Off the Shelf

This week on Off the Shelf, Moshe Schwartz, president of Etherton & Associates, joins host Roger Waldron to discuss the geopolitical landscape facing the nation and how it driving defense acquisition policy reform. Schwartz shares his insights on procurement, logistical and supply chain challenges and opportunities driving the Department of War’s (DoW’s) restructuring/reform of acquisition operations. He also highlights some under the radar provisions of the NDAA, and dissects the readiness challenge facing DoW, sharing his insight the key management changes that are improving readiness along with what more can be done.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Off the Shelf, Bill Gormley, president of the Gormley Group, and Alan Thomas, founder of Alpha Tango Strategies, recap the 2025 year in federal procurement and look ahead to 2026.  Gormley and Thomas cover a host of topics, including the impact of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the RFO, consolidation efforts at GSA, the cancellation of CIO-SP4, and the GSA Reseller Request for Information (RFI). They also share their thoughts and analysis on the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO) with the formal rulemaking looming in 2026. Finally Gormley and Thomas discuss the establishment of the Office of Centralized Acquisition Services (OCAS) in GSA’s Federal Acquisition Service. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Off the Shelf, Ken Dodds, executive vice president and general counsel for Coalition for Common Sense in Government Procurement, joins host Roger Waldron to discuss some of the most important small business rules impacting procurement. In the wake of the Department of War’s memo on pass-throughs and reviewing set-asides over $20 million, Dodds shares his insights on framework and limitations on subcontracting under small business set-asides contracts and the government’s corresponding focus when reviewing subcontracts under set-asides and want constitutes a potential pass-through situation. He provides the nuances inherit in these rules that play an understated role in management of small business programs.  Finally Dodds gives his thoughts on a host of current procurement topics, including GSA’s Reseller RFI, commercial practices and the RFO.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Off the Shelf, Brian Friel from BD Squared, addresses the state of governmentwide contracting. Friel gives a postmortem on CIO-SP4 including lessons learned and pitfalls to avoid when utilizing a self-scoring evaluation model. He also gives an update on OASIS+ and the IT GWACs, including NASA SEWP VI, POLARSIS, Alliant 3, and highlights the Alliant’s programs major step forward in announcing the first set of awardees. Other topics included the impact of the RFO on governmentwide contracting, including the new FAR Part 8’s framework for mandatory contracts, and FAR Part 16’s revision that allows Blanket Purchase Agreements under Multiple Award contracts other than the Schedules.Finally, Friel gives his thoughts on OASIS+ and the Army’s MAPS procurement.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joanne Woytek, NASA SEWP program director, joins Off the Shelf to discuss the performace of the NASA SEWP V contract over the past decade.She provides an overview of the program's key metrics, including customer profile, current year and overall performance, types, and scope of mission support for customer agencies. Woytek also discusses the role of data -- explaining how NASA SEWP supports customer agencies through procurement data collection and analysis, and she gives an update on NASA SEWP VI.  The evolution of technology and the NASA SEWP approach to meeting customer needs are another discussion topic.  Finally, Woytek shares her thoughts on the keys to management success in leading the program for over two decades. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Off the Shelf, Jessica Tillipman, associate Dean for Government Procurement Law at The George Washington University Law School, grades the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO) and outlines the risks and opportunities of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in government procurement operations. Tillipman gives her assessment of the RFO, highlighting key changes and the overall impact. Listen in to hear her grades and analysis of the RFO! She also provides a tutorial understanding AI architecture through a “Wedding Cake” model.Finally, Tillipman discusses the key procurement policy considerations surrounding the use of AI, including addressing potential conflicts of interest, ensuring protection of data, and fostering competition. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Zach Terwilliger and Alex Canizares, partners with Vinson & Elkins, join Off the Shelf, for a wide-ranging discussion of the current compliance environment for government contractors.Terwilliger discusses current Department of Justice priorities relating to criminal and civil enforcement and what government contractors should be focusing on. He and Canizares also provide their insights regarding the Trump administration’s approach to the False Claims Act highlighting the interplay with procurement polices like CMMC. The duo also shares their thoughts regarding the administration’s Civil Rights Fraud initiative and its implications for contractors.Terwilliger and Canizares also share key FCA trends and provide their best practices for compliance. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Off the Shelf, Rob Burton, partner at Crowell & Moring LLP, provides his insights and analysis of the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO), the ongoing restructuring of procurement operations across government, and the implications and opportunities for government contractors.Burton shares his thoughts on key RFO changes, including the new MAS ordering procedures, FAR Part 19, and the FAR Part 12 changes. He also offers a clear, concise, and compelling outline of the goals for the RFO and the move to consolidate procurement operations across government.   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Emily Murphy, CEO and founder of Government Procurement Strategies (GPS), joins Off the Shelf for a wide-ranging discussion on the state of the federal procurement market.  