SBA proposes to hear appeals of VA certifications

      The SBA proposed a new rule to authorize its Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHA) to hear protests regarding eligibility to be included in the Veterans Affairs Dept.’s Center for Verification and Evaluation database. The database contains small businesses verified to be owned by veterans and service-disabled veterans and eligible for top priority in VA contracts.

      The change was authorized in the fiscal 2017 defense authorization bill. Comments are due by Oct. 30. Read the new proposed rule at http://goo.gl/93TnQZ

New surety bond changes

      Effective Sept. 20, the SBA made changes in its Surety Bond Guarantee Program, with the goal of increasing contract opportunities for small firms. The maximum guarantee percentage in the Preferred Surety Bond Program rose to 90%, from 70%. The Quick Bond Application amount increased to $400,000, from $250,000.

More information: SBA release: http://goo.gl/T3bmEH

GAO reviews closeouts

      The GAO reviewed five agencies -- DOD, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Justice and State -- and found contracts overdue for closure for various reasons.

      One problem is DCAA’s backlog of incurred cost audits. In fiscal 2016 it took an average of 747 days to begin an audit.

More information: GAO report: http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-17-738

GAO: OSDBUs non-compliant

Loosening rules for disaster work

Few minorities, women win asset management contracts

Beta version of SAM.gov

A closer look at Sects. 851-854

Column: DCAA’s Pursuit of Penalties for Unallowable Costs

Washington Insider:

Correction to Sept. 22 issue