Best Dod Contracts Podcasts (2025)

1
10 Most Promising Contract Categories In FY2026 10:40

Play Pause

10h ago10:40

10:40

Send us a text The new fiscal year is underway — and for small and mid-sized government contractors, FY 2026 is already shaping up to be full of promise. In this episode of FedBiz’5, we break down the ten most strategic contracting categories where smaller firms can gain traction, from facility maintenance and infrastructure projects to healthcare …

1
Cyber AB Town Hall Breakdown: Legal Lessons, Ecosystem Growth, and CMMC Phase 2 Progress 28:40

2h ago28:40

28:40

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! In this episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast, Brooke and Stacey from Justice IT Consulting unpack the biggest updates from the Cyber AB’s October 2025 Town Hall and what they mean for defense contractors preparing for CMMC certification. You’ll learn: Why the government shutdown i…

1
Highlights from CS5 East 2025: Operation Midnight Hammer, CMMC Updates, and AI Insights 46:32

6d ago46:32

46:32

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! Get the inside scoop from CS5 East 2025, the largest cybersecurity and compliance event for the Defense Industrial Base. In this episode, Brooke and Stacey from Justice IT Consulting breaks down the biggest CMMC updates, Operation Midnight Hammer, and how AI is reshaping compliance. Learn…

1
Why Smart Contractors Don’t Panic During a Shutdown 6:24

16d ago6:24

6:24

Send us a text When Washington grinds to a halt, many contractors do too. The smart ones don’t. They use shutdowns as a strategic reset; a window to strengthen relationships, sharpen operations, and prepare for the surge when funds return. In this episode of FedBiz’5, we break down the calm contractor’s playbook: how to triage active contracts, man…

1
The Shutdown Playbook: How to Keep Winning When D.C. Hits Pause 4:51

25d ago4:51

4:51

Send us a text A federal shutdown can stall agency spending, delay awards, and leave even seasoned contractors wondering what’s next. But here’s the truth — a shutdown is federal, not final. While Washington pauses, procurement across state, local, and education (SLED) markets keeps moving. In this episode of FedBiz’5, we explore how government con…

1
How to Prove CMMC Compliance to Prime Contractors (Before You Lose Contracts) 26:08

27d ago26:08

26:08

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! 🎯 Get your Free SPRS Roadmap Session: https://cmmccomplianceguide.com/free-sprs-roadmap Our experts will review your SPRS score, documentation, and setup to help you hit 110 with a clear action plan at no cost. Prime contractors like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Parker Hannifin are dema…

1
Cyber AB Town Hall September 2025: Key CMMC Compliance Updates 33:55

1M ago33:55

33:55

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! The September 2025 Cyber AB Town Hall dropped big updates for contractors navigating CMMC and NIST 800-171 compliance. In this episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast, Brooke and Austin break down what the final CMMC rule (Title 48A) means for defense contractors, subcontractors, and…

1
New FAR Part 19 Explained: A Win For Small Businesses? 7:45

1M ago7:45

7:45

Send us a text The FAR rewrite is the most sweeping change in federal procurement in decades, and for small business contractors, Part 19 is where the stakes are highest. This section of the FAR governs how and when contracts must be set aside for small firms, how socio-economic certifications like 8(a), WOSB, HUBZone, and SDVOSB are applied, and h…

1
Handling CUI Correctly: Compliance Risks and Best Practices 17:06

1M ago17:06

17:06

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! Worried about mishandling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)? In this episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast, Brooke and Stacey break down what CUI really is, why it matters in defense contracting, and the biggest mistakes contractors make when handling it. You’ll also learn …

1
Golden Dome’s SHIELD Contract: A $151B Opportunity for Contractors 6:58

2M ago6:58

6:58

Send us a text The Missile Defense Agency is preparing to launch one of the largest contracting vehicles in U.S. history: SHIELD—the Scalable Homeland Innovative Enterprise Layered Defense contract, valued at up to $151 billion over 10 years. This episode of FedBiz'5 explains what SHIELD is, how it fits into the broader Golden Dome initiative, and …

