Procurement delays

Eighty-nine percent of federal contractors in a recent survey said they are “frequently” hit with procurement delays, according to a new survey by Washington Technology.

Ten percent “sometimes” see delays while 2% “rarely” see delays.

A third of those surveyed said 76% to 100% of their contracts were delayed; a quarter said 51% to 75% of their contracts were delayed, and a quarter said 20% to 50% of their contracts were delayed.

Thirty-seven percent said the typical delay was 7-12 months; 37% said 4-6 months; and 13% said delays were over a year.

More information: WashTech survey: http://goo.gl/dO8xt9

DOD mentor-protege

The Defense Department said it plans to ask Congress for a 10-year extension of the DOD Small Business Mentor-Protege program.

Even though the program began in 1991, it is still categorized as a pilot program and must be reauthorized by Congress every few years.

The frequent reauthorizations have a “chilling effect” on participation because of uncertainty about the progam’s future, Robert Stewart, program manager, said in a DOD statement.

Extending the program's authorization period would provide stability, reassure industry and save money, Stewart said.

More information: http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=128014

Committee changes rules

The GOP-majority House Oversight Committee approved controversial new rules that expand the majority’s powers and limit the authority of Democratic-party members in committee actions.

Democrats said the new rules would increase partisanship.

More information: http://goo.gl/QtYvH0
http://goo.gl/CkG4gp

Air Force moves to debar FedBid

GSA unveils prices paid tool

Obama budget on Feb. 2

WOSB self-certs still OK for now

Column: Expectations for DCAA Audits in 2015

Washington Insider: