Episodes (24)

This episode of FAR & DFARS: Procurement Power breaks down the 2026 DoD class deviation 2026-O0025 that implements the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul for Part 40 and creates the new DFARS Part 240 for Information Security and Supply Chain Security. Hosts Paul Netopski and Eric Marquette explain how key cybersecurity requirements are being relocated, rewritten, and tightened—especially around safeguarding covered defense information, NIST SP 800-171 DoD Assessments, and Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). We start with the big-picture context: why the FAR overhaul is stripping out extraneous language, what a class deviation is, and how DFARS Part 240 and its PGI now consolidate rules on information security, supply chain risk, and prohibited sources. Then we zoom in on the new and revised clauses, including DFARS 252.204-7012 and the new deviation clause 252.240-7997, NIST SP 800-171 DoD Assessment Requirements, that replaces the old “basic” self-assessment model with Medium and High government-led validations. Finally, Paul and Eric walk contracting officers and defense contractors through the messy overlap period while both the “old” and “new” rules coexist. They highlight what applies to new awards versus legacy contracts, how to read solicitations that still reference older DFARS numbering, and what practical steps primes and subs should take now to prepare for more rigorous government-led assessments. If you work in federal procurement, compliance, or cybersecurity within the Defense Industrial Base, this episode will help you translate the FAR Part 40 overhaul into concrete action items for your contracts and systems.

This episode takes listeners through the federal rulemaking process, breaking it down into three essential stages: Initiation, Notice & Comment, and Finalization. We examine what can speed up or delay each phase, and spotlight where public input influences the rules that affect us all.

Eric and Paul break down contract flow downs—covering what they are, why they're critical for primes and subs, and how to approach both mandatory and non-mandatory clauses. They share targeted best practices from CohnReznick and key resources, with actionable advice for small businesses and new contractors navigating FAR and DFARS compliance.

Join Eric Marquette and Paul Netopski as they break down the newly established FAR Part 40, explore supply chain and data security regulations, and discuss their impact on federal contractors. Learn how consolidating regulations impacts compliance, enhances national security, and introduces new overhead challenges.

This episode provides a practical look at the opportunities and challenges small businesses face when entering federal government contracting. We'll share advice, highlight pros and cons, and discuss real-world pitfalls and success stories based on Small Business Administration resources.

Eric Marquette and Paul Netopski break down the major federal contract types, discussing their characteristics, when to select each, and how they impact procurement speed and complexity. The hosts also explore how FAR and DFARS requirements shape the process, highlighting strategies for balancing compliance with agility.

Eric and Paul examine how government shutdowns happen, agency preparations, furlough procedures, employee impacts, and the legislative framework behind federal shutdowns. Listen in as they unpack the chronology, federal protocols, and both operational and human dimensions of this crucial federal event.

Dive into the complexities of supply chain risks in federal procurement. We examine how these vulnerabilities are identified, mitigated, and managed through pivotal FAR and DFARS clauses. Join Eric, Ruby, and Paul as they clarify the evolving landscape of supply chain security for contractors and agencies alike.

Explore how to become a supplier or service provider for the Federal Government, including essential requirements, the major benefits of government contracting, and practical paths to team up or partner on contracts. Drawing from official resources and expert insights, this episode demystifies the journey from readiness to stellar contract performance.

This episode explores the critical differences between Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) products and Commercial Items for federal procurement. Join our hosts as they clarify definitions, share applicable FAR and DFARS clauses, and illustrate real-world examples of how these distinctions impact users and compliance strategies.

This episode unpacks the Department of Defense’s Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS), exploring how it blends diverse risk metrics—far beyond cost and cybersecurity scores—to drive procurement decisions. The hosts delve into the technical algorithms, data sources, and risk management frameworks at the core of SPRS, and discuss why modern supplier evaluations require more than just NIST SP 800-171 scores or price tags.

This episode unpacks the critical role of the order of precedence clause in the FAR, revealing why it matters for federal contracting professionals negotiating with prime and sub-contractors. Through practical scenarios, the hosts explore how understanding and applying this order defuses conflicts over terms and enables smarter negotiations when certain T&Cs just don’t fit.

Dive into the world of limited data rights under DFARS 252.227-7025, exploring how contractors handle government-furnished data, the restrictions involved, and the practical implications for suppliers and support contractors. The team unpacks the nuances of marking legends, disclosure rules, and the importance of compliance.

In this episode, we unpack the landscape of Federal Acquisition Regulations, who they apply to, and explore powerful tools like the ARC and Smart Matrix. The team dives into how these resources streamline compliance and decision-making for procurement professionals. Learn which tools best fit your agency or contracting scenario.

This episode explores the crucial considerations for businesses thinking about supplying goods and services to the U.S. Federal government. We discuss the benefits, major risks, and hidden costs—from cybersecurity mandates to contract compliance and accounting requirements. Hear from our hosts how getting into the defense sector isn't a decision to take lightly.

This episode dives into the Federal cybersecurity requirements all DoD contractors must understand, including prohibitions on certain technologies, the CMMC framework, and the assessment process for compliance. Our hosts break down the legal clauses, practical impacts, and real-world implementation challenges for suppliers and contractors.

Explore the implications and process of the groundbreaking overhaul of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) under the new executive order. Hosts Eric, Ruby, and Paul break down deregulation steps, the rise of Strategic Acquisition Guidance, and what it means for government buyers and vendors.

Eric, Ruby, and Paul break down the sweeping reforms coming to defense acquisition, from the Adaptive Acquisition Framework’s multiple pathways to the bold policies of Executive Order 14265. They explore the current system, highlight major changes ahead, and discuss how small businesses and commercial tech will play a bigger role. Discover what this all means for program managers and the future of defense procurement.

Dive into the essentials of federal cybersecurity incident response for contractors. Eric and Ruby break down key protocols, reporting requirements, and why compliance is more critical than ever. Get practical examples and expert insights on keeping your federal contracts secure.

Dive into the essentials of data protection in government procurement, focusing on contract clauses, legal frameworks, and operational challenges. Eric and Ruby explore the key elements that ensure compliance and security in the evolving landscape of federal and defense acquisitions.

This episode breaks down the FAR and DFARS framework, including exemptions, flow-down responsibilities, and the risks of misapplied terms. From compliance checklists to real-world case studies, we cover strategies for guiding subcontractors and negotiating favorable terms. Learn how to navigate today's challenging contracting landscape with confidence and clarity.