1
CMMC Final Rule Explained: Deadlines, Requirements, and Next Steps for Defense Contractors 15:33

2M ago15:33

15:33

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! The wait is over: the Department of Defense has finalized the CMMC rule, officially making it part of DFARS. That means compliance isn’t “coming soon”, it’s now in your contracts. In this episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast, Austin and Brooke from Justice IT Consulting break down…

1
The Role of NIST 800-171 in Your CMMC Assessment 29:46

2M ago29:46

29:46

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! Confused about where NIST 800-171 fits into your CMMC 2.0 assessment? You’re not alone. In this episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide, Brooke and Stacey from Justice IT Consulting break it all down in plain English. We cover the foundation of NIST 800-171, how it maps into the CMMC levels,…

1
Thresholds on the Rise: What October 1 Means for Small Business Contractors 7:48

2M ago7:48

7:48

Send us a text On October 1, 2025, major acquisition thresholds shift across federal contracting—and small businesses stand to benefit. In this episode of FedBiz'5, we break down the new rules from FAC 2025-06, including the micro-purchase threshold rising to $15K and the simplified acquisition threshold jumping to $350K. We explain what’s changing…

1
The Truth About CMMC Enclaves: Pros, Cons, and Compliance Risks 29:27

3M ago29:27

29:27

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! Thinking about building an enclave for CMMC compliance? Not so fast. In this episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast, Austin and Brooke from Justice IT Consulting break down: What an enclave actually is (in plain English) When an enclave makes sense (and saves you money) When it can …

1
The 10 Easiest Government Contracts to Win (and Why They’re a Smart Starting Point) 5:23

3M ago5:23

5:23

Send us a text In this episode of FedBiz'5, we break down the 10 easiest government contracts to win and, more importantly, explain why they’re easier entry points for small and veteran-owned businesses. From janitorial services and office supplies to IT support, medical equipment, and staffing, these opportunities are recurring, accessible, and of…

1
FAR Part 12 Overhaul: What Contractors Need to Know Now 3:57

3M ago3:57

3:57

Send us a text In this episode of FedBiz'5, we unpack the sweeping overhaul of FAR Part 12, the section that governs the acquisition of commercial products and services. Driven by Executive Order 14275, this reform simplifies procurement, raises acquisition thresholds, reduces red tape, and better aligns federal buying with commercial practices. Le…

1
Are You Really Ready for a CMMC Assessment? 31:54

3M ago31:54

31:54

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! Think you’re ready for your CMMC assessment? In this episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast, Austin and Brooke break down the difference between being “paper ready” and truly “assessment ready.” From documentation gaps to overlooked technical controls, they share insider tips to hel…

1
Contracting Goals for VOSBs? Breaking Down the DoD’s New Proposal 3:03

3M ago3:03

3:03

Send us a text In this episode of FedBiz'5, host Sam Fields explores a proposed amendment by Rep. Derrick Van Orden that would direct the Department of Defense to establish annual contracting goals specifically for Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs). While it hasn’t become law yet, this amendment holds promise for increased set-aside opportunit…

1
When ‘Not Applicable’ Can Cost You Contracts 16:51

3M ago16:51

16:51

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! Marking a CMMC control as “Not Applicable” might feel like an easy shortcut but get it wrong, and you could fail your assessment, lose contracts, or even face legal trouble. In this episode of The CMMC Compliance Guide, Brooke and Stacey from Justice IT Consulting break down the real risk…

1
How to Make Real CMMC Progress: Even if Compliance Isn’t Your Full-Time Job 45:44

3M ago45:44

45:44

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! Schedule your free SPRS Roadmap Session and get a step-by-step plan to close gaps and stay defensible: 👉 https://cmmccomplianceguide.com/free-sprs-roadmap Is CMMC just one of many hats you wear at your company? You’re not alone and you’re not out of luck. In this episode of the CMMC Compl…

