Podcast Show Notes
2025-07-22 Federal Market Insights Episode 16 — Session Overview
WPI Podcast Episode 16 Summary
An overview of the Joint Certification Program
Companies should be thinking about efficiency and effectiveness. These ideas align with central efforts of the current administration. Consequently, these ideas may create or affect opportunities. If DoD and the federal government are focused on efficiency and effectiveness, then businesses should too. This includes businesses providing MRO – Maintenance, Repair and Operations items. There is a goal for contract pricing to be Fair and Reasonable. These are not radical changes in philosophy. However, currently there seems to be more emphasis on such ideas.
The following articles highlight examples of how these ideas are being incorporated into federal and defense operations. These articles provide examples related to reduction of duplication and emphasizing the buying power of the federal government by maximizing the use of GSA and GSA schedules. These ideas also apply to the management of shipyards and aviation maintenance.
The old idea of how to do more with less is still relevant today. Resources, including a trained workforce are scarce. Costs are a concern as budgets are stretched. Funding must be prioritized while still accomplishing the mission.
An additional article, provides a glimpse into how the commercial sector is applying AI and robotics to improve outcomes in construction.
Cyber is also a concern as there are real costs related to cybersecurity and smaller firms may struggle with the costs associated with implementing required measures. A Wisconsin researcher at UW Stout is working to help smaller firms achieve required cybersecurity using advanced technology and AI.
GSA Procurement Consolidation: What It Means for GovCons
Congressional Hearing Today (July 22) : Tuesday, July 22, 2025 @ 02:00 ET to be livestreamed on YouTube at Future of United States Maritime Part 1: Review of Fiscal Year 2026 Federal Maritime Commission Budget Request | Transportation and Infrastructure Committee
Congressional Hearing Today (July 22 10a – 1p ET) to be livestreamed on YouTube Fully Operational: Stuxnet 15 Years Later and the Evolution of Cyber Threats to Critical Infrastructure. – Committee on Homeland Security
The Joint Certification Program (JCP) is a formal program between the United States and Canada. Companies that seek to access information under this program must qualify for and enter into the Military Critical Technical Data Agreement with DLA. The information managed under this program involves information deemed to be Export Controlled under either ITAR or EAR regulations. Information may also be identified as Controlled Unclassified Information. The information may include Technical Data Plan/Packages and/or information reviewed at meetings and/or conferences.
Requirements
- Active registration in SAM, Active CAGE code
- Have a bona fide need to access the information
- Review: Introduction of Proper Handling Training
- Complete Enhanced Certification requirements to include Cybersecurity and SPRS entry
- Google Authenticator
- JCP Portal: https://www.dla.mil/Logistics-Operations/Services/JCP/
Purpose
The purpose of the program is to protect information that is not classified but is of a sensitivity restricting it from general public disclosure. Sharing such information requires recipient to also be registered in the JCP program. Information can be shared. However, recipient must be notified that the information is Export Controlled. The document must also be appropriately marked and those marking included when further sharing is necessary.
Other authorities
FAR 52.204-21 – Federal Contract Information
DFARS 252.204-7008/7012 – Controlled Defense Information, Controlled Technical Information
DFARS 252.204-7019/7020
US Munitions List (USML)
Commerce Control List (CCL)
ITAR regulations 22 CFR 120-130
EAR regulations 15 CFR 730-774
Distribution Statements on Technical Documents (DoDD 5230.24)
Withholding of Unclassified Technical Data from Public Disclosure (DoDD 5230.25)