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 »
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 »
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 »
When filing claims against the government, under the theory of equitable subrogation, there are some tricky rules of law in place. For example, in a recent Court of Federal Claims case, Fidelity and Guaranty Insurance Underwriters, et al. v. United States, No. 14-84 C (Nov. 19, 2014), the court ruled that under… Read more »
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 »
For each bid protest filed, the Competition in Contracting Act (CICA) requires the contracting officer to “immediately direct the contractor to cease performance under the contract and to suspend any related activities that may result in more obligations being incurred by the United States under that contract.” See 31 USC… Read more »
Small businesses continue to use joint ventures as a strategic alliance to get larger government contracts. There are various advantages and disadvantages of forming venture relationships. There are also specific rules that govern these alliances. Yet small businesses continue to lose larger contracts due to increasing amounts of small business size… Read more »
After filing a contract claim against the government, you finally receive the bad news from the Agency – a denial of claims. 17% of government contract claims will be denied. In addition, 33.2 % of appeals to the Board shall be dismissed or denied either for lack of jurisdiction or hearing… Read more »
Being subject to the Federal Prompt Payment Act, 31 USC 3901-3905 (the “PPA” or “Act”) for government construction projects puts business owners in a financial strain when the government does not pay invoices on time. The Act was enacted to facilitate early payment to contractors when work is timely performed… Read more »
Analyzing what is a voidable contract is sometimes confusing even sophisticated parties. For example, many recent construction cases involved instances where the contract between the contractor and the government was held by the ASBCA to be a voidable contract given various mistakes made by the contractor. It is important for… Read more »