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Blogs

SmallGovCon.com

SmallGovCon Week in Review: June 1-5, 2026

Happy Friday and happy June! We’ve received a lot of rain in our neck of the woods recently, so everything is looking green and lush before the heat of summer sets in. There’s the steady hum of lawn mowers as everyone tries to get the grass mowed in between rain showers and the gardens are growing nicely so far. While the cloudy days and frequent storms can be a little inconvenient at times, it’s hard to complain when everything is looking this beautiful. We’re looking forward to all that June h
SmallGovCon.com

GovCon FAQs: Should I Apply Simultaneously for All SBA Statuses I’m Eligible For?

In September 2024, following a temporary application and system pause, SBA switched over to a new, streamlined and unified application portal. Now, applications for the SBA’s 8(a) Program, HUBZone Program, Veteran-Owned Programs, and Woman-Owned Programs all go through MySBACertifications.Gov. Unlike prior portals and procedures, through this one, those eligible have the option to apply for multiple SBA small business contracting programs simultaneously. But the question is, what are the potenti
SmallGovCon.com

Back to the Drawing Board: SBA OHA Overturns Suspension of 8(a) Contractor

In October 2025, the SBA suspended an 8(a) Program contractor called ATI Government Solutions, LLC (ATI) after suspension under the FAR. ATI appealed the 8(a) suspension, and the decision shows that SBA must still support its actions with adequate evidence, and reasonable argument linked to that evidence. OHA remanded the suspension matter for more documentation from SBA. In ATI Gov’t Sols., LLC, SBA No. BDPT-728 (May 18, 2026), OHA considered the suspension of ATI. SBA had begun an inv
SmallGovCon.com

Federal Circuit Refuses to Apply Stricter Injunctive Relief Test to GAO Stays

We have noted in past posts that, in some cases, it may make sense to protest a solicitation evaluation or award decision at GAO simply to get a stay on the award. This is because, if you meet certain deadlines, a stay of award and performance is automatically placed on the procurement for the duration of the protest. Now, there are circumstances in which an agency can override this stay, but the burden is on the agency to show such an override is necessary. The Federal Circuit confirmed this is
SmallGovCon.com

SmallGovCon Week in Review: May 25-29, 2026

Happy Friday! We hope you had a great week and are finishing the month of May strong. I was recently in Chicago for a family trip. Based on how much people were enjoying the weekend in Chicago, it’s clear that Memorial Day is the kickoff to summer. Summer plans are in full swing, but the news for federal contractors is also busy. This week in federal government contracting news, there were updates on AI reporting, cybersecurity compliance, and an update to the classified information review
SmallGovCon.com

GAO Recommends Practicing Mindfulness When Solicitation Terms Cover Multiple Evaluation Factors

Even if we don’t want to admit it, we all simply click “accept” on all those different terms and conditions for software, despite not actually reading the actual terms. GAO in a recent decision reminded agencies and contractors to not let that habit happen when you read the terms of a procurement. In that recent GAO decision, there was a long history of protests, which resulted in an amendment to the solicitation. At first glance, the amendment and proposal revision restrictions tied to it may h
SmallGovCon.com

SmallGovCon Week in Review: May 18-22, 2026

This Memorial Day, we take time to reflect on the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of those who gave their lives serving our country. Their selfless dedication to protecting our freedoms and defending our nation will always be remembered with the utmost gratitude and respect. We further wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to all veterans and military families who have carried the burdens of service with strength and honor. It is because of those sacrifices we are able to enjoy the liberties a
SmallGovCon.com

Back to Basics: The Government’s SBIR Program

There are many federal contracting opportunities specifically designed to support and benefit small businesses. Most people are already familiar with small business set-aside competitions and direct awards, SBA’s Mentor-Protégé Program, and SBA’s socioeconomic small business contracting programs (i.e., the SDVOSB/VOSB, WOSB/EDWOSB, HUBZone, and 8(a) Programs). But there is still another–albeit less well-known–government contracting program that offers significant benefits to small businesses, pa
SmallGovCon.com

Back to Basics: Novation Agreements (and Name Changes)

Our latest installment of our Back to Basics series explores novation agreements and their related cousin name change agreements. A novation agreement is needed when a contractor is transferring (or assigning) federal government contracts to another company. The government has discretion in approving such a transfer, and this post will explore how that process works. What is a Novation? A novation is governed by FAR Subpart 42.12. “41 U.S.C.6305  prohibits transfer of Government cont
SmallGovCon.com

SmallGovCon Week in Review: May 11-15, 2026

Happy Friday. It’s end of school time in many parts of the country, as students move on a grade or graduate from college. College graduation is a big deal in a college town like ours. Congratulations to all the graduates. And speaking of changes, the federal government contracting world certainly hasn’t slowed down this week. Stories included the large proposed defense budget along with efforts at saving taxpayer money in the defense budget and elsewhere in the federal government. DoD
SmallGovCon.com

Back to Basics: Price Realism vs. Price Reasonableness

As part of federal contracting, the total price of each award is disclosed. This is of course a great way to promote trust and transparency in federal contracting and in the handling of taxpayer dollars. But it also leads to other contractors scrutinizing an awardee’s price and thinking one of two things: (1) “That price is too low to do this work”; or (2) “that price is too high for this work.” Naturally contractors will consider protesting on one of those pricing intuitions, but often mix up h
SmallGovCon.com

Proposed Updates to DFARS Regarding Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence

It sometimes takes a little time for federal statutes to be reflected in federal regulations. Recent proposed updates to DFARS regarding Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI) is a good example of this. These updates, meant to implement sections of the National Defense Authorization Acts of 2020 and 2021, are meant to mitigate risks related to FOCI or beneficial ownership. Today, we shall explore these updates and what they mean for federal contractors. As a brief refresher, a b
SmallGovCon.com

