SmallGovCon Week in Review: December 12-16, 2016

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This winter’s first polar vortex is upon us, and although much of the country has been getting hit with snow, Kansas has managed to stay mostly snow free with temperatures centered around a balmy 30 degrees. As the vortex sweeps its way out, we are looking to get our first dose of really cold weather with lows in the teens this weekend. Weekends like this are perfect to spend time with family and daydream about being on a beach–or anyplace that does not require 10+ minutes of preparation just to leave the driveway.

While much of the nation prepares to dig itself out from a winter snowstorm, there is still plenty happening in the world of government contracts. In this week’s SmallGovCon Week In Review, the FAR Council issues a rule responding to a judge’s injunction of much of the Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces Executive Order, a Virginia contractor will cough up $1 million to settle bid rigging and kickback allegations, and much more.

  • A Virginia contractor has agreed to pay $1 million to resolve claims of bid rigging and kickbacks. [Department of Justice]
  • The FAR Council issues a final rule responding to a federal judge’s injunction of portions of the Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces Executive Order. (It’s nice to see the FAR Council offering guidance, but if I were a betting man, I’d wager that this E.O. will be repealed by the incoming Administration). [Federal Register]
  • Speaking of Executive Orders that may be on the chopping block, the FAR Council has issued an interim rule implementing the “mandatory sick leave” E.O. [Federal Register]
  • Some business groups are celebrating President-elect Trump’s choice of Linda McMahon to lead the SBA. [Forbes]
  • It is getting increasingly more difficult for individuals and companies alike to stay on top of new technology and devices, but GAO is making some progress, it seems. [GovFresh]
  • Big thanks and congratulations to Guy Timberlake and The American Small Business Coalition on the success of their 2016 Holiday Charity Bash™, which took place last week and raised a lot of money for a great cause. (Koprince Law LLC was a proud sponsor). [GovConChannel]
  • President-elect Trump has called for a lifetime ban on certain federal employees later going to work for defense contractors. [The Fiscal Times]
  • ChallengeHER took place this week in Washington, offering encouragement and words of advice to WOSBs. [Federal News Radio]
  • NASA has adopted an interim final rule amending the NFS to implement revisions to the voucher submittal and payment process. [Federal Register]