The fiscal year has ended and a potential government shutdown was avoided…for now. As we jump into October, we look forward to cooler temperatures, football games, and fall festivities. Of course we haven’t forgotten that it is Friday, which means that it is time for the latest and greatest in government contracting.

This week’s SmallGovCon Week In Review includes stories on the end of the fiscal year, a hefty settlement for improper inflation of labor hours, some tips on improving your contracting experience and more.

• As the fiscal year ended this week, US small business contracts hit their peak. [Set-Aside ALERT]
• “Endlesss” continuing resolutions and appropriations problems drive the end-of-the-year spending surge. [Federal News Radio]
• Government-wide contracts overseen by the National Institutes of Health and NASA are ringing up billions in sales. [FCW]
• Inflated labor hours have led to a $4.63 million dollar settlement. [UPI]
• Take advantage of your local PTAC–knowing these 6 things will save you time, money and stress. [GOVOLOGY]
• Improving the contracting process: does the government need more in-house experts? One commentator thinks so. [FCW]
• The House and Senate have agreed on a final version of the 2016 National Defense Authorization Act. [FierceGovernment]
• Will the President veto the 2016 NDAA?  [Defense News]