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    The Contracting Experience

    The Contracting Experience

    Audio | Air Force Materiel Command

    About

    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.



    Episodes


    • The Contracting Experience - Episode 62: Contracting is a team sport - a conversation with Tony Everidge

      In this episode of The Contracting Experience, we are joined by Tony Everidge, Executive Director, Air Force Installation Contracting Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, where he helps lead a team of over 750 acquisition professionals who manage a $55 billion contract portfolio.

      Tune in as Everidge shares his insights, drawing on his days of playing collegiate and semi-professional basketball. He discusses how those experiences taught him valuable life lessons—like... read more

      11/05/2024


    • The Contracting Experience - Episode 61: Education with Industry - Insights from the 2023/2024 Fellowships

      In this episode, we are joined by Capt. Ariel Parker and Senior Master Sgt. Ryan Ledford, two Air Force contracting professionals fresh off their fellowships in the Education with Industry (EWI) program. Parker and Ledford discuss their impactful experiences working with a start-up company and a non-profit tech accelerator. They offer insights into how their time with industry can benefit contracting professionals and provide practical lessons that listeners can apply in their daily... read more

      10/08/2024


    • The Contracting Experience - Episode 60: Setting the Tone at the Top – A Conversation with Maj. Gen. Trevino

      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... read more

      09/12/2024


    • The Contracting Experience - Episode 59: Providing Insight into the AbilityOne Program

      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... read more

      08/19/2024


    • The Contracting Experience - Episode 58: A conversation with Tom Wells: ‘Good enough for government work’

      In this episode of The Contracting Experience, we sit down with Tom Wells, a retired member of the Senior Executive Service with over 35 years of Air Force acquisition experience. Wells has held positions such as Director of Contracting, Air Force Materiel Command, and Director, 711th Human Performance Wing, Air Force Research Laboratory. Currently, he serves as Vice President and Senior Associate at Dayton Aerospace, providing senior-level support and acquisition training for both... read more

      07/17/2024


    • The Contracting Experience - Episode 57: A Conversation with the Air Force Office of Special Investigation

      In this episode, we sit down with Special Agent Chris Graham, Director of Operations, Procurement Fraud Detachment, Air Force Office of Special Investigation, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Special Agent Graham discusses the history and mission of AFOSI, his role in investigating procurement fraud, and the daily life of a Special Agent. He talks about "finding the lie" and "following the money," as well as the Procurement Fraud Triangle, which consists of pressure, rationalization,... read more

      07/01/2024


    • The Contracting Experience - Episode 56: The Program Manager Perspective

      This episode of The Contracting Experience features Shane Boulware, Program Manager, for Airborne Warning and Control System E-3 Modernization Branch, Hanscom Air Force Base. In addition to his full-time civilian job, Boulware is also a reservist in the contracting career field at the Defense Contract Management Agency, National Capital Region. Boulware offers insights into the similarities and differences between the two career fields and emphasizes the importance of their collaboration... read more

      06/14/2024


    • The Contracting Experience - Episode 55: Generations in the Workplace

      This episode of The Contracting Experience features Andrea Edmonds, a certified training instructor at the 88th Force Support Squadron, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Edmonds teaches several courses addressing generational differences in the workplace. In this episode, she discusses the origins and key takeaways of her course, explaining the characteristics and dynamics of the various generations currently in the workforce. Edmonds addresses common challenges and misperceptions... read more

      05/21/2024


    • The Contracting Experience - Episode 54: Introducing the new AFMC Contracting Technical Director

      This episode of The Contracting Experience features a discussion with Robin Harrah, the new Contracting Technical Director at the Air Force Materiel Command. Harrah discusses her previous contracting assignments and explains her new role as the Technical Director. As the former Chief of Contracts for Special Projects, Harrah shares her passion for working in the vault and clarifies several misperceptions about working in a controlled environment. Harrah also offers some solid career advice... read more

      04/29/2024


    • The Contracting Experience - Episode 53: A discussion on artificial intelligence

      This episode of The Contracting Experience focuses on artificial Intelligence with guest Lt. Col. Dan Finkenstadt, an officer in the Air Force Contracting Force Development division. Finkenstadt holds a PhD from UNC Chapel Hill and served as a professor at the Naval Post Graduate School for the three years. In this episode, Finkenstadt describes the relationships between Artificial Intelligence, Bots, Machine Learning and Large Language Models while offering use cases, benefits, and risks... read more

      03/26/2024


    • The Contracting Experience - Episode 52: Women-Owned Small Businesses and the Connection to Mission

      The Contracting Experience Podcast partnered with the Air Force Materiel Command’s Small Business Directorate to interview two business leaders of women-owned small businesses who have successfully entered the Department of the Air Force market and demonstrated their capabilities and commitment to the Air Force mission. They are Jaqueline Gamblin, Chief Executive Officer of JYG Innovations, and Lisa Coker, Chief Executive Officer of Infinite Management Solutions.

