(Click on headlines below to read each full story.) Fourth quarter surge dampened? Furloughs, sequestration raise uncertainties for small vendors In the final weeks of the rush of contracting activity that typically ends a federal fiscal year, the mood among small vendors has turned circumspect. SBA rule: harsh penalties for size misstatements A new regulation from the Small Business Administration sets severe penalties for contractors that knowingly misrepresent themselves as small businesses. Coming this fall: Avoiding shutdown for debt-limit fight? After weeks of GOP lawmaker threats to shut down the government to block “Obamacare” this fall, Republican leaders are attempting new tactics. GSA OASIS moving ahead Amendments filed; protest withdrawn The General Services Administration’s huge “OASIS” professional services solicitation continues to roll forward. Government to buy less IT The forecast for federal information technology purchases shows negative growth for the next five years, Deltek reported. Column: Seven steps to prep for fiscal 2014 The fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 is coming to a close and it’s time to gear up for 2014. The first day of October will be here before you know it. Use the next month to get ready – don’t wait till it’s too late and you lose an opportunity. Washington Insider: Latest SEWP is ready NASA released its solicitation for the SEWP V contract vehicle for IT and audio/visual products and product-based services.... Mills’ replacement On Aug. 20, the Small Business Administration announced that Jeanne Hulit is the new Acting Administrator.... Good-bye to Napolitano Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano gave a farewell speech on Aug. 27..... Travel spending down Federal travel card spending has dropped by 17% this fiscal year..... ICE employee on leave A small business specialist with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency is on leave.....