HSBC approves STEP reauthorization

      The House Small Business Committee on Sept. 21 approved a bill (HR 8844) to reauthorize and improve the SBA’s State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) through fiscal 2026.

      The bill would make new small businesses--less than a year old--eligible. It also would create a standard application process, increase spending flexibility for grant recipients, improve communication between SBA and states, collect performance metrics and report to Congress, Committee Chair Nydia Velazquez, D-NY, said in a news release.

Read more:
Committee press release: https://bit.ly/3ruBBpx

VA making progress on acquisition risks

      The VA has made progress in addressing GAO’s concerns about its acquisition management, officials testified to a House committee on Sept. 20. VA’s Acquisition Management has been on GAO’s High-Risk List since 2109.

      “As of August 2022, 37 of the 51 High Risk List-related recommendations had been closed, including two priority recommendations; and 14 recommendations remained open,” testified Michael D. Parrish, the VA’s chief acquisition officer. VA is negotiating closure of the remaining 14, he added.

Read more at:
Veterans Committee hearing materials: https://bit.ly/3yeloZw

Inside this edition:

Deadlines for SDVOSBs

Congress passes SBIR/STTR bill that toughens requirements

Continuing Resolution approved until Dec. 3

Small biz bills have last-minute chance to pass Congress: Pt. 1

Push for SDBs in DOT work

TDR should be canceled: IG

OASIS+ gets 8th update

Column: SBA’s Proposed Rule Alters the Landscape for Size and Status Protests

Washington Insider:

Coronavirus Update