PRIVATE SECTOR WEBSITE TATTLES ON YOUR COMPANY

Many contractors know about the Federal Awardee Performance & Integrity Information System (FAPIIS).  It’s the official government web-site that is supposed to list information on a contractor’s failure to comply with a wide-range of rules and regulations – and not just those related to their contract performance.  FAPIIS, though, relies on contracting officers to populate the system, a group of people not known for being underworked.  In addition, FAPIIS information is segmented by DUNS number, so information on a company with multiple numbers can be tough to find.  The Project on Government Oversight (POGO), however, has its own contractor web-site that is a “must read” for every company.  The “Federal Contractor Misconduct Database” (https://www.contractormisconduct.org/) is an easily searchable site that contains information on both a company’s contract and non-contract related legal issues. The Nader-esque POGO bills itself as, “a nonpartisan independent watchdog”, but has consistently taken anti-business positions throughout its existence.   Information Allen Federal found includes cost data improprieties, time card issues, and overbilling problems, but also workplace discrimination and commercial industry legal events.  At least one company has records going back about 20 years.  Contractors should definitely be aware of what the POGO website says about their company, but can also use it as a tool to search on competitors.  It’s not clear whether or how much government contracting officer’s use this website, but it’s better to be aware of what it says so you can get out in front of any questions your company may be asked.