Best Dod Contracts Podcasts (2025)

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Nick Hart on the Power of Good Data in Government 29:41

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6h ago29:41

29:41

This week, the GovNavigators sit down with our good friend Nick Hart, President and CEO of the Data Foundation, for a wide-ranging conversation on why government data matters more than most people realize, and why it so often goes unnoticed until it’s at risk. Nick walks through the launch of the People’s Data 100, a new initiative designed to surf…

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Top CMMC Myths Debunked: Cloud, Vendors, Firewalls, and MFA Mistakes Explained 16:59

3d ago16:59

16:59

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! Today’s episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast dives into the biggest myths that machine shops, fabricators, CNC shops, and mid-sized defense contractors still believe about CMMC. From cloud misconceptions to vendor promises that fall short, Brooke breaks down why these misunderstan…

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The Lending Brief: Kate Aaby on Breaking Silos and Modernizing Federal Lending 14:32

5d ago14:32

14:32

In this episode of The Lending Brief (sponsored by Allocore), former SBA CFO and Associate Administrator Kate Aaby joins to unpack what it really takes to manage and modernize one of the federal government’s largest loan portfolios. Drawing on experience at OMB, in the private sector, and on the front lines of pandemic lending, Kate reflects on les…

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Saving the Tech Modernization Fund with Ross Nodurft 24:40

7d ago24:40

24:40

This week, the GovNavigators welcome Ross Nodurft, Executive Director of the Alliance for Digital Innovation, for a timely conversation on the future of federal IT modernization and the urgent fight to save the Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) before its December expiration. Ross breaks down how the TMF has quietly become one of the federal gove…

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Plain English Guide to CMMC Level 1: Basic Cybersecurity Without the Headache 29:02

10d ago29:02

29:02

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! CMMC Level 1 Self- Assessment Guide: https://dodcio.defense.gov/Portals/0/Documents/CMMC/AG_Level1_V2.0_FinalDraft_20211210_508.pdf In this episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast, Stacey and Austin from Justice IT Consulting break down CMMC Level 1 in clear, simple terms: what it is…

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Sairah Ijaz on Rebuilding Government Through Better Processes 27:08

14d ago27:08

27:08

This week, the GovNavigators sit down with Sairah Ijaz, Managing Director at Celonis and former federal CIO to talk about her path from a GS-5 intern with a clipboard to one of the most influential technology executives in government. Sairah shares how early roles at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Social Security Administration, and GAO shaped …

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Top 12 CMMC Level 2 Requirements Explained: Gap Assessments, Scope, SSP, and POA&M 43:51

17d ago43:51

43:51

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! In this episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast, Stacey and Austin from Justice IT Consulting walk through the top 12 essentials every contractor needs to achieve CMMC Level 2 compliance especially small and mid-sized defense manufacturers. You’ll learn how to start compliance the ri…

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Pop-up Episode: Happy Thanksgiving from the GovNavigators! 8:28

21d ago8:28

8:28

The GovNavigators drop in with a special Thanksgiving pop-up to talk shutdown aftershocks, the rocky restart for federal employees and contractors, and what the latest CR means for the months ahead. Robert and Adam also recap the launch of the GovNavigators Network and touch on OPM’s new executive-training curriculum and Congress’s surprisingly lig…

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Love Rutledge on Life After DOD and the Future of Federal Talent 27:41

28d ago27:41

27:41

This week, the GovNavigators welcome Love Rutledge, host of the Fed Upward Podcast and recently retired Senior Executive from the Department of Defense. From her start as a GS-7 working two jobs to leading readiness and talent initiatives at the Pentagon, Love shares lessons from 25 years in federal service—and why she’s optimistic about what comes…

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The Lending Brief Podcast: Ben Wallace on Modernizing Federal Loan Systems 20:26

1M ago20:26

20:26

Welcome back to The Lending Brief, brought to you by the GovNavigators and sponsored by Allocore. The Lending Brief shares stories of innovation, challenge, and impact in federal lending. In this episode, Allocore Managing Director Ben Wallace joins to discuss how government lending programs can finally catch up to the scale and speed of modern fin…

