The Contracting Experience

• 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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• The Contracting Experience - Episode 64: Providing Insight into the Small Business Administration: A Conversation with the SBA Director of Government Contracting

  In this episode, we partner with the Small Business Directorate, Air Force Materiel Command, and welcome our Small Business Co-Host, Marcy Bain, as we interview Francine Morris, Director of Government Contracting, Small Business Administration. Morris helps us understand the basics of our small business programs, SBA resources available to both the government and small businesses, and the type of work that she is doing every day in her role to help all in the acquisition world meet our mission while also encouraging maximum opportunity for small businesses. Tune in to learn about the Small Business Administration, the various small business programs, the streamlined certification process for small businesses, some myth-busting, and a plethora of resources available for both government and small businesses. SBA – Small Business Administration DoD – Department of Defense AFICC – Air Force Installation Contracting Center PCR – Procurement Center Representatives CMR – Commercial Market Representatives HubZone – Historically Underutilized Business Zone 8(a) Business Development Program- Federal contracting and training program for experienced small business owners who are socially and economically disadvantaged RFP – Request for Proposal RFI – Request for Information SOW – Statement of Work PWS – Performance Work Statement SBIR – Small Business Innovation Research GDP – Gross Domestic Product Additional SBA Resources: 1. SBA Website: https://www.sba.gov/ Includes market research and competitive advantage tips, writing business plans, calculating start up cost, and a road map to launching your business. 2. SCORE Business Mentoring: Connect with an expert through the nation's largest network of small business mentors. https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partners/score-business-mentoring 3. Office of Small Business Development Centers: The Office of Small Business Development Centers promotes entrepreneurship and small business growth through its national network of centers. https://www.sba.gov/about-sba/sba-locations/headquarters-offices/office-small-business-development-centers 4. APEX Accelerators: APEX Accelerators (formerly known as Procurement Technical Assistance Centers) provide technical assistance to businesses interested in selling products or services to federal, state, and local governments. https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/federal-contracting-assistance#id-apex-accelerators 5. First Wednesday Training for federal and DoD contracting and program offices personnel, which will provide education on the latest SBA programs, which is crucial in disseminating information and regulatory guidance to prospective small businesses that are desired to do business with the federal government. POC: [email protected] 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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