In an effort to comply with Executive Orders issued by the President, and to lower greenhouse gas effects, the Department of Defense, NASA, and GSA have recently issued a proposed rule that would change the FAR to create further requirements for contractors to report and disclose greenhouse gas emissions, as well as create emission targets. This proposed rule will add various requirements to the FAR that create additional reporting for contractors based on their size. Contractors should review these potential changes carefully, provide comments, and begin preparing for compliance with the new requirements. Below is our summary of the key changes.
Continue readingTag Archives: proposed regulations
New Senate Bill Takes Aim at Organizational Conflicts of Interest
These days it often seems like both sides of the congressional aisle cannot agree on anything and bipartisan support is in short supply. However, one thing that Congress can agree on is the fact that organizational conflicts, which can lead to unfair advantages, have no place in Federal contracting. On March 23, 2022, Michigan Senator Gary Peters, with support of three other senators, introduced S. 3905, the Preventing Organizational Conflicts in Federal Acquisition Act (the Act). The bill aims to identify and prevent organizational conflicts of interest (OCI) that have been slipping through the cracks, stating that “[p]rotecting against conflicts of interest in Federal acquisition is vital to the integrity of Government operations.”
Continue readingWhite House Proposes Reforms to Increase Dollars to Underserved Small Businesses
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.
Continue readingYouTube Tuesday: What is EDWOSB Status?
There have been a few changes recently to the WOSB and EDWOSB certification process–so now is as good a time as any to walk through the requirements for EDWOSB (or Economically-Disadvantaged Woman-Owned Small Business) status. In this video, I provide an overview of the benefits of and requirements for EDWOSB status:
If you have questions, we are happy to help! You can reach us here.
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GAO: Work Must Remain Set Aside for 8(a) Participants Because Not a “New Requirement”
In a recent decision, Eminent IT, LLC, B-418570 (June 23, 2020), GAO held that the Department of State improperly removed a requirement from the SBA’s 8(a) program where the solicitation did not create a “new requirement.”
Continue readingYouTube Tuesday: SBA’s 8(a) Program- Economic Disadvantage
The SBA’s 8(a) program provides a number of opportunities for small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. In this video, I discuss the economic disadvantage eligibility requirement, highlighting the regulatory changes imposed last Wednesday:
Want to know more about how to apply for the 8(a) program? Check out our 8(a) Handbook here or reach out to us here.
YouTube Tuesday: Writing Your 8(a) Application’s Social Disadvantage Narrative- What the SBA is Looking For
One of the trickiest requirements for admission into the SBA’s 8(a) program is demonstrating social disadvantage. While some groups are presumed socially disadvantaged (as discussed here), social disadvantage can also be demonstrated based on other characteristics not specifically included in the SBA’s regulations. For those characteristics, applicants must submit a “social disadvantage narrative.”
In this video, I provide you the tricks of the trade you’ll need to write a successful narrative:
For assistance drafting your social disadvantage narrative, reach out to us here!