Posts in Small Business
You're Not Too Big Unless You're Asked if You're Too Big: Recertification of Small Business Status

Contractors who are experienced in the world of multiple award contracts likely are familiar with how the small business regulations operate under those contract vehicles. However, there are some wrinkles. Small businesses that are considering whether to dive into this world should learn more about the maze of small business regulations so they can anticipate the potential pitfalls that could come with success.

Read More
Facing a Size Protest? SBA Might Want Your Tax Returns

Yesterday’s tax filing deadline brought to mind a recent Small Business Administration decision in which a contractor lost out because it didn’t supply its tax returns. If SBA knocks on your door because a protest has been filed, don’t leave things to chance. Respond in a timely and complete manner—you want to make it easy for the SBA to see things your way.

Read More
Inflation Relief for Government Contractors: We’re Here to Help, Chapter Two

Federal contractors who hold multi-year fixed price contracts are feeling great pressure from this year’s high rates of inflation. DoD guidance issued in May essentially stated that these contractors should consider themselves up a well-known creek without a paddle. New guidance issued earlier this month offers a glimmer of hope by providing Contracting Officers a couple of options to provide relief to struggling contractors.

Read More
Government Contractors: Help! Inflation's Killing Us--Government: We're Here to Help (or not)

The Director of Defense Pricing and Contracting recently issued a memo to guide contracting officers in response to the impacts of inflation on federal contracts. Read on to find out how there’s some hope for future contracts, but little relief for contractors who hold existing fixed-price contracts.

Read More
Choosing NAICS Codes: In the Size of the Beholder

A Contracting Officer’s choice of what industry classification (aka NAICS code) applies to a contract can determine whether a business is or is not eligible to compete for a small business set aside contract. It all comes down to the size standards applicable to the chosen category. Read on to learn more about the implications of such classifications and whether you can do something about a bad choice.

Read More
DIY No More: The End of Self-Certifying Woman-owned Small Businesses

The Small Business Adminstration (“SBA”) recently changed the process by which companies can obtain certification as Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSB) or Economically Disadvantaged Small Businesses (EDWOSB). Self-certification no longer is an option. Here’s what companies need to know to obtain new certifications or to figure out if your current certification might be in jeopardy.

Read More
WOSB Self Certification: Although Ineligible Firms Can Evade the Rules, It Doesn't Make Sense to Try

The SBA Inspector General reported last week that of 56 sole source contracts awarded to self-certified women owned small businesses (WOSB) 50 were not awarded in compliance with applicable regulations. The IG went on to find that "the firms that received those contracts did not comply with the program’s self-certification requirements." Thus, there was "no assurance" that the companies were eligible to receive the awards.

Read More