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Ted Kaouk on AI and the Future of Federal Innovation 27:19

1M ago27:19

27:19

This week on the GovNavigators Show, Robert and Adam welcome Ted Kaouk, former Federal Chief Data Officer and (as Adam puts it) the godfather of the federal CDO community. Now founder of Generative Work AI, Ted joins the hosts to discuss how generative AI is transforming the way organizations think, learn, and lead. From his “30 AI apps in 30 days”…

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Cyber AB Town Hall Breakdown: Legal Lessons, Ecosystem Growth, and CMMC Phase 2 Progress 30:01

1M ago30:01

30:01

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! In this episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast, Brooke and Stacey from Justice IT Consulting unpack the biggest updates from the Cyber AB’s October 2025 Town Hall and what they mean for defense contractors preparing for CMMC certification. You’ll learn: Why the government shutdown i…

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Dave Wennergren Reflects on the First Nine Months of Trump 2.0 27:29

1M ago27:29

27:29

This week on the GovNavigators Show, ACT-IAC CEO Dave Wennergren sits down with Robert and Adam to talk about how ACT-IAC and similar organizations are staying the course through the recent big shifts in the federal management and technology. Throughout sweeping cost-cuts, shifting priorities, and the AI wave, Dave and everyone on his team have bee…

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Highlights from CS5 East 2025: Operation Midnight Hammer, CMMC Updates, and AI Insights 47:52

2M ago47:52

47:52

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! Get the inside scoop from CS5 East 2025, the largest cybersecurity and compliance event for the Defense Industrial Base. In this episode, Brooke and Stacey from Justice IT Consulting breaks down the biggest CMMC updates, Operation Midnight Hammer, and how AI is reshaping compliance. Learn…

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CMMC Paradox: Why Contractors Can’t Wait 11:46

2M ago11:46

11:46

Send us a text Even with a government shutdown, the CMMC compliance clock keeps ticking. ⏰🔐 In this episode, we uncover the paradox facing defense contractors: while agencies pause, cybersecurity deadlines don’t. The DoD’s timelines, affirmations, and enforcement plans continue to move forward—leaving unprepared firms at risk when operations resume…

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The Lending Brief Podcast: Doug Criscitello on the Future of Federal Lending 22:02

2M ago22:02

22:02

Welcome to The Lending Brief, a brand new show brought to you by the GovNavigators and sponsored by Allocore. The Lending Brief shares stories of innovation, challenge, and impact in federal lending. Our first guest is Doug Criscitello, former CFO at HUD and SBA, and now a fellow at Arnold Ventures. Doug unpacks how the federal government quietly b…

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Welcome Aboard, Hilery Sirpis! 28:26

2M ago28:26

28:26

This week on the GovNavigators podcast, Robert and Adam sit down with the newest member of the GovNavigators team, Chief Strategy Officer Hilery Sirpis! Hilery shares her insight gained from her 27 years helping government contractors connect with public-sector audiences. She shares with the navigators about her love for the state and local market,…

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Gordon Gillerman on Standards, Testing, and Building Trust in Government Technology 29:38

2M ago29:38

29:38

This week, the GovNavigators welcome Gordon Gillerman, former Director of the Standards Coordination Office at NIST, to talk about how standards and testing programs quietly keep the federal government and the products it relies on running safely and efficiently. Gordon shares how collaboration between government and industry helps ensure innovatio…

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Special Episode: Inside Process Intelligence Day—From Legacy Pain to Measurable Gain 30:01

2M ago30:01

30:01

This week on the GovNavigators, we bring you a special episode from Celonis’s Process Intelligence Day. we’re taking you inside Celonis Process Intelligence Day—where government and industry leaders shared how data-driven insights are reshaping public sector operations. Robert and Adam talk with Colin Wardlaw, Gary Wang, Aubrey Vaughn, and Sairah I…

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How to Prove CMMC Compliance to Prime Contractors (Before You Lose Contracts) 27:28

