SmallGovCon Welcomes Stephanie Ellis

Posted on December 28, 2021 by Shane McCall

I am pleased to announce that Stephanie Ellis has joined our team of government contracts attorney-authors here at SmallGovCon. Stephanie is an associate attorney with Koprince McCall Pottroff LLC, where her practice focuses on federal government contracts law.

Before joining our team, Stephanie worked for the Kansas Securities Commissioner, enforcing the Kansas Securities Act through civil, criminal, and administrative actions, and reviewing administrative compliance issues. She also worked at a Small Business and Nonprofit Transactional Clinic assisting small and non-profit businesses establish their businesses through formative documents. Check out Stephanie’s full biography to learn more about our newest author, and don’t miss her first SmallGovCon post on the importance of keeping SAM codes current for maintaining small business eligibility.

Keep Registrations in SAM Current to Avoid Loss of SDVOSB Verification

Posted on December 28, 2021 by Stephanie Ellis

The decision in Bravo Federal Consulting, LLC, SBA No. CVE-213 (Dec. 1, 2021) is both an important reminder of the importance of keeping all database information up to date and a cautionary tale of the unfortunate consequences that can happen when you don’t. In that decision, SBA’s Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHA) denied an appeal by Bravo Federal Consulting, LLC (Bravo). Bravo submitted a request to change its name, setting off a chain of events that ended in Bravo losing its verified status as a service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB).

White House Proposes Reforms to Increase Dollars to Underserved Small Businesses

Posted on December 27, 2021 by Shane McCall

Small businesses are often seen as the backbone of the economy. Contained within the category of small businesses are what are known as Small Disadvantaged Businesses or SDBs. Currently, the federal government has a goal to award 5% of its contracting dollars to SDBs. The White House is seeking to triple this number by 2025. The White House recently released a Fact Sheet as to how it intends to meet this goal. So, let’s dive into some of the specifics.

Happy Holidays from SmallGovCon!

Posted on December 23, 2021 by Shane McCall

Happy eve of Christmas Eve, readers! Here’s hoping the shopping is done and the presents are all wrapped and under the tree. Even though we are living in uncertain times, there is much to be grateful for this holiday season. Thank you for all of your support this past year and thanks for letting us bring you these helpful updates and analysis about federal contracting.

With Christmas two days away and 2022 right around the corner, it’s time to enjoy the holidays, reflect on the year that was, and look forward to the challenges and opportunities ahead.

We will post our usual Week in Review after the holidays. Until then, best wishes for a wonderful and joyous holiday season. Stay safe and well!

2022 NDAA Requires Prompt SAM Update If SBA Issues Adverse Size Determination

Posted on December 22, 2021 by Shane McCall

If, as the result of a size protest or appeal, the SBA makes a final determination that a company is not a small business, the company will be required to update SAM within two days to reflect that it is no longer small. And if the company doesn’t recertify within two days, the SBA will do the honors and update the company’s SAM profile.

This tough new requirement is part of the compromise version 2022 National Defense Authorization Act, which is likely to be signed into law in the coming weeks, although it is unclear when the SBA’s regulations will be revised to implement the change.

Appeals Court Reinstates Large Business Vaccine Mandate

Posted on December 20, 2021 by Shane McCall

On Friday, a US Appeals Court overturned the temporary halt on the vaccine mandate for large businesses. This is interesting to note because some of the same analysis used in connection with whether the large business mandate is enforceable could apply to the contractor vaccine mandate.

SmallGovCon Week in Review: December 13-17, 2021

Posted on December 17, 2021 by Shane McCall

Hello, Readers! Can you believe we’re more than halfway through December already? The holidays are upon us! Houses are decorated with twinkling lights. There’s a chill in the air (a relief after the odd 70 degree and high winds that hit the Midwest recently). Items are flying off of store shelves. Hopefully despite all that hustle and bustle, you’re getting to enjoy quality time with your loved ones.

The hot topics in government contracting this week include some new vaccine mandate lawsuit updates, cybersecurity measures, and a push for the federal government toward clean energy and sustainability. We also have one festive topic for you – ICE is on the hunt for holiday scams. Read about these topics and more below, and for even more information and news related to federal government contracting, check out our blog.

Best of luck with those last minute holiday preparations this weekend!