Shows
Cherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceCMMC Compliance Under 48 CFR RolloutIn 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 contracts. This episode breaks down what the 48 CFR rule means, how it connects to DFARS and 32 CFR, and what contractors should be doing now to stay ahead of the rollout. Listen to learn more about:The definition of CMMC and why...
2025-09-1540 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceGovernment Contracting Joint Ventures ExplainedIn 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 of JVs► Pros and Cons of JVs► Role of the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Mentor-Protégé Program► Accounting for JVs► How Cherry Bekaert can assist with JV setup, tax structuring, accounting systems and...
2025-07-2315 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceCost Accounting Standards: General Dollar Magnitude vs. Detailed Cost ImpactsIn 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 space, Brendan and Jeff discuss cost impacts, as well as the differences between General Dollar Magnitude (GDM) and Detailed Cost Impacts (DCI).Brendan was previously a Divisional Administrative Contracting Officer (DACO) at the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) and Jeff has spent over 13 years with the Defense Contra...
2024-07-3020 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceTake Advantage of R&D Credits for Government ContractorsIn 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 contractors. Listen to learn about:What R&D credits areWho is able to take advantage of these creditsContract R&D CreditsRights and risksHow subcontractors could potentially qualify R&D credits by state: Virginia GeorgiaTexasMarylandFloridaSection 174 impact to tax liability and cashflowRecommendations on how to colle...
2024-06-2517 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceASC 606 Revenue Recognition for Government ContractorsIn 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) 606Understanding how costs drive revenue Common errors in recording revenue Best practices for government contractors regarding processes and controls for recording revenue Cherry Bekaert’s team of government contracting consultants have significant experience in navigating the SBA 8(a) business development program and can assist your business with the best accounting practices...
2024-06-0619 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceCost Accounting Standards (CAS): Implications When Acquiring CompaniesIn the third episode of Cherry Bekaert’s Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) podcast series, Brendan Halloran, a Director with Cherry Bekaert Advisory, is joined by Jeffery Annessa, a Senior Manager in Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contractor Industry practice, to discuss CAS implications during mergers and acquisitions. Cherry Bekaert’s government contracting consulting team has years of CAS experience and can help you navigate CAS compliance issues or disclosure statement development.This episode highlights key topics to help guide your business forward, including:Scenarios and implications to CAS when:A CAS-covered company acquires a company that is...
2024-01-1819 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceNavigating the SBA 8(a) Business Development Program - Accounting Best PracticesIn this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s GovCon Podcast series on the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 8(a) Business Development Program, Brynn McNeil and Craig Hunter, assurance partners in Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting Industry practice, discuss accounting best practices for 8(a) companies. Listen to find out about:Setting up an accounting system to segregate costsChart of AccountsIndirect ratesReporting functionality for:Contract revenue summary by contractShowing cumulative revenueAnnual revenueDirect costsImportance of month end reconciliations of balance sheet account Recent accounting pronouncements that impact accounting ASC 505ASC 842What to consider when selecting an accounting system Accounting department general housekeeping best prac...
2023-12-0518 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceEffective Operational & Financial Performance: Budget Considerations During Year EndIn the first episode of a new series on effective operational and financial performance for government contractors, Eric Poppe, a Managing Director in Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting Industry practice, is joined by Todd Angioli, a Director in the Firm’s GovCon practice with 20+ years of financial operations experience, to discuss considerations when budgeting for year end. Listen to this episode to find out more about:What government contractors should consider during year end and while budgeting for the next calendar yearHigh-level considerations when reviewing the operating plan:RevenueDirect LaborFringeOverheadGeneral and Administrative Expenses (G&A)Bottom Line...
2023-11-2122 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceCost Accounting Standards and Growing a GovConIn the second episode of Cherry Bekaert’s Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) podcast series, Eric Poppe, a Managing Director in Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting Industry practice, is joined by Jeff Annessa, a Senior Manager in the Firm’s GovCon practice who spent 13+ years with DCAA and held various positions such as Quality Manager, Supervisory Auditor, Field Audit Office Manager, and Artan Ivezaj, a manager in Cherry Bekaert’s GovCon practice with 15 years of experience at the DCAA, to discuss CAS considerations for a growing GovCon. Listen to this the episode to find out more about:When a company...
