In this episode, Jeff Shapiro speaks with Erv Koehler, former GSA Assistant Commissioner, about FAR 2.0, procurement reform, workforce strain, and the shifting role of AI and risk tolerance in federal acquisition. It’s a frank, insider look at how government contracting is evolving and what smart contractors should do next
Episode Title:
FAR 2.0, Fewer People, Bigger Bets: Surviving the Next GovCon Wave
👤 Guest:
Erv Koehler, former Assistant Commissioner, GSA’s Office of General Supplies and Services
🎧 Host:
Jeff Shapiro, Optimize Podcast
📄 Episode Description:
In this episode of the Optimize Podcast, host Jeff Shapiro is joined by Erv Koehler, a former senior leader at GSA, to discuss what FAR 2.0 and current procurement reforms really mean for industry. With decades of acquisition experience inside the federal government, Erv breaks down how shrinking workforces, growing complexity, and shifting cultural mindsets are colliding inside federal acquisition teams.
From the real-world limitations of DOGE to why AI is both promising and problematic, Erv offers a frank, detailed view of the issues affecting buyers and contractors alike. They explore how leadership sets the tone for risk tolerance, what contractors get wrong about relationship-building, and why the future of GovCon will demand more strategy, patience, and adaptability than ever before.
Whether you’re a small business, large integrator, or consultant trying to navigate change, this episode delivers practical, eye-opening insights you won’t want to miss.
📌 Topics & Timestamps:
Erv’s unexpected path into federal acquisition (01:30)
The problem with shrinking acquisition teams (05:45)
What FAR 2.0 actually changes—and what it doesn’t (09:20)
AI’s role in acquisition and what to watch for (22:00)
Risk tolerance and leadership culture in contracting (26:00)
The impact of DOGE reform and where it fell short (30:20)
Consultant relationships, pricing, and small business access (38:15)
GSA schedules, TDR, and evolving competition (45:00)
Strategic advice for navigating the GovCon landscape (56:30)
🔗 Useful Links:
🎧 Listen to more episodes: https://www.visiblethread.com/podcasts/
🔗 Connect with host Jeff Shapiro: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffshapirocpa/
🔗 Connect with guest Erv Koehler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erv-koehler-63a67a38/