GovConNet Institute: Priming Companies for Growth – February-March 2012!
GovConNet Institute provides advanced training to Federal government contractors in the transitional stage with the real world tools and knowledge needed to succeed at the next level and increase owner value. The course is instructed by MCCC GovConNet expert professional service providers. Subject matter is geared for winning and profitably maintaining Federal government contracts. Continue reading »
UPDATE: New Rules Increases Set-Aside Opportunities for Small Businesses
UPDATE (02/01/12): GSA is offering a free webinar, GSA Schedules and the Utilization of Small Business, on Thursday, 2/2/12. Join the Small Business Utilization training online, Thursday, February 2 at 1:00 pm EST and receive one continuous learning point (CLP). Learn how the FAR has changed to provide agencies with discretionary authority to set-aside orders against multiple award contracts for small business. Register at: http://interact.gsa.gov/gsa-training
The regulations governing small business set-aside contracts were, for the most part, written before multiple-award IDIQ contracts become so prevalent. Small business advocates have long believed the rising popularity of the multiple-award contracts amounted to a loophole of sorts that was harmful to small businesses. Effective November 2, 2011, the Federal Acquisition Regulations were amended to close the loophole. Contracting Officers are now authorized to: Continue reading »
Final FAPIIS Rule Adds Protection for Contractors
The final regulations implementing the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS) has now been issued. FAPIIS is a database that contains a variety of information about government contractors, all of it available to the public with the exception of past performance reviews. FAPIIS has been in use since March 2010 based on an interim set of regulations. Please see our previous blog posts (Government Creates “Bad Contractor” Database and The FAPIIS Database to go Public by April) on this subject for more information about FAPIIS.
The final regulations, issued on January 3, 2012, added an important safeguard for contractors. Continue reading »
Obama Tries to Cap Contractor Salaries…Again
Currently certain federal government contracts permit government contracting firms to bill executive compensation federal agencies up to $693,951 annually for incurred costs, including employee salaries.
In December, lawmakers voted to expand the cap at most agencies to cover all government contractors, including highly-skilled engineers and scientists that also earn top pay.
AUDIT ALERT
DCAA issued MRD 11-PAC-021(R) “Audit Alert on Performance of Audit Steps to Test Cost Accounting Practices for Compliance with Cost Accounting Standards in Current Audits.” This MRD requires all auditors should incorporate assessment of the contractors’ compliance with the Cost Accounting Standards (CAS). The previous policy stated that the comprehensive audit of compliance for each applicable standard, except for CAS 401, 402, 405 and 406, shall be conducted once every three years or more often if conditions merit conducting an audit sooner. However, since DCAA’s current workload has not permitted this to happen, they are instructing their staff to incorporate these assessments within their current audits.
What does this mean for Government Contractors? Continue reading »
Prime Your Company for Growth!
GovConNet Institute provides advanced training to Federal government contractors in the transitional stage with the real world tools and knowledge needed to succeed at the next level and increase owner value. The course is instructed by MCCC GovConNet expert professional service providers. Subject matter is geared for winning and profitably maintaining Federal government contracts. Class size is limited to thirty-two companies. A GovConNet Certificate of Excellence and logo will be provided to each graduating company for use in print and online collateral. Continue reading »
Do You Know the 18 Criteria for an “Adequate” Accounting System?
Here is a quick overview:
DFARS 252.242-7006 Accounting System Administration
The Contractor shall establish and maintain an acceptable accounting system. Failure to maintain an acceptable accounting system, as defined, shall result in the withholding of payments if the contract includes the clause at DFARS 252.242-7005, Contractor Business Systems, and also may result in disapproval of the system.
Managing Indirect Rates to Maximize Profitability and Optimize your Competitiveness Part 2: Budgeting & Forecasting
Join Unanet Technologies for this Free Webinar
Wednesday, February 8
1:00 – 2:00 PM EST
The first webinar in this two part series looked at Calculating and Monitoring Indirect Rates.
This webinar will focus on best practices in budgeting and forecasting to determine the direct costs which are a key component of determining future rates and variances.
Join industry experts, Aronson and Unanet, as they discuss key issues surrounding this important topic and its impact on your business. The web seminar will examine: Continue reading »
Government Looks to Contractors to Stem the Flow of Counterfeit Parts
Counterfeit electronic parts, many produced in China, are more and more frequently finding there way into Government deliverables. Congress addressed this problem in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2012 by making contractors (at least those subject to the Cost Accounting Standards) responsible for detecting counterfeit parts and for any required rework or replacement. Specifically, contractors who supply electronic parts in their products will be required to establish policies and procedures covering the vetting of suppliers, training, inspection, testing, acceptance, tracing, reporting, and the quarantining of counterfeit parts. Continue reading »
Doing More with Less: Stay Profitable During Government Spending Uncertainty
Government spending uncertainty can create havoc on your organization. The continuing environment of a growing budget deficit, unknown spending cuts looming, Congressional gridlock with an election year and regulations mandating complex processes and compliance standards are creating barriers for entry and competing in the government marketplace. The traditional government contractor needs to rethink how it approaches doing business and behave like a commercial entity. To do this, adapt a culture that fosters nimble decision making, innovation and doing more with less. The following are key tactics to apply:
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What We Are Writing
- A Marriage of Inconvenience: GSA Schedule Contracts & The Contractor Code of Business Ethics & Conduct Clause
- Emerging Small Businesses: To Grow Your Business, You Must Plan For Growth
- Government Contracting: Look Before You Leap!
- GSA Schedules – Strategies for Success
- New Employee vs. Independent Contractor Considerations
- Pay on Display – Understanding the Executive Compensation and Subcontractor Data Reporting Requirements & Ramifications
- The GSA Schedule: Your Ticket to the Federal Market (May 2010)
- The New FAR Codes of Conduct and Compliance Program Provisions
- The Seven Deadly Sins (of contract compliance)