In this episode, we sit down with Rob Lorton, Branch Chief for Data eUtilization within the Air Force Materiel Command Contracting Digital Division.  Rob talks about the vision for the new Contract Data Specialist positions that were created in Air Force Contracting.  He discusses expectations of the responsibilities and experience level of the positions.  Rob also gives insight into where you can start if you’re interested in a Contract Data Specialist position. Acronyms:CDS – Contract Data Specialist If you would like to share feedback on the podcast, please submit via thecontractingexperience@gmail.com. Register at https://www.dvidshub.net/ to access transcripts of the podcast.

In this episode, we sit down with Rob Lorton, Branch Chief for Data eUtilization within the Air Force Materiel Command Contracting Digital Division. Rob talks about the vision for the new Contract Data Specialist positions that were created in Air Force Contracting. He discusses expectations of the responsibilities and experience level of the positions. Rob also gives insight into where you can start if you’re interested in a Contract Data Specialist position. Acronyms: CDS – Contract Data Specialist If you would like to share feedback on the podcast, please submit via thecontractingexperience@gmail.com. Register at <a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.dvidshub.net/</a> to access transcripts of the podcast.

The Contracting Experience Episode 47: Contract Data Specialist Positions

Eric Obergfell

In this episode, we sit down with Col. Eric Obergfell, Deputy Director of Contracts, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center. Obergfell explains what psychological safety is and why it’s important in our Air Force organizations. He also speaks to the value that personal growth adds to Air force missions and how to know when you need a mentor and when you need a coach in your career. Acronyms:STRATCOM – United States Strategic Command DCMA – Defense Contract Management Agency SOCCOM – United States Special Operation Command TRL – Technical Readiness Level USAF – United States Air Force FMS – Foreign Military SalesIf you would like to share feedback on the podcast, please submit via thecontractingexperience@gmail.com.Register at https://www.dvidshub.net/ to access transcripts of the podcast.

In this episode, we sit down with Col. Eric Obergfell, Deputy Director of Contracts, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center. Obergfell explains what psychological safety is and why it’s important in our Air Force organizations. He also speaks to the value that personal growth adds to Air force missions and how to know when you need a mentor and when you need a coach in your career. Acronyms: STRATCOM – United States Strategic Command DCMA – Defense Contract Management Agency SOCCOM – United States Special Operation Command TRL – Technical Readiness Level USAF – United States Air Force FMS – Foreign Military Sales If you would like to share feedback on the podcast, please submit via thecontractingexperience@gmail.com. Register at <a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.dvidshub.net/</a> to access transcripts of the podcast.

The Contracting Experience - Episode 46:  Career Perspective – Col. Eric Obergfell

This guest episode features the Defense Acquisition University’s (DAU) Contracting Conversations podcast hosted by DAU Department Chairs, Jim Valley and Scott Williams. Contracting Conversations aims to provide listeners with updated information on the credentialing contracting curriculum and answer questions on the training structure at Defense Acquisition University. This featured episode from Contracting Conversations talks about the Back-to-Basics certification structure, one year after implementation. Search for the podcast in your favorite podcasting app or go to dau.edu and search for Contracting Conversations to hear more topics that can help you on your acquisition journey.“Contracting Conversations” at dau.mil:https://media.dau.edu/media/1_vi98l1atIf you would like to share feedback on the podcast, please submit via thecontractingexperience@gmail.com.

This guest episode features the Defense Acquisition University’s (DAU) Contracting Conversations podcast hosted by DAU Department Chairs, Jim Valley and Scott Williams. Contracting Conversations aims to provide listeners with updated information on the credentialing contracting curriculum and answer questions on the training structure at Defense Acquisition University. This featured episode from Contracting Conversations talks about the Back-to-Basics certification structure, one year after implementation. Search for the podcast in your favorite podcasting app or go to <a href="http://dau.edu" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">dau.edu</a> and search for Contracting Conversations to hear more topics that can help you on your acquisition journey. “Contracting Conversations” at <a href="http://dau.mil" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">dau.mil</a>: <a href="https://media.dau.edu/media/1_vi98l1at" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://media.dau.edu/media/1_vi98l1at</a> If you would like to share feedback on the podcast, please submit via thecontractingexperience@gmail.com.

The Contracting Experience - Episode 45:  Contracting Conversations:  A Defense Acquisition University Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Air Force Materiel Command Commander, Gen. Duke Z. Richardson.  Richardson talks about visiting many AFMC centers and installations in his first six months in his current role and what surprised him most about what he saw. He also shares how his 2023 Air Force Materiel Command Strategic Plan was developed and how the workforce can utilize it in executing their missions. Acronyms:OI - Operational ImperativesDMM - Digital Materiel ManagementAFMC - Air Force Materiel CommandAir Force Materiel Command 2023 Strategic Plan:https://www.afmc.af.mil/Portals/13/AFMC%20Strat%20Plan%202023%20%28digital%20copy%29.pdfIf you would like to share feedback on the podcast, please submit via thecontractingexperience@gmail.com.Register at https://www.dvidshub.net/ to access transcripts of the podcast.

