Category Archives: Events

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

Simplified Acquisition Threshold Increase: My Interview With Francis Rose

Posted on by

The House of Representatives has proposed an enormous increase in the simplified acquisition threshold, from $150,000 to $500,000.  In an interview aired on June 4, Francis Rose and I discussed the proposed increase, as well as a recent GAO decision regarding an agency’s obligation (or lack thereof) when it comes to informing an offeror that its price is too high.

Click here to listen to my interview with Francis, and be sure to tune in to In Depth With Francis Rose weekdays from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern on Federal News Radio.

Compliant, Winning Teams: A Three-Part Webinar

Posted on by

Teaming and joint venturing are essential components of success for many small government contractors, and the emphasis on teaming is increasing in light of the SBA’s proposed rule allowing “similarly situated entities” to join together to pursue prime contracts.  But teaming and joint venturing are not without risks–there are many unique rules that must be followed, and many pitfalls for the unwary.

That is why I am very pleased to announced that I am joining with the Government Contractors Resource Network to present a three-part webinar series on compliant and effective teaming.  Directed at small contractors, this series will begin with an overview of the rules and regulations governing teaming.  The series will continue with a discussion of how to prepare effective and compliant teaming agreements, subcontracts, and joint venture agreements.  The series will wrap up with an in-depth discussion of federal mentor-protege programs, including the SBA’s new proposed “universal” mentor-protege program.

The first webinar will broadcast on June 19, and the others will follow on June 23 and 25.  To register, or for more information, visit the GCRN website.  I hope to see you (virtually, anyway) this summer.

FedBid And The SBA: My Interview With Francis Rose

Posted on by

Earlier this month, the GAO sustained two protests filed by Latvian Connection LLC–one on a State Department procurement and one on a Department of Interior procurement–because Latvian Connection’s FedBid usage had been suspended.  The GAO held that this was improper because the matter had not been referred to the SBA under the SBA’s Certificate of Competency program.

Yesterday, I appeared on In Depth With Francis Rose to discuss the Latvian Connection cases.  Please follow this link to listen to the audio of my interview, and don’t forget to tune in to Federal News Radio every weekday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. for Francis’s top-notch show.

Thank You, Iowa!

Posted on by

I am back in Lawrence after a great trip to the Des Moines area, where I participated in the Iowa Vendor Conference.  My conference presentation focused on prime/subcontractor teaming on federal set-aside contracts.

Many thanks to Pam Russenberger, Jodi Essex, Beth White, Julie Fagle, and the rest of the Iowa Procurement Technical Assistance Program Team for sponsoring this great event.  And a big “thank you” to all of the contractors and industry professionals who attended my presentation, asked great questions, and (mostly) didn’t boo when I happened to bring up the glorious results of the previous night’s basketball game.

If you are in Iowa but weren’t able to make it to the Iowa Vendor Conference, I will be back in the area for the Midwest Small Business Government Contracting Symposium in June.  I hope to see you there!

Introducing Koprince Law LLC

Posted on by

If you are a regular SmallGovCon reader, you might notice a few small changes on our blog–those dealing with our contact information.  I am pleased to announce the formation of Koprince Law LLC, which officially opens its doors for business on Monday, March 30, 2015.  At Koprince Law, we will focus our practice exclusively on providing comprehensive legal solutions to federal government contractors.

Some longtime readers have asked whether SmallGovCon is moving with me to Koprince Law.  Yes!  We will continue to regularly update readers on government contracting news and notes right here at www.smallgovcon.com.  My SmallGovCon co-author, Amanda Wilwert, will join me at Koprince Law and will continue to blog regularly, as well.

My new email address is skoprince@koprince.com and telephone number is (785) 200-8919.  Please feel free to write or call if you have any questions about Koprince Law.  And as always, thank you for reading.

Thank You, APTAC!

Posted on by

I am on my way home from Denver, where I have been since Tuesday for the Association of Procurement Assistance Centers Spring Conference.  My talk today was the final presentation of the conference (I like to think that APTAC saves the best for last!) and focused on recent SBA proposals regarding the limitations on subcontracting, “universal” mentor-protege, and women-owned small businesses, among other topics.

It was great to see so many familiar faces and have the chance to talk to so many PTAC counselors.  Thank you to Becky Peterson, Jason Porch, and the APTAC leadership for inviting me to speak, and thank you to all the PTAC-ers who stayed until the end of the conference to catch my presentation.  As always, you were a fantastic audience.

If you are a small business, you may be surprised at the many ways that your local PTAC can help you–usually free of charge.  Visit the APTAC website to get started.

Thank You, Alliance Northwest!

Posted on by

I am at the tail end of a great visit to the Pacific Northwest, where I spoke yesterday at the Alliance Northwest procurement conference.  My presentation focused on the many recent legal changes (and proposed changes) affecting small contractors, including SBA proposals on the limitations on subcontracting and a new “universal” SBA mentor-protege program.

Many thanks to the organizers of this wonderful event, which gets bigger and better every year.  Special thanks to Tiffany Scroggs, Stephanie Scott, Traci Hansen and their colleagues at the Washington PTAC for all of their hard work on the conference, and a big thank you to Ashley Coronado of the Washington PTAC for facilitating my session (including flawless pronunciation of “Petefish, Immel, Heeb & Hird.”)  And of course, a big “thank you” to everyone who attended my presentation and stopped by to visit on the trade show floor.

It’s a year away, but I certainly plan to be back in Washington next year for the 2016 Alliance Northwest event.  In the meantime, if you weren’t able to attend this year, I would be happy to send you my slides–please just contact me.