As a former GSA Administrator, Murphy shares her keen insights regarding the Trump administration’s re-engineering and re-structuring of federal procurement. She highlights the administration’s overarching policy and operational goals including, but not limited to, increasing efficiency, reducing operational costs, and increasing access to the commercial market and commercial solutions.Topics include the consolidation of procurement operations at GSA, how GSA is responding to its expanded role and the progress and potential impact of the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO). For example, Murphy addresses the significant changes to FAR Part 8 of the FAR. Finally, Murphy shares her thoughts on key management principles for government leaders.   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ken Dodds, executive vice president, and general counsel at the Coalition for Common Sense in Government Procurement, joins Off the Shelf for a wide-ranging discussion of the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO). Dodds shares his analysis and insights on how the RFO will shape the federal procurement market, and gives his thoughts on the rewrites of key FAR Parts, including Parts 8, 12, and 19. He also looks to the formal rule-making process that will kick off in FY26, highlighting the importance of strong public engagement.Finally, Dodds discusses small business opportunities in the federal procurement market.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jason Workmaster, member at Miller Chevalier, joins Off the Shelf for a “shut down” 101. Workmaster shares best practices for contract management for contractors impacted by a shutdown, and explains how preparation, documentation, and communication are critical to managing potential changes in contract performance, including stop work orders. In the context of a shutdown, it is vital for contractors to understand the key contract terms and conditions governing performance and payment and status of government funding for contract performance.Is your contract fully funded or incrementally funded?  What type or color of money supports your contract?  Proactive outreach to contracting officers, employees, and subcontractors is critical to successful management during a shutdown. And of course, be sure to document key communications, management measures taken, and costs incurred in response to a shutdown induced stop work order.   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alan Thomas, founder of Alpha Tango Strategies, and Bill Gormley of the Gormley Group, join Off the Shelf for a wide-ranging update on the latest procurement news. Thomas and Gormley provide their insights and viewpoints on the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul, the creation of the Office of Centralized Acquisition Services (OCAS) at GSA, and GSA’s OneGov initiative. They highlight the changes to FAR part 8 and significance of the move of the Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) ordering procedures to the General Services Acquisition Regulation (GSAR). Thomas and Gormley also discuss the new role of mandatory use or required contracts and the impact on the Best-in-Class contracts. Do we need the BIC methodology? The discussion then turns to OCAS and its scope of operations and the challenges in standing up the new organization.Finally, Thomas and Gormley give their thoughts on OnGov, harkening back to the Smart Buy program and the use of FSS BPAs.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Brian Friel, co-founder of BD Squared, joins Off the Shelf, for a wide-ranging discussion of the state of interagency contracting in the new federal market. Friel provides an update on the GWAC landscape, including updates on NASA SEWP, CIO-SP4, Alliant 3, and Polaris and he talks about the consolidation of procurement operations at the General Services Administration (GSA) including the update FAR Part 8 rewrite establishing a hierarchy of contract vehicles.Friel also addresses GSA’s Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) program, giving his thoughts on the new ordering procedures, the role of Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs) and the prospects for accelerated growth in use of the program. Finally, Brian explains how companies can position themselves to compete in a rapidly changing federal market.   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Larry Allen, GSA’s associate administrator for the Office of Government-wide Policy, joins Off the Shelf for an engaging procurement policy discussion. Allen addresses the ongoing changes in policy that are shaping procurement operations government-wide. Much of the discussion focuses on the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO), highlighting the policy goals and operational imperatives driving the RFO. Allen also highlights the progress to date and shares key takeaways regarding recent deviations addressing FAR parts 8 and 12.   He also gives an update on procurement consolidation, and the impact of the Schedules program moving to Transactional Data Reporting (TDR) and the resulting demise of the Price Reduction Clause (PRC). Finally, Allen explains the wide-ranging policy management role his office plays in supporting department and agencies across government. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week’s guest on Off the Shelf is Ben Hall, chief executive officer of Golden State Medical Supply (GSMS). Hall shares the GSMS story, from its founding by an Air Force veteran in the 1980s to its role today delivering cost-effective, high-quality generic pharmaceuticals to the Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense. He discusses the role data management and analytics plays in delivering value to the customer across government and how GSMS is now supporting the brand name federal market. Finally Hall talks about the opportunities and challenges in driving domestic and near-shore manufacturing of pharmaceuticals.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week’s guest on Off the Shelf is Jason Workmaster from Miller & Chevalier. Workmaster discusses the potential legal implications of the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO), and analyzes the key features of the RFO and the implications for contractors and contracting officers. He highlights the potential ramifications for the bid protest process and the roles of GAO and the Court of Claims.  Turning to GSA’s Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) program, Workmaster gives his thoughts on the expansion of Transactional Data Reporting (TDR) across the program and what contractors need to focus on during the expansion.  Finally, he outlines the Department of Justice’s enforcement priorities for government contractors under the new Trump administration.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.