Business Matters Weekly - August 8, 2016

Week of: August 8, 2016

Our Mission

JARI will be the collaborative force that enhances all aspects of our region to grow a diverse economy and build vibrant communities.

Recent SBA Final Rules: Subcontracting and Mentor-Protégé

Lenora Leasure

PTAC, Program Manager

Effective June 30, the SBA issued a final rule implementing changes to the limitation on subcontracting per the 2013 National Defense Authorization Act. These change significantly impact the way the subcontracting limitations are calculated and enforced. Special allowances can now be made for similarly situated entities. The services and supply contracts formula has shifted from a "labor cost" calculation to an "amount paid" calculation, simplifying the process. Mixed contracts have been addressed such that the Contracting Officer must determine the most significant value of a contract and apply the appropriate NAICS code. Small business set-aside contracts valued between $3,500 and $150,000 are specifically exempt from the rule. The final rule can be found by clicking here.

The SBA's Small Business Mentor Protégé Programs final rule, effective August 24, 2016, lays the framework for a "universal" small business mentor-protégé program. Similar to the longstanding 8(a) mentor-protégé program, the new program is designed to enhance the capabilities of smaller firms by requiring approved mentors to provide business development assistance. The development assistance can take many forms, including technical, managerial, financial, subcontracts, and trade education. Through joint venture arrangements, the assistance may also be with prime contract performance. The rule lays the groundwork for mentor and protégé qualifications, required agreements, terms, and annual reporting. Published in the Federal Register, the final rule is located at this link.

Want to learn more? Contact the PTAC today at (814) 254-4022 or (814) 254-4023 or via email at jariptac@jari.com.

(L to R: Annette Chunko, St. Francis Small Business Development Center; Adrienne Rosmus, Owner; Matthew Rosmus, Owner; Danea Koss, Ebensburg Main Street Partnership)

JARI Welcomes Hometown Collision

Michele Clapper

VP, Economic Development

On Monday, August 8th, Hometown Collision held their Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for their grand opening. Hometown Collision is owned be Matthew and Adrienne Rosmus. Matthew has been in the industry for over 10 years. Hometown Collision will repair collision damaged vehicles to pre-accident condition. They will also handle the repair of rust deteriorated steel panels, cosmetic repairs, structural damage, and upgrades that are associated with routine body and chassis up keep.

"I am very excited to be in this new business venture! It would not have been possible without the help of JARI and 1st Summit Bank", says Matthew Rosmus.

Linda Thomson, President, JARI, states "JARI is pleased to welcome another home-grown small business into our local economy. We encourage everyone to buy local whenever possible as dollars that stay in our local economy make a greater impact."