In this episode, we sit down with Air Force Materiel Command Commander, Gen. Duke Z. Richardson. Richardson talks about visiting many AFMC centers and installations in his first six months in his current role and what surprised him most about what he saw. He also shares how his 2023 Air Force Materiel Command Strategic Plan was developed and how the workforce can utilize it in executing their missions. Acronyms: OI - Operational Imperatives DMM - Digital Materiel Management AFMC - Air Force Materiel Command Air Force Materiel Command 2023 Strategic Plan: <a href="https://www.afmc.af.mil/Portals/13/AFMC%20Strat%20Plan%202023%20%28digital%20copy%29.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.afmc.af.mil/Portals/13/AFMC%20Strat%20Plan%202023%20%28digital%20copy%29.pdf</a> If you would like to share feedback on the podcast, please submit via thecontractingexperience@gmail.com. Register at <a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.dvidshub.net/</a> to access transcripts of the podcast.

The Contracting Experience - Episode 44:  The AFMC Strategic Plan with Gen. Duke Z. Richardson

In this episode, we sit down with two Air Force Contracting professionals leading the adoption and transition to CON-IT. Jay Olson comes to us from SAF/AQCI--Air Force Contracting Business Systems, and Dan Parish is from the contracting directorate at Headquarters, Air Force Materiel Command. The guests outline the top three things teams should be doing to prepare for the transition to CON-IT.  They also talk about recent successes on the program and opportunities for e-business at the strategic level.  If you would like to share feedback on the podcast, please submit via thecontractingexperience@gmail.com.Register at https://www.dvidshub.net/ to access transcripts of the podcast.

In this episode, we sit down with two Air Force Contracting professionals leading the adoption and transition to CON-IT. Jay Olson comes to us from SAF/AQCI--Air Force Contracting Business Systems, and Dan Parish is from the contracting directorate at Headquarters, Air Force Materiel Command. The guests outline the top three things teams should be doing to prepare for the transition to CON-IT. They also talk about recent successes on the program and opportunities for e-business at the strategic level. If you would like to share feedback on the podcast, please submit via thecontractingexperience@gmail.com. Register at <a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.dvidshub.net/</a> to access transcripts of the podcast.

The Contracting Experience - Episode 43: CON-IT Update

This episode of the podcast is with Head of Air Force Contracting, Maj Gen Alice Trevino and podcast guest interviewer and future Contracting Squadron Commander, Maj Delaney Kiernan. Gen Trevino talks about looking at the challenges and opportunities in Air Force Contracting through a lens of alignment, prioritization, and simplification. She also addresses how Lines of Effort are being reviewed and addressed within the Air Force Contracting Flight Plan. Gen Trevino encourages Contracting professionals to think about their growth and how setting goals can help them stay focused on their personal and professional development.If you would like to share feedback on the podcast, please submit via thecontractingexperience@gmail.com.Register at https://www.dvidshub.net/ to access transcripts of the podcast.

This episode of the podcast is with Head of Air Force Contracting, Maj Gen Alice Trevino and podcast guest interviewer and future Contracting Squadron Commander, Maj Delaney Kiernan. Gen Trevino talks about looking at the challenges and opportunities in Air Force Contracting through a lens of alignment, prioritization, and simplification. She also addresses how Lines of Effort are being reviewed and addressed within the Air Force Contracting Flight Plan. Gen Trevino encourages Contracting professionals to think about their growth and how setting goals can help them stay focused on their personal and professional development. If you would like to share feedback on the podcast, please submit via thecontractingexperience@gmail.com. Register at <a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.dvidshub.net/</a> to access transcripts of the podcast.

The Contracting Experience - Episode 42 Alignment, Prioritization & Simplification

AFMC/PK Podcast Episode 41: Follow-up: Collaborating with Industry -Chelsea Fulham &amp; Abby DoornIn this episode, we follow-up with our guests from episode 36, ChelseaFulham and Abby Doorn, who are Air Force Contracting professionals thatcompleted Education with Industry (EWI) fellowships.  Chelsea's work withAmazon and Abby's work with Anduril really got them thinking about howcollaborative industry is with its partners and how Government Acquisitionmay better take advantage of opportunities to collaborate with industry tomeet its goals. As part of their EWI capstone project, Chelsea and Abby worked with DataAnalytics students from UC Berkeley to develop a tool that would allowcompanies doing business with the Government a vehicle to provide feedbackon the acquisition process.  Chelsea and Abby share the data they receivedfrom industry partners and identify which indicators show the biggestopportunities for improving the acquisition timeline.  They also give adviceto future EWI fellows as they collaborate with industry to learn and improvethe way we do business. Acronyms:EWI - Education with IndustryAmazon SCOT - Supply Chain Optimization TechnologiesNSIN - National Security Innovation NetworkMVP - Minimum Viable ProductIf you would like to share feedback on the podcast, please submit viathecontractingexperience@gmail.com.Register at https://www.dvidshub.net/ to access transcripts of the podcast.

