Agenda
Day 1
June 17, 2025
Registration & Continental Breakfast
Sponsored by:
Mark SmithChief Government Compliance OfficerBAE Systems
Kristin TorcasiVP Government Compliance & Internal AuditCACI International Inc
Marc SalkoCorporate Vice President, Government Compliance & AccountingLeonardo DRS, Inc.
Jennifer FlickingerPartnerHKA
During this highly anticipated session, hear invaluable perspectives on the present and future of cost, pricing and audits-and the top issues keeping the contracting community up at night, including:
- Changing Government Contract Priorities – Existing contract modifications and projected new contracting actions
- Ability of Government Payments to be “Paused” on Existing Contracts- Cash flow impact for contractors, subcontractors small businesses
- Impacts of Tariffs -on existing contracts and pricing of new proposals
- Potential Caps on Overhead Costs – HHS guidance that might be applied to DoD contracts
Extended Networking Break
A Closer Look at the Risk of Stop Work Orders and Contract Terminations-and Navigating-the Government Compliance Challenges
Carl GrayCorporate Director, Contracts and Government ComplianceHII
Noah LeidenPartnerBaker Tilly
John PrairiePartnerWiley
- Evaluating the risk of terminations for convenience versus terminations for default
- Proactive handling, preparing and negotiating for potential termination
- Preparing for the impact of stop work orders
- Making requests for Equitable Adjustments (REAs) due to cost or scope changes
- Interpreting FAR Provisions in contract clauses
John TukkerSVP Regulated IndustriesCognitus
Spark sessions are 15 minutes of information tailored to deliver practical solutions to the complex challenges faced by the defense industrial base.
In this Spark session, discover how to gain real-time visibility and automation while ensuring full compliance—without the need for custom development—all tailored to the specific priorities and requirements of the aerospace and defense contracting sectors. Explore a unique approach that demonstrates the power of data.
Peter Herman, CPASenior Director, Regulatory Affairs & ComplianceArcfieldFormer DCAA HQ Program Manager, Cost Accounting Standards & IPA Program
Tara RippeDirector of Contracts and Capture Compliance, FederalSchneider Electric
Karolyn GardnerSVP, Contracts, Procurement & PricingICF
Matthew HerdmanVice President, Corporate ComplianceASRC Federal
Select one of the following tables to connect and discuss key issues over lunch:
- Potential Changes in Business Systems
- Proactive Stance on Cyber Risks and Rules
- Innovative Government Procurement Best Practices
- IPA vs DCAA- Audit Best Practices
AUDIT STRATEGY SESSION #1
Navigating the Top 5 Most Complex Pricing and Compliance Issues at the Forefront
Nathan GeesamanDirector of Regulatory ComplianceAccenture Federal Services
Matt HawsPartnerJenner & Block
Derek BoydPartnerBaker Tilly US, LLP
During this session, speakers will delve into proven strategies for addressing the most pressing and new challenges-and how to map out a strategy for bolstering compliance:
Topics will include:
- Changes in government procurement on the cost and pricing side from NDAA
- Pricing compliance- the gray areas of commercial item pricing and exemption
- Special considerations for non-traditional defense contractors
- Reading between the lines: Analyzing Certified cost and pricing data, TINA (changing thresholds)
- Expanding opportunities for price-based acquisitions
Networking Break
Karolyn GardnerSVP, Contracts, Procurement & PricingICF
Stephanie WolfDirector, Government Accounting ComplianceL3Harris Technologies
Eric LeonardPartner, Co-Chair Government ContractsCozen O’Connor
- Best practices for an era of consolidation and focus on efficiency
- Allowable vs. normal operating costs: Where is the line?
