Why File: A Refresher on Challenging Solicitation Terms in a Pre-Award Protest

Posted on February 12, 2026 by Annie Birney

It is not uncommon for a disappointed bidder to consider filing a protest only after the agency has issued the award. While this is understandable, sometimes the basis for protesting stems from a misunderstanding of the solicitation’s terms, or that the terms felt unreasonably restrictive. However, unfortunately for the eager protester, it is by that point generally too late to challenge the terms of the solicitation.

In a previous blog, Why File: A GAO Pre-Award Protest, we provided an overview of different reasons to file a pre-award protest. As noted there, the most common basis for a pre-award protest is a challenge to the solicitation terms.

SmallGovCon Week in Review: February 2-6, 2026

Posted on February 6, 2026 by Shane McCall

Happy Friday! It’s time for another week in review. There was a lot happening across the federal government this week, as you can see from the long list of articles included below. We hope you have a chance to sit back, relax, and catch up on everything that unfolded. Have a wonderful weekend in your neck of the woods.

This week saw stories on ending the government shutdown, new spending bills, and cybersecurity.

OHA Reminder: Compliance with SBA Joint Venture Requirements is Determined at Final Proposal Revisions

Posted on February 6, 2026 by John Holtz

In most size and status protests, SBA’s Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHA) will determine an offeror’s eligibility for a procurement as of the date of initial offer including price for that procurement. Indeed, with regards to SDVOSBs and VOSBs specifically, 13 C.F.R § 134.1003(e)(1) states that “[i]f the VOSB or SDVOSB status protest pertains to a procurement, the Judge will determine a protested concern’s eligibility as a VOSB or SDVOSB as of the date of its initial offer or response which includes price for a competitively awarded VOSB/SDVOSB contract, order, or agreement, and as of the date of award for any sole source VOSB or SDVOSB award.” But there is an important exception to this rule (something another company found out regarding its mentor-protégé joint venture recently) in that very clause, and, recently, OHA pointed this out in a GSA-led protest of an SDVOSB joint venture (VSBC-459-P, January 15, 2026). Today, we’ll look at that decision.

Webinar Announcement! Understanding the SBA Mentor-Protégé Program, February 17, 2026 hosted by Kansas APEX Accelerators

Posted on February 4, 2026 by Shane McCall

First launched in 2016 as the “All Small Mentor-Protégé Program,” this powerful initiative by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has evolved—but it remains a game-changing tool for both small and large federal contractors.

In this informative webinar, we will break down the key elements of the SBA Mentor-Protégé Program. You’ll learn how this program can help small businesses enhance their capabilities and compete for larger contracts—with the support of an experienced mentor. The session will also cover how mentor-protégé joint ventures can create new contracting opportunities and expand your footprint in the federal marketplace. Additionally, we will provide an introduction to the even older DoD Mentor-Protege Program, which set the stage for the SBA’s program, and compare the two programs.

Bridge to Nowhere: COFC Says Incumbents not Guaranteed Bridge Contract During CICA Stay

Posted on February 3, 2026 by Gregory Weber

Losing an award can be quite tough, especially when you are the incumbent on the preceding related contract. Often, a salve for an incumbent contractor’s pain can be a bid protest which may result in a bridge contract to that incumbent for the period of the protest. This actually was a fairly common practice for many years in federal contracting. Consequently, many contractors have interpreted such an incumbent bridge contract as a requirement, not simply a course of dealing. However, the United States Court of Federal Claims has highlighted the harsh reality that the incumbent is absolutely not guaranteed a bridge contract after a bid protest, and the agency may take other actions with the named awardee without violating the stay’s requirements.

SmallGovCon Week in Review: January 26-30, 2026

Posted on January 30, 2026 by Shane McCall

It’s Friday and time for another SmallGovCon Week in Review. As we finish out January we hope everyone is staying warm with all the snow and cold weather across the country. I was in Washington DC this week for a court hearing, and it’s clear the cold and snow has really done a number on half the country. There was snow on the ground when I left Kansas City and snow on the ground in DC, and every place in between.

Grab a hot cup of cocoa (as sung by the The Von Trapp children) and warm up with the latest in federal government contracting news, including the suspension of many 8(a) companies and a close review of 8(a) contracts by DoD, along with news on a potential shutdown.

Year in Review: Top SmallGovCon Posts of 2025

Posted on January 29, 2026 by Shane McCall

Hello, SmallGovCon readers! As we do each year, this post revisits the most popular SmallGovCon articles that were posted in 2025, as well as the most popular all-time posts in 2025. As we move deeper into 2026, I look to reflect on these important and well-liked posts from 2025.

Below, we summarize the blogs written in 2025 that were the most visited as well as the perennial favorites from years past that were the most read in 2025. It’s a good chance to look back on the important articles from 2025, and those topics of continuing interest to federal contractors. While there are exceptions, chances are that those topics that were of high interest in 2025 will carry on into 2026.