2023-11-0115 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceAn Overview of Cost Accounting StandardsCost Accounting Standards (CAS) are 19 standards and rules promulgated by 41 U.S.C. 422. These standards impact emerging small and large businesses alike. They are designed to achieve uniformity and consistency in cost accounting practices and to improve the accuracy of cost data by ensuring its basis on consistent definitions and principles. Ultimately, the Federal government wants a reliable basis for cost comparison and decision making. This allows them to be able to compare proposals from contractor to contractor and from a single contractor year-over-year.In this new Cherry Bekaert GovCon Podcast CAS series, Eric Poppe, a...
2023-10-1723 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceContractor Business Systems Series: Part 9 – Navigating Review and Audit FindingsIn this episode of Cherry Bekaert's Government Contracting podcast, Brendan Halloran, a Director in Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting Industry practice ,and Jeff Annessa, a Senior Manager in the Firm’s GovCon practice continue our Contractor Business Systems series, discussing system reviews, audit findings, corrective actions, and ACO determinations.Indicators of potential findings or noncompliances during a DCAA system audit and steps contractors can takeThe DCMA system review processThe ACO process in determining the level of deficienciesWays to get a DCAA finding viewed as non-significant and differences between DCAA and DCMA Business System Deficiency terminologyTools used by the ACO a...
2023-10-0428 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceHow the Government Evaluates a Contractor’s Timekeeping SystemThe Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) doesn’t provide many details on the specifics related to an adequate timekeeping system. However, the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) does have some specific requirements they look for when performing accounting system audits and labor floor checks.In this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s GovCon Podcast, Eric Poppe, a Managing Director in Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting Industry practice, is joined by Jeff Annessa, a Senior Manager in the Firm’s GovCon practice who spent 13+ years with DCAA and held various leadership positions such as Quality Manager, Supervisory Auditor and Field Audit Of...
2023-09-2614 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceInsights Into DCAA’s Report to Congress for Fiscal Year 2022The Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) recently released its Fiscal Year 2022 Report to Congress. By law, the DCAA is required to submit an annual report detailing the DCAA’s activities for the previous year.In this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s GovCon Podcast, Eric Poppe, a Managing Director in Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting Industry practice, is joined by Jeff Annessa, a Senior Manager in the Firm’s GovCon practice who spent 13+ years with the DCAA and held various positions such as Quality Manager, Supervisory Auditor, Field Audit Office Manager and Senior Financial Liaison Advisor, and Jacquelin LaClair...
2023-08-0919 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidancePart 8 – Navigating Business Systems Audits and ReviewsIn this eighth episode of Cherry Bekaert’s podcast series on Contractor Business Systems, Brendan Halloran, a Senior Manager in Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting Industry practice who was previously a Divisional Administrative Contracting Officer (DACO) at the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), is joined by Roy Rushing, a Manager in the Firm’s GovCon practice and a former Contracting Officer with various federal agencies, to talk about navigating Contractor Business Systems audits and reviews. Listen in to find out about:The two primary types of system audits/reviews: Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) audits Defense Contract...
2023-06-2721 min
Game Changers for Government ContractorsEp 271: 6 Business Systems for GovConOne of the most overwhelming and time-consuming aspects of transitioning from a small government contractor to a large prime is the business systems that must be implemented. In this episode, we discuss 6 key systems and provide tips for getting started. Our special guest, Eric Poppe from Cherry Bekaert, walks us through how compliance with these systems can be used as a strategic advantage to propel your growth. ----- Schedule a call with Michael: https://calendly.com/michaellejeune/govconstrategysession ----- Federal Access is helping Government Contractors win more contracts. It can help you too. Here's a special offer. Visit https://federal-access...
2023-06-2623 min
Game Changers for Government ContractorsEp 271: 6 Business Systems for GovConOne of the most overwhelming and time-consuming aspects of transitioning from a small government contractor to a large prime is the business systems that must be implemented. In this episode, we discuss 6 key systems and provide tips for getting started. Our special guest, Eric Poppe from Cherry Bekaert, walks us through how compliance with these systems can be used as a strategic advantage to propel your growth.
