Monthly Archives: November 2022

DAVIS SAYS THERE’S HOPE FOR APPROPRIATIONS THIS YEAR

Former Congressman Tom Davis stated that he is optimistic that Congress will pass a final FY’22 appropriations measure by the end of the calendar year.  In remarks made at the Coalition for Government Procurement’s Fall Conference, Davis noted that both the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Committee support such action. In addition to Davis’ statement, Bloomberg Government followed up November 17th with an article indicating that House Freedom Caucus members, who oppose a final December deal, likely do Read more

ADMINISTRATION PROPOSES MANDATING INDUSTRY GREENHOUSE GAS DISCLOSURES

A proposed rule issued last week by the Biden Administration would require all contractors with over $50 million per year in government business to disclose a wide range of greenhouse gas emission information.  Even companies with just $7.5 million in government contracts would have to disclose at least some information.  Although the rule is only in the proposed stage, GSA has already added the requirement to at least one draft RFP.  GSA contractors can expect to see the requirement in all RFP’s, or as a contract modification, once there is a final Read more

EXPANDING THE ACQUISITION WORKFORCE, SMALL BUSINESS USE, AMONG ACQUISITION PRIORITIES

Expanding the acquisition workforce is a top priority for major agency acquisition officials, even if it means creating alternative pathways for training and certification, according to a group of federal acquisition leaders.  The remarks came during the Coalition for Government Procurement’s Fall Conference and collectively paint a picture of the issues contractors can expect to shape their market.  Defense Pricing acquisition head John Tenaglia was candid in Read more

DEFENSE SPENDING PRIORITIES MAY SHIFT WITH NEW CONGRESS

Speculation is growing that the next Congress, likely to have at least one chamber controlled by Republicans, may shift Pentagon spending to match new political priorities.  That could make early 2023 an interesting time for defense contractors as FY’23 appropriation allocations are worked out by new leaders.  Contractors should engage with newly elected officials and Read more

DECLINE IN TOTAL PROTESTS IS COLD COMFORT TO IMPACTED PROGRAMS

The total number of federal contract protests filed at the Government Accountability Office (GAO) declined by 12% in FY’22, continuing a trend that has seen a reduction in such actions of nearly 40% since 2018.  That’s good news overall for contractors and government agencies that support smooth acquisitions and predictable business cycles.  It’s cold comfort, though, for high-profile acquisitions such as NIH’s CIOSP IV contract and GSA’s Polaris that have been plagued by continued protest actions.  In addition, anecdotal evidence suggests that more Read more