Sourced by Cofactr

About Sourced by Cofactr

Sourced by Cofactr is hosted by Ed Dodd. From Navy destroyer ships to Fortune 500 supply chains, Ed brings 30+ years of experience understanding why things break - and how to prevent it. He helps hardware teams bridge the gap between “how it’s always been done” and “how it needs to be done,” without breaking the bank or losing compliance. Cofactr (YC W22) is building the future of hardware operations. Each episode cuts through the noise to show how modern teams streamline procurement, source with confidence, and build resilient supply chains that scale. When Ed’s not untangling supply chain puzzles, he’s running D&D campaigns for his five kids - because whether it’s hardware or heroes, good systems are all about planning ahead and adapting when things don’t go as expected. Visit us at: https://cofactr.com 👍 Like, Share, and Comment: If you found this video helpful, give us a thumbs up, share it with your network, and leave a comment below with your thoughts or any questions you might have 📱Follow Cofactr on Social Media: @cofactr

Publisher

Cofactr

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

15 Aug 2025

Latest episode

19 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

26 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   19 Oct 2026

   What the S20.20 ESD Standard Actually Requires

   In this episode of Sourced by Cofactr, Ed tackles one of the most misunderstood areas of electronics manufacturing compliance: what ANSI/ESD S20.20 actually requires to protect sensitive electronic components from electrostatic discharge. While ESD control is essential for preventing costly component damage and latent failures, many manufacturers find themselves following rigid procedures, purchasing expensive equipment, and enforcing rules without fully understanding where those requirements originated. Through relatable analogies and real-world examples, Ed separates the standard's actual requirements from common misconceptions and outdated industry practices. He explains why effective ESD compliance isn't about maintaining the longest checklist or purchasing every available protective device, but about establishing a documented, verifiable control program that addresses the specific electrostatic risks present in your manufacturing environment. From there, the episode explores the practical requirements of ANSI/ESD S20.20, including personnel training, grounding systems, ESD-protected areas, product qualification, and ongoing compliance verification. Ed breaks down the critical distinction between proving that ESD equipment meets performance requirements and verifying that it continues to function correctly, while examining common misunderstandings surrounding wrist straps, specialized flooring, ionizers, humidity controls, and testing frequencies. Along the way, he reveals how outdated procedures, inherited compliance assumptions, and unnecessary equipment purchases can increase operational costs without improving component protection. Ultimately, the episode makes the case that effective ESD compliance isn't about following rules simply because they've always existed—it's about understanding the science behind electrostatic discharge, applying the controls that actually matter, and maintaining objective evidence that your program protects sensitive electronics without creating unnecessary complexity.

2. 

   15 Oct 2026

   Managing FAR and DFAR Flow Downs

   In this episode of Sourced by Cofactr, Ed tackles one of the most complex and often misunderstood challenges in government contracting: managing Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) flow-down clauses. Winning a major defense contract is cause for celebration, but it also introduces a web of compliance obligations that can extend throughout the supply chain. Through relatable analogies and real-world examples, Ed explains why passing government requirements to suppliers isn't as simple as attaching a lengthy legal document to every purchase order. He breaks down the critical differences between thresholds and triggers, revealing how even a $50 purchase order can carry significant compliance obligations depending on the information shared and the work being performed. From there, the episode explores a practical four-question framework for determining which FAR and DFARS clauses actually apply, which suppliers must comply, and how requirements should be incorporated into supplier agreements. Ed examines common mistakes, including the dangers of passing down every clause indiscriminately, assuming commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) purchases are automatically exempt, and relying on standardized contract attachments without evaluating individual supplier responsibilities. Along the way, he demonstrates how excessive flow-down requirements can create unnecessary legal exposure, inflate procurement costs, and damage supplier relationships. Ultimately, the episode makes the case that effective government contracting compliance isn't about passing down more requirements—it's about making accurate, defensible decisions, documenting the reasoning behind them, and building procurement processes that protect both compliance and supply chain efficiency.

3. 

   13 Oct 2026

   WEEE Compliance Explained

   In this episode of Sourced by Cofactr, Ed breaks down one of the less visible—but increasingly important—requirements of selling electronics in Europe: compliance with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive. What might look like a simple recycling rule, symbolized by the familiar crossed-out wheeled bin on electronics packaging, is actually a complex system that can affect everything from product classification and distributor agreements to registration, reporting, and launch timelines. Through practical examples, Ed explains just how broadly WEEE applies, why even products with a small powered feature can fall under its requirements, and why manufacturers can't assume their contract manufacturers or distributors will take responsibility for compliance. From there, the episode explores what makes WEEE particularly challenging for companies expanding across Europe: there is no single EU-wide registration system. Instead, businesses must navigate different national requirements, fees, reporting structures, and recycling programs from country to country. Ed explains the role of eco-organizations and specialized compliance providers while highlighting the rigorous product and sales data companies need to manage along the way. Ultimately, WEEE compliance isn't just about putting the right symbol on a box—it's a product launch requirement that forces hardware companies to think carefully about operational data, recycling costs, and even how products might be designed for longer, more sustainable lifecycles.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

5.0 / 5

6 ratings

Contact Sourced by Cofactr

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.