VA final rule: ‘VA Rule of 2’ applies to FSS buys

      The VA issued a final rule, effective Nov. 1, to make certain procurement practices official in the VA Acquisition Regulation (VAAR).

      Specifically, the final rule states that the “VA Rule of 2” for procurements from veteran-owned small firms applies to all VA contracts--including buys from interagency acquisition vehicles such as the Federal Supply Schedules (FSS).

      Under the VA Rule of 2, the VA must set aside procurements for veteran-owned small firms “whenever market research provides the contracting officer with a reasonable expectation of receiving two or more offers/quotes from eligible and verified SDVOSBs or VOSBs, and award can be made at a fair and reasonable price that offers best value to the government,” the final rule states.

Read more:
Final rule: https://bit.ly/3Fm6n9V

GSA adds SDVOSB pool to Polaris

      The GSA announced it is adding a fourth pool to its upcoming Polaris GWAC Multiple-Award IT services contract that is set aside for SDVOSBs only.

      GSA already has pools for Small Business, HUBZone and WOSBs in the Polaris contract. The agency added that Polaris will support Executive Order 13985, “Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government.” The support for the EO apparently will occur within the existing pool structure. GSA officials were not immediately available to comment.

Read more at:
GSA news release: https://bit.ly/3izeIxa

Accelerated payments proposed rule

      DOD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to revise the FAR to provide for accelerated payments to small business prime contractors and to firms that subcontract with small businesses.

      The change would implement Section 873 of the NDAA for fiscal 2020. The accelerated payments goal generally would be 15 days after receipt of a proper invoice. It would not apply if the contract itself sets a specific payment date.

      Comments are due by Nov. 29.

Read more at:
proposed rule: https://bit.ly/3BfKmaj

DOD falls short on fraud risk management

      The Defense Dept. has not implemented a comprehensive approach to fraud risk assessment and reduction, according to a new report from the GAO. In one example, while a DOD-wide risk reduction task force was created, its membership is incomplete.

Read more at:
GAO report: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-21-309

Inside this edition:

House raises goal for small biz primes’ procurements to 25%

COVID-19 clauses in effect shortly

GOP reps now oppose 25% small biz goal

CR funds gov’t until Dec. 3

Buy American to be expanded

'Top 100’ contractor misconduct

1M seek PPP forgiveness

Column: Schedule these New Year’s Tasks for Completion in October

Washington Insider:

Coronavirus Update