Big changes may be coming to the 8(a) Certification Program known as 8(a) Business Development Program. It is part of the Small Business Administration (SBA) and is designed to assist small businesses that are economically and socially disadvantaged in gaining access to government contracts. For businesses currently in the 8(a) Certification Program or those planning on applying for entrance into the 8(a) Program, there are some potential major modifications on the way.
"Follow the money" is a catchphrase popularized by the 1976 docudrama film All the President's Men, which suggests political corruption can be brought to light by examining money transfers between parties. While the term was popularized in the 1970s, the premise behind the statement has been around for over a century. In Latin, the term Cui bono? means "to whom is it a benefit?"
Juneteenth finds its roots in the aftermath of the American Civil War. On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and proclaimed the end of slavery, two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. This delay in emancipation reaching Texas is attributed to the limited presence of Union troops and the resistance of slaveholders in the region. The news of freedom was met with joy and jubilation by the African American community, and the day became a symbol of hope and progress.
Atlanta, GA., June 1st, 2023, The Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce (CLCC) and the Government Contractors Association (GCA) have entered into a strategic partnership to benefit current and future members through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
The goal of this Passport Membership collaboration is to combine and share programs, benefits, and resources to create greater value for all members. It is a joint initiative where membership in one organization is recognized by the joint partner organization.
The Defense Department is taking full advantage of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the federal acquisition process. The Chief Digital and AI Office (CDAO) at the DoD has developed a prototype AI tool, called Acqbot, as part of its Tradewind initiative.
Relief for DoD contractors due to inflation may be on the way. The proposed National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for 2023, which is Congress' annual budget for the Department of Defense (DoD), includes a provision that would grant the DoD more discretion to allow inflation relief for DoD contractors. The NDAA would amend 50 U.S.C. § 1431 to give the DoD more discretion in allowing adjustments to contracts to account for inflation, although this allowance would only be temporary, lasting from when the NDAA is signed by the President until December 31, 2023.
The White House plans to significantly increase the share of federal contracts awarded to Small Disadvantaged Businesses (SDBs) by 50% by 2025. This ambitious goal translates to awarding an additional $100 billion to SDBs over the next five years. Currently, the target for SDBs is set at 5% of federal contracting dollars, but recent data shows that federal agencies have been exceeding this goal, awarding an average of 9.8%. The new goal aims to raise this share to nearly 15% by 2025.
Teaming and joint venture agreements are powerful tools often utilized by successful businesses in the government market. Although each agreement may seem straightforward, there are significant differences between them. The SBA has recently implemented new rules applicable to both agreements, so contractors should be aware of these essential differences.
When a company launches its business, many professional advisors suggest that entrepreneurs find a need and focus on that one niche, offering a solution to fill that demand. They are sought after when they are considered specialists in that one vertical*. This strategy works well, especially when there aren't many competitors and they can capture a larger market share.
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Only 22% of federal contracting dollars are awarded to small businesses. Our goal is to be an agent of change by helping businesses owned by women, minorities, and veterans to get their fair share of the opportunities in the government market.
