DOD to make priority of fixed-price contracts

      The Defense Dept. proposed to amend the DFARS to implement a provision of the NDAA of fiscal 2019 to require a preference for fixed-price contracts.

      DOD contracting officers would have to first consider a fixed-price contract when choosing the type of contract to use for a particular procurement.

      The contracting officers also would have to get approval from the head of their contracting office to award a cost-reimbursement contract over $50 million through the end of fiscal 2019. Starting next year, it would be for contracts over $25 million.

      Comments are due by May 31.

Read more at:
Proposed rule: https://bit.ly/2UqmqPT

DOD: apply non-manufacturer rule to all 8(a) contracts

      In 2016, the SBA issued a final rule updating the non-manufacturer rule to small business vendors. Under the rule, small businesses are allowed to sell products that they did not manufacture, under certain conditions.

      The current DFARS provides an exemption for 8(a) contracts at or below $25,000 awarded under Simplified Acquisition Procedures. Under the proposed change, that exemption would be removed and the rule would apply at any dollar value. The 8(a)s would sell only products produced in the U.S. or outlying areas.

Read more at:
Proposed rule: https://bit.ly/2UHYxmh
PilieroMazza blog: https://bit.ly/2U6o1oY

SBA issues a directive on SBIR and STTR

      The SBA issued a policy directive to revise the SBIR and STTR programs.

      The new document “clarifies the data rights and Phase III preference afforded to SBIR and STTR small business awardees, adds definitions relating to data rights, and clarifies the benchmarks for progress towards commercialization.”

      It goes into effect May 2.

Read more at:
SBA Policy Directives: https://bit.ly/2UrcVAh

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Column: Cybersecurity's Increasing Impact on Prime Contract and Subcontract Awards

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