In today’s Federal Newscast, the Government Accountability Office said it’s launching its new electronic bid protest docketing system on May 1.
Source: Bid protests must be filed online starting in May – FederalNewsRadio.com
The Federal Emergency Management Agency awarded contracts for hurricane supplies without adequately researching whether winning bidders could deliver what they promised, according to a new investigation by Democrats on a Senate oversight committee.
Source: FEMA faulted for failed contracts to deliver hurricane aide – FederalNewsRadio.com
Don’t try to “buy in” on a Government cost-reimbursement contract and then complain that the Government increased your proposed costs. It might work sometimes (e.g. there is only one bidder) but the Government has resources to determine the propriety of proposed costs. Its a very simple task to line up the cost detail of the bidders and look for cost elements that are significantly higher or lower than others.
Source: PNWC’s Government Contracting Update: Cost Realism Analysis Could Increase Your Proposed Costs
When deciding where to file a bid protest, the most fundamental consideration is perhaps the most obvious one: does your desired venue have jurisdiction to hear your arguments? In a recent decision, Cleveland Assets, LLC v. United States , the Federal Circuit may have changed that analysis for certain Court of Federal Claims (COFC) bid… Continue Reading
Federal contractors mostly work hard to keep politics out of their workplaces. Administrations come and go, but the work continues regardless of policy. But what if a significant number of employees wants the company out of Defense work altogether. It happened at Google. Former Assistant Defense Secretary David Berteau, president of the Professional Services Council, joined Federal Drive with Tom Temin for a reaction.
Source: Google letter highlights issue of political pushback from federal contractors
General Dynamics and its now-acquired CSRA business will divest a systems engineering and acquisition support services business in order to mitigate any potential organizational conflicts-of-interest.
Source: Seaport-e to see changes after General Dynamics-CSRA acquisition — Defense Systems
Bechtel National operates a nuclear waste treatment plant in the state of Washington. In 2010 and 2012, two former Bechtel employees filed lawsuit against the company, alleging, among other things, sexual and racial harassment and discrimination. Bechtel and the former employees settled the lawsuits out of court. Bechtel then sought reimbursement of its litigation costs under its contract with the Energy Department.
Source: PNWC’s Government Contracting Update: Legal Cost to Defend Against Third-Party Lawsuits
Contrary to a common misconception, an offeror is not automatically entitled to “use” the past performance of parent companies, sister companies or other corporate affiliates. So when can an offeror rely on the past performance of an affiliate in submitting a proposal?
Source: “Using” an Affiliate’s Past Performance: GAO Explains the Test – SmallGovCon
The Northern Virginia Technology Council has listed finalists for the 2018 Greater Washington Technology CFO Awards to recognize achievements of financial leaders to help promote the region’s technology community.
Source: Contractor CFOs picked among the DC region’s best — Washington Technology
The Government Accountability Office expects the system to be more efficient.
Source: All Bid Protests Must Be Submitted Online Starting in May – Nextgov
