5 Things You Should Know: Adding Wage Rates to Davis-Bacon Act Wage Determinations

Posted on October 1, 2018 by SmallGovConContributor

For federal construction projects in the United States exceeding $2,000, the Davis-Bacon Act requires contractors to pay their “laborers and mechanics” the “prevailing wage.” Typically, a federal construction contract will incorporate a wage determination which outlines the prevailing wages for the workers expected for the project. But what if you discover that you need another type of worker not listed on the wage determination?

Here are five things you should know about adding wage rates to an existing DBA wage determination.

SmallGovCon Week in Review: September 24-28, 2018

Posted on September 28, 2018 by SmallGovCon Contributor

Happy end of FY 2018, everybody! Let’s celebrate properly, with the SmallGovCon Week In Review.

In this week’s edition, we’ll discuss end-of-fiscal-year spending (appropriately enough), new FAR regulations, and government contracting officials behaving badly.

Have a great weekend!

SDVOSB Eligibility Update: SBA Issues New Rule

Posted on September 28, 2018 by SmallGovConContributor

Earlier this week, Steve updated SmallGovCon readers on a very important SDVOSB eligibility change: beginning October 1, the VA will begin using the SBA’s eligibility rules to verify SDVOSBs and VOSBs.

The SBA has now followed suit—in a final rule published today, the SBA has amended its eligibility rules for SDVOSBs. These rules provide important clarity into SDVOSB eligibility going forward.

Let’s take a look at some of the most important changes.

GAO: Sole-Source Bridge Contracts are Acceptable after Corrective Action

Posted on September 25, 2018 by Shane McCall

Generally, agencies are required to maximize competition for procurements. But there are exceptions to this rule, such as for simplified acquisitions. Another exception is for sole source bridge contracts awarded between the end of an incumbent contract and the start of a new contract.

A recent GAO case explains the rationale for why a sole-source award is usually acceptable in that situation.

VA Will Use SBA SDVOSB Eligibility Rules Starting October 1, 2018

Posted on September 24, 2018 by Steven Koprince

The VA will begin using the SBA’s eligibility rules to verify SDVOSBs and VOSBs beginning October 1, 2018.

In a final rule published today in the Federal Register, the VA confirms that the SBA’s eligibility requirements will apply beginning next week–but in my eyes, one very important question remains unanswered.

A Pre-Award Protest Probably Isn’t the Place to Raise Suspicions of Wage Violations

Posted on September 21, 2018 by SmallGovConContributor

Let’s suppose you’re a contractor that provides services to the federal government. Typically, your contract will require you to pay your employees the prevailing wage rates promulgated under the Service Contract Act.

What if you suspect that, under previous contracts, your competitors failed to pay their employees the mandated prevailing rates? Can you use a pre-award bid protest to obligate a procuring agency to police possible ongoing non-compliance through solicitation provisions? If you say yes, perhaps you should keep reading.

SmallGovCon Week in Review: September 17-21, 2018

Posted on September 21, 2018 by SmallGovConContributor

It’s time for the best part of the week: the SmallGovCon Week in Review!

In this week’s edition, the Deputy Secretary of Defense discusses the importance of cybersecurity in DoD procurements, a California company was ordered to pay back wages under the Service Contract Act, upcoming changes to startup contracts with the Air Force, and much more.

Have a great weekend!