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Schedule a call with Michael: https://calendly.com/michaellejeune/govconstrategysession
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2023-06-2523 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceContractor Business Systems Series: Part 7 – Material Management and Accounting SystemA government contractor Material Management and Accounting System (MMAS), as outlined in Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) 252.242-7004, is a system for planning, controlling and accounting for the acquisition, use, issuance and disposition of material. It is under the cognizance of the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) and geared towards a contractors’ manufacturing planning and production. In this seventh episode of Cherry Bekaert’s podcast series on each of the Contractor Business Systems, Brendan Halloran, a Senior Manager in Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting Industry practice who was previously a Divisional Administrative Contracting Officer (DACO) at the Def...
2023-06-0520 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceContractor Business Systems Series: Part 6 – Property Management SystemGovernment Property Management System is one of the six systems covered by the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Contractor Business Systems. In this sixth episode of Cherry Bekaert’s podcast mini-series on each of the six Contractor Business Systems, Eric Poppe, a Managing Director in Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting Industry practice, and Brendan Halloran, a Senior Manager in the Firm’s GovCon practice who previously was a Divisional Administrative Contracting Officer (DACO) at the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), discuss the requirements for a Contractor Property Management System, 252.245-7003, and when it is required.Listen in to fi...
2023-04-1916 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceThe Incurred Cost Submission – When It Is Required, How to Prepare and Best PracticesContractors with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Clause 52.216-7, Allowable Cost and Payment included in their cost reimbursable and time & materials (T&M) contracts are required to submit an Incurred Cost Submission (ICS). Submitting your ICS on time to the appropriate Government Administrative Contracting Officer and the cognizant Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) office can be a hurdle but a requirement. Late submissions are subject to a unilateral decision by the Contracting Officer (CO) to apply a decrement factor, which will reduce the billed cost.In this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s GovCon Podcast, Brendan Halloran, a Se...
2023-04-0519 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceContract Considerations During an Acquisition – Part 2In Part 1 of this two-part series, Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting Industry advisors discussed what companies need to consider when being acquired or acquiring a company that has federal contracts that are a significant part of their business, including some of the administrative items critical to that process. In Part 2 Brendan Halloran, a Senior Manager in Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting Industry practice, is joined by John Ure, a Tax Partner and member of the Firm’s GovCon practice, to discuss some of the additional administrative steps and tax considerations.Listen to find out about:Cont...
2023-02-2732 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceContractor Business Systems Series: Part 5 – Earned Value Management SystemAn Earned Value Management System (EVMS) refers to the software, processes, tools, templates and management controls a contractor uses to accomplish their earned value management activities in accordance with the guidelines established by the Electronics Industry Alliance (EIA) Standard 748. Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS) is the standard for DoD (Department of Defense) Earned Value Management System Programs and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) 252.234-7001 Notice of Earned Value Management System.In this fifth episode of Cherry Bekaert’s podcast series on each of the six Contractor Business Systems, Brendan Halloran, a Senior Manager in Cherry Bekaert’s Go...
2023-01-2525 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceSmall Business Administration Size StandardsWhat are size standards and how does the Small Business Administration (SBA) determine a small business’s size? In this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting podcast series, John Ure and Carol Marin, Tax Partners in Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contractor Industry practice join James Kahrs, a Business Development Director in the Firm’s GovCon practice. Together, they discuss SBA size standards and recent threshold adjustments, which are used to determine whether a business entity is considered small, and subsequently eligible for government programs and preferences reserved for small business concerns.Listen in to find o...
2023-01-1813 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceContractor Business Systems Series: Part 4 – Purchasing SystemWhat is a Contractor Purchasing System? When is a Contractor Purchasing System required? What trends are being seen in solicitations?The fourth episode of Cherry Bekaert’s podcast series on each of the six Contractor Business Systems features Brendan Halloran, a Senior Manager in Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting Industry practice who previously was a Divisional Administrative Contracting Officer (DACO) at the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), and John Bula, a Manager in the Firm’s GovCon practice. Together they discuss the requirements for a Contractor Purchasing System, as outlined in Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) 252.244-7001...
2023-01-1321 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceContract Considerations During an Acquisition – Part 1Merger and acquisition activity is complex on its own, much less when you factor in government contracts. What should government contracting companies consider when evaluating a potential transaction? Join Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting Industry practice for a two-part series on government contract considerations during an acquisition. In the first episode, Brendan Halloran, a Senior Manager in Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting Industry practice, and Roy Rushing, a Manager in the Firm’s GovCon practice, discuss contract types, requirements and considerations when a company evaluates acquiring a company or being acquired. Listen to find out about:Types o...
