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

Posted on June 21, 2019 by Nicole Pottroff

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.

Hey VA! You Can’t Avoid the Rule of Two By Using GPO To Do Your Shopping.

Posted on June 20, 2019 by SmallGovConContributor

It’s no secret that the VA has tried to find ways around the statutorily-mandated rule of two–i.e. VA must set aside procurements for VOSBS if it has a reasonable expectation that it will receive fair and reasonable offers from two or more veteran-owned small businesses.

Although the U.S. Supreme Court has already told VA, in Kingdomware, that it cannot circumvent the rule of two, VA apparently is still seeking ways to avoid it.

Task Order Size Protests: Too Little, Too Late, Says SBA OHA

Posted on June 19, 2019 by Gregory Weber

So, your company has made it past the first big hurdle and got on a GSA schedule. You see a small business task order pop up that you believe your company would be perfect for, but another company gets the award. Based on information you have heard or read, you believe something fishy may be going on and the awarded company may be a big fish that found its way into the small pond.

But can you timely protest the task order award?

Senate Highlights Decline in Number of Small Businesses Getting Federal Contracts

Posted on June 18, 2019 by Shane McCall

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.

Runway Extension Act: Return of the SBA

Posted on June 17, 2019 by SmallGovConContributor

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.)

Proprietary Information Proper Basis for Restricted Solicitation Terms

Posted on June 17, 2019 by SmallGovConContributor

While the overarching goal of the federal procurement system is to provide as many opportunities for competition as possible, there are those instances where the unique circumstances of a procurement require limiting the pool of offerors.

In a recent decision, GAO determined that the need for proprietary maintenance information was a sufficient reason to limit competition.

SmallGovCon Week in Review: June 10 – 14, 2019

Posted on June 14, 2019 by Shane McCall

Welcome to another addition of SmallGovCon’s week in review. While you might be on vacation (and feel free to wait to read this until you get back), the world of government contracting spins on.

In this week’s edition, there are some interesting updates including paying back wages to federal government contractors who were not paid during the government shutdown, merging OPM with the General Services Administration and the latest in space contracting.

Have a great weekend!