The Contracting Experience Air Force Materiel Command

In this episode of The Contracting Experience, we sit down with Tom Wells, a retired member of the Senior Executive Service with over 35 years of Air Force acquisition experience. Wells has held positions such as Director of Contracting, Air Force Materiel Command, and Director, 711th Human Performance Wing, Air Force Research Laboratory. Currently, he serves as Vice President and Senior Associate at Dayton Aerospace, providing senior-level support and acquisition training for both government and industry professionals.

Wells shares his insights from both sides of the negotiation table and offers a glimpse into his training methods that promote win-win arrangements. He discusses the evolution of government acquisition, the importance of strategic thinking over individual credit, and the mutual understanding needed between government and industry. He also emphasizes the value of professional organizations like the National Contract Management Association and addresses the true meaning of the phrase, "good enough for government work." Tune in for an engaging and insightful conversation.

AFMC: Air Force Materiel Command
CFCM: Certified Federal Contract Manager
NCMA: National Contract Management Association

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In this episode, we sit down with Special Agent Chris Graham, Director of Operations, Procurement Fraud Detachment, Air Force Office of Special Investigation, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Special Agent Graham discusses the history and mission of AFOSI, his role in investigating procurement fraud, and the daily life of a Special Agent. He talks about "finding the lie" and "following the money," as well as the Procurement Fraud Triangle, which consists of pressure, rationalization, and opportunity—three elements that often comprise the psychology of a fraudster. He also shares insights into the collaboration between AFOSI and the contracting community, emphasizing the importance of cybersecurity and data protection. Tune in to hear real-life examples of fraud cases and learn how contracting professionals play a vital role in safeguarding critical resources.

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This episode of The Contracting Experience features Shane Boulware, Program Manager, for Airborne Warning and Control System E-3 Modernization Branch, Hanscom Air Force Base. In addition to his full-time civilian job, Boulware is also a reservist in the contracting career field at the Defense Contract Management Agency, National Capital Region. Boulware offers insights into the similarities and differences between the two career fields and emphasizes the importance of their collaboration for mission success. Additionally, he talks about the critical nature of teamwork and communication between program managers and contracting professionals, illustrating how joint efforts drive innovation and efficiency in defense projects.

Acronyms:
AAF – Adaptive Acquisition Framework
AFLCMC – Air Force Life Cycle Management Center
AFFARS – Air Force Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement
AWACS – Airborne Warning and Control System
CO – Contracting Officer
DFARS – Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement
FAR – Federal Acquisition Regulation
FM – Financial Management
JA – Judge Advocate
PGI – Procedures, Guidance, and Information
PM – Program Management

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This episode of The Contracting Experience features Andrea Edmonds, a certified training instructor at the 88th Force Support Squadron, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Edmonds teaches several courses addressing generational differences in the workplace. In this episode, she discusses the origins and key takeaways of her course, explaining the characteristics and dynamics of the various generations currently in the workforce. Edmonds addresses common challenges and misperceptions about generational differences, providing practical advice for effectively collaborating with colleagues from different age groups. Her insights offer valuable guidance for enhancing group dynamics and creating a more inclusive, adaptable, and effective work environment.

Generations defined:
Traditionalist (Silent Generation): Those born from 1928-1945
Baby Boomers: Those born from 1946-1964
Generation X: Those born from 1965-1980
Millennials (Generation Y): Those born from 1981-1996
Generation Z: Those born from 1997-2012
Generation Alpha: Those born from 2013 to present

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This episode of The Contracting Experience features a discussion with Robin Harrah, the new Contracting Technical Director at the Air Force Materiel Command. Harrah discusses her previous contracting assignments and explains her new role as the Technical Director. As the former Chief of Contracts for Special Projects, Harrah shares her passion for working in the vault and clarifies several misperceptions about working in a controlled environment. Harrah also offers some solid career advice for contracting professionals, regardless of the current stage of their career.

Acronyms:
AFMC – Air Force Materiel Command
AFRL – Air Force Research Laboratory
ASC – Aeronautical Systems Center
CLP – Continuous Learning Point
CONS – Contracting Squadron
DAF – Department of the Air Force
ELDP – Executive Leadership Development Program
FIAR – Financial Improvement and Audit Readiness
GFP – Government Furnished Property
PCO – Procurement Contracting Officer
PME – Professional Military Education
TD – Technical Director

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This episode of The Contracting Experience focuses on artificial Intelligence with guest Lt. Col. Dan Finkenstadt, an officer in the Air Force Contracting Force Development division. Finkenstadt holds a PhD from UNC Chapel Hill and served as a professor at the Naval Post Graduate School for the three years. In this episode, Finkenstadt describes the relationships between Artificial Intelligence, Bots, Machine Learning and Large Language Models while offering use cases, benefits, and risks for Air Force contracting. He also speaks about his role in the DAF Contracting Flight Plan where he is leading a team to foster AI education and training across the contracting workforce



Acronyms:

AI – Artificial Intelligence

ML – Machine Learning

LLM – Large Language Model

DAF – Department of the Air Force

CDAO – Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office

SAF/AQCX – Air Force Contracting Force Development

SAF/CN – Air Force Chief Information Officer


If you would like to share feedback on the podcast, please submit via thecontractingexperience@gmail.com.

Register at https://www.dvidshub.net/ to access transcripts of the podcast.