      The Department of the... read more

      02/26/2024


    • The Contracting Experience - Episode 51: The Great Power Competition and Air Force Contracting

      In this episode of The Contracting Experience podcast we sit down with Head of Air Force Contracting, Maj. Gen .Alice Trevino. Trevino talks about the Great Power Competition and what contracting’s role will be in optimizing the Air Force towards this mission. She also addresses where we are going with digital transformation in Air Force Acquisition and some of the top initiatives contracting professionals can get involved with in 2024. Trevino also advises the workforce on her top areas... read more

      01/17/2024


    • The Contracting Experience - Episode 50: Education With Industry

      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 –... read more

      11/20/2023


    • The Contracting Experience - Episode 49: Acquisition Toolbox – Elizabeth Midkiff, Laura Fuller, Justin Lyles

      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... read more

      10/11/2023


    • The Contracting Experience - Episode 48: Critical Thinking – Roger Westermeyer

      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... read more

      08/18/2023


    • The Contracting Experience Episode 47: Contract Data Specialist Positions

      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.

      07/07/2023


    • The Contracting Experience - Episode 46: Career Perspective – Col. 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... read more

      06/12/2023


    • The Contracting Experience - Episode 45: Contracting Conversations: A Defense Acquisition University 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... read more

      04/26/2023


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

      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 -... read more

      03/14/2023


    • The Contracting Experience - Episode 43: CON-IT Update

      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.

      02/16/2023


    • The Contracting Experience - Episode 42 Alignment, Prioritization & Simplification

      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... read more

      12/29/2022


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

      AFMC/PK Podcast Episode 41: Follow-up: Collaborating with Industry -
      Chelsea Fulham & 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... read more

      11/29/2022


    • The Contracting Experience - Episode 40: Sharpen the Claw

      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... read more

      10/12/2022


    • The Contracting Experience - Episode 39: The Ghost Program

      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... read more

      08/30/2022


    • The Contracting Experience - Episode 38: Establishing Something New

      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.... read more

      06/22/2022


    • The Contracting Experience - Episode 37: Taming Task Lists, A Special Coaching Episode

      In this episode, Certified Professional Coach and host, Amber Pecoraro, talks about a topic that she has worked on with Contracting Supervisors:
      taming task lists/to-do lists.

      Is your task list/to-do list making you feel guilty and like you are constantly behind, rather than helping you be effective and efficient in your job? If so, this episode is for you. Amber gives you strategies to help your task list work for you, instead of you working for your task list.

      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.

      05/24/2022


    • The Contracting Experience - Episode 36: Collaborating with Industry

      In this episode, we sit down with Chelsea Fuhlam and Abby Doorn who are Air Force Contracting professionals doing 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 can take better advantage of opportunities to collaborate with industry to meet its goals.

      As part of their EWI capstone project, Chelsea and Abby are working with... read more

      04/27/2022


    • The Contracting Experience - Episode 35: Digital Engineering via the Leadership Log Podcast

      In this episode, we feature another great Air Force Materiel Command podcast. It is Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s podcast, The AFLCMC Leadership Log. The podcast has over 75 episodes and covers a variety of topics like, what’s happening at the Rapid Sustainment Office, Civilian Developmental Education, cyber resiliency and perspectives from Air Force Leadership.

      In this episode, we feature the Leadership Log’s episode #40 on Digital Engineering. It is important for... read more

      03/28/2022


    • The Contracting Experience - Episode 34: Accelerating Commander’s Initiatives – Kimberly Norman and Barbaralee Mariano Kelleher

      This episode features Air Force Materiel Command's Commander's Initiatives Group Director Kimberly Norman, and Procurement Analyst Barbaralee Mariano Kelleher, who discuss the AFMC CDX office and how it is accelerating innovation initiatives. They talk about what CDX’s mission is and the progress that has been made through the AFMC We Need initiative. In addition, the ladies share how the AFMC workforce can engage with CDX to get additional resources and help solve problems out in the field.

