The FAR and Beyond

The Judge Advocate General's Legal Center and School

Hosted and produced by the Contract & Fiscal Law Department at The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School (TJAGLCS). This podcast will take you on an illuminating journey through the intricate world of federal acquisition and procurement laws that fuel the Department of Defense and the American warfighter. We will bring you expert insights, in-depth interviews and engaging discussions to help you understand and excel in the realm of government contract and fiscal law.

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Yesterday · 8 min
The FAR and Beyond | Episode 54: Revolutionary FAR Overhaul: FAR Part 9: Streamlining Contractor Qualifications
In this episode, we examine FAR Part 9, explaining how major sections—including pre-award surveys and contractor team arrangements—have been removed from codified regulation and relocated to the non-regulatory FAR Companion Guide. We also detail core retained statutory standards updated for plain language, along with critical new administrative rules that make non-compliance a direct trigger for suspension or debarment proceedings. Learn more about The Quill & Sword series of podcasts by visiting our podcast page at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/thequillandsword. The Quill & Sword show includes featured episodes from across the JAGC, plus all episodes from our four separate shows: “Criminal Law Department Presents” (Criminal Law Department), “NSL Unscripted” (National Security Law Department), “The FAR and Beyond” (Contract & Fiscal Law Department) and “Hold My Reg” (Administrative & Civil Law Department). Connect with The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School by visiting our website at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/.
September 9 · 9 min
The FAR and Beyond | Episode 53: FAR Part 8 Deep Dive: Mastering the Mandatory Source Ladder and GSAM Procedures
In this episode, we break down the mandatory priority ladder for federal procurement, guiding contracting professionals through the essential "rules of the road" for sourcing supplies and services. They also highlight crucial updates on using the Spend Under Management tiers, the relocation of Federal Supply Schedule procedures to the GSAM, and the streamlined three-day explanation process for unsuccessful quoters. Learn more about The Quill & Sword series of podcasts by visiting our podcast page at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/thequillandsword. The Quill & Sword show includes featured episodes from across the JAGC, plus all episodes from our four separate shows: “Criminal Law Department Presents” (Criminal Law Department), “NSL Unscripted” (National Security Law Department), “The FAR and Beyond” (Contract & Fiscal Law Department) and “Hold My Reg” (Administrative & Civil Law Department). Connect with The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School by visiting our website at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/.
September 2 · 17 min
The FAR and Beyond | Episode 52: Redefining "Small": Unpacking the SBA's Proposed Size Standards Overhaul
In this episode, we unpack two proposed rules from the Small Business Administration (SBA) that could qualify companies with up to half a billion dollars in annual revenue as small businesses. The hosting team breaks down the five major proposed shifts—including massive NAICS code consolidation, a preference for headcount-based standards, and the "hold harmless" policy—detailing exactly how these changes will reshape the "rule of two" and the competitive landscape for federal contractors. Learn more about The Quill & Sword series of podcasts by visiting our podcast page at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/thequillandsword. The Quill & Sword show includes featured episodes from across the JAGC, plus all episodes from our four separate shows: “Criminal Law Department Presents” (Criminal Law Department), “NSL Unscripted” (National Security Law Department), “The FAR and Beyond” (Contract & Fiscal Law Department) and “Hold My Reg” (Administrative & Civil Law Department). Connect with The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School by visiting our website at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/.
August 26 · 8 min
The FAR and Beyond | Episode 51: Revolutionary FAR Overhaul: FAR Part 8: Mandatory Sources & New GSAM Rules
In this episode, we dive into the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO) to explain how FAR Part 8 has been completely restructured, consolidating three FAR parts into one and moving Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) ordering procedures out of the FAR and into the GSAM. We detail essential shifts for acquisition professionals, including the new required-use contract hierarchy, defense-specific deviations, and the strict three-day timeline for providing brief explanations to unsuccessful quoters. Learn more about The Quill & Sword series of podcasts by visiting our podcast page at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/thequillandsword. The Quill & Sword show includes featured episodes from across the JAGC, plus all episodes from our four separate shows: “Criminal Law Department Presents” (Criminal Law Department), “NSL Unscripted” (National Security Law Department), “The FAR and Beyond” (Contract & Fiscal Law Department) and “Hold My Reg” (Administrative & Civil Law Department).