2M ago27:28

27:28

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! 🎯 Get your Free SPRS Roadmap Session: https://cmmccomplianceguide.com/free-sprs-roadmap Our experts will review your SPRS score, documentation, and setup to help you hit 110 with a clear action plan at no cost. Prime contractors like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Parker Hannifin are dema…

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Oliver Wise on Data, AI, and the Future of Public Service 27:13

2M ago27:13

27:13

This week, the GovNavigators welcome Oliver Wise, former Chief Data Officer at the Department of Commerce and now Executive Director of the Bloomberg Center for Government Excellence at Johns Hopkins University. Oliver discusses his experience leading data initiatives across Commerce, including efforts to make federal data usable in an AI-driven wo…

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Cyber AB Town Hall September 2025: Key CMMC Compliance Updates 33:55

2M ago33:55

33:55

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! The September 2025 Cyber AB Town Hall dropped big updates for contractors navigating CMMC and NIST 800-171 compliance. In this episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast, Brooke and Austin break down what the final CMMC rule (Title 48A) means for defense contractors, subcontractors, and…

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The Future of Shared Services with John Marshall and Steve Goodrich 24:52

3M ago24:52

24:52

This week, the GovNavigators sit down with John Marshall and Steve Goodrich of the Shared Services Leadership Coalition to chart the past, present, and what’s next in federal shared services, from payroll consolidation and NASA’s model to today’s QSMOs and a legislative plan to turn modernization from pilots into standard practice. Show Notes SSLC:…

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Handling CUI Correctly: Compliance Risks and Best Practices 17:06

3M ago17:06

17:06

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! Worried about mishandling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)? In this episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast, Brooke and Stacey break down what CUI really is, why it matters in defense contracting, and the biggest mistakes contractors make when handling it. You’ll also learn …

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The GovNavigators Take a Deep Dive: Discussing Developments From the Last Few Weeks 24:52

3M ago24:52

24:52

Robert and Adam are sailing solo on this special episode of the GovNavigators Show, featuring an in-depth discussion of recent developments from OPM, OMB, GAO, and more. With the end of the fiscal year fast approaching, the GovNavigators are here to make sense of the storm. Hold on tight! Show Notes: OPM: New Guidelines for Performance Reviews OMB:…

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CMMC Final Rule Explained: Deadlines, Requirements, and Next Steps for Defense Contractors 15:33

3M ago15:33

15:33

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! The wait is over: the Department of Defense has finalized the CMMC rule, officially making it part of DFARS. That means compliance isn’t “coming soon”, it’s now in your contracts. In this episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast, Austin and Brooke from Justice IT Consulting break down…

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Charles Cooper on Congress’s Tumultuous Fall Agenda 26:04

3M ago26:04

26:04

This week, the GovNavigators welcome back Charles Cooper of Brumidi Group for a frank look at Congress’s crowded to-do list. From looming shutdown risks, rescissions, and the fight over appropriations to the fate of healthcare extenders, the farm bill, and other expiring programs, Charles explains why the path forward is rockier than ever—and where…

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The Role of NIST 800-171 in Your CMMC Assessment 31:06

3M ago31:06

31:06

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! Confused about where NIST 800-171 fits into your CMMC 2.0 assessment? You’re not alone. In this episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide, Brooke and Stacey from Justice IT Consulting break it all down in plain English. We cover the foundation of NIST 800-171, how it maps into the CMMC levels,…

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Ready or Not: CMMC 2.0 Final Rule is Here 19:50

3M ago19:50

19:50

Send us a text In this episode, we break down the Department of Defense’s final rule amending the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to integrate the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). We’ll cover what these new contractual obligations mean for contractors, including self-assessment reporting in SPRS, continuo…

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Anne Meeker on Making Congress Work Better 30:16

3M ago30:16

30:16

This week, the GovNavigators welcome Anne Meeker, Deputy Director of the PopVox Foundation, for a conversation on making Congress work better. From the overlooked power of casework to AI’s role in shaping legislative oversight, Anne shares how small reforms can strengthen trust and improve service delivery across government. Show Notes OMB: Circula…

