Follow @Setasidealert on Twitter for the latest news & tips Flagship 8(a) program is flagging: Participation drops in SBA’s premier small biz support program The federal government’s flagship 8(a) contracting program for small, disadvantaged businesses is shrinking. How big a hit? SBA, DOD outline sequester effects on small contractors But HUBZone buys falling short The Small Business Administration is forecasting a $4 billion reduction in small business federal contracting this year as a result of sequestration, which started on March 1. False certs at women-owned firms: 35% of ‘women-owned’ awards may go to firms run by spouse In a report with potentially broad implications, NASA auditors found that more than a third of the contracts to “women-owned” small businesses they reviewed appeared to be to firms controlled by the husbands. GSA cancels signature Expo 2013 event The General Services Administration has decided not to hold its annual “Expo” and training conference this year, owing to budget pressures and travel restrictions. Small business subcontracting plans: new rules? For years, government policy has encouraged prime contractors receiving a federal government contract to issue subcontracts to small business concerns for a portion of the work. Editor’s Note: Sequestration is here, now what happens? If you are feeling “confused and scared” about sequestration, you are not alone. Washington Insider: Sequester to hit VA, DC & MD hardest The Government Accountability Office added two new areas--management of climate change effects and gaps in weather satellite data--to its High-Risk List outlining 30 major management challenges.... NASA’s time for SEWP NASA is holding an industry day on March 11 for SEWP V.... Changes at VA: IT leadership, iEHR Two key technology executives recently resigned from the Veterans Affairs Department.... DOD mobility strategy The Defense Department released a mobility implementation strategy to support mobile smartphones and other devices.... Pentagon wants more base closures: report Defense Department officials are believed to be planning two new rounds of military base closures....