We are a deskbound bunch, shackled once by typewriters and then desktop computers. This is changing. This transformation started with a BlackBerry penetrating the government, and now iPhones, Android phones and iPads are making headway. People say that the mobile workforce will be something new; in reality, it’s something old. It was this way beforeRead… Read more »
Okay, so recently I was told about a show called Tabatha’s Salon Takeover. Tabatha takes over a failing salon, shapes up management, then leaves. Finally, she randomly checks in later to see if the lessons stick. I find this interesting. What if a new HCA came in for 2 weeks and did what Tabtha didRead… Read more »
Contracting folks get a lot of training… But one of the things I just don’t hear a lot about is improved requirements training. People writing Statements of Work aren’t stupid; they’re often highly intelligent. Still, I don’t hear requirements writers spouting off FAR Part 11 — Describing Agency Needs. In fact, requirements writers are oftenRead… Read more »
I hear this a lot: “I only do FFP, so I don’t need to know cost reimbursement contracts”. When I hear that, my stomach turns over. You may not need to know that now, but you don’t know where you’ll be in the future. (Plus I just like learning). I wouldn’t want to work forRead… Read more »
Posting Price Negotiation Memos (PNMs) to a secure government database — I love it. Scuttlebutt has it DOD is working on this. I don’t know much else beyond that. Still, an informal (and unscientific) survey in a CON 217 class turned up massive skepticism, even rejection, mostly because of proprietary info. This is a legitimateRead… Read more »
The power you have as a contracting officer (KO) or even the contract specialist is more than just the authority of the FAR; you have reputation power. “The CO said you can do that”; “The CO said you can’t do that.” That’s a lot of power because it can mean not using a small businessRead… Read more »
My friends came up with these, so I can’t take credit. Still they’re just way too much fun not to post. Some of my favorites are… Nobody else can do what I do. I’ll call you in the morning. You are my first. That really is my number. Baby, we’re on a firm-fixed-price. AND That’sRead… Read more »
Take a look at the photo. Look odd? Well, it still brought value. At a recent Young Government Leaders meeting, we had two people calling in by phone. Unfortunately, each phone could only support one call. We had a problem, but we solved it. We put the phones next to each other. The people wereRead… Read more »
“There hasn’t been an original thought in the Pentagon for 20 years because everyone relies on copy/paste.” While it’s half in jest, I think there’s some merit to this. Do you think this statement is accurate? Permalink | Leave a comment » Original post
An Open Letter to DOD, Release your guides like the Defense Acquisition Guidebook and DOD IP Guide in ebook formats. Ebook sales now outpace hardback sales on Amazon. The times are changing and so should the release of DOD guide formats. Yes, I can download the information as a PDF, but that’s a pain becauseRead… Read more »