As we reflect on the end of 2019 and look forward to what 2020 will bring, it’s interesting to see what was noteworthy to our readers in 2019. To that end, I’ve compiled a list of some of our most popular posts from 2019.

2020 will certainly bring many more changes in the federal contracting world and SmallGovCon will be here to provide insight on all of them.

In 2019, some of the hot topics were perennial favorites–topics from years past that keep cropping up. Others are more recent posts that were interesting to a number of our readers. Below, I’ve highlighted our most popular posts along with some recent updates about the same topics.

1. “In Scope” vs. “Out of Scope” Modifications: GAO Explains The Difference. This post from 2017 is the gift that keeps on giving. When are modifications out of scope such that a competitor can protest the award of the modification? A recent GAO decision sheds some additional light on the same topic.
2. 2018 NDAA Increases Civilian Micro-Purchase Threshold to $10,000. A 2018 post was also popular on the blog. Many readers are interested in this topic, as other posts about the Micro-Purchase Threshold are also very popular. In 2019, we reported that the Simplified Acquisition Threshold and Micro-Purchase Threshold are officially increasing under the FAR.
3. 5 Things You Should Know: SDVOSBs and VOSBs. This post with some of the basics about SDVOSBs and VOSBs provides great information. The Five Things series is a great way to get an introduction to many complicated federal contracting topics. You’ll see it again on this list. On a similar note, the VA recently updated its VA assistance briefs for SDVOSBs and VOSBs. Be sure to check those out.
4. Limitations On Subcontracting: Important New SBA Rule Takes Effect June 30, 2016. This post explored some of the changes that formed the backbone of the current limitations on subcontracting rule. But SBA is not done tinkering with the limitations on subcontracting rule, as it was revised by SBA in 2019 to change quite a few details on how to enforce the rule.
5. “Eliminate Most DoD Small Business Set-Asides,” Says Section 809 Panel. Early in 2019, we wrote about the Section 809 Panel’s controversial call to eliminate small business set-asides. Thankfully, by the end of summer 2019 that proposal had been rejected by Congress.
6. 5 Things You Should Know: All Small Mentor-Protege Program. Another Five Things post was well-read in 2019, this time about SBA’s popular Mentor-Protege Program. In 2019, SBA’s Office of the Inspector General highlighted opportunities to improve the program and to help ensure compliance with requirements.
7. 5 Things You Should Know: SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program (The Basics). The SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program, while complex, has tremendous potential benefits.  No wonder it is a popular topic on the site. In 2019, we released a new handbook that readers should check out if they would like a deep dive on the 8(a) program.
8. 5 Things You Should Know: HUBZone Program (The Basics). While the basics are a good place to start, the HUBZone Program saw many changes go into effect at the end of 2019 and we highlighted some of the most important ones on the blog.
9. Update: SBA Says 5-Year Receipts Calculation Period Not Yet Effective. In January of 2019, SBA said that the 5-year calculation period for receipts-based size standards will not become effective until its regulations are revised. We’ve followed the twists and turns of this story since late 2018. Most recently, SBA released its regulation stating that the 5-year receipts calculation period will become effective January 6, 2020.
10. House Passes Bill to Increase Potential Size of Sole Source Awards. We wrote about this bill in January 2019. We’ll keep you posted if there are any new developments along these lines in 2020.

Be sure to follow SmallGovCon in 2020 to keep on top of all the latest news and updates from the federal contracting world.

Happy New Year!

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