1
Crack the Code: How to Actually Stand Out in the Government Marketplace 6:50

4M ago6:50

6:50

Send us a text In this episode of FedBiz’5, host Bobby Testa dives into a challenge every contractor faces—cutting through the noise in an increasingly competitive federal marketplace. You’ve got the qualifications. You’re in SAM. Maybe you even have some past performance under your belt. So why are you still getting passed over? Because in today’s…

1
What You Missed: June Cyber AB Town Hall CMMC Highlights 31:26

4M ago31:26

31:26

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! 48 CFR UPDATE: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-48/chapter-2/subchapter-A/part-204/subpart-204.75 Missed the June 2024 Cyber AB Town Hall? We’ve got you covered. In this episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide, Brooke and Austin break down the biggest takeaways — including how recent leade…

1
6 Critical CMMC Questions Every Small DoD Contractor Should Know 17:30

4M ago17:30

17:30

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! Are you trying to navigate CMMC and NIST 800-171 with a small team and limited resources? You're not alone. In this episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide, we’re breaking down six of the most common and confusing questions small DoD contractors ask—and giving you clear, practical answers yo…

1
CMMC on the Shop Floor: A No-BS Guide for CNC & Aerospace Machine Shops 26:51

4M ago26:51

26:51

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! Happy 4th of July from the team at CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast! While you're celebrating freedom, hot dogs, and fireworks — don’t forget about safeguarding the data that defends that freedom. 🛡️ In this special edition, we're tackling what really works for CMMC compliance on the shop fl…

1
Executive Order 14240 and the Future of Government Procurement 7:53

5M ago7:53

7:53

Send us a text In this episode of FedBiz'5, Bobby Testa breaks down Executive Order 14240—"Eliminating Waste and Saving Taxpayer Dollars by Consolidating Government Procurement"—and why it’s shaking up the entire landscape of federal contracting. If you’re a current or aspiring government contractor, this EO isn’t background noise—it’s your new pla…

1
Ceasefire’s Here, But Your Shop’s Still a Target: What the DoD CIO Just Told Defense Contractors 23:44

5M ago23:44

23:44

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! 🆓 Need help getting your SPRS score to 110? Schedule your free SPRS Roadmap Session and get a step-by-step plan to close gaps and stay defensible: 👉 https://cmmccomplianceguide.com/free-sprs-roadmap The Department of Defense just issued a critical cybersecurity memo—and it's not just for …

1
Breaking Down the Real Cost of CMMC Compliance for Small Businesses 31:44

5M ago31:44

31:44

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! Why is CMMC compliance so expensive—especially for small businesses? In this episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast, Austin and Brooke from Justice IT Consulting break down what really drives up the cost of CMMC and NIST 800-171 compliance, and more importantly—how you can cut costs…

1
How to Scope CMMC Correctly: Avoid Audit Failures, Over-Scoping, and Cloud Risks 12:17

5M ago12:17

12:17

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! Is your CMMC scope setting you up for success—or failure? In this episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide, Brooke and Stacey from Justice IT Consulting break down one of the most misunderstood (and expensive) parts of your compliance journey: scoping. Learn how to define your CUI boundary th…

1
What You Missed at CEIC West 2025: CMMC Culture, AI Labeling, and Subcontractor Risks 51:51

5M ago51:51

51:51

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! Missed CEIC West 2025 in Las Vegas? We’ve got your insider recap. In this episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide, Austin and Brooke break down the most critical insights defense contractors need to know—from Katie Arrington’s keynote to real-world flowdown risks, mock assessment walkthrough…

1
Algorithms and Acquisition: What Federal Contractors Need to Know About AI 8:11

6M ago8:11

8:11

Send us a text In this episode of FedBiz'5, host Bobby Testa dives into one of the biggest shifts in government contracting: the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in federal procurement. With more than 200 active AI use cases across federal agencies—from the DoD's Project Maven to the IRS's chatbot—AI is no longer emerging. It's operational, fun…

