The Air Force is proposing a “Quick Start” program that would allow the service to begin initial contract work and early-stage program activities, even if a budget hadn’t yet been passed and the department is operating under a continuing resolution.  Up to $300 million would be made available to fund covered programs according to Air Force officials.  Unsurprisingly, the idea is not garnering widespread Congressional support.  That’s unfortunate because Congress, itself, is the problem as this year’s hijinks show all too clearly.  In fact, more federal agencies would benefit from having quick start authority.  The best-case scenario right now is that agencies Read more

Ok, so we made that last one up.  The point is that many contractors could think that the fundamentals of conducting government business have changed with the evolution of technology.  While each solution has its own unique characteristics, there is less change in doing business with federal agencies than may initially meet the eye.  It’s important for companies to understand that the federal budget process remains the same, FAR and other rules remain largely the same (and unfortunately grow), and that most federal customers tend Read more

HAPPY NEW YEAR!  HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW AS FY’24 KICKS OFF: The government is open, at least for now.  The circumstances under which that was made possible may not be ideal, but it is a lot better than what most people thought would happen as late as Saturday morning.  Here are three things contractors need to know/do right now. 

1.  A Continuing Resolution (CR) Has Plusses and Minuses:  All government agencies are open and have money to keep previously started projects going until at least mid-November.  No new projects that require appropriated money can start until Congress passes final FY’24 Read more

Major portions of GSA’s Federal Acquisition Service (FAS) are scheduled for a reorganization right after the fiscal year.  While FAS officials have no doubt done substantial due diligence in trying to create a more efficient organization, contractors definitely have a voice in how the organization managing their contracts and assisted acquisitions conducts its business.  Changing blocks on paper may not amount to much without proper follow-through or the ability to address acute needs.  One major area that contractors may like to see addressed is the actual empowerment of contracting officials.  To say that GSA Schedule contracting officials are risk-averse is a little like saying that the Chicago Bears need a little help.  Both Read more

Government contractors may have a vague recollection of hearing about Acquisition 360, an effort by the government to take a full view of acquisitions to ensure better inputs and outcomes.  One feature of Acquisition 360, though, is the ability for government contractors to rate and review their experience on projects once they come to an end.  Acquisition 360 encourages federal agencies to solicit contractor feedback at the conclusion of a procurement to assess the contractor’s experience. While agencies may sometimes seek feedback from their contractors, there is no standardized government tool to collect and regularly assess contractor Read more