63rd Annual National Seminar on Government Contracts

~ September 25, 2024 ~

“Steadying the Course in Uncertain Times.”

ZOOM MEETING

The 63rd Annual National Seminar on Government Contracts will be held virtually over the Zoom platform. If you have never used Zoom, we encourage you to and to also to become more familiar with Zoom and to ensure that your audio and video are working satisfactorily. This also will ensure that, once the Seminar begins, you will have immediate access to all Seminar sessions. Registrants will be sent a link to the Zoom Meeting a day or two before the Seminar via the e-mail address they provide at registration.

C O – S P O N S O R E D B Y

The College of Liberal Arts, University of Minnesota (“CLA”)

Twin Cities Chapter, National Contract Management Association (“NCMA”)

North Star Chapter, National Property Management Association (“NPMA”)

§ ABOUT THE SEMINAR

The Annual National Seminar on Government Contracts is an educational activity for students and professionals in the acquisition, government contracting, and government property communities. The Seminar is co-sponsored by the College of Liberal Arts, University of Minnesota in cooperation with the Twin Cities Chapter, National Contract Management Association (“NCMA”), and the North Star Chapter, National Property Management Association (“NPMA”). The Seminar features nationally prominent speakers addressing timely and important issues in Government Contracting and Government Property management.

Who Should Attend

The Seminar is designed for contract professionals, lawyers, students, accountants, price analysts, Government Property managers, Facilities Security Officers, and other representatives of business, industry, academia, and government interested in various aspects of Government Contracting.

NEED TO KNOW SHORTS (“NTKS”)

In addition to the full day program of seven 45-minute sessions set forth below, the Seminar will include two 30-minute informational sessions featuring things you need to know. The Speakers and Topics for this year’s Need to Know Shorts (“NTKS”) are:

1. Christopher R. Yukins, Lynn David Research Professor in Government Procurement Law, The George Washington University Law School: Risk Management in Government Procurement: An American Approach Goes Global; and

2. Collin Davis Johnson, Manager, Coloplast Corp.: Collaborating with the VA: A History and Update on SDVOSB Partnerships.

Alan E. Peterson Award for Distinguished Service in Government Contracting

In 2004, the Alan E. Peterson Award for Distinguished Service in Government Contracting was established. The award reflects the values of service and professionalism exemplified by the life and career of Alan E. Peterson (1929 - 2020). It is given to a distinguished person or organization in the field of Government Contracting that has made significant contributions to the Annual National Seminar on Government Contracts or the field of Government Contracting. Prior award recipients include:

2023 Defense Contract Management Association

2022 Chip Laingen

2021 Christopher Yukins

2020 Kathleen McNamara

2019 Wayne Prochniak

2018 John Dresch

2017 Douglas Dahl

2016 Daniel Hogan

2015 Jeff Eckland

2014 North Star Chapter, National Property Management Association

2013 Gordon Amundson

2012 Merritt Marquardt

2010 Joe Clements

2009 Steven Schooner

2008 Maynard Panser

2007 Doug Goetz

2006 Twin Cities Chapter, National Contract Management Association

2005 Ralph Nash

2004 Paul Lindahl

Alan E. Peterson was a longtime supporter and contributor to the Annual National Seminar on Government Contracts. His generosity was profound and his leadership in the field of Government Contracting esteemed.

The College Liberal Arts, University of Minnesota (“CLA”)

The College of Liberal Arts prepares students to be independent and original thinkers, to be innovators in their chosen fields, to create meaning in their lives and in their life’s work, and to become productive citizens and leaders in their communities and around the world. Home to disciplines in the arts, humanities, and social sciences, CLA supports the University of Minnesota’s land-grant mission through instruction, inquiry, and engagement with its off-campus communities.

Twin Cities Chapter, National Contract Management Association (“NCMA”)

The NCMA is dedicated to the growth and development of professionals involved in public and private contract management with a business management perspective worldwide. The Association strives to serve and inform the professionals it represents and to offer opportunities for the open exchange of ideas in neutral forums.

North Star Chapter, National Property Management Association (“NPMA”)

The NPMA is a leader in Property and Asset management for both public and private institutions. The Association develops policies, educational opportunities, and certificate programs so that federal, state, and local governments, commercial organizations, and educational institutions can recruit, hire, and retain workforces best qualified to perform critical Government Property management missions. As a professional association, the NPMA encourages the adoption of its policies and provides guidance to establish and uphold a national set of values to be applied by practitioners within the profession.

§ Virtual Information and Certification Process

Registration and Fees

The registration fee for student, retired, and small business* attendees is $50. The early registration fee for all other attendees is $150. The registration fee includes all sessions and all Seminar materials.

For discounted registration fees please see below and/or the “Seminar Fees & Methods of Payment” section of the full Seminar Brochure.

A refund will be issued for registration cancellations received by September 17, 2024. If you cancel after this date, you will not be eligible for a refund. A full refund will be issued if the Seminar is canceled.

*Companies with ten (10) or fewer people.

