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OMB UPENDS VALUE OF MULTIPLE AWARD IDIQ CONTRACTS: Are you a large or “other than small business?” Think your non-GSA Schedule multiple award IDIQ is a great way to sell? Be prepared to change that view. With the stroke of a pen the Biden Administration turned the Multiple Award IDIQ (MAIDIQ) world upside down last week, announcing that, with few exceptions, agencies are now strongly encouraged to apply the “rule of two” and set-aside task orders on such vehicles. The rule of two states that federal agencies are to set aside task orders for small businesses up to the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT), currently $250,000, for small businesses when 2 or more such companies are deemed able to meet the government's need. While OMB officials say it is not the intent of the new policy to make set-asides automatic, previous case law has held that small business MAIDIQ contract holders can be presumed able to meet the government’s need since they were awarded the original contract through which the task order would be issued. This policy shift does not impact GSA Multiple Award Schedule contracts. All other MAIDIQ contracts, however, will certainly be covered. While there will be a rulemaking process on how the new policy dictat will be implemented, companies with MAIDIQ contracts should start preparing now on how to adapt their business to the new policy.  See the link to the memo here and be prepared for some real change:   https://lnkd.in/eHQUnziS  

Subscribe Now for Our Monthly Opportunities Search Service! Are you a contractor looking to expand your business with lucrative state and federal contracts? Don’t miss out on the opportunities that can take your business to the next level! Introducing Our Exclusive Monthly Subscription Service: What You Get: Comprehensive Monthly Spreadsheets: Receive meticulously curated spreadsheets filled with the latest state and federal contract opportunities. Customizable Searches: Tailor your subscription to fit your needs: By Category: Focus on your industry-specific contracts. By Location: Target opportunities in your preferred regions. State Opportunities: Stay ahead with state-specific contracts. Federal Opportunities: Unlock access to nationwide federal contracts. All Opportunities: Get the best of both worlds with all-inclusive access.. Why Choose Us? Expertly Curated Data: Our team of specialists ensures you get the most relevant and up-to-date information. Save Time: No more endless searching—have the opportunities delivered directly to your inbox. Grow Your Business: Increase your chances of winning contracts and boosting your revenue. Subscribe Today and Take the First Step Towards More Winning Bids! Don’t let valuable opportunities pass you by. Subscribe now and empower your business with the competitive edge it needs to thrive in the government contracting arena. To schedule a consultation and discuss your specific requirements, click here https://bit.ly/3zt9ONv Transform your business potential—one contract at a time. Pricing Tiers: 1. Basic Plan: $50/month o Includes: Monthly spreadsheet of opportunities by one chosen category or location (state or federal). 2. Standard Plan: $100/month o Includes: Monthly spreadsheet of opportunities by up to three chosen categories or locations (state or federal). 3. Premium Plan: $150/month o Includes: Monthly spreadsheet of all opportunities (both state and federal) with full customization options (categories and locations).

💡 How Do You Obtain a GSA Schedule Contract? The world of the GSA MAS contracts is an exciting venture for businesses aiming to tap into the realm of government contracting. GSA Schedules offer a gateway to lucrative government contracts, with federal, state, and local government buyers investing over $45 billion annually through this contracting vehicle to access top-notch products, services, and solutions. ✨ Read a BOOST blog from Brie Paramo to learn how to navigate the rewarding process of applying to GSA MAS contracts, so you can secure this exciting contract: https://lnkd.in/eNHi59N9 #BOOSTingGovCon #GSAContract #GovCon

The General Services Administration (GSA) is making significant changes in 2024 to improve the acquisition process. Here are the key highlights: 1️⃣ Eliminating Lowest Price, Technically Acceptable (LPTA): GSA aims to remove language in the schedules program that often leads to agencies relying on LPTA. The proposal emphasizes a shift towards a best value mindset, aligning with Congress's direction and GSA's acquisition goals. 2️⃣ Enhancing Acquisition Workforce Training: GSA is requesting an increase in the percentage of fees collected through schedules program and other contracts to go towards the acquisition workforce training fund. This update will support comprehensive training and education for contracting officers and industry professionals. 3️⃣ Permanent Pandemic-Era Changes: GSA has issued a proposed rule to make permanent the pandemic-era changes to the Economic Price Adjustment (EPA) clause. This initiative aims to streamline the EPA process and ensure consistency in pricing adjustments for GSA schedule contracts. 4️⃣ Legislative Proposals: GSA has submitted three legislative proposals to Congress. These proposals include the CICA update for more consistent use of schedules, increasing the acquisition workforce training fund, and transferring complaint procedures to the Department of Labor. #GovernmentAcquisition #GSA #AcquisitionChanges #BestValue #TrainingOpportunities #Efficiency #Simplification #ContractingOfficers #IndustryProfessionals

Providing best value through the Multiple Award Schedule: It is important to remember that burdensome contract pricing procedures are especially hard on small businesses and new entrants. These procedures delay the delivery of new and cutting-edge products and services, while ultimately raising administrative costs for the contractor that may eventually be passed on to the Government. The post Providing best value through the Multiple Award Schedule first appeared on Federal News Network. #FedearlNewsRadio #News

