Redstone Government Consulting Blog | Manufacturing Operations Consulting

In this final edition of our three-part article series highlighting some lesser-known beneficial Deltek Costpoint Procurement features that manufacturers can reap large benefits from, we will dive into the “Replace” function, the RFQ capabilities, and Alternate Part numbers. Most of these features can benefit more than just manufacturers; however, if you are a manufacturer and unaware of them, you are missing out. Fully utilizing the capabilities contained within these Deltek Costpoint modules will bring efficiency to your business and drive value.

Topics: Contractor Purchasing System Review (CPSR), Deltek Costpoint, Material Management & Accounting System (MMAS), Manufacturing Operations Consulting

As employers, balancing the needs of the business while also addressing workers’ legitimate requests can be challenging during a union strike or work stoppage. However, having the best knowledge and engaging in a proactive approach can be an opportunity to build stronger and more resilient labor relations. Strikes do not have to equate to a crisis. Understanding why they happen and knowing how to prevent or manage them effectively can make all the difference.

Topics: Human Resources, Organizational Change Management Consulting, Manufacturing Operations Consulting, Employers & Unions

In this multi-part article series, we are highlighting some of the lesser-known Deltek Costpoint Procurement features that we regularly find manufacturing clients are not taking full advantage of. In many cases, they are features that users are not even aware exist. There is so much capability contained within Costpoint, and our goal at Redstone GCI is to help you unlock the full potential of the immensely powerful Deltek Costpoint tool that you are already paying for! In procurement, given how transactional & repetitive the tasks are, small changes to how you utilize Deltek Costpoint can multiply out to a large ROI and make life easier for your Procurement team, your stakeholders, and beyond.

Topics: Contracts & Subcontracts Administration, Contractor Purchasing System Review (CPSR), Government Property Management, Deltek Costpoint, Material Management & Accounting System (MMAS), Manufacturing Operations Consulting

Are you taking full advantage of all the features that Deltek Costpoint’s Procurement modules can provide to your Manufacturing business? We regularly work with clients to assess their current utilization of the procurement modules and make recommendations on how they can better utilize this powerful capability. In this multi-part article series, we will discuss some of the many Costpoint Procurement features that we want to ensure you are aware of, to help your manufacturing procurement processes run even better. Many of these apply even if you are not a manufacturing business and are just procuring goods & services.

Topics: Compliant Accounting Infrastructure, DFARS Business Systems, Contractor Purchasing System Review (CPSR), Government Property Management, Deltek Costpoint, Material Management & Accounting System (MMAS), Manufacturing Operations Consulting

Labor relations is not just an HR function; it truly is a core leadership responsibility. Suppose your team is a current union organization or considering unionization. In that case, your frontline managers have to be trained to interact with unions not just legally, but also strategically and respectfully. Having untrained managers can quickly escalate potential issues without realizing it. Here is a comprehensive guide to train managers on effective union interactions.

Topics: Human Resources, Government Regulations, Organizational Change Management Consulting, Manufacturing Operations Consulting, Employers & Unions

I find that depending on whether your job is on the Finance & Accounting (F&A) side or the Materials & Manufacturing side of the business, the perception of the capabilities and benefits of the Deltek Costpoint Inventory module tend to vary drastically.

Topics: Compliant Accounting Infrastructure, Contractor Purchasing System Review (CPSR), Government Property Management, Deltek Costpoint, Material Management & Accounting System (MMAS), Manufacturing Operations Consulting

History of Tariffs

While import tariffs may seem unfamiliar due to historically low rates in recent decades, they have long played a significant role in U.S. economic policy-serving purposes such as revenue generation, industry support, and protectionism. Historically, high tariffs have often coincided with periods of economic and political instability, whereas lower tariffs have typically supported international engagement and economic growth. Since World War II and the creation of GATT and the WTO, the U.S. has generally maintained lower average tariff rates.

Topics: Contracts & Subcontracts Administration, Government Regulations, Export & Import, Material Management & Accounting System (MMAS), Manufacturing Operations Consulting

President Trump issued several executive orders addressing tariffs. American First Trade Policy dated January 20, 2025 and Modifying Reciprocal Tariff Rates to Reflect Trading Partner Retaliation and Alignment dated April 9, 2025. In addition, he has also issued a 90-day pause to some countries and is planning to reduce tariffs on certain industries such as US auto tariffs (see Amendments to Adjusting Imports of Automobiles and Automobile Parts into the United States dated April 29, 2025). It is clear that tariffs are impacting the supply chain and government contractors.

Topics: Compliant Accounting Infrastructure, Proposal Cost Volume Development & Pricing, Contracts & Subcontracts Administration, DFARS Business Systems, Contractor Purchasing System Review (CPSR), Government Regulations, Export & Import, Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Manufacturing Operations Consulting

Looking to streamline your procurement process? Now is the perfect time to begin reviewing your complete source to pay process to increase efficiency, productivity, integration, and revenue.

Topics: Compliant Accounting Infrastructure, Contractor Purchasing System Review (CPSR), Deltek Costpoint, Manufacturing Operations Consulting

The FAR Council issued an interim rule, effective December 4, 2023, which implements the requirements of the Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act (FASCSA). This included three new FAR clauses which prohibit the delivery or use of “covered articles” subject to a FASCSA order in the performance of a government contract.

Topics: Contracts & Subcontracts Administration, DFARS Business Systems, Contractor Purchasing System Review (CPSR), Government Regulations, Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Manufacturing Operations Consulting