What happens when an SBA area office finds a joint venture compliant with SBA rules in a size protest, but SBA’s Office of Hearings and Appeals says the same agreement fails to meet requirements in a status protest? Let’s find out.
Continue reading…SmallGovCon Week In Review: April 20 – April 24, 2020
Spring has definitely sprung here in Lawrence. The red buds are blooming everywhere. As many of us are working from home, it’s interesting to see a different view out of the window as we wait for the time when we can return to the office.
But, in the mean time, we’re still providing incisive posts and updates for our government contractor readers. This week saw a number of intriguing stories about how COVID-19 is affecting contractors, as well as other updates, including potential relief for employees of contractors, a memorandum from the OMB, and relief for America’s farmers.
Have a great weekend and stay safe SGC readers.
Continue reading…CAAC Recommends Class Deviation to Accelerate Payments to Small Business Contractors
In the ongoing effort to minimize the effects of COVID-19, the Civilian Agency Acquisition Council (CAAC) has recommended that agencies implement a class deviation to accelerate payments to small business prime contractors to prime contractors with small business subcontractors.
Continue reading…Federal Circuit Blesses Disparate Evaluation Standard Used by COFC in Bid Protests
In any legal action, it’s critical to understand the standard that the tribunal applies to a claim. Until now, the Federal Circuit–an intermediate federal appeals court immediately below the U.S. Supreme Court–had not articulated the standard for disparate evaluation claims in bid protests. Though not groundbreaking, a recent case provides clarity for attorneys and litigants alike.
Continue reading…Senate Approves Bill to Replenish Paycheck Protection Program Funds
We’ve written a lot about the Paycheck Protection Program as part of the blog’s COVID-19 coverage. The program has really been helping a lot of businesses, so much so that the money ran out a few days ago.
Well, the Senate has approved a bill that would replenish funds for the Paycheck Protection Program, so more companies can get help.
Continue reading…Unreasonable Cost Adjustment Leads to Sustained Protest
Of late the pages of this blog have been entirely coronavirus and COVID-19 obsessed—and for good reason. But that does not stop the Government Accountability Office from deciding bid protests.
With all that’s been going on, writing about a GAO decision regarding run-of-the-mill unreasonable cost realism evaluation is downright refreshing.
Continue reading…SmallGovCon Week In Review: April 13 – April 17, 2020
I hope all of our readers are doing well and staying healthy. Here at SmallGovCon, we’ve been monitoring the ongoing updates from the federal government for news relevant to federal contractors.
This week, our attorney-authors provided a few more updates about relief for contractors and other businesses under the Paycheck Protection Program as well as other governmental policies. Updates included the formal Paycheck Protection Program rules and guidance on applying for loans for independent contractors and partnerships, as well as SBA’s policies for HUBZone flexibility.
Unfortunately, SBA’s website now states that it is “currently unable to accept new applications for the Paycheck Protection Program based on available appropriations funding.” In other words, the funds have run out.
But there were many other stories as well, such as a prediction that CMMC will apply to all government procurements, use of the Defense Production Act, and DOD accommodating contractors affected by COVID-19.
Continue reading…