Push Is On For Performance-Based Contracts
The Office of Federal Procurement Policy has told agencies that 40% of services contracts in 2005 should be performance-based.

House Votes to Block Job Competition Rules
For the second straight year, the House defied a veto threat and voted to block job competitions under the Bush administration’s revised Circular A-76.

Congress Votes To Release Funds For Women's Business Centers
Both houses of Congress have passed legislation that would free up $4 million in federal grants to women’s business centers.

Senate Panel Boosts SBA Budget
The Senate Appropriations Committee voted to restore funding for SBA’s 7(a) loan program and Microloan program in its fiscal 2005 appropriation for the agency.

Consolidation Rule Set For DOD Contracts
The Defense Department requires written justification of any consolidated contract worth more than $5 million under an interim rule effective Sept. 17.

51 Firms Named For COMMITS GWAC
Fifty-one companies won spots on COMMITS Next Generation, the governmentwide acquisition contract set aside for small IT firms.

GSA Advantage, e-Buy Get More Muscle
The General Services Administration has announced improvements to its online purchasing tools, GSA Advantage and e-Buy.

New Rules Planned For Time and Materials Contracts
The Federal Acquisition Regulation councils are asking for public comment on how to implement new authority to use time-and-materials and labor hour contracts.

8(a), SDB Certification Now Online
Companies can now apply online for certification in SBA’s 8(a) and small disadvantaged business programs through the agency’s website.