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.

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.

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.

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.

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.