Obama Administration Releases Simplified Health Insurance Application
The Obama Administration recently released a significantly simplified health insurance application. The initial application for single coverage was 21 pages, while the new one is only three pages. Applications for family coverage have also been significantly reduced. Many of the overly intrusive health condition questions have been eliminated and the new applications are considerably shorter than typical industry standards.
The new online applications are designed to create a dynamic experience that is much easier for the applicant.
The new applications are effective Continue reading »
Government Contractor’s Domestic Production Activities Deduction Upheld
Generally, to be eligible for the domestic production activities deduction (DPAD), a taxpayer must earn gross receipts from a disposition of qualifying production property. This typically involves a sale and delivery of a manufactured product by the taxpayer to a customer. However, the IRS recently ruled that a government contractor made a disposition for DPAD purposes despite the fact that title to the property reverted back to the contractor (Technical Advice Memorandum 201314043, 04/05/2013). The ruling disposition was not requiring
Continue reading »
Aronson Speakers in the Community
Employee Incentive Compensation: Powerful but Underutilized Tools for Navigating the Challenging Times Ahead: May 15, 8:00 – 10:00 am
Attracting and retaining key employees is a challenge every business faces, and government contractors know that a valuable contract can hinge on making the right staffing choices. Savvy government contractors also recognize the necessity to maximize human capital within the constraints of sequestration, continuing resolution and lowest price technically acceptable contracts. You’re invited to this breakfast workshop to learn about powerful employee incentive compensation strategies that can provide significant competitive advantages for your business. Continue reading »
2013 4th Annual Rock-On Warriors
On Sunday, April 21, 2013, the Annapolis chapter of the Maryland Saltwater Sports Fishermen’s Association (MSSA) welcomed over 50 warriors from Walter Reed Army Hospital and Ft. Belvoir to the Annapolis City Dock for the annual Rock-On Warriors event. The event gives wounded warriors an opportunity to experience a great day of trophy rockfishing on the Chesapeake Bay in a demonstration of appreciation for their service and sacrifice. Aronson LLC partner Mike Muscatello and his father, Larry Muscatello captained one of the twelve participating boats for the annual event, which is now in its fourth year. Continue reading »
Looking for the Nearest Post Office? There’s an App for That!
This story is part of Nextgov’s Building Better Apps project.
The growth of email has battered the U. S. Postal Service financially but that doesn’t mean USPS is a slouch when it comes to modern technology, Nextgov’s team of private sector app reviewers said.
The Postal Service’s mobile app allows users to find the nearest mailbox or post office, track packages by scanning a barcode and look up ZIP codes. Our reviewers gave the app high marks, noting that the information made sense in a mobile context and the app wasn’t bogged down by software bugs as government apps frequently are.
Celebrate Spring At The National Cherry Blossom Festival
If you’ve ever visited the Nation’s Capital in March or April, you may have seen blooming cherry trees along the National Mall and Memorial Parks. These cherry trees were a gift of friendship from Japan to the United States in 1912.
Learn about the history of the cherry trees and get information about the National Cherry Blossom Festival and other interesting cherry blossom facts such as:
- Bloom Schedule
- History of the Cherry Trees Continue reading »
Clocks Go Forward on March 10
Remember to set your clocks forward one hour on Sunday, March 10.
Most of the United States follows Daylight Saving Time (DST), but there are a few exceptions: Hawaii, most of Arizona, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.
If you live in an area that observes DST, but you have a hard time remembering which way the time changes in March and November, think of the phrase, “spring forward, fall back.” Continue reading »
Preparing for DC Area Government Closures
Although no formal announcement has been made, it is highly likely that many Government offices located in the path of the current blizzard will be closed tomorrow, March 6th. As a service to our loyal blog readers, Aronson is posting a link to a presentation we recently gave at the Northern Chapter of the Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants. The presentation addresses the issues that arise when the Government facility where contractor employees are suppose to report for work is closed. Continue reading »
White House Seeks Ideas to Spur Open Data Innovation
When the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy announced its call for 18 Presidential Innovation Fellows last summer, US Chief Technology Officer Todd Park also asked folks across the country to support these Fellows with great ideas and valuable feedback.
Over the past few months, through video chats, conference calls, and in-person meetings, thousands of Americans have connected with us to learn and share ideas about our work—and this Administration’s commitment—to unleash data from the vaults of the government as fuel for innovation. Time and again, we were asked why more people weren’t aware of these “Open Data” efforts, their numerous benefits for Americans, and how to get engaged.
After hearing this feedback, we had an idea: Continue reading »
Sequestration: HR Actions to Consider
The Washington, DC market has been particularly focused on the impact of pending sequestration outcomes. In October, I participated on a panel addressing preparations for sequestration and our conversation then included topics like triggers of the WARN Act (Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification), ensuring you have a budget prepared that takes into account program losses, determining the impact on employee compensation and benefits, and conducting scenario based planning to mitigate your risk.
You may have moved forward with some of these actions and now need to ensure your risk is mitigated to the largest extent possible and that you are focusing on key employee retention and engagement. I strongly encourage all executives to Continue reading »
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- 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)