September 26, 2011
In a rush to obligate federal dollars before the end of the fiscal year, there have been a rash of solicitations issued using the simplified acquisition procedures brand name, sole or limited source authority. FAR 13.106-1(b).
Contractors following opportunities on sites like www.fbo.govshould be careful to spot these procurements and to determine, as quickly as possible, whether…
July 9, 2010
As we reported previously, the Government must use “full and open competition” when it purchases goods or services unless one of seven primary exceptions is met. When the Government decides to limit competition by using one of these exceptions, it must prepare a “Justification and Approval” (J&A) explaining its rationale.
While these documents have always been “available…June 14, 2010
This October, the Navy plans to introduce a “Preferred Supplier Program” to reward contractors that have exhibited “exemplary performance” in the areas of cost, schedule, performance, quality, and business relations. Preferred Supplier Status (PSS) will provide contractors with better cash flow, profit, and contract terms. Importantly, PSS only impacts contract performance and will…
May 26, 2010
Cybersecurity threats pose some of the most important challenges facing the United States today. However, unlike other types of critical infrastructure, cyberspace cannot be protected by the government alone.
Congress is currently crafting a series of legislative initiatives that will use the federal government's procurement system to demand better cybersecurity features in…April 29, 2010
Legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives last week that would significantly change the way the Department of Defense purchases services and information technology. The bill’s focus reflects the new reality that services and IT now constitute the vast majority of what DoD buys.
The legislation – the Implementing Management for Performance and Related Reforms to…
June 18, 2009
On May 22, 2009, President Obama signed the Weapons Systems Acquisition Reform Act of 2009 (WSARA), a statute that, in the President’s words, aims to “eliminate some of the waste inefficiency in our defense projects.”
The Act passed unanimously in the House and Senate. “While it is tempting to conclude that a bill so unanimously supported must not do anything,” said House Armed…
March 30, 2009
Grants.gov – the central portal for federal grant opportunities – may not be able to keep up with the unprecedented volume of grants expected to be awarded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).
According to a memo issued by Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Peter Orzag, the Grants.gov site is expected to see a 60% increase in usage due to ARRA. The…
February 17, 2009
As all Americans know, President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act ("ARRA") into law on February 17, 2009. This legislation undoubtedly offers an excellent opportunity for government contractors.
The ARRA also commits an unprecedented amount of funding for agencies to regulate and oversee how these contracting dollars are spent. Firms interested in obtaining…February 16, 2009
While visiting a Boeing facility today, U.S. Representative John Murtha (D-PA) reiterated his proposalto split the controversial $35 billion Air Force aerial refueling tanker contract between two competing offerors: Boeing and the EADS/Northrop Grumman consortium.
The Air Force originally awarded the contract to EADS/Northrop, but the Government Accountability Office sustained Boeing’s bid protest…
January 14, 2009
President Obama campaigned on a promise to strengthen small business programs for women, disabled veterans, and minorities. The new administration will now be tested to follow through on this promise.
The future of the long-awaited women’s-procurement program lies in the hands of the Obama administration. The program, which will set aside federal contracts for women-owned…
September 26, 2011
In a rush to obligate federal dollars before the end of the fiscal year, there have been a rash of solicitations issued using the simplified acquisition procedures brand name, sole or limited source authority. FAR 13.106-1(b).
Contractors following opportunities on sites like www.fbo.govshould be careful to spot these procurements and to determine, as quickly as possible, whether…
July 9, 2010
As we reported previously, the Government must use “full and open competition” when it purchases goods or services unless one of seven primary exceptions is met. When the Government decides to limit competition by using one of these exceptions, it must prepare a “Justification and Approval” (J&A) explaining its rationale.
While these documents have always been “available…June 14, 2010
This October, the Navy plans to introduce a “Preferred Supplier Program” to reward contractors that have exhibited “exemplary performance” in the areas of cost, schedule, performance, quality, and business relations. Preferred Supplier Status (PSS) will provide contractors with better cash flow, profit, and contract terms. Importantly, PSS only impacts contract performance and will…
May 26, 2010
Cybersecurity threats pose some of the most important challenges facing the United States today. However, unlike other types of critical infrastructure, cyberspace cannot be protected by the government alone.
Congress is currently crafting a series of legislative initiatives that will use the federal government's procurement system to demand better cybersecurity features in…April 29, 2010
Legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives last week that would significantly change the way the Department of Defense purchases services and information technology. The bill’s focus reflects the new reality that services and IT now constitute the vast majority of what DoD buys.
The legislation – the Implementing Management for Performance and Related Reforms to…
June 18, 2009
On May 22, 2009, President Obama signed the Weapons Systems Acquisition Reform Act of 2009 (WSARA), a statute that, in the President’s words, aims to “eliminate some of the waste inefficiency in our defense projects.”
The Act passed unanimously in the House and Senate. “While it is tempting to conclude that a bill so unanimously supported must not do anything,” said House Armed…
March 30, 2009
Grants.gov – the central portal for federal grant opportunities – may not be able to keep up with the unprecedented volume of grants expected to be awarded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).
According to a memo issued by Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Peter Orzag, the Grants.gov site is expected to see a 60% increase in usage due to ARRA. The…
February 17, 2009
As all Americans know, President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act ("ARRA") into law on February 17, 2009. This legislation undoubtedly offers an excellent opportunity for government contractors.
The ARRA also commits an unprecedented amount of funding for agencies to regulate and oversee how these contracting dollars are spent. Firms interested in obtaining…February 16, 2009
While visiting a Boeing facility today, U.S. Representative John Murtha (D-PA) reiterated his proposalto split the controversial $35 billion Air Force aerial refueling tanker contract between two competing offerors: Boeing and the EADS/Northrop Grumman consortium.
The Air Force originally awarded the contract to EADS/Northrop, but the Government Accountability Office sustained Boeing’s bid protest…
January 14, 2009
President Obama campaigned on a promise to strengthen small business programs for women, disabled veterans, and minorities. The new administration will now be tested to follow through on this promise.
The future of the long-awaited women’s-procurement program lies in the hands of the Obama administration. The program, which will set aside federal contracts for women-owned…