1
How to Identify and Fix Your NIST 800-171 Weak Spots 36:38

6M ago36:38

36:38

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! Are you sure you're NIST 800-171 compliant? In this episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast, Austin and Brooke break down the most overlooked NIST 800-171 requirements that continue to trip up DoD contractors—and what you can do today to avoid those costly mistakes. From data flow di…

1
CMMC Day 2025 Recap: Key Takeaways, Real-World Mistakes & What SMBs Must Fix Now 56:52

6M ago56:52

56:52

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! Get the latest insider takeaways from CMMC Day 2025 straight from Washington D.C. In this episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast, Brooke and Austin break down the most critical updates small and midsized businesses (SMBs) in the defense supply chain need to know now. We cover: ✅ Why…

1
Decoding NIST 800-171: Your Plain English Path to CMMC Level 2 Compliance 59:20

7M ago59:20

59:20

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! Feeling overwhelmed by CMMC compliance and NIST 800-171’s 110 controls? You’re not alone — but you don’t have to be stuck. In this episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast, Brooke and Austin break down NIST 800-171 Revision 2 in plain English — no government-speak, no tech jargon — so…

1
Top 5 Tips for New Government Contractors (That You Might Not Know Yet) 9:03

7M ago9:03

9:03

Send us a text In this episode of FedBiz'5, host Bobby Testa shares practical, real-world advice for small businesses entering the government marketplace. Pulled from our popular "Top 10 Tips for New Government Contractors" blog, Bobby dives into the five most critical lessons new contractors need to know. Key Takeaways: Learn the FAR: Focus on Par…

1
How to Improve Your SPRS Score Before It Costs You Contracts 9:12

7M ago9:12

9:12

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! Is your SPRS score putting your DoD contracts at risk? In this episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide, we break down exactly what the SPRS score is, why it matters, and how to improve it fast—before you lose out on federal work. Whether you're stuck at -72 or hovering at 80, we’ll walk you …

1
The E.A.S.Y Framework That Makes CMMC Actually Doable 13:15

7M ago13:15

13:15

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! If someone tells you CMMC compliance can't be easy… they’re not necessarily wrong — but they’re also missing the point. In this episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast, Austin and Brooke from Justice IT Consulting break down one of the biggest myths in the compliance space: that achi…

1
The 2025 Stopgap Shake-Up: Winners, Losers, and What to Do Next 7:13

7M ago7:13

7:13

Send us a text In this episode of FedBiz'5, host Bobby Testa breaks down the recently signed stopgap funding bill and what it means for government contractors heading into the rest of Fiscal Year 2025. The stopgap bill—signed into law by President Trump on March 15—keeps the government funded through the end of September 2025. But while the total b…

1
CMMC Compliance Consulting vs. DIY Compliance: Which Is the Smarter, More Cost-Effective Choice? 33:17

8M ago33:17

33:17

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! In this episode of The CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast, Brooke and Austin dive into a key question many DoD contractors face: Should you handle CMMC compliance yourself or hire a consultant? We break down the risks, costs, and benefits to help you make the best decision for your business. D…

1
Your IT Provider: The Keystone to Passing CMMC – or the Hidden Risk That Could Cost You Everything 8:34

8M ago8:34

8:34

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! In this episode of The CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast, Brooke and Stacey reveal a critical factor that could make or break your compliance journey: your IT provider. ✅ Discover why your IT provider plays a crucial role in your CMMC assessment. ✅ Learn the risks of working with an unqualifi…

1
Decoding Agile Acquisition Frameworks with Jonathan Mostowski (Replay) 38:24

8M ago38:24

38:24

Are rules the biggest barrier to government procurement? In this replay episode, Jonathan Mostowski, a trailblazer in government procurement and co-author of the TechFAR Handbook, unpacks the truth about “hacking” bureaucracy in government contracting and how agile acquisition, strategic contracting, and responsible risk-taking can transform procur…

