The Contracting Experience – Détails, épisodes et analyse

In this episode of The Contracting Experience, we welcome Maj. Gen. Alice Trevino, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Contracting, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics. Trevino provides valuable updates on the 2024 Department of the Air Force Contracting Flight Plan, focusing on key accomplishments, challenges, and future objectives. She also discusses the Great Power Competition and Air Force re-optimization efforts, including the introduction of the new Integrating Senior Contracting Official role. In addition to these updates, Trevino offers a glimpse into her day-to-day life at the Pentagon, shares leadership lessons, and participates in a fun lightning-round question and answer to close out the conversation. Tune in for insightful discussions on the future of DAF contracting, as well as an inspiring look into the life of a two-star general. I-SCO – Integrating Senior Contracting Official IDO – Integration Development Office GPC – Great Power Competition DAF – Department of the Air Force LOE – Lines of Effort KR – Key Results SES – Senior Executive Service DATE – Digital Acquisition Tools Environment on Air Force Contracting Central ULO – Unliquidated Obligations BIZINT – Business Intelligence Application available via the Digital Acquisition Tools Environment (DATE) on Air Force Contracting Central 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 welcome two guests to highlight the benefits and importance of the AbilityOne Program. Marine Corps veteran and outreach coordinator Jason Michaelsen shares his experiences, struggles, and successes through the AbilityOne Program, offering a heartfelt, uplifting, and motivating testimonial. Jason's story, recently applauded at the DoD Procure-to-Pay Symposium, underscores the transformative impact of the program. Joining him is Roger Westermyer, Technical Director and AbilityOne Representative for the Air Force Installation Contracting Center. Roger demystifies the AbilityOne Program, explaining its purpose, benefits, and dispelling some common myths. Together, they discuss the program's role in tapping America’s underutilized workforce, providing unique opportunities, and enhancing the business side of contracting. Tune in to learn how contracting professionals can effectively engage with AbilityOne and make a significant difference in people's lives. Additional AbilityOne Resources: 1. The U.S. AbilityOne Commission maintains a Procurement List of thousands of AbilityOne products which must be purchased from an AbilityOne vendor. This list is maintained at https://www.abilityone.gov/procurement_list/index.html. 2. To discuss potential opportunities for AbilityOne, please reach out to opportunity@abilityone.org 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 Capt. Alicia Binggeli, Heather Carino, and Capt. Oleksandr Bakuta who are Air Force contracting professionals who have completed Education with Industry (EWI) fellowships. Alicia, Heather, and Oleksandr share their experiences working with 8VC, SpaceX, and Intel Capital. They each discuss what they found impactful during their EWI fellowships as well as how contracting professionals can start applying their lessons learned today. Acronyms: EWI – Education with Industry I2I – Insights to Industry RFP – Request for Proposal RFI – Request for Information DAU – Defense Acquisition University NSIN – National Security Innovation Network VC – Venture Capital 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 learn about the Air Force Acquisition Toolbox. There are three contracting folks that are part of this conversation. Two of the individuals are members of the SAF/AQC Operational Imperative Field Support Team, Elizabeth Midkiff and Laura Fuller, and the third person is Air Force Materiel Command Contract Data Specialist, Justin Lyles. In this conversation you’ll learn about what the Acquisition Toolbox is and how it is supported for effectiveness to assist acquisition teams in using the latest tools. You will also get insights into how you can start using the Acquisition Toolbox today to enhance your acquisitions. Acronyms: DoD – Department of Defense DAF – Department of the Air Force OT – Other Transaction AI – Artificial Intelligence NASA – National Aeronautics and Space Administration 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 Roger Westermeyer, Director of Enterprise Solutions Support at the Air Force Installation Contracting Center. Roger partnered with Defense Acquisition University to develop a course on critical thinking. He discusses how we can apply critical thinking to the acquisition process. Roger also gives insight into where you can start if you’re interested in learning more about how to better think critically. Acronyms: ASP – Acquisition Strategy Panel Defense Acquisition University Critical Thinking Course: https://rise.articulate.com/share/IoQ0U_gdvvzhaqcgMxHwKJi3_wKrvGJV#/ Foundation for Critical Thinking: https://community.criticalthinking.org/index.php The School of Thought: https://www.schoolofthought.org/ 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 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 https://www.dvidshub.net/ to access transcripts of the podcast.

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_vi98l1at If you would like to share feedback on the podcast, please submit via thecontractingexperience@gmail.com.

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: https://www.afmc.af.mil/Portals/13/AFMC%20Strat%20Plan%202023%20%28digital%20copy%29.pdf 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 https://www.dvidshub.net/ to access transcripts of the podcast.