Our experiences inspired the creation of The CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast and its accompanying resources. The podcast began as a way to share what we learned through real-world challenges—like helping that aerospace machine shop—and to provide accessible education for businesses navigating DoD cybersecurity requirements. The CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast breaks down complex topics like NIST 800-171 and CMMC into actionable, easy-to-understand steps. Whether you’re a subcontractor struggling ...
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CMMC Compliance Guide Podcasts
Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contractors podcasts feature discussions on trends, compliance matters and best practices to guide you forward.
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CMMC Final Rule Explained: Deadlines, Requirements, and Next Steps for Defense Contractors
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15:33Submit 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…
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In this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s GovCon podcast, Neal Beggan is joined by cybersecurity professionals Steven Ursillo and Brian Kirk for a comprehensive deep dive into the current state of Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) compliance. They discuss how 48 CFR will reshape the enforcement of cybersecurity requirements in government …
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The Role of NIST 800-171 in Your CMMC Assessment
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29:46Submit 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,…
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The Truth About CMMC Enclaves: Pros, Cons, and Compliance Risks
29:27
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29:27Submit 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 …
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Are You Really Ready for a CMMC Assessment?
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31:54
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31:54Submit 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…
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When ‘Not Applicable’ Can Cost You Contracts
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16:51Submit 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…
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How to Make Real CMMC Progress: Even if Compliance Isn’t Your Full-Time Job
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45:44Submit 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…
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What You Missed: June Cyber AB Town Hall CMMC Highlights
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31:26Submit 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…
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Government Contracting Joint Ventures Explained
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15:51
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15:51In this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s GovCon Podcast, Advisory Managing Director Michael Cippel and Senior Audit Manager Sarah Tucker explore the foundational principles and nuanced challenges of joint ventures (JVs) within the government contracting sector. Tune in to learn about: ► Definition and Structure of JVs ► Strategic Benefits of JVs ► Types…
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6 Critical CMMC Questions Every Small DoD Contractor Should Know
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17:30Submit 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…
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CMMC on the Shop Floor: A No-BS Guide for CNC & Aerospace Machine Shops
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26:51Submit 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…
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Ceasefire’s Here, But Your Shop’s Still a Target: What the DoD CIO Just Told Defense Contractors
23:44
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23:44Submit 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 …
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Breaking Down the Real Cost of CMMC Compliance for Small Businesses
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31:44Submit 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…
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How to Scope CMMC Correctly: Avoid Audit Failures, Over-Scoping, and Cloud Risks
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12:17Submit 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…
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What You Missed at CEIC West 2025: CMMC Culture, AI Labeling, and Subcontractor Risks
51:51
51:51
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51:51Submit 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…
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How to Identify and Fix Your NIST 800-171 Weak Spots
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36:38Submit 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…
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CMMC Day 2025 Recap: Key Takeaways, Real-World Mistakes & What SMBs Must Fix Now
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56:52
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56:52Submit 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…
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Decoding NIST 800-171: Your Plain English Path to CMMC Level 2 Compliance
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59:20
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59:20Submit 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…
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How to Improve Your SPRS Score Before It Costs You Contracts
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9:12Submit 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 …
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The E.A.S.Y Framework That Makes CMMC Actually Doable
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13:15Submit 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…
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CMMC Compliance Consulting vs. DIY Compliance: Which Is the Smarter, More Cost-Effective Choice?