GSA Contracts can be complex and frustrating for small businesses. The challenges that I have heard most often over the last decade include: 1. Complex Application Process: The process of obtaining a GSA contract can be complex and time-consuming. Small businesses might struggle with understanding the requirements, gathering the necessary documentation, and navigating the application process. 2. Competitive Environment: GSA contracts open businesses to a competitive environment where they have to bid against other vendors for government contracts. Small businesses may find it challenging to stand out and win contracts among larger, more established competitors. 3. Pricing Pressure: GSA contracts often require businesses to offer their products or services at a discounted price to the government. Maintaining profitability while adhering to the pricing requirements can be difficult for small businesses with limited resources. 4. Administrative Burden: The administrative responsibilities that come with a GSA contract, such as reporting, compliance, and documentation, can be overwhelming for small businesses that might lack dedicated personnel for these tasks. 5. Marketing and Branding: Small businesses might struggle to effectively market themselves to government agencies and decision-makers. Building a strong brand and establishing a government presence can be challenging without a dedicated marketing strategy. 6. hanging Regulations: Government contracting regulations and requirements can change frequently. Small businesses must stay up-to-date with these changes to ensure they remain compliant and competitive. 7. Resource Constraints: Small businesses might lack the resources, both financial and human, to effectively manage their GSA contracts. This includes maintaining proper inventory levels, fulfilling orders on time, and providing customer support. 8. Lack of Expertise: Understanding the intricacies of government procurement, compliance, and contracting processes can be challenging, especially for businesses that are new to this arena. 9. Negotiation Challenges: Negotiating terms and conditions with government agencies can be complex. Small businesses might struggle to find the right balance between meeting government needs and protecting their own interests. 10. Scope Changes: Government contract requirements can change over time, leading to scope adjustments. Small businesses need to be agile and prepared to adapt to these changes while still delivering quality products or services. What challenges have plagued your GSA Contract or your contracts team? #gsacontract #MAS #federalcontracting

@smallbiz #govcon This is a big deal! Contract task orders that were going to large businesses will soon be for small businesses only. What's Happening: * On January 25, 2024, the Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) put out this memo on increasing small business participation in multiple award contracts https://lnkd.in/gyrhRirG * The memo talks about applying the "rule of two" to contract task orders (meaning if there are 2 or more small businesses that can do it, it SHOULD be set aside for small business). * The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the FAR Council are working to amend the FAR, but OFPP encourages early adoption by federal agencies. Brief Background: * Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 said contracting officers "may" set aside task orders; not shall. * November 2, 2011 FAR Council issued interim rule, and we submitted public comments saying make sure it's clear that the small business set aside is mandatory for simplified acquisition purchase task orders as it is for other contracts. * We (Aldevra) filed a protest against the Army National Guard saying they should buy an ice machine from a small business and not a large business. The Army refused. SBA sided with us. On October 16, 2015, GAO sided with the Army and said the government could buy ice machines from a large business even if there were 2 or more small businesses selling ice machines. * A fellow SDVOSB, Tolliver, took the issue to the U.S. Court of Federal Claims (COFC), and COFC took our side saying small businesses first. There have been other cases, rules, comments, bills and decisions, but this has been going on for YEARS, and now, finally, the federal government has to give small businesses a chance first for contracts AND TASK ORDERS between $10,000.01-$250,000. Thank you to the SBA for having our back! And thank you to all the other small businesses, advocates and attorneys (you know who you are!) who have been on this journey with us since 2010. #SmallBiz #Tenacity #GameChanger Just a few months ago, I said I couldn't retire until this was fixed....where's the beach and my margarita?!

J3 Consulting has received reauthorization as an 8(a) contractor within the fresh 8aS – 8(a) Sole Source Pool. The newly established GSA 8(a) Pool empowers 8(a) contractors to: Distinguish themselves to federal buyers by displaying an 8a or 8aS emblem indicating their participation in the pool, become eligible for both sole source and competitive 8(a) set-asides, and offer buyers an efficient ordering process for competitive set-asides. J3’s CIO Peter Cipriano emphasizes, "This reauthorization enables us to address this challenge effectively by offering a streamlined process for competitive set-asides and standing out to federal buyers, ultimately enhancing our ability to provide top-notch services to the Government.” U.S. Small Business Administration #8a #8aS

Ready to start drafting your GSA Schedule proposal? We know it can be intimidating, especially if you haven't gone through the process before. Here are some tips for you to consider and help you get started: https://hubs.la/Q02pl3Dr0 #procurement #govcon #gsa

GSA (MAS) Contract Acquisition | Business Administrative Services Did you know that the GSA (MAS) Multiple Award Schedule | Business Administrative Services Contract reached $5,373,007,982 in GSA Schedule sales during the fiscal year of 2022? The GSA (MAS) Multiple Award Schedule Contract is a long-term (5 years with the potential of 3 additional 5-year renewals totaling 20 years), governmentwide contract, with commercial firms providing federal, state, and local government buyers access to more than 11 million commercial supplies (products) and services at volume discount pricing. By booking a free consultation with our GSA experts, you will learn if your company meets the GSA contractor requirements. In order to qualify for a GSA Contract,(1) businesses must be in operation for at least two years,(2) have a strong track record, (3) meet specific financial criteria, and (4) other qualifications. Now is the time to take action and recession-proof your business. Don't delay. Get your company's GSA (MAS) Multiple Award Schedule Contract process started today! BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION NOW: https://lnkd.in/gCxc6Ua4 SHOP NOW: https://lnkd.in/guXxiGNJ NEED ADDITIONAL GSA-RELATED SOLUTIONS? We've Got You Covered! GSA (MAS) Contract Renewal https://lnkd.in/g7ZiFb5c GSA (MAS) Contract Pricing Optimization https://lnkd.in/g9Jj_xKm TAA Compliance https://lnkd.in/gqevE4VC GSA OIG Audit Support https://lnkd.in/gvtmaFxH GSA Order Management System https://lnkd.in/gjEx2kux #business #businessadmin #businessadministration #businessadministrator #business #acquisition #grantmanagementsupport #actuarialservices #customersurveyservices #facilitationservices #financialconsultingservices #financialeconomic #regulatoryanalysissupport #managementconsultingservices #program #projectmanagementsupport #strategicplanning Diverse Government Contracts, Inc. | The Possibilities Are Endless!