Back to Basics: Get in the Zone, The HUBZone

The SBA’s HUBZone  Program, short for “Historically Underutilized Business Zone,” is likely the SBA program that we hear the least about. Tucked away in Title 13, Section 126 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, the HUBZone Program gives HUBZone participants benefits in multiple federal government contracting situations in an effort to revitalize historically underutilized business zones through increased employment opportunities, investments, and economic development. So, what exactly makes an area a HUBZone, and how can your small business be designated as a HUBZone participant? Read on to find out.

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Failure to Send: Protester Loses Size Determination Due to Lack of Response on Tax Returns

In federal procurement law, it is often the case that decisions on protests and other cases come down to tough questions of law that could go either way, requiring the judge to carefully weigh the reasons for making ruling one way or another. Unfortunately, there are also cases where the decision can rest entirely on responding to a request, even one that gives the contractor little time to respond. Regardless of the situation, it can’t be overstated how crucial it is to respond timely to any requests, and make sure your company’s agents and representatives make the response their priority. In this case, this lesson was learned the hard way by one contractor.

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SmallGovCon Week in Review: January 23-27, 2023

Happy Friday, Readers. The Kansas City Chiefs secured another win on Saturday and have moved forward into the AFC Championship game. I think everyone in town had on their Chiefs gear last weekend. It was a sea of red. With temperatures predicted to be in the 20’s on Sunday, it will be a cold one in Kansas City for the big game! Brr.

We hope you had a great week and can grab a game or two this weekend and root for your favorite team. We have included some noteworthy articles below on federal government contracting, including SBA moving to a new certification platform and enhancing training for contracting officers. Enjoy the weekend and Go Chiefs!

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Congressional Research Service Report Discusses Emergency-Related Acquisition Flexibilities, the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

This Congressional report, issued December 27, 2022, provides a “discussion of acquisition flexibilities federal agencies may use to facilitate the government’s response to and recovery from disasters and emergencies.” The report explains the various types of flexibilities and some of the pros and cons of each. And it concludes by identifying several significant issues related to these acquisition flexibilities. Let’s take a look.

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Back to Basics: Top Five Things About SDVOSBs and VOSBs

You’ve served your country with pride. Now, as a government contractor, it’s only fair that you get your piece of the pie. Previously, we here at SmallGovCon have discussed the 5 things you should know regarding SDVOSBs and VOSBs. But in the years since that, much has changed in the world of SDVOSBs and VOSBs. So here are five updated basics you should know about the government’s contracting program for veteran-owned small businesses and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses:

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SmallGovCon Week in Review: January 16-20, 2023

Happy Friday Readers. We hope you all have had a great week. We are enjoying some milder winter weather here in Kansas and received some much-needed rain. We still have a bit to go before spring, so hopefully we will get a little snow still this winter.

Enjoy the weekend and we also hope you will enjoy reading the articles below, regarding federal government contracting this week, including what small business contractors can look for in 2023.

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