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33:17Submit 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…
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Your IT Provider: The Keystone to Passing CMMC – or the Hidden Risk That Could Cost You Everything
8:34
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8:34Submit 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…
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How the DoD’s Cybersecurity Crackdown Could Impact Your Aerospace Contracts
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50:17Submit 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…
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CyberAB January Town Hall Updates: Key CMMC & FAR CUI Rule Insights for DoD Contractors
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15:19Submit 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…
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Accounting Manager vs. Controller vs. CFO Explained
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15:13
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15:13In this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting podcast, host Jonathan Reid, Director, is joined by Mike Cippel, Managing Director, to discuss the job differences between accounting managers, controllers and chief financial officers (CFO). Tune in to learn more about: The definition of an accounting manager, controller and CFO Key differ…
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CMMC Compliance: How to Win DoD Contracts & Avoid Costly Mistakes
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26:02
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26:02Submit 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…
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Navigating Stop-Work Orders and Contract Termination
26:48
26:48
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26:48As of Monday, January 28, President Donald Trump has signed various executive orders requiring the halt of federal funding for various programs. This will allow the administration to determine the program’s alignment with legal and presidential priorities. These orders impact funding for foreign aid, non-governmental organizations, diversity, equit…
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FedRAMP Authorization vs. Equivalency: What Your Business Needs to Know
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14:03Submit 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 dive deep into the critical distinctions between FedRAMP Authorization and FedRAMP Equivalency. Whether you're leveraging cloud services for compliance or planning your next steps in CMMC ce…
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2024 Compliance Wrapped: Insights from CEIC East
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27:25Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! In this episode of The CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast, Brooke Justice is joined by guest cohost Stacey Flores, stepping in for Austin Justice, to bring you the key takeaways from the recent CEIC East conference. If you missed the event, don’t worry—Brooke and Stacey are here to fill you in…
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Project Cost & Tax Considerations for Government Contractors
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16:18
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16:18In this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting podcast, we discuss what to consider when planning the cost of a project. Eric Poppe, a Managing Director in the Government Contracting Industry practice, is joined by Jonathan Reid, a Director in Outsourced Accounting Services. Tune in to learn more about: What to expect when reporting cos…
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Forward Pricing Rates: Key Benefits Explained
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12:07
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12:07In this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting podcast, host Jeff Annessa, a Senior Manager in the Firm’s Government Contracting practice, is joined by Jade Casey, a director in the Firm’s Government Contracting Services group. Jeff spent more than 13 years working with the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) and brings valuable experi…
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Truthful Cost or Pricing Data Act: A Government Contractors' Guide
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17:44In this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting podcast, host Brendan Halloran, a Director in Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting Industry practice, is joined by Jeff Annessa, a Senior Manager in the Firm’s Government Contracting practice. Bringing extensive knowledge and experience in the government contracting space, Brendan and Je…
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Effective Deltek Costpoint Tips for Businesses
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8:21
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8:21In this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting podcast, Romain Robveille, Advisory Services Director, is joined by Justin Pell, Senior Manager, for an overview of the Deltek Costpoint software and how to get the most out of this system. Tune in to learn more about: Effective uses of Deltek Costpoint for businesses Issues with current Co…
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Unanet Key Features and Benefits Overview
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18:12
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18:12In this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting podcast, host and Advisory Services Manager Shaydah Naraghi is joined by Advisory Services Senior Manager Christine DeYuliis to discuss how Unanet could help guide your business forward. Tune in to learn more about: How Unanet got its name How long it typically takes employees to adopt time…
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A Digital War or an Unreasonable Ask for SMB's? (WARNING: SOAPBOX EPISODE)
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49:57
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49:57Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! In this thought-provoking episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast, Brooke and Austin Justice tackle a question that’s top of mind for many small and medium-sized businesses in the defense supply chain: Is CMMC a necessary defense in a digital war, or an unreasonable burden on SMBs? K…
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November 2024 CyberAB Town Hall Recap: Essential CMMC 2.0 Updates for Defense Contractors
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32:00Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! In this episode, Brooke and Austin Justice dive into the latest CyberAB townhall update, sharing key insights for defense contractors. Stay informed on the latest CMMC developments, compliance changes, and how they could impact your business. Whether you're navigating CMMC 2.0 or simply t…
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A Conversation with an Assessor ft. Chris Silvers
1:08:45
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1:08:45Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! In this special episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast, hosts Brooke and Austin Justice are joined by Chris Silvers, one of less than 100 individuals officially certified as both a Certified CMMC Provisional Assessor and Instructor. With over 25 years of cybersecurity experience, Ch…
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October 2024 CyberAB Town Hall Recap: CMMC 2.0 Updates You Can't Miss!