      Acronyms:
      AFMC – Air Force Materiel Command

      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.

      01/18/2022


    • The Contracting Experience - Episode 33: CON-IT Transition – Jay Olson

      In this episode, we sit down with Chief of the Contracting Business Systems Division under the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary (Contracting), Jay Olson. Olson talks about the transition from Air Force contract writing system ConWrite to CON-IT. This episode gives important information to all members of the acquisition team on what they should expect in preparation for and transition to the new CON-IT system. Olson also introduces the ConWrite Transition Plan which can be found by... read more

      11/19/2021


    • The Contracting Experience - Episode 32: Digital Transformation – Kyle Hurst

      In this episode, we sit down with the Department of the Air Force Digital Transformation Office Chief, Kyle Hurst. Hurst talks about the mission of the Digital Transformation Office and why it’s so important for the Air Force to automate unnecessary manual processes and transform digitally in order to compete with near peer adversaries. He also shares what everyday Airmen can do to contribute to this immediate challenge facing the Air Force.

      Acronyms:
      AFMC – Air Force Materiel Command
      DAF – Department of the Air Force

      Air Force Public Digital Guide: https://wss.apan.org/af/aflcmc/

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

      10/14/2021


    • The Contracting Experience - Episode 31: The Acquisition Instructor Course

      In this episode, we talk to the Commandant of the Acquisition Instructor Course or AQIC, Col. Steve Smith. The Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force directed the establishment of an advanced acquisition career field training course developed in partnership with the United States Air Force Weapons School. This unique opportunity for United States Air Force and United States Space Force acquisition professionals aligns with the Force Modernization Talent Management Framework to develop broadly... read more

      07/19/2021


    • The Contracting Experience - Episode 30: Education with Industry: Venture Investing

      This episode of The Contracting Experience podcast features Capt. John Diekel, an Air Force active duty contracting officer currently assigned to Data Collective Venture Capital (DCVC) & Gothams as an Air Force Institute of Technology Education With Industry Fellow. At DCVC, Diekel executes due diligence of startups with dual-use technologies vying for venture capital funding. Simultaneously, Diekel helps startups with dual-use technologies navigate the Department of Defense acquisition... read more

      06/23/2021


    • The Contracting Experience -- Episode 29: The Future of Air Force Contracting – Maj. Gen. Cameron Holt

      This episode of the podcast features the head of Air Force Contracting, Maj. Gen. Cameron Holt. Holt talks about the extraordinary response of Air Force Contracting during the COVID-19 Pandemic. He also addresses the work focused on the Lines of Effort within the Air Force Contracting Flight Plan and how these efforts are setting up the contracting unit of the future. He also has some big ideas that, if implemented, will revolutionize the way the Air Force conducts business.

      04/15/2021


    • The Contracting Experience - Episode 28: Commercial Benchmarking

      On this episode of The Contracting Experience podcast we sit down with Cost/Price Analyst Shannon Prince to discuss commercial benchmarking. Shannon was on a Government benchmarking team that visited five commercial companies from July 2018 to February 2019 to explore what purchasing and pricing strategies commercial businesses use to acquire commercial items and services. Shannon shares what lessons were learned from engaging with the companies and how those lessons can be transferred into... read more

      03/01/2021


    • The Contracting Experience - Episode 27: Acquisition & Deployments – Maj. Randall Mullen

      On this episode of The Contracting Experience podcast, we welcome Maj. Randall Mullen to share his experiences with deployments in support of the United States military. Mullen discusses what he did to prepare for deployments and what missions he supported. He also shares tough challenges he faced, successes he had with his teams, and how his deployments have shaped his outlook as a leader in the Air Force.

      Acronyms:
      OCSIC – Operational Contract Support Integration Cell
      CJTF – Combined Joint Task Force

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

      01/14/2021


    • The Contracting Experience - Episode 26: Richard Delisio, Procurement Technical Assistance Center Specialist

      This episode of The Contracting Experience podcast features Ohio Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) Specialist Rich Delisio. There are 94 PTACs, with over 300 local offices, that form a nationwide network of dedicated procurement professionals working to help local businesses compete successfully in the government marketplace. PTACs are the bridge between buyer and supplier, bringing to bear their knowledge of both government contracting and the capabilities of contractors to... read more

      09/23/2020


    • The Contracting Experience - Episode 24: Spark Tank Finalists

      Spark Tank is an annual competition put on by AFWERX where Airmen "pitch" innovative ideas to top Air Force leadership and a panel of industry experts. This episode we sit-down with six of the Airmen who pitched their ideas at the Air Force Association’s Air Warfare Symposium in Orlando, FL, in February 2020.