2022-12-1426 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceLife Beyond the SBA 8(a) Business Development ProgramThe 8(a) Business Development Program is a nine-year program created by the Small Business Administration (SBA) to help small, disadvantaged businesses compete and conduct business with the Federal government. The 8(a) Program offers small, disadvantaged businesses tremendous opportunities but contains stringent compliance requirements. What must companies be aware of to avoid early graduation from the program? At what point should companies prepare for life beyond the program? What should companies consider to thrive in a more competitive business environment?Listen to Susan Moser, Partner and Leader of Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting Industry practice, and Sar...
2022-12-0618 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceContractor Business Systems Series: Part 3 – Estimating SystemWhen should government contractors that work with the Department of Defense (DoD) be concerned about Cost Estimating System Requirements for compliance and adequacy per the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) What are the requirements and trends being seen in solicitations?In this third episode of Cherry Bekaert’s podcast series on each of the six Contractor Business Systems, Eric Poppe, a Director in Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting Industry practice, and Brendan Halloran, a Senior Manager in the Firm’s GovCon practice who previously was a Divisional Administrative Contracting Officer (DACO) at the Defense Contract Management Agency...
2022-11-0123 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceContractor Business Systems Series: Part 2 – Accounting SystemThe Contractor Business Systems podcast series hosts members of Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting Industry team to discuss each of the six contractor business systems—Accounting, Estimating, Purchasing, Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS), Material Management and Accounting System (MMAS), and Property Management. In this second episode, Eric Poppe, a Director in Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting Industry practice, and Jacquelin LaClair, a Senior Associate in the Firm’s GovCon practice who spent 10 years working with the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) and the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), discuss the requirements for an adequate accounting system as outlined...
2022-10-1714 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceBasic Accounting for Mentor-Protégé Joint VenturesContinuing in our series on the Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a) Business Development Program and the All-Small Mentor-Protégé Program (previously the 8(a) Mentor-Protégé Program), the focus of this podcast episode is on how to handle basic accounting when entering into a Joint Venture (JV) agreement as part of a Mentor-Protégé (M-P) arrangement.Listen to Eric Poppe, a Director in Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting Industry Practice, and Craig Hunter, an Assurance Partner and member of the Firm’s GovCon practice, to find out about:The SBA All Small Mentor-Protégé ProgramHow JV arrangements are traditio...
2022-09-2615 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceBusiness Systems Series: Part 1 – ApplicabilityJoin Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting Industry team for part one of a new podcast series discussing the six contractor business systems—Accounting, Estimating, Purchasing, Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS), Material Management and Accounting System (MMAS), and Property Management. The series will discuss Business Systems applicability, requirements and trends currently seen for Business Systems in solicitations.In the first episode Susan Moser, Partner and Leader of Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting practice, and Roy Rushing, a Manager in the Firm’s GovCon practice and a former Contracting Officer with various federal agencies, discuss Business Systems applicability, including an overv...
2022-09-2016 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceContract Performance After the SBA 8(a) Business Development ProgramAs companies prepare for graduation from the Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a) program, there are many important considerations and decisions to be made. The key to successfully graduate and thrive is to plan well in advance. Listen to Susan Moser, Partner and Leader of Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting practice, John Ure, a Tax Partner and member of the Firm’s GovCon practice, and Brendan Halloran, a Senior Manager in the Firm’s GovCon practice and former Divisional Administration Contracting Officer (ACO) with the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), discuss what an 8(a) company needs to know and foc...
2022-09-0915 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceWhat’s New with CMMC 2.0?Where does the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 program currently stand? Neal Beggan, leader of Cherry Bekaert’s Risk Advisory Services and a Principal in Cherry Bekaert’s Information Assurance & Cybersecurity Practice and Eric Poppe, a Director in the Firm’s Government Contractor Services Group, discuss the latest information about the Department of Defense (DoD) CMMC 2.0 program.Listen in to find out about:The CMMC accreditation body - now called “The CYBER AB”CAP, a pre-decisional draft of the CMMC assessment process (CAP) released by The CYBER ABFedRAMP certification and NIST SP 800-171Recent DoD memora...
