Most federal contractors are well-aware of the potential benefits of using one of the FAR-prescribed teaming options to perform government contracts. But one question we get a lot from small business federal contractors is how to most effectively utilize those teaming options (i.e., how to maximize team participation) on larger government contracts within the bounds and limitations of the law. And luckily, we’ve got a formula for that.
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Govology Webinar! The 2025 Government Contracting Year-End-Review, December 11, 2025
In what has certainly become one of our most popular and anticipated annual webinars, federal government contracts attorneys, Nicole Pottroff and Shane McCall of Koprince McCall Pottroff LLC, will break down some of the most significant 2025 legal developments impacting federal government contractors. In this webinar, they will cover some of the revolutionary (as well as some not-so-revolutionary) revisions to the FAR (via the anxiously awaited FAR 2.0), noteworthy updates to SBA’s small business regulations and various socioeconomic certification policies and processes, some recent legal decisions with widespread relevance to federal contractors, and so much more. They’ve even reserved some time at the end of their presentation to answer your questions.
Please join us! You can register here.
2025 8(a) Application Updates (Part II): SBA’s 90-Day Final Decision Timeline Delays
Despite various impacts to SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program–both quite recently and over the last couple years (which you can read about here and here, and even listened to me talk about here)–this “golden child” of SBA’s socioeconomic programs remains alive and well. And it is still one of the most lucrative and sought after SBA certifications out there. So, eligible contractors may be quite happy to hear, even during this most recent government shutdown, the 8(a) application portal remains up and running. In fact, given the current “pause” to other government contracting functions and filing portals, there may never be a better time than right now to work on those 8(a) applications. That said, anecdotally, we at SmallGovCon have been hearing from some 8(a) applicants about recent updates to the 8(a) application process and submission portal that we want to share with our readers via this two part blog. This second installment covers some general (again, anecdotal) application decision timeline updates (and you can read Part 1, about the new application countdown time, here).
Continue reading2025 8(a) Application Updates (Part I): New Application Countdown Timer
Despite various impacts to SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program–both quite recently and over the last couple years (which you can read about here and here, and even listen to me talk about here)–this “golden child” of SBA’s socioeconomic programs remains alive and well. And it is still one of the most lucrative and sought after SBA certifications out there. So, eligible contractors may be quite happy to hear, even during this most recent government shutdown, the 8(a) application portal remains up and running. In fact, given the current “pause” to other government contracting functions and filing portals, there may never be a better time than right now to work on those 8(a) applications. That said, anecdotally, we at SmallGovCon have been hearing from some 8(a) applicants about recent updates to the 8(a) application process and submission portal that we want to share with our readers via this two part blog.
Continue readingSmallGovCon Week in Review: October 6-10, 2025
Hello, SmallGovCon Readers! It’s been a busy — and bumpy — time in the world of government contracting with the ongoing government shutdown. Still, there are some bright spots: the Senate finally confirmed a new OFPP administrator for the first time since 2019, and the GSA rolled out the first OASIS+ awardees — a big deal for future contracting opportunities. At the same time, the DOJ is cracking down on cyber compliance, recently handing out a $4.6 million fine. And the federal CIO is asking vendors to lead with their best pricing to help keep things moving. Bottom line: things are shifting fast, and contractors should stay flexible. We shall see what next week brings.
You can read more about these topics in the articles below. Have a great weekend.
Continue readingIt’s National APEX Day!
APEX Accelerators play a crucial yet often underappreciated role in the world of federal government contracting. These programs, formerly known as Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs), serve as vital connectors between small businesses and the complex landscape of government procurement. By offering free or low-cost training, one-on-one counseling, and expert guidance, APEX Accelerators empower businesses—especially small and disadvantaged firms—to navigate registrations, find contract opportunities, understand compliance requirements, and ultimately compete successfully for federal contracts. Their behind-the-scenes work directly contributes to a more diverse, competitive, and resilient federal supply chain. You can learn more about NAPEX (National Apex Accelerator Alliance) by clicking on the link.
Here at SmallGovCon, we would like to recognize the APEX Accelerators for the countless hours they invest in building the capacity of small businesses to thrive in government contracting markets. We appreciate our partnership and all that you do!
Please check out all the APEX events near you at this link.
GovCon FAQs: Can I Ask the Government to Participate in ADR?
Why yes, yes you can! In fact, there is a little known provision of the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) that speaks directly to a contractor’s right to request government participation in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) for any contracting “issue in controversy.” And as long as the four essential elements of ADR stated therein are met, a contracting officer must either agree to such ADR or provide a written explanation with cited statutory or legal authority for rejecting the request.
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