Jump to content

Todd Davis

Members
  • Posts

    244
  • Joined

  • Last visited

Reputation

0 Neutral

Recent Profile Visitors

6,809 profile views
  1. Other than trade professions, I've only expereinced the term while enlisted in the Air Force and typically refers to those at the E-4/E-5 level, which is well below a GS-13 level. https://usafofficer.com/air-force-enlisted-rank-structure/ I did locate a couple articles that refer to a journeyman level position being a GS-13. Both relate to law enforcement positions, so maybe the term is used in that profession and someone applied that term to contracting? https://www.govexec.com/management/2019/02/us-marshals-complain-system-unfairly-denies-them-promotion/154811/ https://www.osi.af.mil/OSI-Careers/Civilians/FAQs/
  2. I don't think a degree is very useful. It seems that degrees are much easier to obtain today and probably take less effort and aptitude depending on the school. I’d rather see some sort of written and oral assessments that help determine the knowledge and experience a person has, as well as their accomplishments. I think these are better determinants of a person’s value to an organization.
  3. Have you considered a Grants Managment Specialist (1109)? The ones you mention are also good ideas. I transition to the 0301 series (Miscellaneous Administration and Program) and have a role as a Chief of Staff, albeit in an acquisition organization. I'm not sure how many different contracting offices you've worked in or roles that you have but I would suggest looking at other agencies/offices. I know our agency values good business advisors in acquisitions.
  4. I tried from my home home computer using Chrome. I get the error message that ji20874 gets. However, in the lower left hand side there is the word "Advanced." Click on that and you should get the option to proceed to the site. I did and after clicking "proceed" it took me to the DCAA site. Same thing with Firefox. Click on "Advanced" and then "Add Exception." With Internet Explorer, click "More Information" then "Go on to the webpage." I've also seen this before with other sites.
  5. I'm from a civilian agency and was able to get on the ASBCA site earlier today.
  6. Interesting. If filed with the GAO, it now costs now costs $350 to file a protest (as of May 1st).
  7. I don't think either degree is necessary to advance in contracting. I completed my MBA because I had been focused on working in the private sector outside of Federal contracts between my current and former stints in Federal service. I apply very little of what I learned in getting the MBA to my work today in contracting. I also work with a couple people how have JDs. While some of that course work likely taught them skills that help them in contracting, I'm confident most of it didn't make them more expert at Federal contracting. I've known folks with advanced degrees that are not very good at contracting and others without any degree that are some of the best I've known. What I think matters more is hands on experience, learning from others, courses in specific aspects of Federal contracts, relevant certifications, and reading the FAR and other literature on the subject.
  8. I don't have the answer, but if you haven't already, try contacting the responsible CO at GSA. Their contact information is in the schedules eLibrary. Also, there is general contact information for Schedule 70 at https://www.gsa.gov/technology/technology-purchasing-programs/it-schedule-70.
  9. A proposed rule at 81 FR 88086 was published for comment on 12/6/2016 that would add a new language at 19.505 regarding performance of work requirements that address subcontracting limitations and the non-manufacturer rule. A final rule has not yet been published and it could change, or it might not even become part of a final rule. This is what is states regarding the compliance period. Also, changes to implement this were proposed to the clause 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting, as well as the other set-aside clauses that include subcontracting limitations. "(b) Compliance period. A small business contractor is required to comply with the limitation on subcontracting— (1) For a contract that has been set aside, by the end of the base term and then by the end of each subsequent option period. However, the contracting officer may instead require the contractor to comply with the limitation on subcontracting by the end of the performance period for each order issued under the contract; and (2) For an order set aside under a contract as described in 8.405–5 and 16.505(b)(2)(i)(F), by the end of the performance period for the order."
  10. For commercial items see FAR 12.303. For letter RFPs see FAR 15.203(e). If I recall correctly, I believe that some may use another format not specified in the FAR for construction, possibly a format established by a trade group. However, my memory could be failing me and I might be wrong. I don't believe FAR Part 36 specifies an alternative format for construction or A-E services. If the FAR says the UCF is not required for use and another part of the FAR does not specify another format, then I don't think you would be prohibited from any other format.
  11. I remember mowing the lawn at the squadron when I was young contract specialist in the Air Force. It only lasted a year or so before it started getting contracted out base-wide in the mid 90's. Not long thereafter there were CORs running around the base with rulers measuring blades of grass.
  12. In our agency we require the fair opportunity selection process to be based on qualifications only (FAR 16.500(d) and 16.505(a)(9)). After selection, price proposal is requested. Doing so saves the other contractors from wasting their time on putting together a price proposal.
  13. Here is a link to the bona fide need rule as it applies to services. It should answer your question. You'll see the appropriateness of using annual/single year funds for services in a subsequent fiscal year is based upon whether or not the service is severable. http://www.wifcon.com/bona/bonafide5.htm
  14. It is not a matter of being honor-bound. There is a statutory requirement for a CO to set-aside certain procurements, which is implemented at FAR Subpart 19.5. If the acquisition exceeds the micropurchase threshold, but not the SAT it "is automatically reserved exclusively for small business concerns and shall be set aside for small business unless the contracting officer determines there is not a reasonable expectation of obtaining offers from two or more responsible small business concerns that are competitive in terms of market prices, quality, and delivery. If the contracting officer does not proceed with the small business set-aside and purchases on an unrestricted basis, the contracting officer shall include in the contract file the reason for this unrestricted purchase." See FAR 19.502-2(b) for actions over the SAT. Also, by making a decision not to set-aside a procurement for small business, it does not exclude small business from participating or receiving award. It simply means they must compete with entities that are other than small businesses. As you may already be aware of, FAR 19.202-2 provides some guidance on locating small business sources. If your concerned about the adequacy or reasonableness of a decision not to set-aside an acquisition for small business, I'd recommend reviewing some of the protests decisions and opinions that are listed here on Wifcon at the link below. A new opinion by the Court of Federal Claims regarding the "rule of two" was just posted yesterday. http://www.wifcon.com/pd19_502.htm
×
×
  • Create New...