SmallGovCon Week in Review: August 21-24, 2023

We at SmallGovCon are trying to get back into the routine of school. Pick-ups, drop-offs, practices, and clubs–it’s a lot. And the government is also ramping up activity a bit as it prepares for fiscal year end and what usually is a big rush of contract awards. With that in mind, check out the latest news, including SBA’s social disadvantage requirements, cybersecurity, and potential changes from a defense procurement commission. Have a great weekend.

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Koprince McCall Pottroff’s GovCon Handbook, SBA Small Business Size and Affiliation Rules, is Now Available!

We are pleased to announce that the Second Edition of the GovCon Handbook, SBA Small Business Size and Affiliation Rules, is now available!  

Is your small business really small? When it comes to federal government contracts, the answer can be a lot more complex than it sounds.

In this GovCon Handbook, government contracts attorneys provide an in-depth look at the size and affiliation regulations for federal contractors. Written in plain English and packed with easy to understand examples, this GovCon Handbook demystifies the SBA’s rules regarding small business status for government contracts.

This updated handbook was co-authored by me and Nicole Pottroff as well as firm founder Steven Koprince. It is now available through Amazon at this link.

SBA Update: Get Your Social Disadvantage Narrative Ready

As you likely know, there are some major changes going on in the SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program. And like many, I am sure you have a lot of questions—given the fact that these changes are being implemented right now without a published final rule explaining the details, limitations, and new requirements. While we may not have a rule, we have been closely following any and all SBA guidance on the matter as it has released. And as usual, we are here to pass that valuable information along to you.

On August 17, SBA counsel John Klein provided an important update as part of the National 8(a) Association’s regular update series. The recording will be available soon, so check back on their website if you missed it. A key takeaway is that the SBA will require social disadvantage narratives for all individually-owned entities to establish social disadvantage. But there were some other updates as well.

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Govology Webinar: The Ins and Outs of Defense Production Act Title III Agreements, August 24, 2023, 1:00pm EDT

Steven Koprince, Govology Legal Analyst and retired founder of Koprince McCall Pottroff (and all around cool dude) will be presenting this webinar which covers the Ins and Outs of the DPA Title III Agreement, including which contractors are eligible, how to find and pursue DPA Title III opportunities, typical terms of DPA Title III agreements, and more. Don’t miss your chance to learn all about DPA Title III, in plain English! Register here.

SmallGovCon Week in Review: August 14-18, 2023

Happy Friday! School started this week and I’m not sure who was more excited, the kids or the parents? Seems like the summer school break flew by. It’s really fun to see all those first day of school photos that the parents are posting.

Here in Lawrence, Kansas the university students are also back in town and the energy level is always palpable as the semester is starting. We hope you had a nice summer and were able to get out and enjoy a little family time, prior to the start of the school year. Enjoy the weekend!

And now, the news in federal government contracting, as the fiscal year comes to a close, there are updates on some big MACs, government IT and cybersecurity, and new DOL regulations.

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OHA: A Manufacturer Must Own or Lease Facilities to Qualify

In a recent decision, the Small Business Administration’s Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHA) reviewed the requirements to establish that a company is a manufacturer of a product under SBA’s rules. In particular, there is a requirement that a company use “its own facilities” in manufacturing the product. But how does a company establish it will use its own facilities?

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SmallGovCon Week in Review: August 7-11, 2023

Hello, Readers! Many small business contractors and agency personnel are paying close attention to the fallout from the recent court decision on the 8(a) Program, as shown in this week’s articles. For an explanation of the decision, see the post from John Holtz, while Nicole Pottroff has explained SBA’s pause on taking current 8(a) Program applications. Another big story was DOL’s new rules.

We hope you have a wonderful weekend and please refer to our most recent blog posts for additional information on federal government contracting matters.

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