Defense Department "Strategic Sourcing" Won't Freeze Out Small Firms -- Lee
The Defense Department will focus on “strategic sourcing” in procurement of services, but does not intend to consolidate contracts or reduce the number of vendors, said Deidre Lee, director of defense procurement and acquisition policy.

Sen. Snowe Asks: Are Agencies Complying With Bundling Policy?
Senate Small Business Committee Chair Olympia Snowe (R-ME) has asked agencies to report on how they are monitoring compliance with President Bush’s anti-bundling initiative.

Senate Hearing Considers Prison Industries Reform
The Bush administration supports eliminating Federal Prison Industries’ mandatory source preference, with a big “if:” if adequate work opportunities for prisoners are maintained, said Harley Lappin, FPI’s chief executive and director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

SBA Loan Cap Is Lifted; More Money Now Available
SBA said it has lifted the $750,000 cap and other restrictions on its 7(a) loan guarantee program, after President Bush signed legislation freeing up an additional $3 billion for the program.

GAO Will Consider Losers' Protests In Some Streamlined Job Competitions
The General Accounting Office said it will consider protests over streamlined job competitions under OMB Circular A-76 in some cases, though the circular itself says no appeals are permitted.

FAR Changes Announced
The Federal Acquisition Regulation councils released the following final rules in the April 5 Federal Register:

NASA Online Guide Highlights IT Opportunities
NASA has released a new edition of its “Information Technology Guide for Small Businesses,” a road map to the space agency’s IT contracting opportunities.

On HUBZone's Fifth Anniversary, Contracting Lags
Ten thousand companies have been certified in the HUBZone program as the program marks its fifth anniversary, SBA Administrator Hector Barreto announced.