Accreditation

Submitted CLE credit applications for Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin are pending approval. We will send out a Certificate of Attendance after the event showing approved CLE credit hours earned. You may use this Certificate along with this Seminar Brochure to apply for CLE credit in your state if different from the above-listed states.

This Seminar also fulfills the NCMA, the NPMA, and the NCMS recertification requirement for seminar attendance with the number of hours pending approval.

Stay tuned for the exact number of credits and credit hours when and as they are approved.

For Program Information

Tracy Overson

Seminar Planning Committee Administrator

612-236-0163

[email protected]

The University of Minnesota shall provide equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. This Seminar Brochure is available in alternative formats, upon request. Disability accommodations will be provided upon request.

PROGRAM 63rd Annual National Seminar on Government Contracts

§ Wednesday, September 25, 2024

7:15 a.m.

Registration log-in begins

8:00 a.m.

Presiding: Jeff Eckland

Welcoming Remarks

Interim Dean Ann Waltner, Interim Dean of the College of Liberal Arts; Professor of History, Department of History, College of Liberal Arts, University of Minnesota; Minneapolis, MN

Preliminary Remarks

Provost Rachel T.A. Croson, Executive Vice President and Provost, University of Minnesota; McKnight Endowed Professor of Economics, Department of Economics, College of Liberal Arts, University of Minnesota; Minneapolis, MN

Opening Remarks

Emcee Tane Danger, Director, Westminster Town Hall Forum; Co-founder, The Theater of Public Policy; Minneapolis, MN

Alan E. Peterson Award

Presiding: Douglas Dahl

Presentation of the 2024 Alan E. Peterson Award

8:30 a.m.

Presiding: Sarah Massuch

The False Claims Act: Key Updates for Government Contractors

Alex Hontos, Esq., Partner, Dorsey & Whitney LLP; Minneapolis, MN

In the world of government contracts, understanding the False Claims Act (“FCA”) is essential for everyone. Recent developments have significantly impacted the FCA, akin to “reforging an old sword with new steel.” Mr. Hontos will summarize the latest case law and settlements, offering insights on how to circumnavigate and mitigate the risks of running afoul of the FCA – the United States Government’s primary weapon for combatting fraud, waste, and abuse in government contracting.

9:15 a.m.

Break

9:30 a.m.

Presiding: Jeff Eckland

Brighter Days Ahead or a Coming Storm? The Impact on the World of Government Contracts of the Overruling of Chevron by the Supreme Court’s Loper Bright Decision

Robert Townlin Dube, Jr., Esq., Senior Associate, Government Contracts Practice Group, Eckland & Blando LLP; Minneapolis, MN

The United States Supreme Court recently overturned the venerated Chevron deference doctrine, which for over forty years directed courts to defer to reasonable agency interpretations of ambiguous federal legislation. Mr. Dube will review the Court’s decision in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, examine whether the decision marks a significant shift, and evaluate its implications for government contractors assessing a dynamically changing legal framework.

10:15 a.m.

Presiding: Chuck Barry

Government Contractors & Artificial Intelligence – How to Safely Harness and Thrive With AI!

Steve Karp, Chief Innovation Officer, Unanet; Dulles, Virginia

In the realm of government contracting, Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) offers transformative potential when effectively tailored around, trained for, and applied to industry-specific challenges. Mr. Karp will analyze how AI can drive significant efficiencies and improvements in key business areas for government contractors. He will also discuss how to strategically harness AI in those areas most suited to “move the needle” to enhance operations and manage associated risks, helping organizations adapt and thrive in an innovative environment.

11:00 a.m.

Break

11:15 a.m.

Presiding: Tom Robinette

Understanding The 2024 Elections: Insights into Polarization and Divergent Paths Ahead

Professor Kathryn L. Pearson, Associate Professor of Political Science, Department of Political Science, College of Liberal Arts, University of Minnesota; Minneapolis, MN

Returning once again by popular demand, Professor Pearson will share political science research providing context for an in-depth analysis of the 2024 presidential and congressional elections. Her presentation will delve into the electorate’s growing partisan polarization, the tight divide between the major parties, the candidates' Electoral College strategies, and other distinctive dynamics shaping this pivotal election cycle that will impact us all.

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Lunch

1:00 p.m.

Presiding: John Dresch

HOW DO WE KNOW WHAT WE KNOW? Navigating Knowledge for Contract and Property Management Professionals

Dr. Douglas N. Goetz, President and CEO, Retired, GP Consultants, LLC; Beavercreek, OH

In the ever-evolving world of government contracts and government property management, how do we know what we know is the right answer to the question? Whether you’re a fresh-faced trainee, a mid-career professional, or one of the “grey beards” with years of experience, Dr. Goetz will guide you through the complexities of acquiring and validating knowledge. With his signature humor and practical wisdom, Dr. Goetz will tackle everything from framing the proper questions to the essential tools for finding the right answers. He will cover empirical facts, laws and regulations, literature, webinars, forums, personnel, and even the role of Artificial Intelligence (“AI”). Expect a lively and resource-packed session designed to help you become the best professional you can be, especially in these uncertain times.