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15:14Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! In this episode, Brooke and Austin Justice dive into the latest CyberAB townhall update, sharing key insights for defense contractors. Stay informed on the latest CMMC developments, compliance changes, and how they could impact your business. Whether you're navigating CMMC 2.0 or simply t…
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32 CFR Rule Explained: Key Compliance Guide for DoD Contractors
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52:31Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! Are you a DoD contractor navigating the complexities of the 32 CFR Rule? In this video, we break down the key aspects of the 32 CFR Rule, explaining how it impacts defense contractors and the steps you need to take to stay compliant. Whether you're new to the defense industry or need a re…
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How It All Began: The CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast Origin Story
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18:43Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! In this special episode, we take you behind the scenes to explore the origin story of the CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast. Join hosts, Austin and Brooke Justice as they share how the podcast began, its mission to help defense contractors navigate the complexities of CMMC compliance, and wha…
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Navigating the 48 CFR Rule: Essential Insights for DoD Contractors on CMMC 2.0 Compliance
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37:05Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! In this in-depth discussion, Austin and Brooke Justice from Justice IT Consulting break down the critical updates and challenges associated with the new 48 CFR proposed rule for CMMC 2.0 compliance. Learn about the key differences from previous regulations, the most significant hurdles Do…
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Government Contracting: Subcontractor Administration Tips
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18:36In this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting podcast, host and Government Contractor Services Director Brendan Halloran leverages his extensive knowledge and experience in the government contracting space. With a background as a Divisional Administrative Contracting Officer (DACO) at the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), Bren…
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Government Contractor Financial Planning Tips for 2025
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22:36In this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting podcast, Mike Cippel, a Managing Director in the Firm’s Outsourced Accounting Advisory practice, is joined by Irwin Kaplan, Director, to discuss how government contractors can begin to plan for next year. They cover the ideal timeframe for contractors to start preparing, as well as key plan…
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Outsourcing Do’s, Don’ts and Pitfalls for Government Contractors
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12:15In this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting podcast, we discuss the do’s, don’ts and pitfalls of outsourced accounting. Host Eric Poppe, a Managing Director in the Government Contracting Industry practice, is joined by Jonathan Reid, a Director in Outsourced Accounting Services. Tune in to learn more about: How outsourced accounting …
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Choosing an ERP: Key Steps for Government Contractors
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15:04In this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting podcast, we discuss how to choose the right Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system that fits your company’s unique needs. Host Eric Poppe, a Managing Director in the Government Contracting Industry practice, is joined by Christine DeYuliis, a Senior Manager. Tune in to learn more about s…
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Maximizing Your Benefits with Outsourced Accounting Firms
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11:04In this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting podcast, we discuss ways to optimize the benefits of outsourcing your accounting operations. Host Craig Hunter, a Director in the Government Contracting Industry practice, is joined by Mike Cippel, Managing Director, and Directors Irwin Kaplin and Jonathan Reid. Tune in to learn more about:…
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Cost Accounting Standards: General Dollar Magnitude vs. Detailed Cost Impacts
20:29
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20:29In the fourth episode of Cherry Bekaert’s Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) podcast series, Brendan Halloran, a Director in Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting Industry practice, is joined by Jeff Annessa, a Senior Manager in the Firm’s Government Contracting practice. Bringing extensive knowledge and experience in the government contracting spac…
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Mid-Year Budget & Forecasting Tips for Government Contractors
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12:14In the second episode of Cherry Bekaert’s Operational Effectiveness podcast series, Eric Poppe, a Managing Director in Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting Industry practice, is joined by Todd Angioli, a Director in the Firm’s Government Contracting practice with 20+ years of financial operations experience. Together, Eric and Todd discuss mid-y…
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Take Advantage of R&D Credits for Government Contractors
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17:50In this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s GovCon Podcast host Eric Poppe, a Managing Director in Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting Industry practice, is joined by Vivian Kohrs, Director, Strategic Tax, and Bryan Weems, Senior Manager, Tax Credits and Incentives. Together they give an overview of research and development (R&D) credits for government…
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ASC 606 Revenue Recognition for Government Contractors
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19:37In this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s GovCon Podcast, Brynn McNeil and Craig Hunter both Assurance Partners in Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting Industry practice, discuss revenue recognition for government contractors. Listen to learn more about: The five steps for recognizing revenue under Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 606 Understan…
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