Returning reader R. Zellweger writes: “We lost our contract manager in a kiln explosion last year. Since then, we haven’t filed a sales report or modified our contract, even though we’ve been selling new items. Is there a grace period for people like us?” Sorry, R, but government contracting can be an unforgiving mistress. Your company is required to pay attention to the terms and conditions of your contract at all times. There is no free pass just because you Read more
Dedicated reader G. Clooney, previously of Los Angeles but “considering a move to Ottawa”, writes, “Presidential elections impact big stuff like healthcare, defense and, foreign policy. What difference do they make, though, to procurement?” Elections matter to procurement and acquisition, just like every other part of government, G. Each administration has its own ideas on government management. Over the years that’s brought us big changes like FASA and the Read more
Sometime reader V. Bayer of New York, NY writes, “My seasonal job just ended and I’m back to government contracting. There are a stack of requests for Letters of Supply, some from people I’ve never heard of. What should I do?” Great question, V. Most companies want to have broad-based distribution channels so that their products have the best shot at getting in front Read more
Loyal reader M. Rubio of Florida writes in, “I was told by a Navy CO that I can’t offer open market items when I’m responding to a Schedules-based procurement. Most of my offer consists of Schedule items. What can I do? Your Navy CO may either be confused, or simply not want to take the extra steps necessary in this situation, M. The fact is that you can offer open market items and schedule items on the same proposal, so long as the non-schedule items are clearly marked as such. This is a common practice. Your customer’s Read more
Sometime reader P. Manning of Denver, CO writes, “We discovered that one of our subcontractors has been providing untrained newbies, but billing us for experienced veterans. How do we make this right with the customer and get rid of the sub?” First, good for you all for having systems in place to discover this problem, P. Many prime contractors provide loose, if Read more