In this episode, Vicky Strycharske joins Kevin to talk about “Fun with FOIA”. They explain the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and why it matters in government contracting. The FOIA, passed in 1966, lets the public see government documents and records. This helps keep things open and honest.
For contractors, FOIA is a goldmine. It shows how past contracts were set up, judged, and given out. This info can help them win new contracts. For contracting officers (COs), FOIA is a strict process they must follow. It makes sure they release the right documents on time.
FOIA is a key tool for market research. Contractors can learn about their competitors and past contracts. This gives them an edge when bidding. FOIA also sets rules on what documents to release and when. This keeps the contracting process clear and fair.
The episode gives tips on how to make FOIA requests. It stresses being clear and on time. It also shares success stories and best practices for both contractors and COs. The talk highlights the need to understand and use FOIA in government contracting. It urges contractors to use FOIA smartly and COs to follow the rules and stay transparent.