Archive for the ‘Federal Agency Spending’ Category

Engineering-Firm-focused Government Contracting Conference Begins 9/15/10

Thursday, August 26th, 2010

Please join Venable LLP, industry experts, and federal agency representatives for a two-day conference in Washington, DC entitled

“Coping with Key Changes in Federal Procurement and Project Delivery.”  The conference, developed especially for engineering firms, starts on Wednesday, September 15th and is being hosted by the American Council of Engineering Companies, (ACEC).  (more…)

Six Approaches To Get Started Working with the Federal Government

Tuesday, July 20th, 2010

By Marsha Lindquist, The Management Link

The Government essentially buys everything the general commercial marketplace buys and more.  What small businesses need is an understanding how the Federal Government buys what they buy (requirements) and six approaches to easily market your services to this valuable customer.

Many businesses shy away from doing business with the Federal Government largely because they have either heard it’s complicated or it requires a large investment in infrastructure to handle successfully. The simple truth is you don’t need a complicated network of support people – something small businesses are not able to easily afford. Equally true is doing business with the Federal Government can be a very simple matter of selling your product or service to a very willing buyer.

Don’t let either of these myths keep you from engaging in a very rewarding and profitable business with a very stable customer.  Click this link to read the six approaches you can take in order to get started working with the Federal Government.

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DHS EAGLE II Hitting the Streets By Fiscal Year End?

Thursday, July 15th, 2010

Because federal contractors never have enough to do in September, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) estimates it will finally release the $22B EAGLE II RFP by the end of the government’s fiscal year (read the draft solicitation). This IDIQ is a follow-on to the blockbuster EAGLE I contract, which resulted in over $8B in task orders to 50+ contractors, large and small. EAGLE I did so well, in fact, that almost a third of the small business participants ended up being acquired by larger companies and the top 5 small companies had $538M in task orders. The success of this vehicle is likely to continue, as it will be mandatory for DHS Contracting Officers to consider EAGLE II when making all IT procurements, although they are not required to purchase from it.

It’s no wonder that EAGLE II is one of 2010’s most anticipated contracts. Pre-solicitation events quickly filled to capacity and competition is expected to be fierce for the unspecified number of “tickets to the dance”. The draft period for EAGLE II has been lengthy, in part due to DHS taking the lessons learned from EAGLE I and applying them to the new contract. Some of the major changes expected in EAGLE II include:

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Today’s Seminars, 7/14/10 – Learn to Control and Conquer the Requirements for Your Success

Wednesday, July 14th, 2010

Conquering Federal Acquisition Regulations (July 14th, 2010, 8:30am, Aronson & Company, Rockville)

Join Aronson & Company and ABC of Metro Washington for a seminar on July 14th where our contracting experts will explain how the  government and contractors use the FAR and describe some of the most pertinent provisions.  This installment in ABC’s management series will provide a basic understanding of the FAR for companies just entering the federal market. Don’t let the FAR intimidate you. Approach your federal opportunities with the confidence that comes from knowing the “rules of the road!” Details

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Succeeding When Government Contracting Dollars Shrink (July 14th, 2010, 7:30am, Tower Club, Tysons Corner)

Federal contracting dollars have been plentiful during the current economic downturn, but all good things come to an end.  Control your destiny and create your federal roadmap for success!  Join Aronson & Company, Information Experts, Venable and our distinguished guest panelists for an informative breakfast briefing on July 14th where the panelists will provide the “coordinates” for building your roadmap to future success.   Using your leverage now will allow you to sustain and grow in the leaner times ahead. Whether your current contracts were the result of deliberate efforts or accidental circumstances, only intentional actions will ensure your future success.  If you are new to the federal marketplace, an experienced player trying to diversify, or struggling to achieve a growth milestone, this program will help you design your own federal roadmap.  Details

Also, check out our recent blog posting for more on this topic: Threats Loom for Government Contractors.  (more…)

Threats Loom for Government Contractors

Monday, July 12th, 2010

Tough times lie ahead as the government attempts to deal with rising deficits.  “You’ve got pressure on the amount of dollars that these agencies can spend, so you’ll have less growth and more competition for fewer dollars,” said Larry Davis of Aronson Capital Partners in a July 1, 2010 Washington Technology article. “The federal deficit has been looming for years, but it looks like policies are starting to develop to cut budgets so it is going to get tighter.”

Aronson Capital Partners (ACP) did the analysis that is the basis of the charts featured in the Washington Technology article, Threats Loom for Government Contractors.  Three main points are highlighted.  (more…)

Despite Need for Equipment, Small Businesses Face Big Hurdles with Oil Spill Cleanup Effort

Tuesday, June 29th, 2010

As oil from the Deepwater Horizon spill nears Pensacola Beach in Florida’s Panhandle, government officials there are clamoring for beach cleaning equipment; however, bureaucracy is complicating the process of obtaining and paying for the urgently needed equipment. Officials in Pensacola Beach have requested about $150,000 from BP to buy sifting machines and a tractor to help remove oil from the beach’s white sands, but their request has remained unanswered for more than three weeks.

