Virtual Acquisition Office (VAO)

Do you know how many times the term cybersecurity appears in the FAR? Do you know cybersecurity best practices according to your job role?  Check out some highlights from our recent webinar on becoming a cyber warrior. Watch the entire webinar to earn 1.0 CLP: https://lnkd.in/gN-XQQ-z #govcon #federalcontracting #cybersecurity | Unison

Congratulations on becoming a contracting officer’s representative (COR)! You’ve earned this role through your training and experience and are now certified according to policy. However, before you start your duties, you must be officially authorized by a contracting officer (CO). This authorization comes in the form of an appointment letter, which is specific to a particular contract, though you may serve as a COR on multiple contracts. Your first task is to carefully read this letter—it outlines your responsibilities, limitations, and the duration of your service. Remember, you cannot redelegate your authority, and you could be liable for any unauthorized actions. Always refer to your appointment letter if you're unsure about a task, and consult the CO for clarification. Because it’s such an important document, you must maintain a copy in a file created for each contract you’re assigned, along with any other CO delegations and documentation of your actions as COR. Check out our COR’s Guide to the COR Role for more info: https://lnkd.in/gU9hD5HD #CORs #federalcontracting #govcon #governmentacquisition Unison

We are excited to share our latest Mission Look publication, highlighting the exceptional work of Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)'s Contracts Management Office! Their innovative approaches are paving the way for groundbreaking advancements. A special thanks to Efstathia (Effie) Fragogiannis for her invaluable contributions in making this publication a success and to all the other contributors. #govcon #federalcontracting #DARPA Unison

The US Government Accountability Office (GAO) sustained a protest against a GSA award to Acuity International. Disappointed offeror MVM Inc. claimed GSA overlooked a recent False Claims Act (FCA) settlement involving an Acuity affiliate. After GSA's corrective action still resulted in an award to Acuity, MVM protested again. GAO found GSA failed to assess the FCA settlement's impact on Acuity's responsibility and criticized GSA for insufficiently documenting Acuity's key personnel qualifications. GAO recommended GSA reevaluate the proposals or reopen discussions and properly document any new award decision. More details here: https://lnkd.in/gyHrrBZh #govcon #federalcontracting #contractaward #governmentacquisition #protest | Unison

You might know who you’re supporting in the November election, but do you know how to navigate politics as a public servant? It's tricky, but that's why the Hatch Act of 1939 exists. It prohibits civil servants from engaging in certain forms of political activity to ensure federal programs are managed without political bias. The statute, which is enforced by U.S. Office of Special Counsel, also serves to protect federal employees from political influence and ensure merit-based advancement. Although Hatch Act restrictions apply to federal employees and do not typically extend to contractors, they may still be subject to other rules or regulations that limit their political activities, especially when working on federal contracts. The Hatch Act also extends to social media, meaning federal employees must not engage in political activity on social platforms while on duty or in a federal workplace. This includes sharing or reposting partisan content. Rest assured; this post is okay to like and repost! For a list of common do’s and don’ts, check out VAO’s Quick Tips:  https://lnkd.in/gVwurXq6 #govcon #federalcontracting #hatchact #federalemployees

New live webinar alert! In an era of relentless cyberthreats, acquisition professionals are the unsung heroes safeguarding digital infrastructure. Join VAO acquisition experts Lakin Lankford and Stephen Paulette as they discuss the proposed FAR 40 and how it will affect cybersecurity contractual requirements for federal information systems. Our discussion will also cover key cybersecurity standards, strategies for adapting to the evolving threat landscape, and practical tips for achieving streamlined compliance and robust risk management. VAO subscribers can register here: https://lnkd.in/gYnFTYHA #govcon #cybersecurity #federalcontracting #acquisition | Unison

Exciting news for federal agencies! A final rule published last week provides clarity on reverse auctions, an acquisition approach that can drive down prices and boost competition. Subscribers can read more about the new rule here: https://lnkd.in/gjZmD6sE Did you know that reverse auctions can also help your agency meet or exceed small business and socioeconomic goals? According to Jennifer Chaddic, director of Unison’s Marketplace, 94% of FY2023 awards on Marketplace went to small businesses, making reverse auctions a win for both government and industry.   #ReverseAuction #GovCon #FederalContracting #BusinessInnovation

We are here to bust the myth and reveal the truth about government-industry communications and engagement. Do you have a tip for industry engagement and vendor communication? Comment below and share your knowledge with peers! VAO's tip: Industry wants to talk to acquisition staff and FAR 1.102-2(a)(4) wants acquisition to talk to industry. It’s another great myth that additional communication with vendors requires substantial disclosure burdens. In reality, disclosure is only required in certain circumstances (e.g. if you are meeting with registered lobbyists, but even then, the disclosure burden is usually minimal). By avoiding, limiting, constricting, or otherwise discouraging communication with industry, you are limiting the potential for success. Learn more in our quick reference guide: https://lnkd.in/ejbU9Nh9  #govcon #federalcontracting #governmentacquisition #industry

How many ways can you mispronounce "Unison"? We’ve heard them all and then some! 🤣 Watch our hilarious take in "The Office at Unison, Episode 1: Say My Name." Get it right, or just enjoy the bloopers!

Turn up your sound! VAO Ally is here! We’re pleased to announce the launch of our groundbreaking GenAI tool that will help 1102s find answers to complex acquisition questions quickly and reliably. https://lnkd.in/gW8V5wu9 VAO Ally blends our exclusive knowledge base of acquisition information, insights, and expertise with regulatory sources like the FAR and DFARS, to help you navigate the acquisition landscape efficiently and effectively. This tool was developed to ensure the accuracy of AI-generated answers, while simplifying time-consuming tasks and saving you time to focus on mission-critical objectives. #govcon #genAI #artificialiintelligence #federalcontracting #governmentacquisition Unison