The Contracting Experience

• The Contracting Experience - Episode 69: More than contracting - Maj. Gen. Alice Trevino on leadership, service, and the importance of "THINK"

  This special episode of The Contracting Experience bids farewell to Maj. Gen. Alice Trevino, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Contracting, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics. Trevino reflects on her accomplishments, particularly her focus on alignment, prioritization, and simplification, and shares insights on empowering contracting professionals by giving them a seat at the table. She stresses the importance of integration across the Air Force and Space Force and expresses her confidence in her successor, Brig. Gen. Lance French. Trevino shares invaluable life lessons, including a story about not getting her "dream job" and how that ultimately led to even better opportunities. She emphasizes the importance of flexibility, decision space, and maintaining an open mind in the face of change. She also offers parting words of wisdom, urging listeners to "THINK" before acting – ensuring their actions are True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, and Kind. Tune in to hear Trevino's reflections on her career, her advice for the next generation of contracting professionals, and her plans for retirement. Discover the insights and experiences that shaped her leadership and left a lasting legacy on the Air Force contracting community. If you would like to share feedback on the podcast, please submit via [email protected]. Register at https://www.dvidshub.net/ to access transcripts of the podcast.

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• The Contracting Experience - Episode 68: From Data to Digital: Transforming Air Force Acquisition with contracting and finance data specialists

  This episode of The Contracting Experience dives into the evolving landscape of data utilization within the Air Force, featuring Jon McGugin from the Air Force Materiel Command's Contracting Digital Division and Teresa Frank, the Cost and Economics Division Chief in AFMC's Financial Management Directorate. Jon and Teresa explore the advancements of the Contract Data Specialist position, building on its introduction in Episode #47, and discuss the parallel development of similar data-focused roles in the financial management community. They highlight the strategic importance of leveraging acquisition data for data-driven decisions and discuss the training initiatives supporting these roles. They also touch upon the collaborative spirit fostered through initiatives like the Financial Management Data Analytics Steering Group. The conversation focuses on how data and technology drive efficiency and improve decision-making. The success of the ULO tool within PMRT showcases linking contracting and finance data. Jon highlights the role of the Digital Acquisition Tools Environment in showcasing and sharing digital tools. They also discuss leveraging NIPRGPT, AcqBot, and the Contracting Robotic Process Automation Bot Warehouse. Tune in to discover how the Contract Data Specialist and Financial Data Analytics initiatives are reshaping the Air Force's approach to acquisition and financial management. Learn how these data-driven strategies are empowering the workforce, streamlining processes, and ultimately, contributing to a more effective and efficient Air Force. The episode also explores the innovative tools and technologies being leveraged, including AI and RPA, and offers insights into how these advancements are paving the way for a digital transformation across the entire Department of the Air Force. Digital Tools and Resources (CAC Required): PMRT: Project Management Resource Tools https://pmrt.cce.af.mil/portal/login Home of PKnowledge Board, ULO Tool, AFBIT, and more! ULO – Unliquidated Obligations AFBIT – Air Force Business Intelligence Tool DATE: Digital Acquisition Tools Environment https://usaf.dps.mil/sites/AFCC/Centralized_Tools/Lists/Existing%20Tools/NewAll.aspx Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Warehouse https://usaf.dps.mil/teams/AFMC-Contracting/PK/SitePages/RPA.aspx NIPRgpt - https://niprgpt.mil/ AcqBot - https://acqbot.niprgpt.mil/ If you would like to share feedback on the podcast, please submit via [email protected]. Register at https://www.dvidshub.net/ to access transcripts of the podcast.

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• The Contracting Experience - Episode 68: Tackling the toil, putting minutes on mission - An AI outlook in Air Force Acquisition – Part 2

  In this second installment of our conversation with Alexis Bonnell, we explore more practical applications of AI for the acquisition workforce. In this episode, Bonnell demystifies the concept of "prompt engineering," explaining how crafting effective questions is crucial to getting the most out of AI tools. We also get an inside look at AcqBot, AFRL's AI-powered contract writing assistant. Bonnell discusses how this tool is designed to honor and respect the expertise of acquisition professionals, serving as a collaborative partner to streamline the contract development process. Finally, Bonnell tackles the challenge of information overload, a reality for everyone in today's fast-paced world. She explains how AI can help us make sense of the massive amount of data we encounter daily, leading to better and faster decision-making. Tune in for insights on how to embrace AI and leverage its power to navigate the complexities of Air Force acquisition.

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• The Contracting Experience - Episode 66

  The Contracting Experience - Episode 66

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• The Contracting Experience - Episode 65: Commercial Solutions Opening Center of Excellence

  In this episode of The Contracting Experience, we sit down with Elizabeth Midkiff and Kori McNabb from the Secretary of the Air Force/Acquisition Policy Division, and Brittany Harris from the Air Force Installation Contracting Center, to discuss the new Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) Center of Excellence within the Acquisition Toolbox on Air Force Contracting Central. The CSO Center of Excellence is a one-stop shop for resources and guidance on using CSOs, a solicitation method that allows companies to propose innovative, commercial solutions to meet mission requirements or fill capability gaps. Our guests share their insights and experiences with CSOs, including success stories and best practices, and walk us through the resources available in the Center of Excellence. Tune in to learn about the benefits of using CSOs, and how the CSO Center of Excellence can help acquisition teams navigate the process and obtain valuable resources and guidance to get the most out of this innovative solicitation method. The conversation also touches on topics such as industry engagement, pricing, and the future of CSOs in the Air Force and Department of Defense. The CSO Center of Excellence provides a wealth of resources, including template and example documents, best practices and lessons learned, and a team spotlight section that highlights successful CSO implementations. Our guests also discuss the importance of education and training in increasing the use of CSOs and share their vision for the future of the Center of Excellence. CSO – Commercial Solutions Opening CoE – Center of Excellence SAF/AQCP - Secretary of the Air Force/Acquisition Policy Division AFICC - Air Force Installation Contracting Center CAC - Common Access Card R&D - Research and Development FAR - Federal Acquisition Regulation If you would like to share feedback on the podcast, please submit via [email protected]. Register at https://www.dvidshub.net/ to access transcripts of the podcast.

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