Government Contracts Monitor

Agencies Rush to Obligate Federal Dollars Before September 30th - Sole Sources Abound

In a rush to obligate federal dollars before the end of the fiscal year, there have been a rash of solicitations issued using the simplified acquisition procedures brand name, sole or limited source authority.  FAR 13.106-1(b).

Government Finalizes Rule Requiring Posting of Sole Source Justifications

As we reported previously, the Government must use “full and open competition” when it purchases goods or services unless one of seven primary exceptions is met.  When the Government decides to limit competition by using one of these exceptions, it must prepare a “Justification and Approval” (J&A) explaining its rationale.

Navy Announces Proposed Preferred Supplier Program

This October, the Navy plans to introduce a “Preferred Supplier Program” to reward contractors that have exhibited “exemplary performance” in the areas of cost, schedule, performance, quality, and business relations. Preferred Supplier Status (PSS) will provide contractors with better cash flow, profit, and contract terms. Importantly, PSS only impacts contract performance and will not be a factor in source selection.

IT Industry Focus: Congress Will Look to Private Sector to Enhance Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity threats pose some of the most important challenges facing the United States today.  However, unlike other types of critical infrastructure, cyberspace cannot be protected by the government alone.

Congress Considers Reforming DoD Services and IT Acquisition [UPDATED]

Legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives last week that would significantly change the way the Department of Defense purchases services and information technology. The bill’s focus reflects the new reality that services and IT now constitute the vast majority of what DoD buys.

Congress Demands More Oversight on Major Defense Systems Acquisition

On May 22, 2009, President Obama signed the Weapons Systems Acquisition Reform Act of 2009 (WSARA), a statute that, in the President’s words, aims to “eliminate some of the waste inefficiency in our defense projects.” 

In Wake of Stimulus, Federal Government Struggles to Improve Grants Website

Grants.gov – the central portal for federal grant opportunities – may not be able to keep up with the unprecedented volume of grants expected to be awarded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

As all Americans know, President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act ("ARRA") into law on February 17, 2009.  This legislation undoubtedly offers an excellent opportunity for government contractors.

Rep. Murtha to DoD: Dual Source the Tanker Contract

While visiting a Boeing facility today, U.S. Representative John Murtha (D-PA) reiterated his proposalto split the controversial $35 billion Air Force aerial refueling tanker contract between two competing offerors: Boeing and the EADS/Northrop Grumman consortium.

Obama and Procurement: Small Business Opportunities

President Obama campaigned on a promise to strengthen small business programs for women, disabled veterans, and minorities.  The new administration will now be tested to follow through on this promise.