This lack of response seems sadly typical as small business owners say getting BP or the government to respond has been a frustrating battle. “Simply put, we were not clear on who is really making the decisions, and I am not sure that any business, small or large, knows how best to be heard,” said Heather Baird, vice president of Massachusetts-based MicroSorb Environmental Products.

It’s clear that the problem isn’t a dearth of ideas. The Coast Guard’s interagency alternative technology assessment program has already received 1,900 concepts since its inception on June 4, 2010. According to Rear Admiral Ronald Robago, only one of those ideas has been forwarded to federal agencies for consideration and none have been accepted. So while thousands of small businesses and their innovative proposals languish by the wayside, apparently, having an Academy Award can at least get you in front of Congress. (more…)

Government Contracting: Look Before You Leap!

Friday, June 4th, 2010

Entering the government contracting sector seems especially enticing during a recession. While contracting may be a good fit for your business, make sure you’re aware of the unique aspects of dealing with the government.

Government contracting is big business in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Federal procurement spending in Virginia across all agencies totaled $53.9 billion in 2008.  Historically, some have considered federal government work to be a safe haven during uncertain economic times. While profit margins on government contracts are relatively low, Uncle Sam tends to be a reliable and potentially long-term customer. During the current recession, the lack of private sector work combined with “stimulus” spending under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) is causing some companies to consider government contracting. Many of these companies are small businesses.  Contracting with the federal government imposes requirements on companies not commonly found in the commercial market. By and large, the government is spending taxpayer dollars. Understandably, the government requires much greater visibility into how dollars are spent than is typically required in the private sector.

Read entire article at VSCPA site for an overview of some of the unique aspects of government contract accounting and the challenges that commercial companies will encounter as they move into the government market.

Tom Marcinko and Bill Foote, CPA, are with Aronson & Company, a nationally ranked top-50 accounting and consulting firm. As a member of Aronson’s Government Contracts Services Group, Tom assists clients with both pre- and post-award contract administration, compliance and other regulatory requirements. Bill serves as an officer in the firm’s Forensic & Valuation Services Group, where he assists government contractors with valuation projects and contract disputes. He is also a member of the VSCPA Editorial Task Force. Contact Tom at tmarcinko@aronsoncompany.com and Bill at bfoote@aronsoncompany.com.

Have Green, Will … Sell; GSA Administrator Expands on Zero Environmental Footprint Goal

Monday, May 24th, 2010

GSA Administrator Martha N. Johnson cited the President’s Executive Order 13514, in her May 18, 2010 keynote address to the U.S. Green Building Council’s Federal Summit.  Highlighting GSA’s mission to assist other federal agencies to make greater strides in sustainability, excel at greening initiatives, and increase federal building performance, Johnson outlined a number of areas in which GSA could take the lead toward greening the government.  These include cultivating green-centered public/private partnerships, aiming for only green products on the federal supply schedules (aka GSA Schedules), and using the federal building portfolio as a green proving ground for new sustainable building and design technologies.

Aronson noticed the “green” focus while in attendance at GSA Expo May 5 – 7, 2010.  Many Expo vendors highlighted their “BioPreferred^SM” qualifications.  Identifying GSA as a fulcrum that can leverage its “massive buying power to impact the government’s environmental footprint,” Johnson proposed that the federal government move to a zero environmental footprint, and she stressed that GSA is setting its sights on “eliminating the impact of the federal government on our natural environment.”  She concluded by challenging the audience to “try new things, take risks, and be bold. Use the tools that we develop together. Find new partners and leave no stone unturned.”  (Source: GSA.gov)

Gulf Oil Spill – new Federal Contract tracking code – Providing Contractor Support in National Emergencies

Tuesday, May 18th, 2010

The Federal Procurement DataBase (FPDS-NG) has added a new National Interest Action (NIA) value, “Gulf Oil Spill 0410″ to track the Gulf Oil Spill contracts. The new NIA is is valid from 04/25/2010 to 08/25/2010.

By coordinating with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), GSA provides support to other federal agencies when there is a presidential declaration of disaster or other incident of national significance.  GSA Schedule 84 (LAW) includes products for oil-spill containment under SIN 426 4F – Emergency Preparedness and First Responder Equipment, Training and Services.  114 contractors currently provide products under this SIN.  There are  opportunities for large and small business to provide contractor support in national emergencies.

In addition to federal agencies, state and local governments can access the preapproved roster of vendors and products offered by GSA Schedule vendors via two programs: GSA’s Cooperative Purchasing program (GSA Schedules LAW-84 and IT-70, all times) and GSA’s Disaster Recovery Purchasing Program (all GSA Schedules, times of disaster).

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Where Do You Get Your Government Contracts Information?

Monday, May 17th, 2010

Aronson’s FedPoint blog fills the requirement for contractors seeking to stay up-to-date with important news and trends.  FedPoint help government contractors keep current through original articles, online resources, reading and research recommendations, statistics, trends and more.  Are there topics you’d like to see more of? Post your comments or send an email to Ask Fedpoint – let our experts know what information you need to have to make informed decisions, increase government sales, and streamline your business for maximum profitability.