Federal contractors are preparing for a shutdown

Brace yourselves, it could get ugly. That’s the message around Washington as millions of federal workers and contractors prepare for a possible government shutdown starting Oct. 1.

Contracting specialists and legal advisors say obtaining information can be tough during a shutdown, and contractors should be prepared for chaotic conditions.

General guidance is to:

• Keep working until the contracting officer or other authorized agent of the government issues a written stop-work order;
• Keep track of the costs to implement the stop-work order and during any stopped work. Some of those costs might be recoverable.
• Have an alternative plan, such as offering training, vacation or leave.

PSC unhappy with cyber guidance for IT contracts

The Professional Services Council, an industry group of federal contractors said it has “significant concerns” regarding the Office of Management and Budget’s draft cybersecurity acquisition guidance.

“We view the current draft version of the guidance as being too little, too late and too flexible,” PSC President Stan Soloway wrote.

The guidance lacks common definitions for federal acquisition, does not provide guidance on contractor training, and does not provide contract terms and conditions, the PSC said. It recommended that OMB either revise or withdraw the guidance.

More information: PSC statement http://goo.gl/4QFzYc

DOJ cuts $70M in travel

The Justice Department has decreased its conference spending by more than $70 million from fiscal years 2010 and 2014, according to a report from the DOJ inspector general.

In 2007 and 2011, the IG conducted audits that found a lack of external controls and excessive costs for conferences. In 2012, the department issued strict new approval procedures for conference spending.

Between fiscal years 2010 and 2014, DOJ conference costs fell from $92 million in fiscal 2010 to less than $20 million in fiscal 2014.

Events sponsored by DOJ components dropped from 1,740 events, to only 445 events, in the period.

More information: IG report: https://oig.justice.gov/reports/2015/a1531.pdf

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