1
Navigating Leadership & Contracting Success with Maj. Gen. Alice Treviño (Replay) 36:26

8M ago36:26

36:26

What if the biggest barrier to innovation in government contracting isn’t bureaucracy–but mindset? In this replay episode, Ryan Connell sits down with Major General Alice Treviño, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Contracting, to discuss how the Air Force is rethinking procurement with digital tools, leadership strategies, and streamlined processes. W…

1
How the DoD’s Cybersecurity Crackdown Could Impact Your Aerospace Contracts 50:17

8M ago50:17

50:17

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! The DoD is tightening its cybersecurity regulations, and your aerospace contracts could be on the line. In this episode of The CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast, we break down the latest changes to CMMC, DFARS, and FAR that could directly impact your business. Join Austin and Brooke from Just…

1
How JRAC Delivers Urgent Innovation to Protect Warfighters in the Field with Major General Edward Vaughan 35:22

8M ago35:22

35:22

Military procurement is known for its slow, bureaucratic processes, but what if it didn’t have to be? In this week’s episode, Ryan Connell sits down with Major General Edward Vaughan to talk about how the Joint Rapid Acquisition Cell (JRAC) redefines how warfighters get the tools they need—fast. With over 40 years of military experience, Major Gene…

1
CyberAB January Town Hall Updates: Key CMMC & FAR CUI Rule Insights for DoD Contractors 15:19

9M ago15:19

15:19

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! In this episode of The CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast, we break down the most important updates from the CyberAB January Town Hall. From the latest developments in CMMC implementation to the newly proposed FAR CUI rule, we discuss what these changes mean for DoD contractors and beyond. Key…

1
Can AI Be Trusted to Evaluate Government Proposals? 12:07

9M ago12:07

12:07

Would you trust AI to review your proposals? AI is now streamlining processes, improving efficiency, and reducing bureaucratic roadblocks. Yet, while 80% of industry professionals use AI to draft proposals, almost none are comfortable with AI evaluating them. In this week’s episode of Defense Mavericks, host Ryan Connell lets ChatGPT take the inter…

1
Why Unclassified Data is the Secret to National Security Success with Sammy Semwangu 31:47

9M ago31:47

31:47

Approximately 99.5% of available data is unclassified. Yet, intelligence agencies often focus on the 0.5% that is classified. How can the U.S. government bridge this intelligence gap? In this week’s episode, Ryan Connell speaks with Sammy Semwangu, CEO of Bazze, about how his startup is transforming intelligence with commercial data solutions. With…

1
New Administration, New Challenges: How to Stay Ahead in Government Contracting 8:51

9M ago8:51

8:51

Send us a text In this episode of the FedBiz'5 podcast, host Bobby Testa sat down with senior government contracting specialist Frank Krebs to discuss the changing landscape of government contracting under the new Trump administration. With small businesses wondering what 2025 holds, Frank provided key insights and strategies to stay competitive. W…

1
From Chaos to Control: Military Logistics’ New Cutting-Edge Solution with Mark Hammonds & Ryan Perez 31:16

9M ago31:16

31:16

Ever wonder why critical military resources get lost in the“fog of war”? In this week’s episode of Defense Mavericks, Ryan Connell sits down with Beowulf’s founders, Mark Hammonds and Ryan Perez, to discuss how Bulldog—a logistic and planning tool—was developed to streamline military logistics. Drawing from their firsthand experiences in Ukraine, t…

1
CMMC Compliance: How to Win DoD Contracts & Avoid Costly Mistakes 26:02

9M ago26:02

26:02

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! In this week’s episode, Brooke Justice and guest cohost Stacey break down one of the most crucial topics for DoD contractors: how CMMC compliance directly impacts your ability to win and keep defense contracts. From understanding compliance levels to avoiding costly mistakes, we’ll walk y…

1
MIT’s Breakthrough Formula for Startup Success with Gene Keselman 38:14

9M ago38:14

38:14

Balancing defense and commercial markets can be daunting, but today’s guest shares how the dual-use readiness model makes it easier for startups to thrive in both worlds. In this week’s episode, Ryan Connell speaks with Gene Keselman, Director of Mission Innovation Experimentation at MIT. Gene shares how creating a shared language between startups …