AFMC/PK Podcast Episode 41: Follow-up: Collaborating with Industry - Chelsea Fulham &amp; Abby Doorn In this episode, we follow-up with our guests from episode 36, Chelsea Fulham and Abby Doorn, who are Air Force Contracting professionals that completed Education with Industry (EWI) fellowships. Chelsea's work with Amazon and Abby's work with Anduril really got them thinking about how collaborative industry is with its partners and how Government Acquisition may better take advantage of opportunities to collaborate with industry to meet its goals. As part of their EWI capstone project, Chelsea and Abby worked with Data Analytics students from UC Berkeley to develop a tool that would allow companies doing business with the Government a vehicle to provide feedback on the acquisition process. Chelsea and Abby share the data they received from industry partners and identify which indicators show the biggest opportunities for improving the acquisition timeline. They also give advice to future EWI fellows as they collaborate with industry to learn and improve the way we do business. Acronyms: EWI - Education with Industry Amazon SCOT - Supply Chain Optimization Technologies NSIN - National Security Innovation Network MVP - Minimum Viable Product If you would like to share feedback on the podcast, please submit via thecontractingexperience@gmail.com. Register at <a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.dvidshub.net/</a> to access transcripts of the podcast.

The Contracting Experience - Episode 41:  Follow-up:  Collaborating with Industry

This episode of "The Contracting Experience" (TCE) podcast features a conversation between F-16 Systems Program Office (SPO) Director Col Timothy Bailey and TCE host Amber Pecoraro during the F-16 SPO workforce development discussion "Sharpen the Claw".  Amber talks about two initiatives she's been leading in Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command Contracting Directorate - Creating and hosting "The Contracting Experience" podcast and creating the first-ever one-on-one coaching program for Air Force Contractingsupervisors. Amber talks about how the podcast started, what different perspectiveslisteners can gain from her favorite episodes, and the importance of theprogram management and contracting relationship in executing acquisitions.She also gets specific about what coaching is, the benefits of working witha coach, and its effectiveness as a development and resiliency tool for theworkforce. Acronyms:FMS - Foreign Military SalesPM - Program ManagerPCO - Procurement Contracting OfficerAFMC - Air Force Materiel CommandEAP - Employee Assistance ProgramIf you would like to share feedback on the podcast, please submit viathecontractingexperience@gmail.com.Register at https://www.dvidshub.net/ to access transcripts of the podcast.

This episode of "The Contracting Experience" (TCE) podcast features a conversation between F-16 Systems Program Office (SPO) Director Col Timothy Bailey and TCE host Amber Pecoraro during the F-16 SPO workforce development discussion "Sharpen the Claw". Amber talks about two initiatives she's been leading in Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command Contracting Directorate - Creating and hosting "The Contracting Experience" podcast and creating the first-ever one-on-one coaching program for Air Force Contracting supervisors. Amber talks about how the podcast started, what different perspectives listeners can gain from her favorite episodes, and the importance of the program management and contracting relationship in executing acquisitions. She also gets specific about what coaching is, the benefits of working with a coach, and its effectiveness as a development and resiliency tool for the workforce. Acronyms: FMS - Foreign Military Sales PM - Program Manager PCO - Procurement Contracting Officer AFMC - Air Force Materiel Command EAP - Employee Assistance Program If you would like to share feedback on the podcast, please submit via thecontractingexperience@gmail.com. Register at <a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.dvidshub.net/</a> to access transcripts of the podcast.

The Contracting Experience - Episode 40: Sharpen the Claw

In this episode we sit down with Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Program Manager, Maj. Paul Weisgarber, and Procurement Contracting Officer, Noel Burke, to talk about their experience working on the Special OperationsCommand Ghost Program. Weisgarber and Burke give insights into what theGhost program is and the culture they experienced there. They also sharetheir advice to anyone thinking of applying for the program and what theylearned that has shaped their perspective for future assignments in the AirForce.Acronyms:SOCOM - Special Operations CommandSOF - Special Operations ForcesKPP - Key Performance ParametersKSA - Key System Attributes HCA - Head of the Contracting ActivityFAR - Federal Acquisition RegulationIf you would like to share feedback on the podcast, please submit viathecontractingexperience@gmail.com.

In this episode we sit down with Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Program Manager, Maj. Paul Weisgarber, and Procurement Contracting Officer, Noel Burke, to talk about their experience working on the Special Operations Command Ghost Program. Weisgarber and Burke give insights into what the Ghost program is and the culture they experienced there. They also share their advice to anyone thinking of applying for the program and what they learned that has shaped their perspective for future assignments in the Air Force. Acronyms: SOCOM - Special Operations Command SOF - Special Operations Forces KPP - Key Performance Parameters KSA - Key System Attributes HCA - Head of the Contracting Activity FAR - Federal Acquisition Regulation If you would like to share feedback on the podcast, please submit via thecontractingexperience@gmail.com.

The Contracting Experience - Episode 39:  The Ghost Program

What can you learn from establishing a new contracting squadron? For the first time in Department of Defense history, there was a transfer of a military base from one Service to another. It was Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB), which transferred from the Navy to the Air Force in October 2020. Maj. Ruben Arredondo was tagged to assist in the effort. Then he was selected as Commander of the 11th Wing Contracting Squadron, a unit that he would need to build and lead for the first time. In this episode, Arredondo shares what his biggest challenges were and what he learned from the experience that he will take with him to future assignments. Acronyms:JBAB – Joint Base Anacostia-BollingMOA – Memorandum of AgreementCDC – Childcare Development CenterJDOC – Joint Defense Operations CenterNCIS – Naval Criminal Investigative ServiceLRS – Logistics Readiness SquadronIOC – Initially Operation CapableFOC – Fully Operation CapableNAVFAC – Naval Facilities Engineering Systems CommandIf you would like to share feedback on the podcast, please submit via thecontractingexperience@gmail.com.

