Way back in 2019, the SBA’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) issued a report on the SBA’s (then named) All Small Mentor Protege Program. At that time the SBA OIG found that the SBA didn’t create effective controls to ensure mentor-protege application reviews and evaluations were made in accordance with the regulations and SBA did not make sure such reviews and evaluations measured program success. The SBA OIG gave the SBA a list of recommendations at that time to fix those issues. At the end of September 2026 (after giving SBA a seven-year window), the SBA OIG revisited its 2019 inspection of the SBA’s Mentor-Protege Program (MPP) and found there were some improvements, but still some issues with the MPP, especially regarding protege business plans.
Continue reading…SmallGovCon Week in Review: October 5-9, 2026
Hello, Blog Readers. October is finally here, and with it comes the beautiful colors, cooler temperatures, pumpkin patches, and other fall favorites. Of course, the weather can be a little unpredictable in October, with warm afternoons one day and a definite chill in the air the next, so be sure to enjoy those pleasant fall days when you can.
This week in federal government contracting included a warning about government functions at DoW, and how federal contracting proposals could alter control of intellectual property.
Continue reading…GovCon FAQs: How Do I Protest an FAA Acquisition at ODRA?
In the world of bid protests, GAO gets some of the spotlight because there are so many protests filed there. COFC seems to get plenty of attention because of the complexity and scope of its decisions. The Office of Dispute Resolution for Acquisition (ODRA)? Well, not so much. ODRA is a bit like the forgotten child of the bid protest family—rarely the first name that comes to mind, but very important when it comes to protesting a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) acquisition. While they are fewer in number, it’s important for any contractor working with the FAA to know this protest option, either to pursue it as a protester or if its award gets protested. This blog post puts ODRA into the spotlight for a change and showcases the process for protesting an FAA acquisition.
Continue reading…SBA Issued a New 8(a) Potential for Success FAQ
With all the 8(a) social disadvantage updates of late, the other 8(a) Business Development Program eligibility requirements haven’t been in the spotlight much. But when SBA released its last social disadvantage FAQ (Part II), it also released a new potential for success FAQ with some helpful guidance.
Continue reading…SmallGovCon Week in Review: September 28-October 2, 2026
Happy Friday and happy October! October brings more than crisp mornings and changing leaves—it marks the start of a new federal fiscal year. For federal government contractors, it’s an ideal time to refresh your capabilities, review your pipeline, and prepare for the opportunities ahead. We’ve seen a lot of changes in the federal regulations and expect more to come so stay tuned to SmallGovCon.com. We will bring you the latest breaking news to keep you in the loop.
This week in federal government contracting, some of the biggest stories include updates on AI monitoring and supply chain concerns for federal contractors.
Continue reading…Expanding Exemptions: DoW Seeks Additional FOIA Exemption for CUI
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), enacted in 1967, allows the public to request federal government records. It is designed to require disclosure of US government records in the absence of any of its 9 exemptions for things like privacy, national security, and law enforcement.
Now, the Department of War (DoW) has asked Congress for additional exemptions to disclosing documents under (FOIA). DoW has submitted a legislative proposal to create an exemption for controlled unclassified information (CUI).
Continue reading…Will Orlowski Joins Koprince McCall Pottroff LLC as Associate Attorney and SmallGovCon Contributor!
We are pleased to announce that Will Orlowski has joined the firm and will also be a regular SmallGovCon contributor! Please check out Will’s first post discussing joint venture certification and timing for eligibility.
Prior to joining the firm as an attorney, Will worked as a law clerk for the firm for over two years, gaining invaluable experience and insight into a wide array of specialized government contracting areas while completing his legal education at the University of Kansas School of Law. During his time as a law student, Will was founder and President of two different student organizations, Student Articles Editor at the Kansas Journal of Law and Public Policy, Class Representative for the Student Bar Association, and a Student Ambassador. Will received the Samuel Mellinger Scholarship, Leadership and Service Award as the most distinguished student in the combined areas of scholarship, leadership, and service, and was admitted into the Order of the Coif for excellence in academic achievement. In addition to his law degree, Will earned the Business and Commercial Law Certificate from the University of Kansas School of Law.
In his free time, Will is an avid reader and music fan. He cherishes time with his friends and family and is an active member of the Lawrence, Kansas community, even serving as a Member of the Board of Directors for the Lawrence Farmers Market. He lives in Lawrence, Kansas with his fiancée and two magnificent cats and can often be found (loudly) cheering for his beloved Kansas Jayhawks.