SmallGovCon Week in Review: May 4-8, 2026

Happy Friday! Mother’s Day is this Sunday, and it’s a good reminder to slow down and thank the moms, grandmas, stepmoms, and mother figures who somehow keep everything moving. Whether you’re planning a get together, making a phone call, sending flowers, or just spending extra time together, we hope they will feel extra special. Happy Mother’s Day! This week in federal government contracting included a focus on fixed-price contracts, an update on 2024 spending, and new regulatory changes.
SmallGovCon.com

EO Maximizes Fixed-Price Over Cost-Reimbursement Contracts

The White House recently released Executive Order 14402 titled Promoting Efficiency, Accountability, and Performance in Federal Contracting (EO 14402). EO 14402 was released on April 30, 2026. This EO requires agencies to use fixed-price contracts over cost-reimbursement wherever possible. Because of its potential impact on federal contractors, let’s walk through the highlights in this post. EO 14402 seeks to solve the problem that “Federal procurement has tolerated unpredictable costs,
SmallGovCon.com

The “Once 8(a), Always 8(a)–or HUBZone, SDVOSB, or WOSB” Rule, Where Are We Now?

For better or for worse, these federal procurement “times they are a-changin’.” One obvious source of recent change is the shiny new FAR 2.0, a.k.a. the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO). With the government’s widespread implementation of the RFO and its many procurement rule and procedure updates, we at SmallGovCon have tried to cover as much as possible. But we’re talking about an essential rewrite of the decades-longstanding procurement playbook here. So unsurprisingly, there’s still a lot to
SmallGovCon.com

Govology Webinar Announcement: Limitations on Subcontracting: A Step-by-Step Compliance Guide, May 19, 2026

Limitations on Subcontracting (LoS) is one of the most confusing—and most enforced—rules in government contracting. For small businesses and their teaming partners, getting it wrong can lead to serious consequences. And the challenge? You may be asked to prove compliance at any point—before, during, or after contract performance. Our very own SmallGovCon author John Holtz will break down the LoS in clear, practical terms so you can understand what’s required and how to stay compliant.
SmallGovCon.com

Webinar Announcement: Legal Updates, May 13, 2026

In this webinar, Gregory Weber and I will discuss some of the most important legal developments which may impact federal contractors in 2026. Specifically, we will discuss recent regulatory updates and decisions affecting small business and federal contracting rules, including the Revolutionary Far Overhaul (RFO) process and updates, as well as sharing RFO examples that are pertinent to federal contractors. Please join us. Registration information here. The post Webinar Announcement: Legal
SmallGovCon.com

Koprince McCall Pottroff Names John Holtz and Gregory Weber as Partners

Koprince McCall Pottroff LLC, a boutique federal government contracts firm in Lawrence, KS, is pleased to announce that it has elevated two of its attorneys to partner status. Gregory Weber and John Holtz are now partners at the firm! Greg’s client-focused communication skills and detail-oriented nature helps him to tackle issues for clients with ease. Greg relies on his experience in complex federal and state regulatory matters, along with his skills in research, communication, and drafting
SmallGovCon.com

SmallGovCon Week in Review: April 27-May 1, 2026

Happy May Day! May Day, celebrated on May 1st, traces back to old European traditions marking the arrival of warmer weather, complete with dancing around the maypoles. In some places, people still leave little baskets of flowers (called “May baskets”) on neighbors’ doorsteps as a surprise. Here’s hoping someone surprises you today with a basket on your doorstep. It’s also Law Day, when we celebrate the rule of law in our country. While there are no baskets of flowers, feel free to appreciate a l
SmallGovCon.com

OMB Continues Push for Commercial Products and Services

In Spring 2025, President Trump issued Executive Order 14271, titled “Ensuring Commercial, Cost-Effective Solutions for Federal Contracts” which informed agencies that they should emphasize procuring commercially available products and services as much as possible. Fast forward a year later, and it would seem the White House’s Office of Management and Budget (“OMB”) is not seeing the push for utilizing commercially available products and services they expected among federal agencies. So a few we
SmallGovCon.com

Webinar Announcement: The SBA Mentor Protégé Program, May 5, 2026 hosted by Washington DC APEX Accelerators

Touted as a “game-changer” when it was first introduced in 2016, the U.S. Small Business Administration’s All Small Mentor-Protégé Program isn’t new anymore. Known now as simply the “SBA Mentor-Protege Program, it is still extremely powerful for large and small contractors alike. In this webinar, I will explain the ins and out of the SBA Mentor-Protégé Program, covering the program’s eligibility requirements, its potential benefits (including the ability to form special mentor-protege Joint Vent
SmallGovCon.com

A Reversal in Course? SBA Rescinds Several 8(a) Suspension Notices

As you may recall, this past December, SBA launched a massive audit of the 8(a) Program, in which 8(a) participants were required to submit a long list of financial documents for review. Many feared it was the beginning of the end of the 8(a) Program when several 8(a) Participants were hit with suspension notifications earlier this year. Most of these suspensions were a result of SBA’s review of the documents collected during the December data call. The basis was often a claimed failure of these
SmallGovCon.com

SmallGovCon Week in Review; April 20-24, 2026

Happy Friday! Everything seems a bit more in motion with the longer days of spring, including the feds. It’s been another active week in the federal government contracting world. We’ve included some articles below highlighting what’s been in the news this week. Key stories include a push for more commercial procurement from OMB, and reactions to the EOs barring DEI activities by contractors. We hope you have a great weekend. IBM agrees to pay $17.1M in first big test of new federa

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