August 19 · 9 min
The FAR and Beyond | Episode 50: Revolutionary FAR Overhaul: FAR Part 7: Planning for Agility
In this episode, we examine the transition from prescriptive checklists to a dynamic acquisition planning process that moves procedural "how-tos" into the non-regulatory FAR Companion Guide. The discussion highlights the unification of consolidation and bundling into a single framework, alongside new transparency requirements designed to protect small business incumbents. Learn more about The Quill & Sword series of podcasts by visiting our podcast page at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/thequillandsword. The Quill & Sword show includes featured episodes from across the JAGC, plus all episodes from our four separate shows: “Criminal Law Department Presents” (Criminal Law Department), “NSL Unscripted” (National Security Law Department), “The FAR and Beyond” (Contract & Fiscal Law Department) and “Hold My Reg” (Administrative & Civil Law Department). Connect with The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School by visiting our website at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/.
August 12 · 8 min
The FAR and Beyond | Episode 49: Revolutionary FAR Overhaul: FAR Part 14: The Evolution of Sealed Bidding
In this episode, we explore the historical roots of sealed bidding and its modern transformation under the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO), which reorganizes FAR Part 14 into a more accessible, lifecycle-based structure,. The discussion highlights the transition of non-regulatory best practices to the new FAR Companion, the removal of outdated procedures like facsimile bids, and the consolidation of two-step sealed bidding to create a leaner, more organized rulebook. Learn more about The Quill & Sword series of podcasts by visiting our podcast page at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/thequillandsword. The Quill & Sword show includes featured episodes from across the JAGC, plus all episodes from our four separate shows: “Criminal Law Department Presents” (Criminal Law Department), “NSL Unscripted” (National Security Law Department), “The FAR and Beyond” (Contract & Fiscal Law Department) and “Hold My Reg” (Administrative & Civil Law Department). Connect with The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School by visiting our website at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/.
August 5 · 10 min
The FAR and Beyond | Episode 48: Revolutionary FAR Overhaul: FAR Part 19: Small Business, Streamlined
In this episode, we explore the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO) of Part 19, which reorganizes small business regulations into acquisition life cycle stages while moving non-regulatory best practices to the FAR Companion. The discussion highlights critical updates for practitioners, such as the mandatory Rule of Two at the master contract level and a new, efficient process for automatically releasing requirements from the 8(a) program. Learn more about The Quill & Sword series of podcasts by visiting our podcast page at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/thequillandsword. The Quill & Sword show includes featured episodes from across the JAGC, plus all episodes from our four separate shows: “Criminal Law Department Presents” (Criminal Law Department), “NSL Unscripted” (National Security Law Department), “The FAR and Beyond” (Contract & Fiscal Law Department) and “Hold My Reg” (Administrative & Civil Law Department). Connect with The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School by visiting our website at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/.
July 29 · 40 min
The FAR and Beyond | Beyond Episode 47: The Foundation of Advice: Mastering Contract Research in an Evolving Landscape
In this episode, we discuss navigating the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO) using updated tools on acquisition.gov, including practitioner albums for change summaries and the new FAR Companion. The panel outlines how to locate agency-specific supplements like the AFARS and DFARS, while providing strategies for researching primary sources such as National Defense Authorization Acts (NDAAs) and GAO case law. Finally, the episode introduces the newly renamed Acquisition Attorney’s Deskbook and explores the evolving role of closed and open AI tools in conducting streamlined legal analysis. Resources Links Deskbooks: Attorney’s Acquisition Deskbook: tjaglcs.army.mil/publications Fiscal Law Deskbook: tjaglcs.army.mil/publications Primary Sources: FAR: www.acquisition.gov/ RFO: www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul RFO Practitioner Albums: www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/practitioner albums FAR Companion: www.acquisition.gov/sites/default/files/page_file_uploads/far-companion.pdf AFARS Link: www.army.mil/armycontracting#org-afars DFARS: www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/dars/dfarspgi/current/index.html and https://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/dars/dfars_far_overhaul_class_deviations.html U.S. Code and Statutes: uscode.house.gov/ Congress: www.congress.gov/ DoD History & Library Directorate: whs mil.libguides.com/dodappropriationslaws GAO: www.gao.gov/legal/bid-protests/search Court of Federal Claims (COFC): www.uscfc.uscourts.gov/ Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals (ASBCA): www.asbca.mil/ Secondary Sources: Congressional Research Reports: www.congress.gov/quick-search/crs products?qs_expand=true WIFCON.com: www.wifcon.com Small Gov Con: www.smallgov.com StanHinton: www.stanhinton.com Learn more about The Quill & Sword series of podcasts by visiting our podcast page at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/thequillandsword. The Quill & Sword show includes featured episodes from across the JAGC, plus all episodes from our four separate shows: “Criminal Law Department Presents” (Criminal Law Department), “NSL Unscripted” (National Security Law Department), “The FAR and Beyond” (Contract & Fiscal Law Department) and “Hold My Reg” (Administrative & Civil Law Department).
