SmallGovCon Week In Review: May 25 – May 29, 2020

As we end May and roll into June, rainy weather has descended on the Midwest. But there’s always sunshine around the corner. In our case, around the corner will be this weekend as the Kansas City region is scheduled to have sunny skies.

This week saw plenty of interesting stories in the federal contracting world, including a false claims settlement related to misrepresenting use of a small disadvantaged business, a new Department of Labor office aims to help federal contractors comply with rules, and the federal government moving to virtual sales meetings.

Continue reading

SmallGovCon Week In Review: May 18 – May 22, 2020

Happy Memorial Day! I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday weekend as we remember those who have sacrificed for our country. Memorial Day was first observed in 1868. At that time then Congressman and former general James Garfield remarked of those that had died for our country: “For love of country they accepted death, and thus resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and their virtue.”

While we remember their sacrifice, there was also much news in the world of federal contracting. This week saw stories, among others, of the ramifications of the STARS II contract hitting its ceiling, a new approach for multiple award contracts, and the Air Force’s plan to roll out “Skyborg” drones.

Continue reading

SmallGovCon Week In Review: May 11 – May 15, 2020

This week on the blog we continued to bring you coverage of COVID-19 related issues, including some timely updates on SBA’s extension of the deadline to return funds under the Paycheck Protection Program.

But there was much more federal contracting news this week, including articles about a fill-in for the 8(a) STARS II vehicle, restructuring of government IT procurement units, and a proposed new COVID-19 relief bill that could help federal contractors.

Continue reading

SmallGovCon Week In Review: May 4 – May 8, 2020

While we’ve recently enjoyed some sunny spring weather in Lawrence, KS, this week saw the other side of spring: overcast days and rain. While working from home, this means staring out the window at a grey sky. So, while we continue to cope with the effects of COVID-19, it can be comforting to read about the wheels of government continuing to turn.

This week, we saw federal contracting updates in the areas of the DOD shoring up the industrial base, a guilty plea for bribery and a settlement for allegations of SDVOSB fraud, and news that the government continues to buy during the pandemic.

Continue reading

SmallGovCon Week In Review: April 27 – May 1, 2020

The federal government and federal contractors continue to deal with the fallout from COVID-19, while still providing the many functions of government. Because the work of government keeps on keepin’ on, there were a number of interesting updates in the federal contracting world this week.

These included news about how COVID-19 is affecting small business contractors, the Air Force’s investment in flying cars (!) using a new acquisition model, and DoD’s desire for first-tier suppliers to meet ‘Level One’ CMMC criteria.

Continue reading

SmallGovCon Week In Review: April 20 – April 24, 2020

Spring has definitely sprung here in Lawrence. The red buds are blooming everywhere. As many of us are working from home, it’s interesting to see a different view out of the window as we wait for the time when we can return to the office.

But, in the mean time, we’re still providing incisive posts and updates for our government contractor readers. This week saw a number of intriguing stories about how COVID-19 is affecting contractors, as well as other updates, including potential relief for employees of contractors, a memorandum from the OMB, and relief for America’s farmers.

Have a great weekend and stay safe SGC readers.

Continue reading

SmallGovCon Week In Review: April 13 – April 17, 2020

I hope all of our readers are doing well and staying healthy. Here at SmallGovCon, we’ve been monitoring the ongoing updates from the federal government for news relevant to federal contractors.

This week, our attorney-authors provided a few more updates about relief for contractors and other businesses under the Paycheck Protection Program as well as other governmental policies. Updates included the formal Paycheck Protection Program rules and guidance on applying for loans for independent contractors and partnerships, as well as SBA’s policies for HUBZone flexibility.

Unfortunately, SBA’s website now states that it is “currently unable to accept new applications for the Paycheck Protection Program based on available appropriations funding.” In other words, the funds have run out.

But there were many other stories as well, such as a prediction that CMMC will apply to all government procurements, use of the Defense Production Act, and DOD accommodating contractors affected by COVID-19.

Continue reading