- Strategic reorganization that can maximize the benefit of M&A and mitigate the risks
- Challenges during and after M&A from a due diligence, compliance and cost accounting viewpoint
- A closer look at external restructuring proposals
Networking Cocktail Reception
Sponsored By:
End of Day 1
Day 2
June 18, 2025
The Present and the Future of the Cost Accounting Standards Board (CASB): New Rules, Timelines and Next Steps
Matthew PophamSenior Vice President & Director - Government ComplianceLeidos
Jim ThomasPartner and Global Sector Lead, Aerospace & DefenseHKA
- Successes and what the rule makers are seeing
- Status of new rule rollouts
- Rule changes pertaining to revenue and leases and the impacts
- Thresholds and dollar values for when the rules apply
- Harmonizing CAS and GAAP
- Navigating the deliberative process with CASB 404 and 411
Networking Break
Neil GardnerDirector, Government ComplianceNorthrop Grumman Innovation Systems
Brian TaylorManaging DirectorKPMG
Christine Williamson, CPA, PMPPartner, Government Contracting Industry PracticeCohnReznick
- Government Staffing and Location Flexibility – Implications of possible government acceptance delays
- Potential impact on resources to conduct audits
- Impact on audit completion timelines and receiving payments
- Best practices for staying agile and adapting to evolving government expectations and contracting realities
- Audit implications from unlimited PTO
- Changing facility footprints and their cost impacts with remote, hybrid and in-person office worker
The New Realities of Legal Exposure: Regulatory, Litigation and Enforcement Changing the Cost, Pricing and Audit Landscapes
Holly ClarkeVP Assistant General Counsel and Head of Legal DefenseGKN Aerospace
Stephanie HardenPartnerBlank Rome LLP
- Reassessing your legal risk amid the whirlwind impact of rapid changes
- Key updates on cases addressing recouped costs
- The heightened government focus on pandemic fraud and lessons learned for your government compliance strategy
- The aftermath of Supreme Court decisions, including Chevron
Networking Luncheon
Evaluating the Lengths and Limits of Data and AI for Improving Efficiencies: New Examples of Successes and Pitfalls in the Cost and Pricing Context
Christopher GeigerVice President, Internal Audit and Enterprise RiskLockheed Martin
Dr. Lei YuVP Data Science & AIExpression
- Real case studies showcasing effective use of AI
- Ensuring responsible and ethical use of data, automation and AI
- Preventing bias and ensuring fairness and transparency in order to build trust in data quality and accuracy
- Best adoption practices to cut costs, increase efficiencies and improve compliance
Matthew HerdmanVice President, Corporate ComplianceASRC Federal
Tara RippeDirector of Contracts and Capture Compliance, FederalSchneider Electric
John HindmanDirector Government Contract ConsultingRSM US LLP
Take advantage of the opportunity to ask questions in advance, gaining a deeper understanding of the most pressing issues within cost, pricing, audits and compliance. Listen to case studies and practical insights that help break down the newest, most vexing dilemmas, while providing actionable solutions. Submit your Anonymous questions to: [email protected]
Networking Break
Ronald P. Fiorillo IITrial Attorney, Antitrust Division, Washington Criminal SectionU.S. Department of Justice
Special Agent William ThomasDCIS Program Manager for Public Corruption and Major TheftOffice of Inspector General, Department of Defense
AUDIT STRATEGY SESSION #2
Updating Your Action Plan for Special Audits, Forward Pricing and Incurred Cost Audits: The Lesser-Known, Proven Best Practices
Marshall HaneyFederal Compliance OfficerIBM
Dave Dishmon, CPADirectorChess Consulting LLC
Strict audit standards are crucial for maintaining the integrity, accountability, and transparency of government operations. During this strategy session, attendees will gain insights into best practices for managing forward pricing, special audits, and incurred cost audits, with a focus on the application of FAR, CAS, and GAGAs. Key topics include:
- Audit Risk Areas – Analysis of high-risk areas within cost accounting and financial reporting that warrant close attention
- Incurred Cost Submission Optimization – Best practices for preparing, validating, and submitting incurred cost proposals in alignment with government guidelines
- Enhancing Audit Efficiency and Effectiveness – Techniques for improving the audit workflow while maintaining compliance with stringent standards
- Emerging Regulatory Trends and Issues – An analysis of current and anticipated changes in audit regulations, including FAR, CAS, and GAGAs