2022-08-2417 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceOIG Report: SBA’s Business Development Assistance to 8(a) Program ParticipantsOn February 14, 2022, the Office of Inspector General (OIG), U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) issued a report on SBA’s Business Development Assistance to 8(a) Program Participants. The objective of the audit was “to determine to what extent SBA measures and monitors an 8(a) firm's progress toward achieving individual business development goals. The objective was also to ensure 8(a) firms receive the help needed to meet their goals and if the program adapted during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic.”Why should we care about the findings of this report? Often OIG reports foreshadow what might be expected in the co...
2022-04-2721 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceCMMC 2.0 – Current State of AffairsIn this episode Neal Beggan, leader of Cherry Bekaert’s Risk Advisory Services and a Principal in Cherry Bekaert’s Information Assurance & Cybersecurity Practice, selected as one of the first Provisional Assessors nationwide by the CMMC Accreditation Body, and Eric Poppe, a senior manager in the Firm’s Government Contractor Services Group, discuss the current state of the Department of Defense (DoD) Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 program and share insights on what contractors and subcontractors in the defense industrial base (DIB) should be doing now to prepare.Discussion includes:The Pentagon’s shift of responsibility for the...
2022-03-0115 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceIdle Facilities and the Federal Acquisition Regulation Cost PrinciplesIdle facilities and the associated costs have always been a topic of debate between government contractors and the Federal government. Contractors need to proactively monitor their facility use to avoid potential questioned costs while ensuring they can meet contract work fluctuations and future demand. With businesses becoming more comfortable with employees working from home due to the COVID 19 pandemic, office occupancy has greatly declined and there is uncertainty as to when, or if, government contractors will go back to a fully occupied office environment. Many contractors now find themselves in a position of evaluating their long-term needs f...
2022-02-1120 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceSBA Mentor-Protégé & Joint Venture Arrangements – Important Elements of the AgreementListen to Brynn McNeil, an Assurance Partner in Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting Industry practice and Eric Poppe, a Senior Manager in the Firm’s GovCon practice, discuss the important elements of an agreement when forming a Mentor-Protégé/Joint Venture arrangement.They discuss:Benefits of the Mentor-Protégé ProgramBasic principles to consider in AgreementsRegulatory requirementsOther considerationsIn our previous podcast on the SBA Mentor Protégé program, we gave an overview of the program, discussed some of the goals and benefits from participating in this program, as well as eligibility to participate both from the mentor...
2022-01-2114 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidancePart VII: The Lifecycle of an SBA 8(a) CompanyThe nine-year Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a) Business Development Program is a business assistance program that was created to help small, disadvantaged businesses wanting to do business with the Federal government gain a foothold in Federal government contracting. Listen to Susan Moser, Partner and Leader of Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting practice and John Ure, Tax Partner and member of the Firm’s GovCon practice, discuss the lifecycle of an 8(a) company, including a brief overview of the 8(a) program and qualifications; and what an 8(a) company needs to know and focus on during the Developmental Stage, Trans...
2022-01-1823 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceThe Impact of PPP Forgiveness and the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) on Government Contracts: What Small Business Government Contractors Need to KnowThe Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act at the start of the pandemic was a lifeline for millions of small businesses in the U.S. The Paycheck Protection loan program (PPP) and the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) provided relief and cash for all kinds of small businesses, but for government contractors, the confusion and changing guidance and interpretations has caused much consternation, stress, confusion, and frustration.Now, almost two years after the initial programs were put in place, there is still confusion. Listen to Susan Moser, Advisory Partner and leader of Cherry Bekaert’s G...
2022-01-0317 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidancePart VI: SBA Mentor-Protégé ProgramJoin Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contractor Services Group for part six of our podcast series discussing various aspects of the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 8(a) Business Development Program. In this episode, Brynn McNeil, an Assurance Partner in Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting practice and Eric Poppe, a Senior Manager in the Firm’s GovCon practice give an overview of the Small Business Administration (SBA) Mentor-Protégé Program, including program goals, eligibility requirements, benefits from both the mentor and protégé perspective and why it’s advantageous to participate in the program.This is our first podcast...
