Play Them Again from the Beginning - Top Six Government Contracting Webinars of 2020

December 29, 2020

Attention to the details was heavy on the minds of government contractors in 2020. Making sure the i’s are dotted and the t’s crossed took priority for many in the market as they anticipated compliance enforcement and changes from oversight agencies. Keeping compliant with the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA), understanding the roll out of Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) and the nuances involved in other transaction agreements (OTAs) and Truth in Negotiation Act (TINA) audits were of keen interest, as was successfully managing a contract bid protest. All available on demand, set aside some time to expand your industry knowledge with the top six government contracting webinars of 2020.

Back to the Future! What to Expect from DCAA's New Accounting System Audits

It won’t take 1.21 gigawatts to help unpack the Defense Contract Audit Agency’s (DCAA) newly published accounting system audit program, but to do it right, we have to go back! Back to those old DCAA ICAPS (Internal Control Audit Planning Summaries) and DCAAMs (DCAA Audit Manuals) to help power up our “DeLorean” of understanding for what led to the changes and all that comes next. Walk through what government firms should expect from an accounting system audit with partner expert Baker Tilly as they review the “hidden” information technology expectations, proactive steps to take and the good, the bad and the ugly lessons learned from past audits during Back to the Future! What to Expect from DCAA’s New Accounting System Audits.

The Ins and Outs of Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs)

Get up to speed on the Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs/OTs) rules of engagement. Many government agencies are turning to OTAs in place of more common procurement vehicles to fill important gaps in their strategic needs.

Some important basics to keep in mind when considering OTA work, first, they can be used for a broad range of research and prototyping activities. Second, OTAs are not subject to the same federal procurement laws and regulations, like Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR). Navigate the challenges and expectations for OTAs with partner expert BDO as they review the most recent industry trends and practical tips for managing the collaboration and teaming needed for an OTA during The Ins and Outs of Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs).

Bid Protests 101: Everything You Need to Know About Asserting and Defending

What could possibly be the light at the end of the tunnel after losing out on a government contract? Or worse, being challenged by a competitor to keep an award? Two words: bid protest.

Bid protests have become a new normal in procurement. Being familiar with the ins and outs of asserting and defending the challenge of an award can be just as important as securing a contract in the first place. An experienced government contracting attorney from Obermayer Rebmann Maxwell & Hippel LLP reviews the basics of pre- and post-award protests, common strategies used to defeat protests, task order distinctions, “triggers” to watch out for and understanding deadline timelines with Bid Protests 101: Everything You Need to Know About Asserting and Defending.

CAS and TINA Audits: Strategies, Themes and Common Pitfalls

Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) and Truth in Negotiation Act (TINA) mandates have long been some of the most challenging requirements for government contractors to navigate. The recently refocused efforts on TINA audits by the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) have heightened the implications of maintaining compliance for federal contractors. Learn from partner expert BDO as they dive into key considerations with CAS compliance, CAS administration and TINA audits, including the technical nuances, the latest trends and practical tips for avoiding common pitfalls with the webinar CAS and TINA Audits: Strategies, Themes and Common Pitfalls.

Indirect Rate Structures - The Blocking and Tackling Required for Success

Creating or revising indirect rate structures is challenging for any growing organization, no matter the size, and because every firm is different, there is no “one-size-fits-all” playbook. Beyond fringe benefits, overhead, and general and administrative expenses, what makes a business’ indirect rate structure unique can be any combination of factors, from size and accounting practices, to compliance requirements and customer mix.

Whether it’s a firm’s rookie season or they are veterans at revision due to previous seasons of growth, there are some important best practices to consider when tackling indirect rate structures. Start building your roster of key players – fringe benefits, overhead, accounting practices, compliance requirements and customer mix to name a few – with a little coaching from partner expert Baker Tilly. From kickoff to final quarter, the webinar Indirect Rate Structures – The Blocking and Tackling Required for Success provides guidance on everything from coordinating with stakeholders and necessary communication structures, to prioritizing activities and practices to incorporate into design and implementation.

CMMC is Here, Time to Move to the Cloud

Government contractors have been on pins and needles waiting for the rollout of Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) requirements. Understanding exactly how CMMC will affect government firms and the subsequent compliance preparation have been vital for strategy and planning. Deltek’s Vice President of Product Management Todd Walker and partner expert Baker Tilly discuss how the Costpoint cloud platform offers the ultimate performance, flexibility, security and scalability to address compliance demands and help firms prepare for the CMMC guidelines. CMMC is Here, Time to Move to the Cloud reviews some the best steps forward for compliance readiness.

BONUS: The Clarity Insights and Trends You Need to Know

The 11th Annual Deltek Clarity Government Contracting Industry Study revealed its fair share of interesting and important results. The executive-level debrief The Clarity Insights and Trends You Need to Know reviews key benchmark analysis, exclusive industry insights and initiatives and challenges impacting nine crucial focus areas, including business development, human capital management, project management, manufacturing, procurement, contract management, finance and financial compliance. Experience the opportunity of seeing how your company stacks up against both your peers and the competition and pocket some important tips for success for the year ahead.