July 22 · 10 min
The FAR and Beyond | Beyond Episode 46: Small Business, Big Impact: Navigating the SBA’s History and Federal Contracting
In this episode, we explores the 75-year history of the Small Business Administration, tracing its origins from World War II defense advocacy to its modern role in managing government-wide contracting goals. The discussion also covers essential topics for practitioners, including the "Rule of Two," recent legal shifts in the 8(a) program, and upcoming acquisition reforms in the FY26 NDAA. Learn more about The Quill & Sword series of podcasts by visiting our podcast page at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/thequillandsword. The Quill & Sword show includes featured episodes from across the JAGC, plus all episodes from our four separate shows: “Criminal Law Department Presents” (Criminal Law Department), “NSL Unscripted” (National Security Law Department), “The FAR and Beyond” (Contract & Fiscal Law Department) and “Hold My Reg” (Administrative & Civil Law Department). Connect with The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School by visiting our website at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/.
July 15 · 14 min
The FAR and Beyond | Beyond Episode 45: Revolutionary FAR Overhaul: FAR Part 12: Simplifying Simplified Acquisitions
In this episode, we analyze the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul FAR Part 12, which streamlines commercial acquisitions by reorganizing the part into lifecycle-based subparts and cutting approximately 30% of associated provisions and clauses. The discussion explores key updates such as the inclusion of construction as a commercial service, a new emphasis on mandatory priority sources, and the shift from a rigid "late is late" rule to a "good business judgment" standard for late offers. Learn more about The Quill & Sword series of podcasts by visiting our podcast page at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/thequillandsword. The Quill & Sword show includes featured episodes from across the JAGC, plus all episodes from our four separate shows: “Criminal Law Department Presents” (Criminal Law Department), “NSL Unscripted” (National Security Law Department), “The FAR and Beyond” (Contract & Fiscal Law Department) and “Hold My Reg” (Administrative & Civil Law Department). Connect with The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School by visiting our website at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/.
July 15 · 7 min
The FAR and Beyond | Beyond Episode 44: Revolutionary FAR Overhaul: FAR Part 10 & 11: Research and Planning
In this episode, we examine how the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO) replaces rigid market research checklists with professional judgment and modular acquisition strategies designed to reduce risk. The discussion highlights the shift toward outcome-based contracting and new DFARS requirements for documenting research efforts, such as analyzing capabilities and determining if tiered evaluations are appropriate. Learn more about The Quill & Sword series of podcasts by visiting our podcast page at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/thequillandsword. The Quill & Sword show includes featured episodes from across the JAGC, plus all episodes from our four separate shows: “Criminal Law Department Presents” (Criminal Law Department), “NSL Unscripted” (National Security Law Department), “The FAR and Beyond” (Contract & Fiscal Law Department) and “Hold My Reg” (Administrative & Civil Law Department). Connect with The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School by visiting our website at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/.
July 1 · 6 min
The FAR and Beyond | Beyond Episode 43: Revolutionary FAR Overhaul: DFARS 227: Intellectual Property in the DoW
In this episode, we analyze the comprehensive restructuring of DFARS Part 227, which organizes intellectual property into commercial and non-commercial "hemispheres" and introduces a new unified "super clause" for technical data and software. The episode also highlights critical substantive updates, including the extension of the validation timeline to six years and a new strategic emphasis on resolving validity questions prior to award. Learn more about The Quill & Sword series of podcasts by visiting our podcast page at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/thequillandsword. The Quill & Sword show includes featured episodes from across the JAGC, plus all episodes from our four separate shows: “Criminal Law Department Presents” (Criminal Law Department), “NSL Unscripted” (National Security Law Department), “The FAR and Beyond” (Contract & Fiscal Law Department) and “Hold My Reg” (Administrative & Civil Law Department). Connect with The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School by visiting our website at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/.