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Pop-up Episode: Honoring the Labor Movement 3:48

4M ago3:48

3:48

In this special Labor Day pop-up episode of the GovNavigators Show, Adam and Robert reflect on the importance of the labor movement, tease some big news for the Navigators family, and preview what’s ahead as Congress returns to town. With the fiscal year’s end approaching, expect debates over rescissions, reconciliation, the NDAA, and the President…

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The Truth About CMMC Enclaves: Pros, Cons, and Compliance Risks 30:47

4M ago30:47

30:47

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! Thinking about building an enclave for CMMC compliance? Not so fast. In this episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast, Austin and Brooke from Justice IT Consulting break down: What an enclave actually is (in plain English) When an enclave makes sense (and saves you money) When it can …

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Jason Miller on the Future of Federal Procurement 25:23

4M ago25:23

25:23

This week, the GovNavigators welcome Jason Miller, Executive Editor at Federal News Network, for a wide-ranging conversation on the state of federal acquisition and IT leadership. From the long-awaited FAR overhaul and GSA’s contracting shifts to the evolving role of the federal CIO, Jason unpacks what these changes mean for agencies, industry, and…

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Are You Really Ready for a CMMC Assessment? 31:54

4M ago31:54

31:54

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! Think you’re ready for your CMMC assessment? In this episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast, Austin and Brooke break down the difference between being “paper ready” and truly “assessment ready.” From documentation gaps to overlooked technical controls, they share insider tips to hel…

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Unlocking Federal Real Estate: Efficiency, Partnerships, and the Path Ahead 29:53

4M ago29:53

29:53

This week on the GovNavigators Show, Adam and Robert sit down with George Guszcza, President and CEO of the National Institute of Building Sciences, along with Tom Scott and Paul Firth of Alvarez & Marsal, for a timely discussion on modernizing federal real estate. From shifting work patterns and aging infrastructure to public-private partnerships,…

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When ‘Not Applicable’ Can Cost You Contracts 16:51

4M ago16:51

16:51

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! Marking a CMMC control as “Not Applicable” might feel like an easy shortcut but get it wrong, and you could fail your assessment, lose contracts, or even face legal trouble. In this episode of The CMMC Compliance Guide, Brooke and Stacey from Justice IT Consulting break down the real risk…

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Remember the Mission: Darren Ash Reflects on His Career in Public Service 24:55

4M ago24:55

24:55

This week on the GovNavigators Show, Robert and Adam meet with Darren Ash, former federal CIO of multiple agencies, most recently at the Department of the Interior. Ash shares wisdom gained over an expansive career in government, including how IT innovation can transform public service. Show Notes NEW EO: Improving Oversight of Federal Grantmaking …

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Empowering Public Servants with Karen Lee 29:47

4M ago29:47

29:47

Karen Lee, co-founder of FedsForward, joins the GovNavigators to talk about her journey through federal service, the challenges of transitioning in and out of government, and how her organization is building scalable tools to help civil servants navigate career change. Show Notes FedsFoward Website The Data Foundation FCC Rural Healthcare Program U…

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How to Make Real CMMC Progress: Even if Compliance Isn’t Your Full-Time Job 47:05

5M ago47:05

47:05

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! Schedule your free SPRS Roadmap Session and get a step-by-step plan to close gaps and stay defensible: 👉 https://cmmccomplianceguide.com/free-sprs-roadmap Is CMMC just one of many hats you wear at your company? You’re not alone and you’re not out of luck. In this episode of the CMMC Compl…

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Understanding Federal Procurement Consolidation with Brian Friel 30:20

5M ago30:20

30:20

This week, the GovNavigators sit down with Brian Friel, Co-Founder of BD-Squared, for a discussion on how federal procurement looks in the age of consolidation. An expert in procurement data, Friel offers great insight into how past efficiency efforts have led us to this administration's push to rid the federal government of duplicative and unneces…

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What You Missed: June Cyber AB Town Hall CMMC Highlights 31:26

