Tag Archives: Kingdomware

Thank You, Veterans!

Posted on by

I am back in Lawrence after two great days at the National Veterans Small Business Engagement in Pittsburgh.  I led three Learning Sessions at the NVSBE: the first on SDVOSB joint venturing and teaming, the second on the SBA’s proposed new “universal” mentor-protege program, and the third on the ins and outs of the non-manufacturer rule.

Thank you to all of the veterans, government representatives, and others who attended the sessions–the rooms were packed and the audiences were very engaged.  And thank you, as well, to the organizers of this great annual event, who kindly invited me to speak even though the VA and I don’t exactly see eye to eye on the Kingdomware case.

If you weren’t able to attend my sessions at the NVSBE, I am happy to send you a copy of the slides–just contact me.

(Another) Kingdomware Shocker: Oral Argument Suspended

Posted on by

The Kingdomware SDVOSB/VOSB Supreme Court case, which had been scheduled for an oral argument on Monday November 9, is suddenly in a state of limbo.  In an order issued today, the Supreme Court yanked the case from its docket.  The Court directed the parties to submit briefs on whether the contracts in question have been fully performed, and if so, whether full performance renders the case moot.

For Kingdomware and veteran-owned companies everywhere, this is extremely troubling news.  If the Court believes that the case is moot, it will be dismissed–meaning that Kingdomware would lose the war without even getting its day in court.

Briefs from both sides are due November 20, and each side may reply by December 1.  I will keep you posted.

Thank You, Utah!

Posted on by

I am back in Kansas after a great trip to Salt Lake City, where I spoke at the 10th Annual PTAC Procurement Symposium.  My presentation covered important new developments in government contracting, including the SBA’s proposed new “universal” mentor-protege program, the new WOSB sole source authority, and more.

Many thanks to Fred Lange, Chuck Spence, and their team at the Utah PTAC for inviting me to speak.  Thanks also to all of those who attended the conference and made this such a great event.

I will be here in Lawrence for a few weeks, and then it is on to Washington, DC, where I will be sitting in on Supreme Court oral arguments in the Kingdomware SDVOSB/VOSB case and speaking on Kingdomware and other timely government contracting topics at the APTAC Fall Conference.

Kingdomware Shocker: VA Abandons Goal-Setting Argument

Posted on by

In a stunning development in the Kingdomware SDVOSB/VOSB Supreme Court case, the Government has abandoned the argument that the statutory preference for veteran-owned companies applies only if the VA has not met its SDVOSB or VOSB contracting goals.

Although this argument was hotly debated, it was successful both at the Court of Federal Claims and again at the Federal Circuit.  But now, just weeks away from oral arguments, the Government’s Supreme Court brief jettisons the Government’s own previously successful argument in favor of an entirely different rationale for refusing to honor the statutory SDVOSB and VOSB preferences.

The last-minute, wholesale substitution of arguments doesn’t say much for the Government’s confidence in its case. And on the merits, the Government’s new argument is no better than the one it has abruptly abandoned.

Continue reading →

SmallGovCon Week In Review: August 31-September 4, 2015

Posted on by

The unofficial end of summer is coming to a close.  Here at SmallGovCon, we are looking forward to the Labor Day weekend and the start of fall. As we head into the long weekend, here is your weekly dose of what’s new in government contracting.

In this week’s SmallGovCon Week In Review, Kingdomware Technologies, Inc. garners more support in its Supreme Court battle with the VA, the DoD and GSA are working together on a possible new contract vehicle for cloud computing services, the GSA unveils a RFI for Schedule 70, and more.

Continue reading →

Kingdomware SDVOSB Supreme Court Case: Read Our Amicus Brief

Posted on by

In Kingdomware Technologies, Inc. v. United States, the U.S. Supreme Court will answer a critical question: does the VA have to prioritize SDVOSBs and VOSBs in federal contracting?

As SmallGovCon readers know, I have been critical of the VA’s contention that it need not prioritize SDVOSBs and VOSBs.  Now, I have gone a step further.  Together with my colleagues at Koprince Law LLC, I have filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court, asking the Court to overturn the lower court’s decision and rule in favor of veterans.

Want to read our full amicus brief?  Glad you asked–just click here.

SmallGovCon Week In Review: August 24-28, 2015

Posted on by

After spending the majority of the week in Norman, Oklahoma for the ICBS Show, I am back in the office, and ready for our weekly dose of government contracts news and commentary.

This week, a large corporation gets busted for misusing taxpayer money, the IT industry is becoming more and more concerned about new cybersecurity rules, the government’s operation of two separate SDVOSB programs causes confusion, and much more.

Continue reading →