June 24 · 15 min
The FAR and Beyond | Beyond Episode 42: Warfighting Acquisition Strategy: The Rise of the Portfolio Acquisition Executives
In this episode, discuss the Department of War's transition from traditional, siloed acquisition systems to an agile, portfolio-centric model designed to keep pace with modern warfare. They explore the groundbreaking role of the Portfolio Acquisition Executive (PAE) established in the FY26 NDAA, which integrates requirements, budgeting, and execution into a single node to provide the speed and flexibility needed on the battlefield. Learn more about The Quill & Sword series of podcasts by visiting our podcast page at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/thequillandsword. The Quill & Sword show includes featured episodes from across the JAGC, plus all episodes from our four separate shows: “Criminal Law Department Presents” (Criminal Law Department), “NSL Unscripted” (National Security Law Department), “The FAR and Beyond” (Contract & Fiscal Law Department) and “Hold My Reg” (Administrative & Civil Law Department). Connect with The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School by visiting our website at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/.
June 17 · 11 min
The FAR and Beyond | Beyond Episode 41: FY2026 NDAA Rundown
In this episode, we dissect the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, focusing on how the Speed and Forge Acts are driving a massive legislative pivot toward streamlined defense acquisition reform. We explore critical updates including the new statutory definition of "best value," significant threshold increases for mandatory cost data and Cost Accounting Standards, and the strategic push to eliminate supply chain reliance on covered nations. Learn more about The Quill & Sword series of podcasts by visiting our podcast page at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/thequillandsword. The Quill & Sword show includes featured episodes from across the JAGC, plus all episodes from our four separate shows: “Criminal Law Department Presents” (Criminal Law Department), “NSL Unscripted” (National Security Law Department), “The FAR and Beyond” (Contract & Fiscal Law Department) and “Hold My Reg” (Administrative & Civil Law Department). Connect with The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School by visiting our website at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/.
June 10 · 7 min
The FAR and Beyond | Beyond Episode 40: Revolutionary FAR Overhaul: FAR Part 33: Protests
In this episode, we analyze the chronological restructuring of FAR Part 33 and the new addition of a "designated purpose" for the bid protest system intended to deter improper filings. We dive into substantive updates to agency-level protests, including the mandatory disclosure of redacted Source Selection Decision documents (SSDD) to protesters and the streamlined approval levels for overrides of regulatory stays. Learn more about The Quill & Sword series of podcasts by visiting our podcast page at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/thequillandsword. The Quill & Sword show includes featured episodes from across the JAGC, plus all episodes from our four separate shows: “Criminal Law Department Presents” (Criminal Law Department), “NSL Unscripted” (National Security Law Department), “The FAR and Beyond” (Contract & Fiscal Law Department) and “Hold My Reg” (Administrative & Civil Law Department). Connect with The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School by visiting our website at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/.
June 3 · 10 min
The FAR and Beyond | Beyond Episode 39: Revolutionary FAR Overhaul: FAR Part 15: Negotiations, not Discussions
In this episode, we explore the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO) of FAR Part 15, highlighting the transition from traditional discussions to a more robust negotiation framework. We break down innovative evaluation methods like Highest Technically Rated with a Fair and Reasonable Price and phased acquisitions. Additionally, the discussion covers the expanded role of clarifications, the simplified definition of deficiencies, and the increased discretion granted to contracting officers when identifying the offers best suited for the competitive range. Learn more about The Quill & Sword series of podcasts by visiting our podcast page at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/thequillandsword. The Quill & Sword show includes featured episodes from across the JAGC, plus all episodes from our four separate shows: “Criminal Law Department Presents” (Criminal Law Department), “NSL Unscripted” (National Security Law Department), “The FAR and Beyond” (Contract & Fiscal Law Department) and “Hold My Reg” (Administrative & Civil Law Department). Connect with The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School by visiting our website at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/.
