DOD issues class deviations on WOSBs

      The Defense Dept. recently released two class deviations requiring that Women-Owned Small Businesses be formally certified in order to receive WOSB or EDWOSB set-asides. The purpose of the class deviations is to set rules in place while the FAR is awaiting revision to reflect SBA’s recent changes to certification procedures for WOSBs and EDWOSBs. DOD contracting officers must use the federal Dynamic Small Business Search online database to verify that a firm is certified and eligible for a set-aside under the SBA’s WOSB program.

Read more:
Class deviation statements: https://bit.ly/3sXmSlU
and: https://bit.ly/3wyEvL1

No prison work set-asides on these products

      The Defense Dept. updated its list of product categories for which the Federal Prison Industries’ share is greater than 5% and, therefore, under current regulations, competitive procedures must be used. Here is the list of products to be fully competed as of April 1, 2021:

• 7110 (Office Furniture)
• 7125 (Cabinets, Lockers, Bins, and Shelving)
• 7210 (Household Furnishings)
• 8405 (Outerwear, Men's)
• 8415 (Clothing, Special Purpose)
• 8420 (Underwear and Nightwear, Men's)

Read more:
Federal Register: https://bit.ly/3uvjIGm

EIDL loan boost

      SBA announced that as of April 6, it was raising the loan limit for COVID-related Economic Injury Disaster Loans to $500,000 for 24 months of economic injury, up from a maximum of $150,000 for 6 months of such injury.

Read more at:
SBA announcement: https://bit.ly/3ulCC2u

Inside this edition:

What’s in the $2T infrastructure plan for small business federal vendors

Are your employees vaccinated?

Small business federal contractors hit by FAR terms on PPP loans

PPP extended to May 31

Congress expands Buy Indian Act

Regulatory agendas out

Ineligible tribes in 8(a)

Column: Congress expands Buy Indian Act Procurement Authority

Washington Insider:

Coronavirus Update