2021-12-1311 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceQuestioned Costs & AllowabilityListen to Brendan Halloran, a Senior Manager in Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting Industry practice who previously spent 10 years at the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), and Curt Smith, a manager in the Firm’s GovCon practice who spent 12 years at the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA), discuss allowability and where contractors might run into audit findings with questioned costs.Discussion includes:What makes a cost allowable, including Reasonableness, Allocability, Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) and terms of the contractDirect and indirect costsFacilities costsUnallowable costsSupporting questioned costsIf you need any help in d...
2021-12-0131 min
Cherry Bekaert: TechnologyShould My Tech Company Work with the Government?As a tech innovator, you are focused on continually finding ways to meet the needs and improve the experience of your end user, whether your core customer base is consumers or business entities. But have you considered the world’s largest customer – the U.S. federal government? In this first episode of a series of podcasts exploring options for tech companies to work with the federal government, Michael Valerio, Cherry Bekaert’s Technology Industry Practice Leader, and Craig Hunter, a leader in the Firm’s GovCon practice, discuss how or even why tech companies may want to consider...
2021-11-2913 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidancePart III: What Are the Compliance Requirements for 8(a) Certified Companies?Join Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contractor Services Group for part three of our new podcast series discussing various aspects of the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 8(a) Business Development Program. In this third episode, Brynn McNeil, an Assurance Partner in Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting practice and John Ure, Tax Partner and member of the Firm’s GovCon practice discuss the compliance requirements 8(a) companies must follow once they have been certified by the Small Business Administration (SBA), including:An Annual Update Review (Form 1450)-8(a) based on the 8(a)’s annual program year, disclosing certain company data to remain...
2021-09-1410 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidancePart II: The SBA 8(a) Application and Certification ProcessJoin Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contractor Services Group for part two of our new podcast series discussing various aspects of the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 8(a) Business Development Program, created to help small disadvantaged businesses wanting to do business with the Federal government gain a foothold in Federal government contracting. In this second episode, Susan Moser, Partner and Leader of Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contracting practice and John Ure, Tax Partner and member of the Firm’s GovCon practice discuss:What you will need to prepare for the 8(a) application processThe five-part application – eligibility, ownership requirement...
2021-08-2324 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceThe SBA 8(a) Business Development Program – What Is It and What Are the Requirements?Join Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contractor Services Group for part one of a new podcast series discussing various aspects of the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 8(a) Business Development Program. The 8(a) program is a business assistance program that was created to help small disadvantaged businesses wanting to do business with the Federal government gain a foothold in Federal government contracting.Our Government Contractor Services group has an in-depth understanding of the 8(a) program and advises a number of 8(a) government contractors through each step of the process to add value and anticipate ongoing opportunities. From the init...
2021-07-2319 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceImpacts and Timing of President Biden’s Executive Order to Improve the Nation’s CybersecurityPresident Biden signed an Executive Order (“EO”) on May 12th aimed at improving and preparing for cybersecurity defenses for public and private sector companies. The EO is aimed at improving protective measures to federal networks, information-sharing between the U.S. government and the private sector on cyber issues and the collective ability to respond when incidents occur. The EO addresses initiatives and directives in many areas, which Cherry Bekaert summarized in a recent alert.Susan Moser, leader of Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contractor Services Group, John Ford, a senior consultant in the Firm’s GovCon Group and Neal Beg...
2021-05-2824 minCherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceProposals and Estimating Practices for Government ContractorsA basis of estimate is that backbone to every price estimate submitted to the government. In this Cherry Bekaert GovCon podcast, Eric Poppe, Senior Manager and Javier Diaz, Manager in Cherry Bekaert’s Government Contractor Services Group discuss the common methodologies and basis of estimates used for various cost elements normally included in proposals.View all Government Contracting Podcasts
2020-05-1513 min
Cherry Bekaert: Government Contractors GuidanceHas Your Government Contractor Business Outgrown Your Accounting System?Danielle DeSonia joins a roundtable of govcon consultants including John Carpenter, Curt Smith, Eric Poppe, and Javier Diaz, to discuss signs you have outgrown your accounting system. If you have a more basic system, increasing organizational complexity or contract types, a switch may be worth it in the end.View all Government Contracting Podcasts
2019-09-1703 min