Government Contracts Blog - page 3

One day before an October 25, 2016, effective date, the District Court for the Eastern District of Texas enjoined on a nationwide basis the implementation of portions of the final rule issued in FAC 2005-90 and related Department of Labor guidance because they conflicted with the National Labor Relations Act and other labor laws (Associated Builders and Contractors, et al. v. Rung, et al.). The rule, Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces (FAR Case 2014-025), implements Executive Order 13673, as amended. The injunction applies to the rule’s labor law violation reporting requirements and limitation on use of pre-dispute arbitration clauses in employment agreements, but not its paycheck transparency requirement.

Source: Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces FAR Rule Enjoined | Government Contracts Blog

The Department of Labor has announced the 2017 minimum wage rate for contracts covered by Executive Order 13658, Establishing a Minimum Wage for Contractors.

Source: 2017 Contractor Minimum Wage Increased to $10.20 | Government Contracts Blog

The Department of Defense has finalized its proposed rule addressing the allowability of costs of counterfeit electronic parts or suspect counterfeit electronic parts and the cost of rework or corrective action.

The final rule in DFARS Case 2016-D004 amends the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement at DFARS 231.205-71 to provide that these costs may be allowable if the parts were obtained by the contractor/subcontractor in accordance the clause at DFARS 252.246-7008, Sources of Electronic Parts.

Source: DFARS Rule Clarifies Allowability of Costs Related to Counterfeit Electronic Parts | Government Contracts Blog

The Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council has issued Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-90, which contains one final rule amending the Federal Acquisition Regulation. The rule, Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces (FAR Case 2014-025), implements Executive Order 13673 (as amended by E.O. 13683 and E.O. 13738). E.O. 13673 was designed to improve contractor compliance with labor laws and increase efficiency and cost savings in federal contracting. As stated in the E.O., ensuring compliance with labor laws drives economy and efficiency by promoting “safe, healthy, fair, and effective workplaces. Contractors that consistently adhere to labor laws are more likely to have workplace practices that enhance productivity and increase the likelihood of timely, predictable, and satisfactory delivery of goods and services to the [f]ederal [g]overnment.”

Source: FAC 2005-90 Finalizes Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces Rule | Government Contracts Blog

A July 25, 2016, rule issued by the Small Business Administration finalizes, with changes, a proposed rule creating a comprehensive new mentor-protégé program for all small businesses.

The rule implements provisions of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 (PL 111-240) and the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 (PL 112-239). The major parts of the rule address SBA’s mentor-protégé program and SBA’s treatment of joint ventures. Section 1641 of the NDAA authorized SBA to establish a mentor-protégé program for all small business concerns that is similar to the existing mentor-protégé program for participants in the 8(a) Business Development program.

Source: SBA Creates Mentor-Protégé Program for All Small Businesses | Government Contracts Blog

A May 12, 2016, proposed rule issued by the Department of Defense, General Services Administration, and National Aeronautics and Space Administration estimates that it costs the government $907 to award and administer a contract.

Source: Cost of Administering a Government Contract: $907 | Government Contracts Blog