is an associate in the firm's Government Contracts Practice. He represents buyers and sellers in all aspects related to acquisitions and divestitures of government contractor businesses. He also counsels government contractor clients in contract negotiations, contract disputes, Federal Acquisition Regulation compliance and bid protests. D. Joe Smith, Partner D. Joe Smith is chair of the firm's Government Contracts Practice. He has represented large and small companies in a wide variety of government contract matters. With more than 40 years of experience, he has been lead counsel for a wide range of defense contractors in both the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals and the Court of Federal Claims as well as numerous federal district courts.