SBA’s “Universal” Small Business Mentor-Protégé Program’s Impact On Other Agencies

Posted on August 10, 2016 by SmallGov Contributor

With the finalization of the new SBA Small Business Mentor Protégé Program, other agencies without statutorily-authorized mentor-protege programs must seek SBA approval of their mentor-protege programs within one year, if they wish those programs to continue.

In a final rule scheduled to be effective August 24, 2016, the SBA questioned the need for other agencies (except the Department of Defense) to continue to operate their own mentor-protege programs, but provided a road map for agencies to preserve their separate mentor-protege programs if they wish.

SmallGovCon Week In Review: August 1-5, 2016

Posted on August 5, 2016 by Steven Koprince

It’s hard to believe that August is already here. Before we know it, the end of the government fiscal year will be here–and if tradition holds, a slew of bid protests related to those inevitable last-minute contract awards.

In our first SmallGovCon Week In Review for August, two big-wig executives who previously plead guilty to charges of conspiracy now face civil claims, some helpful tips on how to prepare for the year-end contracting frenzy, Schedule 70 looks to be improved, a major roadblock for the ENCORE III IT service contract, and much more.

HUBZone Program: SBA Final Rule Allows NHO Ownership

Posted on August 5, 2016 by Steven Koprince

Native Hawaiian Organizations soon will be able to own HUBZone companies under a new SBA direct final rule published yesterday in the Federal Register.

The new rule implements provisions of the 2016 National Defense Authorization Act, in which Congress instructed the SBA to open the HUBZone program to NHOs.

GAO: Key Employee’s Resignation Justified Exclusion From Award

Posted on August 5, 2016 by SmallGovCon Contributor

It’s the day after you submitted an offer for a big government contract, when one of your key personnel walks into your office. “Thanks for everything you’ve done for me,” she says, “but I’ve decided to take an opportunity elsewhere.”

Employee turnover is a part of doing business. But for prospective government contractors, it can be a nightmare. As highlighted in a recent GAO bid protest, a offeror was excluded from the award simply because one of its proposed key personnel resigned after the proposal was submitted.

It’s a harsh result, but it highlights that contractors must not only attract key personnel—they must also retain them.

SBA Small Business Mentor-Protege Program: Live Training August 11, 2016

Posted on August 3, 2016 by Steven Koprince

The recently-finalized SBA small business mentor-protege program will change the landscape of set-aside contracting–for large businesses and small contractors alike.

I am excited to announce that Koprince Law LLC has partnered with GOVOLOGY to offer a live electronic training on this important new program. Please join us on August 11, 2016 at 12:00 p.m. Central for this 90 minute training. The training is open to the public, so please follow this link to register. If you’re a Koprince Law LLC client or SmallGovCon newsletter subscriber, check your email for a special discount code.

See you online on August 11!

SDVOSB Updates: Free Webinar August 4, 2016

Posted on August 2, 2016 by Steven Koprince

It’s been a year of big changes in the government’s SDVOSB programs. First came the Kingdomware Supreme Court decision, which was soon followed by the SBA’s final rule adopting a new “universal” mentor-protege program–and imposing many new requirements on SDVOSB joint ventures.

On Thursday, August 4, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. Central, I will host a free webinar to discuss these important changes. To register, just follow this link and complete the brief electronic form, or call Jen Catloth of Koprince Law LLC at (785) 200-8919.

See you online on Thursday!

8(a) Program: SBA Final Rule Makes Important Changes

Posted on August 2, 2016 by Steven Koprince

The 8(a) Program regulations will undergo some significant changes as part of the major final rule recently released by the SBA, and effective August 24, 2016.

Here at SmallGovCon, we’ve already covered big changes to the SDVOSB Program and HUBZone Program brought about by the new SBA rule. But the 8(a) program is affected by the new rule too, and important changes involving eligibility, the application process, sole source awards, NHOs, and more will kick in later this month.