Adventures in Contracting
Episodes
36 episodes
Complicated Contracts: 287(g) and Everything You Wanted to Know
In this episode we are talking about the complicated 287(g)agreements. We cover:-What they are-What authorizes them-How public funds are used-What states get for using themMaryland Senate Bill 245https://mgaleg.maryl...
Kiss Your Set-Asides Goodbye
In this video, we talk about:-The 9/30/25 DOT MBE Memo-How we got here-What this means for small and minority businesses-The silver lining in it for small businessesLink to MBE Memohttps://www.transportation.gov/...
8a Fraud and the Rule of Two
In this episode we talk about :-The USAID 8a Fraud Case-The Rule of 2-8a AuditsWe are discussing the case facts, the ridiculous settlement and what this cased is being used to do with the rule of 2.
The Buck Stops Here!-The President, the Memo and Overreach?
This episode we talk about:-the funding freeze- who it affects-what the law says-what I think the outcome will beEO's affected by MemoExecutive Order 13990-Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring S...
Hogan's Hero: Conflicts are a Family Affair
In this episode we talk about Maryland Governor Larry Hogan and his conflicts of interest involving his family, his company and state money.*Raspy voice courtesy of chaotic fall weather!Maryland COMAR Board of Public Wo...
Michigan DOT: Squirrely Set Asides and All that Implies
In this episode, we discuss how the Michigan Department of Transportation handled a company that falsely claimed minority-owned and disadvantaged status, and the overreach of an FBI agent who ultimately proved to be in the wrong.Case Fi...
From Chevron to Scandal in Ward 8!
Join us in this episode as we unravel the story behind the Chevron ruling—how it came to be and where it might lead. We'll also take a deep dive into the controversy surrounding the alleged bribery charges in Ward 8, featuring Councilmember Tra...
Race to the Answer: MBDA Injunction
This episode focuses on the MBDA Injunction and what that means for the Wisconsin, Dallas-Fort Worth and Orlando MBDA race conscious programming. If the Minority Business Development Agency can't focus on race, what happens next?
PLA to Play: How PG County is trying to address minority goals
Today we are covering the PG County PLA Bill. Some say PG is pushing minority contractors out, but are they? We are discussing:-What it is-What the bill says-The argument for and against-My take on the arguments presen...
DCPS: School Lunches and Shady Contracts
Todays episode is focused on the 13 contracts that DCPS pushed through without council approval and how DCPS Chancellor Lewis Ferrebee dropped the ball.
DC Luxury Trucks, Taxpayer Dime
Happy New Year! In this episode we talk about how the District of Columbia's Department of Transportation wants DC residents to foot the bill for 20 Luxury Trucks for the department.OCP Waiver JustificationWR-5112 https://dcdslbd.my...
Going Rouge: Sole Source Shenanigans
In this episode we dive into the North Carolina School System and how an unexperienced company was awarded a $1.5m contract that no one knew anything about.How did this happen? Who approved it? Can it be corrected?
S3S4-Fed Takeover-DCHA
Join me as I talk about the current situation with HUD and the District of Columbia Housing Authority. We'll talk about the effects and what happens now. This episode is all about: the fed takeover drama at the District of Colu...
This is America-Football, Medicaid and Fraud
This episode we are talking about what went wrong with Mississippi TANF and Brett Favre. Strap in for a wild ride into conflicts of interests and surprisingly what the state of Mississippi is doing right. If you don't know me, I’m Leona Charles...
When Contracts Go Bad-WSSC Edition
This episode we are talking about when government contracts gone wrong over at WSSC. Strap in for a wild ride into conflicts of interests and the ethics of a contract manager. If you don't know me, I’m Leona Charles, owner of SPC Business Consu...
SBA Gifts and Bad Money!
Welcome to a new season! We have a new format! This episode we talk about the new past performance expansion for small business by the SBA and a case of bad money and fraud by a government contractor in Columbia, MD.SBA Expansion Rule:<...
CMMC Requirements Update
Season 2, Episode 13 – Oct 28, 2021: Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) final rule went into effect in December of 2020.It requires that contractors have an active security plan and actually implement it. The biggest chang...
COVID - Contractor Requirements
Oct 8, 2021 : Season 2, Episode 12 — The Executive Order issued on 9/9/21 brings big changes for federal contractors. Section requires contractors to provide adequate COVID-19 safeguards to workers performing on or in connection wi...
Dun Dun Duns — What's This Mean For Your Business?
Sept 16, 2021 : Season 2, Episode 11 — Leona Charles discusses the DUNS number and how it differs from the EIN (Federal Tax ID). Also discussed are the changes that are coming in early April of 2022 regarding the "Unique Entity ID"...
Return of JEDI
August 5, 2021 – Season 2, Episode 10: JEDI (Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure) Contract. The JEDI Contract revisited and what it means regarding the potential involvement of small businesses. Run Time Approximately 20 minutes. <...
Small Business and the Challenges of Category Management
In this episode, Leona and Vivica discuss the challenges of small business and category managements. Category management is the business practice of buying common goods and services as an enterprise to eliminate redundancies and increase effici...
Part II - Regulations for Women Owned Businesses
July 1, 2021: Season 2, Episode 8 — Continued discussion about Women Owned Businesses (WOB) and Government regulations. Importance of staying in compliance, the benefits of running your business appropriately, and the risks and consequen...
Interesting Criteria for Women Owned Businesses
June 11, 2021 – Season 2, Episode 7: In this episode we'll be discussing the Women Owned Small Business Certification - specifically the control component of the business - working full-time in the business. Leona Charles and Vivic...
Capitalizing on the Infrastructure Bill
In this episode, Leona and Vivica take a high level look at the Infrastructure Bill currently being discussed in the news and government. They discuss how this positively effects government contractors on several different levels and what porti...