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ACQUISITION ALERT

Date and Location Set for
End of Year Federal Contractor Update - 2015

December 10, 2015, Brookfield Suites, Milwaukee
Hosted by National Contract Management Association, Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek S.C., Northwest Michigan PTAC and the Wisconsin Procurement Institute.  

Mark your calendar.  



UPCOMING EVENTS
10/1/15
Successful Growth Strategies in the Government Marketplace
Milwaukee


10/7/15
Acquisition Hour: Market Research - Using FPDS
Webinar
Learn More
10/6/15
 Successful Growth Strategies in the Government Marketplace
Madison
Learn More


12/10/15
NCMA End of the Year Contractor Update
Brookfield
Federal contractors worry that a government shutdown would be a 'nightmare'
Another government shutdown would be a "nightmare" for the federal contracting community, disrupting business, leaving employees wondering about furloughs and cutting corporate profits, according to area business leaders, who gathered in Tysons Corner Monday.

They are looking at the looming Sept. 30 deadline, by which Congress has to pass a spending plan, with a mix of angst and dread, while clinging to hope that a crisis will be averted, several executives said at a conference organized by the Professional Services Council, a trade group.

"There is a lot of concern because it's completely out of their control," said Alan Chvotkin, the PSC's executive vice president and counsel.
 
SBA Final Rule

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) issued a final rule authorizing federal agencies to award sole - source contracts to women-owned small businesses eligible for the Woman - Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contract Program. Effective October 14, 2015, the rule levels the playing field for women - owned small businesses across the federal contracting marketplace. Additional information is available  
http://www.wispro.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/15-73-WOSB.pdf

SBIR/STTR Solicitations    

The Department of Defense SBIR 2015.3 and STTR 2015.C solicitations are open to proposal submission. In addition, the SBIR/STTR Programs have been reauthorized through September 30, 2017. Visit  http://www.acq.osd.mil/osbp/sbir/to learn more about the program and current opportunities.   

  
Acquisition-related Dollar Thresholds Adjusted for Inflation

Effective October 1, 2015, acquisition-related dollar thresholds in the Federal Acquisition Regulation ("FAR") will be adjusted for inflation. Federal contractors should be aware of the new levels and the potential impact. The text of the FINAL RULE is available in the Federal Register www.federalregister.gov reference 80 FR 38293 pages 38293 - 38306.   Included in the changes are the following:
  • Micro purchase threshold increases from $3,000 to $3,500
  • Cost and Pricing data threshold will increase from $700,000 to $750,000
  • Simplified Acquisition Procedures increase from $6.5 million to $7 million
Contact Jean Polka at jeanp@wispro.org for assistance.  
 
 
Army Single Face to Industry to Shut Down
 
Effective 01 November 2015, the Army will shut down Army Single Face to Industry (ASFI). Vendors may find opportunities for contracting on the Federal Business Opportunity (FBO) portal. Vendors are encouraged to pay close attention to instructions outlined in each solicitation and synopsis, as some Army locations are transitioning to FBO prior to the established sunset date.   
Changes Made to GSA Schedule 36 
 
GSA added the new SIN (Special Item Number) to Schedule 36 - office supplies, equipment and furniture - under item number 51-400. There are currently four contractors on the SIN: BahFed Corp., Galloway Plastics, Phillips Corp. and Tuckahoe Trading.  Read more at http://www.ncmahq.org/stay-informed/contract-management-news/contract-management-news---detail/gsa-adds-special-item-number-for-3-d-printing.
 
 
Procurement Dictionary  

CPSR -  Contractor Purchasing System Review - the complete evaluation of a contractor's purchasing of material and services, subcontracting, and subcontract management from development of the requirement through completion of subcontract performance.

Debarment - action taken by a debarring official under FAR 9.406 to exclude a contractor from Government contracting and Government-approved subcontracting for a reasonable, specified period
 
DCMA - Defense Contract Management Agency -   is the Department of Defense (DoD) component that works directly with Defense suppliers to help ensure that DoD, Federal, and allied government supplies and services are delivered on time, at projected cost, and meet all performance requirements. DCMA directly contributes to the military readiness of the United States and its allies, and helps preserve the nation's freedom.    http://www.dcma.mil/ 
 
OSDBU - Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization - established as a requirement by the Small Business Act as amended by Public Law 95-507 to enhance opportunities for small businesses at procuring Federal agencies. A list is available at http://www.osdbu.gov/members.html.