May 27 · 9 min
The FAR and Beyond | Beyond Episode 38: Revolutionary FAR Overhaul: FAR Part 49: Terminations
In this episode, we discuss the streamlining of FAR Part 49 under the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO), which reduced the administrative "fluff" while keeping all existing legal termination clauses intact. Additionally, we analyze the substantive updates to FAR Part 12 concerning terminations for cause. Learn more about The Quill & Sword series of podcasts by visiting our podcast page at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/thequillandsword. The Quill & Sword show includes featured episodes from across the JAGC, plus all episodes from our four separate shows: “Criminal Law Department Presents” (Criminal Law Department), “NSL Unscripted” (National Security Law Department), “The FAR and Beyond” (Contract & Fiscal Law Department) and “Hold My Reg” (Administrative & Civil Law Department). Connect with The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School by visiting our website at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/.
May 20 · 21 min
The FAR and Beyond | Beyond Episode 37: The Limits of Authority: Unpacking the 40-Year Saga of Pratt & Whitney
In this episode, we sit down with Mr. Adam Caudle and Miss Dana Chase to dissect the 39-year litigation in Secretary of Defense v. Pratt & Whitney. We analyze the Federal Circuit's 2025 decision, which reaffirmed that a contracting officer’s authority is not unlimited and that agreements violating mandatory FAR provisions are considered illegal and unenforceable. The discussion highlights the critical takeaway that while the revolutionary FAR overhaul encourages broader professional judgment, practitioners must still remain within the four corners of the FAR to ensure their agreements remain valid. Cases discussed: United Technologies Corp., Pratt & Whitney, ASBCA Nos. 47416, 50453, 50888, 01-2 BCA ¶ 31,592; Rumsfeld v. United Technologies Corp., 315 F.3d 1361 (Fed. Cir. 2003); United Technologies Corp., Pratt & Whitney, ASBCA No. 61623, 22-1 BCA ¶ 38,111; Secretary of Defense v. Pratt & Whitney, 148 F.4th 1354 (Fed. Cir. 2025). Learn more about The Quill & Sword series of podcasts by visiting our podcast page at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/thequillandsword. The Quill & Sword show includes featured episodes from across the JAGC, plus all episodes from our four separate shows: “Criminal Law Department Presents” (Criminal Law Department), “NSL Unscripted” (National Security Law Department), “The FAR and Beyond” (Contract & Fiscal Law Department) and “Hold My Reg” (Administrative & Civil Law Department). Connect with The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School by visiting our website at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/.
May 13 · 8 min
The FAR and Beyond | Beyond Episode 36: Revolutionary FAR Overhaul: FAR Part 5: Tables over Text
In this episode, we discuss the streamlining of FAR Part 5 under the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO), which reorganizes the section into a chronological life cycle approach consisting of three main phases: pre-solicitation, solicitation, and award. We explore major updates including the retirement of the term "synopsis" in favor of "notice," the implementation of four user-friendly tables to clarify posting timeframes, and deleting outdated subparts. Learn more about The Quill & Sword series of podcasts by visiting our podcast page at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/thequillandsword. The Quill & Sword show includes featured episodes from across the JAGC, plus all episodes from our four separate shows: “Criminal Law Department Presents” (Criminal Law Department), “NSL Unscripted” (National Security Law Department), “The FAR and Beyond” (Contract & Fiscal Law Department) and “Hold My Reg” (Administrative & Civil Law Department). Connect with The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School by visiting our website at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/.
May 6 · 29 min
The FAR and Beyond | Beyond Episode 35: Revolutionary FAR Overhaul: Great Discretion, Great Documentation: Navigating the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (Phase 2)
In this episode, Mr. Adam Caudle from Army OGC joins us to discuss the transition into Phase 2 of the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO), emphasizing the new chronological restructuring of the FAR into solicitation, evaluation, award, and post-award phases. We analyze major shifts in FAR Part 15 and 19, such as the replacement of communications with discretionary clarifications and the end of the "once an 8(a), always an 8(a)" rule. We also highlight the significant threshold increases for certified cost and pricing data and cost accounting standards (CAS), and the broader discretion given to Contracting Officers. Learn more about The Quill & Sword series of podcasts by visiting our podcast page at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/thequillandsword. The Quill & Sword show includes featured episodes from across the JAGC, plus all episodes from our four separate shows: “Criminal Law Department Presents” (Criminal Law Department), “NSL Unscripted” (National Security Law Department), “The FAR and Beyond” (Contract & Fiscal Law Department) and “Hold My Reg” (Administrative & Civil Law Department). Connect with The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School by visiting our website at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/.

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