What can you learn from establishing a new contracting squadron? For the first time in Department of Defense history, there was a transfer of a military base from one Service to another. It was Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB), which transferred from the Navy to the Air Force in October 2020. Maj. Ruben Arredondo was tagged to assist in the effort. Then he was selected as Commander of the 11th Wing Contracting Squadron, a unit that he would need to build and lead for the first time. In this episode, Arredondo shares what his biggest challenges were and what he learned from the experience that he will take with him to future assignments. Acronyms: JBAB – Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling MOA – Memorandum of Agreement CDC – Childcare Development Center JDOC – Joint Defense Operations Center NCIS – Naval Criminal Investigative Service LRS – Logistics Readiness Squadron IOC – Initially Operation Capable FOC – Fully Operation Capable NAVFAC – Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command If you would like to share feedback on the podcast, please submit via thecontractingexperience@gmail.com.

The Contracting Experience - Episode 38: Establishing Something New

The Contracting Experience connects government contracting professionals to the world around them through conversations with acquisition influencers, insights into evolving hot topics, and by sharing lessons learned from the field.

Great breakdown of Business Intel for contracting.

Great BI breakdown

My favorite episode so far is episode 4. The leadership concepts highlighted come across as genuine and authentic. The host does a great job asking probing questions, and the production quality is fantastic. Looking forward to hear from more places outside of WPAFB. More episodes please :)

Great Variety of Content

The Contracting Experience

This episode is for all of those acquisition professionals out there who are interested in the new direction of Air Force Contracting. We talk with Maj. Gen. Cameron Holt, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Contracting, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics. Holt discusses the importance of being a critical thinker and not accepting the status quo. His focus is on “The Why” of what we do, not just “contracting for contracting sake.” This leads to discussion on mission-focused business leaders and the introduction of Holt’s “Air Force Contracting Flight Plan.”  Enjoy his straightforward point of view and fresh perspective on what mission-focused business leaders can do to change the acquisition game.Summary of the National Defense Strategy of the United States of America: https://dod.defense.gov/Portals/1/Documents/pubs/2018-National-Defense-Strategy-Summary.pdfTo share feedback on the podcast, please submit via thecontractingexperience@gmail.com.

This episode is for all of those acquisition professionals out there who are interested in the new direction of Air Force Contracting. We talk with Maj. Gen. Cameron Holt, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Contracting, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics. Holt discusses the importance of being a critical thinker and not accepting the status quo. His focus is on “The Why” of what we do, not just “contracting for contracting sake.” This leads to discussion on mission-focused business leaders and the introduction of Holt’s “Air Force Contracting Flight Plan.” Enjoy his straightforward point of view and fresh perspective on what mission-focused business leaders can do to change the acquisition game. Summary of the National Defense Strategy of the United States of America: <a href="https://dod.defense.gov/Portals/1/Documents/pubs/2018-National-Defense-Strategy-Summary.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://dod.defense.gov/Portals/1/Documents/pubs/2018-National-Defense-Strategy-Summary.pdf</a> To share feedback on the podcast, please submit via thecontractingexperience@gmail.com.

The Contracting Experience - Episode 8: Mission Focused Business Leaders - Maj. Gen. Cameron Holt (Part 1)

In this next episode, we are going to try something a little different. MSG Mic’d Up is a podcast hosted by 87th Contracting Squadron Commander Lt. Col. Axel Clark. The podcast offers on-demand interviews and stories from around the 87th Mission Support Group at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ. Hear from leadership across the joint base and get up to date on the latest MSG 2020+ initiatives. Lt. Col. Clark recorded an episode for The Contracting Experience to feature the base’s latest innovation initiative. In Spring 2019, the 87th Contracting Squadron at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst took on Air Force Leadership’s innovation challenge to “Think Big, Start Small, and Scale Fast” by hosting the first-ever base-level Pitch Day event using a Commercial Solutions Opening. In this next episode, 87th Contracting Squadron Commander Clark leads a discussion with the Contracting Officer and Contract Specialist that executed the effort, Tech. Sgt. Dustin Golden and Maggie Falkner. Clark and his team’s enthusiastic conversation about trying something different and working with non-traditional vendors to get commercial solutions to the warfighter is fun to listen to. They are candid in sharing their lessons learned and are eager to see how other teams put their own spin on the CSO process.AcronymsJB MDL – Joint Base McGuire-Dix-LakehurstNJIT – New Jersey Institute of TechnologySBIR – Small Business Innovation Research BAA – Broad Agency AnnouncementCSO – Commercial Solutions OpeningO&amp;M – Operations &amp; Maintenance FundsPTAC – Procurement Technical Assistance CenterMOU – Memorandum of UnderstandingAFRL – Air Force Research LaboratoryLinksARTICLE: Innovation challenge accepted! JB MDL hosts first-ever base level Pitch Day eventhttps://www.jbmdl.jb.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1898557/innovation-challenge-accepted-jb-mdl-hosts-first-ever-base-level-pitch-day-event/ARTICLE: Joint Base MDL Pitch Day Delivers Results!https://www.jbmdl.jb.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1976527/joint-base-mdl-pitch-day-delivers-results/Questions for 87 CONS on the CSO: 87CONS.CSO.Team@us.af.mil