5M ago31:26

31:26

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! 48 CFR UPDATE: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-48/chapter-2/subchapter-A/part-204/subpart-204.75 Missed the June 2024 Cyber AB Town Hall? We’ve got you covered. In this episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide, Brooke and Austin break down the biggest takeaways — including how recent leade…

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The Performance Playbook with Nick Mastronardi 28:59

5M ago28:59

28:59

This week on the GovNavigators Show, Nick Mastronardi, founder and CEO of Polco and a former Air Force economist, joins the show to talk about transforming local government with data. Nick shares his journey from national security to civic tech, explains how cities are using performance metrics to make better decisions, and reveals what 400 jurisdi…

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6 Critical CMMC Questions Every Small DoD Contractor Should Know 17:30

5M ago17:30

17:30

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! Are you trying to navigate CMMC and NIST 800-171 with a small team and limited resources? You're not alone. In this episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide, we’re breaking down six of the most common and confusing questions small DoD contractors ask—and giving you clear, practical answers yo…

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The Past, Present, and Future of FEMA with Eric Leckey 24:53

5M ago24:53

24:53

This week on the GovNavigators Show, Adam and Robert dive in with Eric Leckey, former Associate Administrator for Mission Support at FEMA, about the state of emergency response management. With hurricane season upon us and the administration considering big changes to the agency, Eric reveals how FEMA has adapted overtime, and offers valuable insig…

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CMMC 2.0 Unpacked: What Defense Contractors Must Know 11:39

5M ago11:39

11:39

Send us a text 🚨 CMMC 2.0 Is Rolling Out: Is Your Business Ready? The latest version of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is reshaping how contractors handle security across the Defense Industrial Base. From new assessment levels to increased scrutiny, the changes are significant—and noncompliance could cost you contracts. Under…

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Manufacturers & CMMC: What to Know 10:13

5M ago10:13

10:13

Send us a text 🚨 N𝗲𝘄 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝗔𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘁! 🚨 We’re breaking down 𝗖𝗠𝗠𝗖 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 for manufacturers navigating defense contracts 🛡️🏭 If you’re part of the DoD supply chain, this episode is your essential guide to prepping for CMMC success. 🎙️ What’s Inside: ✅ What manufacturers need to know about CMMC 2.0 ✅ Common pitfalls and how to a…

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From OMB to IRS: Danny Werfel on Making Reform Stick 26:51

5M ago26:51

26:51

This week on the GovNavigators Show, former IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel joins us to unpack the Trump administration’s rapid-fire push to modernize the IRS—and what gets lost when speed outruns strategy. Drawing on decades of federal service, including senior roles at OMB and DOJ, Danny reflects on his team’s detailed IRS transformation plan, cont…

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CMMC on the Shop Floor: A No-BS Guide for CNC & Aerospace Machine Shops 26:51

5M ago26:51

26:51

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! Happy 4th of July from the team at CMMC Compliance Guide Podcast! While you're celebrating freedom, hot dogs, and fireworks — don’t forget about safeguarding the data that defends that freedom. 🛡️ In this special edition, we're tackling what really works for CMMC compliance on the shop fl…

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Pop-up Episode: Celebrating Independence Day! 7:57

6M ago7:57

7:57

The GovNavigators prepare for Independence Day weekend in this special pop-up episode of the GovNavigators Show. Unfortunately, leadership in Congress likely won't be enjoying the fireworks, as the administration insists everyone stay in town until the "Big, Beautiful Bill" is on the President's desk. Meanwhile, Russ Vought calls for a shakeup in f…

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Ceasefire’s Here, But Your Shop’s Still a Target: What the DoD CIO Just Told Defense Contractors 25:04

6M ago25:04

25:04

Submit any questions you would like answered on the podcast! 🆓 Need help getting your SPRS score to 110? Schedule your free SPRS Roadmap Session and get a step-by-step plan to close gaps and stay defensible: 👉 https://cmmccomplianceguide.com/free-sprs-roadmap The Department of Defense just issued a critical cybersecurity memo—and it's not just for …