      These Airmen are solving Air Force problems using solutions like: robotic process automation, portable magnetic aircraft covers, C-17 loading aids, low cost threat emitter... read more

      04/16/2020


    • The Contracting Experience - Episode 25: AFWERX Director – Dr. Brian “Beam” Maue

      AFWERX was established in 2017 by the Secretary of the Air Force to be a catalyst for agile Air Force engagement across industry, academia, and non-traditional contributors to create transformative opportunities and foster an Air Force culture of innovation. On this episode, we welcome AFWERX Director, Dr. Brian “Beam” Maue to the podcast to talk about the AFWERX mission and how the organization interacts with its stakeholders. Maue discusses how AFWERX thinks about Agile Contracting and... read more

      04/16/2020


    • The Contracting Experience - Episode 23: Civilian Developmental Education

      This episode of the podcast highlights the training and development opportunities open to civilian employees through the Civilian Developmental Education and Civilian Strategic Leader Programs. Applications opened Jan. 13, 2020 and close for boarded programs on Feb. 7 and non-boarded programs Feb. 28. This episode identifies things to consider when applying for CDE or leadership training regardless of when you choose to apply.

      The first part of the episode features Heidi Bullock, Air... read more

      01/28/2020


    • The Contracting Experience - Episode 22: AFLCMC Pitch Day - Ryan Helbach and 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 & 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... read more

      01/16/2020


    • The Contracting Experience - Episode 21: More on Industrial Security - Joyce Pappas

      On this episode of The Contracting Experience we welcome back previous guest to the podcast, Joyce Pappas, who is an Industrial Security Program Manager at the Information Protection office, Air Force Materiel Command Headquarters. This episode will look at Industrial Security from a small business and Defense Contractor point of view. Check out Episode 6 to get refreshed on this important subject on the “Industrial Security Explained” episode. Enjoy!

      Defense Counterintelligence... read more

      12/18/2019


    • The Contracting Experience Podcast - Episode 20: Air Force Installation Contracting Center – Brig. Gen. Alice Trevino

      This episode features Air Force Installation Contracting Center Commander, Brig. Gen. Alice Trevino. Trevino talks about AFICC’s mission and how she encourages her teams to be “Change Agents”. She is an active promoter of continuous learning and development of the acquisition workforce and emphasizes the importance of communication at all levels. Trevino is a gracious supporter of the podcast and shares her vision on critical thinking, failing and learning fast, and empowering the... read more

      11/13/2019


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

      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... read more

      10/15/2019


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

      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... read more

      09/11/2019


    • The Contracting Experience - Episode 17: Startup Innovation Fellowship with Eric Horan, Decisive Point Co-founder

      The next two episodes of the podcast will focus on the Startup Innovation Fellowship program that podcast host, Amber Pecoraro, completed in June. The Startup Innovation Fellowship program is run by National Security Innovation Network and provides military and civilian employees with 4-15 years of experience an opportunity to embed with a startup company to explore a command issue for six weeks.

      Amber was matched with the startup company, Decisive Point, in Washington D.C. which works... read more

      08/22/2019


    • The Contracting Experience - Episode 16: Jacob Kolb and Dustin Tatum on C-17 Training Systems Fair Opportunity Selection

      This episode features a team that changed the way training systems and support were being competed in the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s Simulators Program Office. Program Manager Jacob Kolb and Contracting Officer Dustin Tatum led the C-17 Training Systems acquisition team in its use of Federal Acquisition Regulation 16.5 Fair Opportunity Selection procedures for a program valued over $900 million. They discuss how they tailored their selection criteria for a best value decision... read more

      07/25/2019


    • The Contracting Experience - Episode 15: Defense Contract Management Agency

      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... read more

      06/20/2019


    • The Contracting Experience - Episode 14: Services Acquisitions - Nancy Andrews

      Services Acquisitions make up approximately 50% of the Air Force expenditures. A significant amount of that spend is for specialized services outside of the Weapon System Program Offices that are overseen by the Program Executive Office Combat and Mission Support. These services range from support of test operations, design and engineering, and technical data to support of facility services of our bases and emergency services to forward deployed locations.