In this next episode, we are going to try something a little different. MSG Mic’d Up is a podcast hosted by 87th Contracting Squadron Commander Lt. Col. Axel Clark. The podcast offers on-demand interviews and stories from around the 87th Mission Support Group at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ. Hear from leadership across the joint base and get up to date on the latest MSG 2020+ initiatives. Lt. Col. Clark recorded an episode for The Contracting Experience to feature the base’s latest innovation initiative. In Spring 2019, the 87th Contracting Squadron at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst took on Air Force Leadership’s innovation challenge to “Think Big, Start Small, and Scale Fast” by hosting the first-ever base-level Pitch Day event using a Commercial Solutions Opening. In this next episode, 87th Contracting Squadron Commander Clark leads a discussion with the Contracting Officer and Contract Specialist that executed the effort, Tech. Sgt. Dustin Golden and Maggie Falkner. Clark and his team’s enthusiastic conversation about trying something different and working with non-traditional vendors to get commercial solutions to the warfighter is fun to listen to. They are candid in sharing their lessons learned and are eager to see how other teams put their own spin on the CSO process. Acronyms JB MDL – Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst NJIT – New Jersey Institute of Technology SBIR – Small Business Innovation Research BAA – Broad Agency Announcement CSO – Commercial Solutions Opening O&amp;M – Operations &amp; Maintenance Funds PTAC – Procurement Technical Assistance Center MOU – Memorandum of Understanding AFRL – Air Force Research Laboratory Links ARTICLE: Innovation challenge accepted! JB MDL hosts first-ever base level Pitch Day event <a href="https://www.jbmdl.jb.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1898557/innovation-challenge-accepted-jb-mdl-hosts-first-ever-base-level-pitch-day-event/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.jbmdl.jb.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1898557/innovation-challenge-accepted-jb-mdl-hosts-first-ever-base-level-pitch-day-event/</a> ARTICLE: Joint Base MDL Pitch Day Delivers Results! <a href="https://www.jbmdl.jb.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1976527/joint-base-mdl-pitch-day-delivers-results/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.jbmdl.jb.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1976527/joint-base-mdl-pitch-day-delivers-results/</a> Questions for 87 CONS on the CSO: 87CONS.CSO.Team@us.af.mil

The Contracting Experience - Episode 19:  JB MDL Commercial Solutions Opening

This episode broke a record for the number of guests on The Contracting Experience podcast at one time! We sit-down with Air Force Contracting’s top leaders to discuss their outlook on Maj. Gen. Holt’s Contracting Flight Plan and provide additional insight into how the four "Lines Of Effort" will be executed. We also have a little fun talking craziest acquisitions and what our Air Force leaders wish they would have known when they started out in contracting. The Air Force leaders featured in this episode are as follows:Maj. Gen. Cameron Holt – Deputy Assistant Secretary for Contracting, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and LogisticsScott Kiser – Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary of Contracting for headquarters U.S. Air ForceTom Robinson – Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Director of ContractsHeidi Bullock – Air Force Materiel Command Director of ContractsRenee Richardson – Representing Brig Gen Ali Trevino as Air Force Installation Contracting Agency CommanderDavid Block – Space and Missile Systems Center Director of Contracting (Acting)Col. Tom Ficklin – Rapid Capabilities Office Director of Contracting (Acting)Chief Master Sgt. Larry Conger – Chief, Enlisted Policy for SAF/AQCKeep an eye out for the Air Force Contracting Flight Plan when it is released to the workforce!If you would like to share feedback on the podcast, please submit via thecontractingexperience@gmail.com.

This episode broke a record for the number of guests on The Contracting Experience podcast at one time! We sit-down with Air Force Contracting’s top leaders to discuss their outlook on Maj. Gen. Holt’s Contracting Flight Plan and provide additional insight into how the four "Lines Of Effort" will be executed. We also have a little fun talking craziest acquisitions and what our Air Force leaders wish they would have known when they started out in contracting. The Air Force leaders featured in this episode are as follows: Maj. Gen. Cameron Holt – Deputy Assistant Secretary for Contracting, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics Scott Kiser – Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary of Contracting for headquarters U.S. Air Force Tom Robinson – Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Director of Contracts Heidi Bullock – Air Force Materiel Command Director of Contracts Renee Richardson – Representing Brig Gen Ali Trevino as Air Force Installation Contracting Agency Commander David Block – Space and Missile Systems Center Director of Contracting (Acting) Col. Tom Ficklin – Rapid Capabilities Office Director of Contracting (Acting) Chief Master Sgt. Larry Conger – Chief, Enlisted Policy for SAF/AQC Keep an eye out for the Air Force Contracting Flight Plan when it is released to the workforce! If you would like to share feedback on the podcast, please submit via thecontractingexperience@gmail.com.

