FAR Commercial Items Clause and Market Research Requirements

Sometimes the government’s solicitation for commercial items substantially differs from customary commercial industry practices.  Companies seeking to bid on federal contracts could struggle with meeting the government’s FAR requirements. This can also create problems for bidders and even lead to a pre-award bid protest. If the federal government procures under… Read more »

Government GAO Protest and Corrective Action Cost

Understand GAO’s Analysis in a Government Protest and Getting Agency Corrective Action Cost An issue arises in a government contract protest where the agency elects to take corrective action, and when, if ever, can a protestor recover costs when the agency takes too long to take corrective action. Many contractors… Read more »

Neutral Past Performance Ratings

When an agency decides that your proposal does not show relevant past performance, the general rule under DOD Source Selection procedures is that you should not be rated either favorably or unfavorably. In other words, agencies should give bidders neutral ratings. Where a federal agency excludes and offeror from the… Read more »

SDVOSB Sole Source Threshold & VA Rule of Two

There is a lot of confusion among small businesses when applying Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business SDVOSB sole source and VA Rule of Two Small Business rules versus SDVOSB set aside requirements. As a result, there are many unsuccessful bid protests filed on this matter. SVOSB Sole Source Contracts & Threshold  Generally, an agency contracting… Read more »

FAR Part 16.2 Economic Price Adjustment Clause

Under the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) “fixed-price government contracts with an economic price adjustment clause provides for upward and downward revisions of the stated contract price upon the occurrence of specified contingencies.” This is covered in FAR Part 16.203-1(a).  To establish a case or bid protest challenging the agency’s improper use of… Read more »

Government Protest CEO’s Quick Decision

Whether contemplating filing a government protest, or intervening into a bid protest that is already filed, CEOs must make a quick decision.  Protest deadlines are very short, and there is not much time to think. Regardless of the decision, CEO’s must always make sure to get a debriefing – even… Read more »

Adverse Contractor Past Performance Evaluation in GAO Bid Protest

Adverse contractor past performance evaluation in a GAO bid protest is a common problem for bidders. Sometimes there is a question about how the government contracting office evaluated your past performance and whether it complied with the stated evaluation criteria. There are a few things to keep in mind: First, although you… Read more »

GAO Bid Protest Material Requirement for Key Personnel

GAO bid protest disputes often include challenges to the awardees technical proposals for existence and material solicitation requirements of key personnel. When you have to changes to the proposal after submission, you should always notify the agency of such changes. Do not simply let the evaluation process continue. For example,… Read more »