1:45 p.m.

Break

2:00 p.m. (NTKS)

Presiding: Jeff Eckland

Alan E. Peterson Keynote Address – Risk Management in Government Procurement: An American Approach Goes Global

Professor Christopher R. Yukins, Lynn David Research Professor in Government Procurement Law, Government Procurement Law Program, The George Washington University Law School; Washington, D.C.

As a navigational tool in an era of uncertainty, risk management has become fundamental to government procurement, shaping the way threats to successful acquisitions are identified, assessed, and mitigated. Professor Yukins will explain how this American approach, deeply embedded in U.S. procurement – from responsibility assessments to debarment and competitive negotiations – is now gaining traction globally. For example, The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (“OECD”), based in Paris, is encouraging procurement professionals worldwide to integrate risk management into their processes, moving beyond rigid acquisition methods to proactively address the risks and rewards inherent in procurement decisions. This global shift aims to optimize solutions to social, economic, and environmental challenges as they evolve.

2:30 p.m.

Presiding: Kaniah Konkoly-Thege

Adapting Federal Government Contracting to a Changing Climate

Aaron P. Silberman, Esq., Shareholder, Government Contracts Practice Group, Rogers Joseph O’Donnell, PC; San Francisco, CA

In this session, Mr. Silberman will explore how the evolving challenges of climate change are reshaping federal contracting and grants, as well as how agencies and contractors are responding. He will outline the evolving legal landscape, highlighting new regulatory and contractual requirements stemming from recent legislation, Executive Orders, and agency programs. Key topics will include environmental mandates in the Infrastructure and Inflation Reduction Acts, the upcoming Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council rule on greenhouse gas ("GHG") emissions, updates to federal green building standards, and the potential impact of future shifts in Administration or Congressional priorities.

3:15 p.m.

Break

3:30 p.m. (NTKS)

Presiding: Chuck Barry

Collaborating with the VA: A History and Update on SDVOSB Partnerships

Collin Davis Johnson, Manager, Coloplast Corp.; Minneapolis, MN

In this NTKS session, Mr. Johnson will express his insights into working with the U.S. Department of Veterans affairs (“VA”) through a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (“SDVOSB”) “non-stocking distributor.” He will also assess the dynamics of this reseller-to-government model and its implications for businesses administering the complexities of government contracting.

4:00 p.m.

Presiding: John Dresch

Leveraging Artificial Intelligence in Government Property Management: An Introductory Guide

Benjamin Holland, Government Property Manager, CACI International Inc.; Oklahoma City, OK

In this presentation, Mr. Holland will survey the current application of Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) in federal contracting. He will then set forth an overview of Generative Predictive Text (“GPT”) AI tools, and how they are developed using Large Language Models (“LLMs”). With the rapid proliferation of AI technologies across various digital platforms and industries, Mr. Holland will focus on three key applications: condensing regulatory guidance, creating policy and training materials, and generating code – such as Structured Query Language (“SQL”), Visual Basic (“VB”), and Python (programming language) – using plain-language prompts.

4:45 p.m.

Presiding: Emcee Tane Danger

Parting Comments

Presiding: Jeff Eckland

Closing Remarks

5:00 p.m.

Program Concludes

§ SEMINAR PLANNING COMMITTEE

Chuck Barry, Coloplast Corp.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Timothy Burrow, BAE Systems, Inc.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Brian Cihacek, City of Minneapolis

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Robert Townlin Dube, Jr., NCMA President

Minneapolis, Minnesota

John Dresch, Defense Contract Management Agency, Retired

Fridley, Minnesota

Jeff Eckland, Eckland & Blando LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Alex Hontos, Dorsey & Whitney LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Kaniah Konkoly-Thege, Honeywell International Inc.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Sarah Massuch, BAE Systems, Inc.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Mary Neal, Honeywell International Inc.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Tracy Overson, Committee Administrator

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Tom Robinette, 3M Company

Saint Paul, Minnesota

Teressa Severt, Collins Aerospace

Burnsville, Minnesota

Cynthia Theis, Defense Contract Audit Agency

Saint Paul, Minnesota

Ben Weimert, Northrop Grumman Corporation

Plymouth, Minnesota

EMERITUS COMMITTEE

Douglas Dahl, Retired

Eagan, Minnesota

Paul Lindahl, Retired

Woodbury, Minnesota

Merritt Marquardt, Retired

Woodbury, Minnesota

§ A S P E C I A L T H A N K Y O U F R O M T H E S E M I N A R P L A N N I N G C O M M I T T E E

The Seminar Planning Committee thanks our attendees, speakers, and co-sponsors of the 63rd Annual National Seminar on Government Contracts. The Committee also thanks our marketing partners, including Federal Publications Seminars (“FPS”), the College of Liberal Arts, University of Minnesota (“CLA”), the Twin Cities Chapter of the National Contract Management Association (“NCMA”), and the North Star Chapter of the National Property Management Association (“NPMA”).

Host or Publisher Government Contracts Committee