The Contracting Experience - Episode 10: Air Force Contracting Roundtable

Kessel Run is the Software Capability Development Division within the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center's Program Executive Office - Digital, with a mission to “continuously deliver war-winning software our Airmen love.” On this episode we speak with Tory Cuff, former Agile Acquisitions Branch Chief at Kessel Run. Cuff discusses how Kessel Run is different than other program offices in the Air Force. She goes into detail about the types of challenges the team has faced in doing things differently and how industry has responded to working in a non-traditional Department of Defense environment. This episode is not just for teams that acquire information technology. Cuff talks about lessons learned at Kessel Run and how other acquisition teams can apply those concepts to their organizations. Acronyms in this episode:GEOINT – geospatial intelligenceDEVOPS – development and operationsOT – Other TransactionDoD – Department of DefenseAFMC – Air Force Materiel CommandLearn more about Kessel run through a video put out by Airman Magazine (https://vimeo.com/296877646) and another article and video from Defense Acquisition University (https://www.dau.mil/training/career-development/program-management/blog/PE-Kessel-Run-Smuggling-Innovation-into-the-DoD).If you would like to share feedback on the podcast, please submit via thecontractingexperience@gmail.com.

Kessel Run is the Software Capability Development Division within the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center's Program Executive Office - Digital, with a mission to “continuously deliver war-winning software our Airmen love.” On this episode we speak with Tory Cuff, former Agile Acquisitions Branch Chief at Kessel Run. Cuff discusses how Kessel Run is different than other program offices in the Air Force. She goes into detail about the types of challenges the team has faced in doing things differently and how industry has responded to working in a non-traditional Department of Defense environment. This episode is not just for teams that acquire information technology. Cuff talks about lessons learned at Kessel Run and how other acquisition teams can apply those concepts to their organizations. Acronyms in this episode: GEOINT – geospatial intelligence DEVOPS – development and operations OT – Other Transaction DoD – Department of Defense AFMC – Air Force Materiel Command Learn more about Kessel run through a video put out by Airman Magazine (<a href="https://vimeo.com/296877646" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://vimeo.com/296877646</a>) and another article and video from Defense Acquisition University (<a href="https://www.dau.mil/training/career-development/program-management/blog/PE-Kessel-Run-Smuggling-Innovation-into-the-DoD" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.dau.mil/training/career-development/program-management/blog/PE-Kessel-Run-Smuggling-Innovation-into-the-DoD</a>). If you would like to share feedback on the podcast, please submit via thecontractingexperience@gmail.com.

The Contracting Experience - Episode 11:  Kessel Run - Tory Cuff

Ever wonder who those professionals are that get to crawl around planes and productions lines to inspect government supplies and services to check quality and ensure adequate performance? Don’t forget the cost and financial analysts that ensure tax payer dollars are spent correctly on products and services that support our missions. Well in this episode you get a big picture view of what Defense Contract Management Agency does to support the Department of Defense from DCMA’s Commander of the West Regional Command, Col. David Learned. Enjoy the episode and make sure your check out the “What DCMA Does” video in the show notes to hear more about what DCMA does from the folks doing the job and the warfighters who use the products and services administered by the Defense Contract Management Agency. Acronyms:FAR – Federal Acquisition RegulationDFARS – Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement CMO – Contract Management Office PMO – Program Management OfficeWhat DCMA Does: https://www.dcma.mil/News/Videos/videoid/480264/nav/Default/DCMA by the numbers fiscal year 2018:https://www.dcma.mil/Portals/31/Documents/InsightMag/DCMA-By-the-Numbers_FY18.pdf?ver=2019-03-12-142023-397If you would like to share feedback on the podcast, please submit via thecontractingexperience@gmail.com.

Ever wonder who those professionals are that get to crawl around planes and productions lines to inspect government supplies and services to check quality and ensure adequate performance? Don’t forget the cost and financial analysts that ensure tax payer dollars are spent correctly on products and services that support our missions. Well in this episode you get a big picture view of what Defense Contract Management Agency does to support the Department of Defense from DCMA’s Commander of the West Regional Command, Col. David Learned. Enjoy the episode and make sure your check out the “What DCMA Does” video in the show notes to hear more about what DCMA does from the folks doing the job and the warfighters who use the products and services administered by the Defense Contract Management Agency. Acronyms: FAR – Federal Acquisition Regulation DFARS – Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement CMO – Contract Management Office PMO – Program Management Office What DCMA Does: <a href="https://www.dcma.mil/News/Videos/videoid/480264/nav/Default/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.dcma.mil/News/Videos/videoid/480264/nav/Default/</a> DCMA by the numbers fiscal year 2018: <a href="https://www.dcma.mil/Portals/31/Documents/InsightMag/DCMA-By-the-Numbers_FY18.pdf?ver=2019-03-12-142023-397" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.dcma.mil/Portals/31/Documents/InsightMag/DCMA-By-the-Numbers_FY18.pdf?ver=2019-03-12-142023-397</a> If you would like to share feedback on the podcast, please submit via thecontractingexperience@gmail.com.

