Number of 8(a)s has dropped by 34% since 2010: IG

Since 2010, there has been a steady decline in the number of firms participating in the Small Business Administration’s 8(a) Business Development program, according to a new report from the SBA’s Office of Inspector General.

The number of 8(a) firms has dropped from about 7,000 in 2010 to about 4,600 in 2015, the IG said.

The SBA is trying to reverse the trend by increasing enrollment by 5% a year in 2016 and 2017.

However, in a recent report, the IG challenged the eligibility of 30 out of 48 8(a) participants that it reviewed. SBA said it would provide additional documents.

More information: SBA IG report https://goo.gl/akhFsZ

Supreme Court case may expand contractor liability

The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule soon on a case that could have major ramifications for federal contractor liability under the False Claims Act.

The court had a hearing on April 19 on Universal Health Services v. United States ex rel. Escobar.

The case asks whether, under the FCA, a contractor invoice signifies an “implied certification” by the contractor of compliance with all applicable laws and the contract. The U.S. Circuit Courts are split on the question.

One of the difficulties is distinguishing between a “simple breach of contract and a false claim,” Jackie Unger, associate with PilieroMazza PLLC, wrote in a blog entry on the case.

More information: PilieroMazza blog: http://goo.gl/semFRs

Rep. Don Young: NDAA has repeal of 811 language

Rep. Don Young, R-AK, said he successfully inserted a provision in the upcoming National Defense Authorization Act for FY2017 to repeal language detrimental to Alaska Native federal contractors. The provision would remove special criteria for justifying sole-source contracts over $20 million to Alaska Native-owned small firms. Those criteria were set in Sect. 811 of the NDAA of FY2010.

More information: http://goo.gl/e4bLzP

Lawmakers oppose rule

GOP members of the House Small Business Committee urged the White House to reject a proposed rule on overtime pay.

More information: Read more here: http://goo.gl/vpC74E

SBA releases Procurement Scorecard

Small biz vendor pool shrinking

IG audits AK Native contracts

House OKs 5 small biz bills

Column: Indirect Rates - Common Questions and Answers

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