Category Archives: Events

Posts dealing with seminars, webinars, and other government contracting events in which Steven Koprince is a speaker, panelist, sponsor, etc.

GSA Demystifies DUNS Replacement ID

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“Change can be confusing. Change can be frustrating.” No, this is not from the cover of a self-help book. This is GSA’s acknowledgment that, often, we fear change.

To combat fears about changes to the DUNS number, GSA recently released a Q&A providing some answers on the new Unique Entity ID (UEI) Standard, which is set to replace the current DUNS system in December 2020. The Q&A followed GSA’s online meeting on the topic in July, which hosted over 700 attendees. GSA answered general questions about the transition, the UEI that will be used, and how to obtain a new identifier. Let’s take a look.

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GSA On Track to Release Consolidated MAS Program Schedule On First of October

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This week, GSA announced it is on track to debut its Consolidated Multiple Acquisition Schedule (MAS) Program Schedule Solicitation on October 1. GSA also gave federal contractors planning to bid on the MAS a head start on the process by releasing a final draft solicitation and an updated industry FAQs sheet.

Let’s take a look at how to utilize this opportunity to prepare for the solicitation’s long-awaited debut.

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U.S. Government to Ditch the DUNS

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Earlier this month, the GSA announced a new Unique Entity Identifier Standard for Federal awards management. The new standard will go into effect December 2020. It will replace the current DUNS number system as the official identifier for all businesses contracting with the U.S. Federal Government.

This should make registering to do business with the federal government a little easier, but the proof will be in the roll-out.

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GSA Announces Plans to Consolidate MAS Contracts and Asks for Industry Feedback

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The General Services Administration is conducting market research for its planned consolidation of the Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) Program. Earlier this month, GSA publicly announced the new single solicitation format, including streamlined terms and conditions, and its intention to collect feedback from government contractors in the industry.

According to GSA, the consolidation is part of its two-year modernization process for the program that began in November of 2018. The consolidated MAS solicitation is scheduled for release later this year. And if you have concerns or suggestions for GSA on this significant consolidation, there is still time for your input.

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Senate Highlights Decline in Number of Small Businesses Getting Federal Contracts

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Recently, a member of the Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship called for increased small business participation in federal contracts during a hearing on the SBA’s contracting programs. Senator Ben Cardin based his concern on a recent report showing that the number of small businesses with federal contracts was at a 10-year low.

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Runway Extension Act: Return of the SBA

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Congress and the SBA continue to disagree about the timing for the implementation of the Runway Extension Act (conveniently allowing my Star Wars references to continue).

SBA recently provided testimony before the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship. Senator Marco Rubio called the hearing to address, among other things, why the “SBA has refused to follow the Runway Extension Act.” (We have wondered the same thing.)

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Thank You, APTAC!

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I am back in Kansas after a fantastic trip to Reno for the 2019 APTAC Spring Conference. On Sunday, I taught a four-hour class on the FAR, followed by a general session Monday on major changes in Government contracting.

By my count, this was the ninth time I’ve attended an APTAC conference, and they’ve all been great. It was wonderful to see so many old friends and make some new ones, too. Thank you to APTAC’s leadership for inviting me, and for Terri Bennett of our home-state Kansas PTAC, who introduced my general session. A big thanks also to Carroll Bernard of Govology and Joshua Frank of RSM Federal, who kindly allowed me to share their booth.

If you’re a government contractor who hasn’t yet connected with your local PTAC, you’re missing out. Visit the APTAC website to find out more.