The Contracting Experience - Episode 15:  Defense Contract Management Agency

This episode is Part II on podcast host Amber Pecoraro’s Startup Innovation Fellowship experience.  Maj. Gen. Cameron Holt, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Contracting, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, takes the mic and interviews Amber on her fellowship experience. The Startup Innovation Fellowship program is run by the National Security Innovation Network and provides military and civilian employees with 4-15 years of experience an opportunity to embed with a startup company for 6 weeks.  Amber was matched with startup Decisive Point in Washington D.C., which works with other startup companies to help them get emerging technologies into the government space.  Her focus area was to better understand the challenges startups face in doing business with the government.  This conversation focuses on those challenges  and opportunities to address them.  Amber also encourages the workforce to have more experiential interactions with industry.  Acronyms:PCO – Procurement Contracting OfficerAFRL – Air Force Research LaboratoryAFLCMC – Air Force Life Cycle Management CenterEWI – Education with Industry Links:1.	AFWERX Panel Discussion:  https://youtu.be/Yv0x3dwxxxA 2.	Defense Entrepreneurs Forum:  https://defenseentrepreneurs.org/ 3.	Procurement Technical Assistance Program:  https://www.dla.mil/SmallBusiness/PTAP/4.     DoD Small Business Programs:  https://business.defense.gov/5.     Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer:  https://www.sbir.gov/sbirsearch/topic/current6.     Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) Solicitations:  https://www.diu.mil/work-with-us/companies/cso-solution-brief7.	Federal Business Opportunities:  https://www.fbo.gov/If you would like to share feedback on the podcast, please submit via thecontractingexperience@gmail.com.

This episode is Part II on podcast host Amber Pecoraro’s Startup Innovation Fellowship experience. Maj. Gen. Cameron Holt, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Contracting, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, takes the mic and interviews Amber on her fellowship experience. The Startup Innovation Fellowship program is run by the National Security Innovation Network and provides military and civilian employees with 4-15 years of experience an opportunity to embed with a startup company for 6 weeks. Amber was matched with startup Decisive Point in Washington D.C., which works with other startup companies to help them get emerging technologies into the government space. Her focus area was to better understand the challenges startups face in doing business with the government. This conversation focuses on those challenges and opportunities to address them. Amber also encourages the workforce to have more experiential interactions with industry. Acronyms: PCO – Procurement Contracting Officer AFRL – Air Force Research Laboratory AFLCMC – Air Force Life Cycle Management Center EWI – Education with Industry Links: 1.	AFWERX Panel Discussion: <a href="https://youtu.be/Yv0x3dwxxxA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/Yv0x3dwxxxA</a> 2.	Defense Entrepreneurs Forum: <a href="https://defenseentrepreneurs.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://defenseentrepreneurs.org/</a> 3.	Procurement Technical Assistance Program: <a href="https://www.dla.mil/SmallBusiness/PTAP/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.dla.mil/SmallBusiness/PTAP/</a> 4. DoD Small Business Programs: <a href="https://business.defense.gov/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://business.defense.gov/</a> 5. Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer: <a href="https://www.sbir.gov/sbirsearch/topic/current" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.sbir.gov/sbirsearch/topic/current</a> 6. Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) Solicitations: <a href="https://www.diu.mil/work-with-us/companies/cso-solution-brief" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.diu.mil/work-with-us/companies/cso-solution-brief</a> 7.	Federal Business Opportunities: <a href="https://www.fbo.gov/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.fbo.gov/</a> If you would like to share feedback on the podcast, please submit via thecontractingexperience@gmail.com.

The Contracting Experience - Episode 18:  Startup Innovation Fellowship Part 2 --Turning Tables

Ryan Helbach

Brett Wray

This episode of The Contracting Experience podcast is about the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Pitch Days.  We speak with Air Force Research Laboratory’s Small Business Intrapreneur, Ryan Helbach, and LCMC Pitch Day Contracting Officer for the Fighters &amp; Bombers Program Executive Office, Brett Wray.  Ryan and Brett discuss what it takes to put on a Pitch Day and the value Pitch Days provide to the Air Force.  They also talk to the new perspective government and industry participants have gained by participating in the process. Acronyms: AFLCMC – Air Force Life Cycle Management CenterISR SOF – Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Special Operations ForcesIf you would like to share feedback on the podcast, please submit via thecontractingexperience@gmail.com.

This episode of The Contracting Experience podcast is about the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Pitch Days. We speak with Air Force Research Laboratory’s Small Business Intrapreneur, Ryan Helbach, and LCMC Pitch Day Contracting Officer for the Fighters &amp; Bombers Program Executive Office, Brett Wray. Ryan and Brett discuss what it takes to put on a Pitch Day and the value Pitch Days provide to the Air Force. They also talk to the new perspective government and industry participants have gained by participating in the process. Acronyms: AFLCMC – Air Force Life Cycle Management Center ISR SOF – Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Special Operations Forces If you would like to share feedback on the podcast, please submit via thecontractingexperience@gmail.com.