      Nancy Andrews is the Program... read more

      05/22/2019


    • The Contracting Experience - Episode 13: Air Force Pitch Day and Beyond - Dr. 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... read more

      05/01/2019


    • The Contracting Experience - Episode 12: Supply Chain Risk Management

      SCRM stands for Supply Chain Risk Management. Supply chain risk is not just part of another government acronym. It is a critical risk that needs to be managed as part of our national security. In this episode, we sit-down with Trixie Brewer who is the Mission Readiness Supervisor in Air Force Materiel Command’s Logistics Directorate. Trixie provides candid insight into the integral part we as acquisition professionals play in the important job of managing supply chain risk. If you’re... read more

      04/09/2019


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

      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... read more

      03/14/2019


    • The Contracting Experience - Episode 10: Air Force Contracting Roundtable

      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... read more

      02/21/2019


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

      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.”... read more

      02/04/2019


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

      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... read more

      02/04/2019


    • The Contracting Experience - Episode 7: What Business Intelligence Can do for You - 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... read more

      01/09/2019


    • The Contracting Experience - Episode 6: Industrial Security Explained - Joyce Pappas

      Joyce Pappas is an Industrial Security Program Manager at the Air Force Materiel Command Information Protection office. In this episode of The Contracting Experience, Pappas demystifies industrial security and explains why it is important for acquisition professionals to understand how it impacts contracts.

      Does industrial security seem daunting or confusing? What is a DD Form 254, and when should you have one in your contract? What resources can you go to for help regarding industrial... read more

      12/19/2018


    • The Contracting Experience - Episode 5: Speed in Competitive Acquisitions - Brian Morris

      On this episode we are joined by Brian Morris, a procurement analyst on the Air Force Contracting field support team. He talks about ways the field support team can help competitive acquisition teams through training and guidance on competitive selection strategies. He discusses the focus on speed and gives advice on how teams can set themselves up for success in competitive acquisitions.

      Enjoy the conversation, and consider how resources like Brian and some of the more experienced... read more

      11/28/2018


    • The Contracting Experience - Episode 4: Influential Leadership in Air Force Contracting - Col Damian Wilborne

      Col. Damian Wilborne is Deputy Director, Air Force Materiel Command Contracting Directorate, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Wilborne is an engaging guest and passionate about leadership, and this passion shines throughout the podcast. Wilborne provides insight into his leadership philosophies and talks about how he applies these philosophies in the contracting career field. He talks about "drinking tea" and how that relates to what he learned while working outside of the continental U.S. for more than eight years. Wilborne also encourages everyone to seek out mentoring relationships as both a mentor and a mentee.

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

      Enjoy!

      11/07/2018


    • The Contracting Experience - Episode 1: Speed of Relevance and Agile Contracting - Heidi Bullock

      In this first episode of “The Contracting Experience,” podcast host, Amber Pecoraro, talks about why the Air Force Materiel Command Contracting Directorate is launching a podcast with Heidi Bullock, the contracting director. Bullock is a member of the Senior Executive Service and leads the diverse team of professionals at AFMC working to provide solutions for Air Force needs. She gives insights into her career experience in the Air Force and addresses the role contracting professionals... read more

      10/17/2018


    • The Contracting Experience - Episode 3: Notes to New Contracting Officers – Bob Bochenek

      Are you a new contracting officer, or are you in the process of becoming a contracting officer? This episode is the first in a series of episodes on notes to new contracting officers. We will talk with seasoned and new contracting officers about what they wish they would have known when they first started out as contracting officers and advice and insights they can share with the folks out in the field. In the first episode of “Notes to New Contracting Officers,” host Amber Pecoraro sits... read more

      10/17/2018


    • The Contracting Experience - Episode 2: Rollout! – CON-IT is Here – Daniel Parish

      Daniel Parish is the Contracting Systems Branch Chief in the Process Management Division, Air Force Materiel Command Contracting Directorate, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Parish has functional oversight over the contracting business systems and helps to ensure those systems support the nearly 4,000 contracting professionals across AFMC. In addition, he is one of the lead functional subject matter experts in the development of the new contract management system – CON-IT. Parish... read more

      10/17/2018