Here’s a Simplified Buying Process. Step 1. Identify the problem Step 2. Decide to buy something to solve the problem Step 3. Decide how to differentiate between options (choose a Basis for Award) Step 4....
In this episode of the CO Podcast 2.0, Kevin and Paul outline the concept of Evaluation Criteria and Evaluation Factors in government contracts. Evaluation Criteria is a key element in any purchase decision among more...
There are lots of ways for the government to buy things from industry. There is rarely “the way” to buy something…it’s usually “a way” among many options. As a result, the government acquisition team may...
There are some unique words in GovCon – one of our favorites is “de-obligated” (not be confused with “not obligated”). While it’s easy to make fun of these words, communication can go sideways when we...
The government awards contracts for lots of different services. One of the many variables in awarding and MANAGING these service contracts is clearly understanding where the work will be performed. In FAR speak – that’s...
There is much agreement on the benefits of government and industry communicating better. However, knowing we are supposed to communicate “better” is not the same thing as knowing how to communicate “better”. Back in episode...
The federal government buys LOTS of services. Billions and billions of dollars worth. Seriously. The government buys some of (maybe most of?) those service as “commercial” services. But what is so different about the government...
What is the minimum wage? Well, it depends. There is a federal minimum wage, but the states can also set their own minimum. Therefore, the answer to “What is the minimum wage?” depends on where...
There are some unique words in GovCon – my favorite is still “de-obligated” (not be confused with “not obligated”), but there are also words like “small business” – that in some cases can include businesses...
GovCon has unique words, like “de-obligated” (not be confused with “not obligated”) – or “colors of money” (not to be confused with regular money that’s well, green here in the US). While unique GovCon words...
In this episode, Kevin is once again joined by Troy Francis. Troy knows the nuances of both Federal and Local contracting because he’s been both a Federal Contracting Officer and now he is a Chief...
Not every contract has the same payment terms. Sometimes we pay in full up front. Sometimes we pay upon completion. Sometimes we pay in parts along the way. Those same payment terms can apply to...
The government awards most contracts using competitive processes. Some of those processes are simple. Some of them are complicated. Sometimes they are so complicated that the process from requirement to award (through the Acquisition Time...
Plenty of ink has been spent on how government and industry need to communicate more, and better (including by us). However, knowing we are supposed to communicate “better” and knowing how to communicate “better” are...
In government contracting, there are so many ways to buy products and services. Multiple award, commercial, simplified acquisition, micro purchase, letter contract, GSA contract, logical follow-on, sealed bid, down select, lowest price with acceptable rating,...
Forms. Really? That does not sound very exciting. Fair enough – while “exciting” is not the word most people think of when discussing forms, this topic is relevant and important. Why? Because government contracts are...
In the 3 Deciders episode (episode 118), Kevin and Paul explained how the Economic Decider has the funds that are used to buy products and services under government contracts, the Customer has the need for...
Contract Severability is one of those concepts that has one meaning in the commercial world, and a slightly different meaning in the GovCon world. In non-government contracts, a simple definition is of severability is that...
Episode 443 was Part 1 of Pre-Acquisition communication. In that one we introduced the concept of Pre-Acquisition communication, Kevin and Paul provided some context why it matters. To recap, Pre-acquisition is what happens BEFORE there...
The government buys lots of services…but not all service contracts work the same way. There are personal services, non-personal services, Service Contract services, advisory services, and so on. We have a whole podcast playlist just...