The Contracting Experience - Episode 22:  AFLCMC Pitch Day - Ryan Helbach and Brett Wray

Will Roper

Speed Chess. In this episode, Dr. Will Roper, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, challenges the workforce to make good decisions faster. He highlights how contracting professionals are shifting the pace in which we buy capabilities through events like Air Force Pitch Day, use of Section 804 authorities, and agile software development. Dr. Roper emphasizes the importance of bolstering commercial start-ups and shines a light on the creativity and innovation being done in Air Force Sustainment. Enjoy this episode and heed Dr. Roper's call for acquisition professionals to help him solve some of the biggest problems facing the Air Force's competitive edge.For more information on Air Force Pitch Day:https://www.afsbirsttr.af.mil/AF-Pitch-Day/If you would like to share feedback on the podcast, please submit via thecontractingexperience@gmail.com.

Speed Chess. In this episode, Dr. Will Roper, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, challenges the workforce to make good decisions faster. He highlights how contracting professionals are shifting the pace in which we buy capabilities through events like Air Force Pitch Day, use of Section 804 authorities, and agile software development. Dr. Roper emphasizes the importance of bolstering commercial start-ups and shines a light on the creativity and innovation being done in Air Force Sustainment. Enjoy this episode and heed Dr. Roper's call for acquisition professionals to help him solve some of the biggest problems facing the Air Force's competitive edge. For more information on Air Force Pitch Day: <a href="https://www.afsbirsttr.af.mil/AF-Pitch-Day/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.afsbirsttr.af.mil/AF-Pitch-Day/</a> If you would like to share feedback on the podcast, please submit via thecontractingexperience@gmail.com.

The Contracting Experience - Episode 13: Air Force Pitch Day and Beyond - Dr. Will Roper

Pete Herrmann

Pete Herrmann is a program manager for the Air Force Installation Contracting Agency Business Intelligence Competency Cell. He explains what business intelligence is and how acquisition teams can use it to effectively manage costs. If you haven’t heard about tools like the Air Force Business Intelligence Tool, Procurement IQ Research Reports or the Product Service Code (PSC) prediction tool, check out this episode. Pete explains how these valuable resources can provide actionable business intelligence for acquisition teams and the Air Force.For more information on the tools discussed in this episode, check out the following sites:--AFBIT Lite: https://public.tableau.com/profile/afbit#!/--Procurement IQ Reports: http://client.procurementiq.com/processlogin.aspx?u=ecGA9Dgmi0gKf3D%2b0bKp9NWtZxiX3cH0uX5NuJQbKkU%3d&amp;p=xhPLKG%2fpZ0G%2fGKEdjWOklg%3d%3dIf you would like to share feedback on the podcast, please submit via thecontractingexperience@gmail.com.

Pete Herrmann is a program manager for the Air Force Installation Contracting Agency Business Intelligence Competency Cell. He explains what business intelligence is and how acquisition teams can use it to effectively manage costs. If you haven’t heard about tools like the Air Force Business Intelligence Tool, Procurement IQ Research Reports or the Product Service Code (PSC) prediction tool, check out this episode. Pete explains how these valuable resources can provide actionable business intelligence for acquisition teams and the Air Force. For more information on the tools discussed in this episode, check out the following sites: --AFBIT Lite: <a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/afbit#!/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://public.tableau.com/profile/afbit#!/</a> --Procurement IQ Reports: <a href="http://client.procurementiq.com/processlogin.aspx?u=ecGA9Dgmi0gKf3D%2b0bKp9NWtZxiX3cH0uX5NuJQbKkU%3d&amp;p=xhPLKG%2fpZ0G%2fGKEdjWOklg%3d%3d" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://client.procurementiq.com/processlogin.aspx?u=ecGA9Dgmi0gKf3D%2b0bKp9NWtZxiX3cH0uX5NuJQbKkU%3d&amp;p=xhPLKG%2fpZ0G%2fGKEdjWOklg%3d%3d</a> If you would like to share feedback on the podcast, please submit via thecontractingexperience@gmail.com.

The Contracting Experience - Episode 7:  What Business Intelligence Can do for You - Pete Herrmann

This episode features a continued conversation with Maj. Gen. Cameron Holt, with a focus on questions from the Air Force contracting workforce. Holt candidly addresses questions on retention of the workforce, CON-IT and information technology instability, contracting officer authorities, use of the Government Purchase Card and bringing Air Force business professionals up to the level of industry in utilizing software. Enjoy his direct and honest approach to addressing issues that impact the contracting workforce every day. And if you missed it, go back and check out Episode 7 to hear the first part of our discussion with the Air Force contracting leader.If you would like to share feedback on the podcast, please submit via thecontractingexperience@gmail.com.

This episode features a continued conversation with Maj. Gen. Cameron Holt, with a focus on questions from the Air Force contracting workforce. Holt candidly addresses questions on retention of the workforce, CON-IT and information technology instability, contracting officer authorities, use of the Government Purchase Card and bringing Air Force business professionals up to the level of industry in utilizing software. Enjoy his direct and honest approach to addressing issues that impact the contracting workforce every day. And if you missed it, go back and check out Episode 7 to hear the first part of our discussion with the Air Force contracting leader. If you would like to share feedback on the podcast, please submit via thecontractingexperience@gmail.com.

The Contracting Experience - Episode 9: Questions from the Field - Maj Gen Cameron Holt (Part 2)

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