Subcontracting Rule Draws Fire
Industry groups and members of Congress are objecting to a proposed SBA rule that they say could force small prime contractors to develop subcontracting plans.

Army Shelves Huge Outsourcing Plan
The Army has scrapped an ambitious plan to contract out up to 214,000 jobs, the largest outsourcing initiative undertaken by the Bush administration.

SBA Funds New Women's Business Centers
The Small Business Administration announced it will fund eleven new Women’s Business Centers in seven states.

Rules Set for Debriefings
An amendment to the Federal Acquisition Regulation sets out what information a losing bidder is entitled to receive during a debriefing.

Appropriations Bill Includes Limits on Prison Industries
Federal Prison Industries’ contracting preference would be limited but not abolished under terms of the 2004 omnibus appropriations bill that is awaiting Senate action.

Defense Department Moves Ahead on Base Closings
The Defense Department has released draft criteria for deciding which military bases will be shut down, kicking off an effort that could lead to the closing of as many as 100 domestic bases starting next year.

How Bases Will Be Targeted for Shutdown
The Defense Department has issued its draft selection criteria for closing or realigning domestic military installations.

Neal, Former DOD SADBU Director, Draws Long Prison Term
Robert L. Neal Jr., former director of the Defense Department’s Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, has been sentenced to 24 and one-third years in prison for extorting payoffs from small companies in return for favorable treatment.