Expanded Women’s Set-Aside Doesn’t Quiet Critics
SBA intends to expand its women’s contracting program to allow set-asides in 31 industries, rather than the four industries in its previous proposal, but it will not retreat from one controversial requirement: Before any contract can be set aside for woman-owned firms, the procuring agency must show that it has discriminated against women in that industry.

The List
Industries in which SBA proposes to allow set-aside contracts for woman-owned businesses.

Men Head Many “Woman-Owned” Firms
The U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce says male chief executive officers headed nearly half of the woman-owned firms listed as the leading government contractors in 2007, raising questions about whether contract dollars going to women are being overstated.

GSA Panel Votes to Kill Price Reduction Clause
A GSA advisory panel has recommended gradually eliminating the price reduction clause for purchases of products as well as services through GSA Schedules.

GAO Rejects Parity Rule for Service-Disabled Vets
The Government Accountability Office has ruled that service-disabled veteran-owned businesses are not entitled to equal preference with 8(a) and HUBZone firms in set-asides.

Small Disadvantaged Businesses May Self-Certify
SBA is allowing small disadvantaged businesses to self-certify their eligibility on subcontracts, abolishing a certification program that has been widely criticized as cumbersome and costly.

Army Corps Updates East Coast BRAC Projects
The Army Corps of Engineers Norfolk District anticipates making more than $10 billion in construction awards for Base Realignment and Closing projects.

Legal Issues: Compliance With the Trade Agreements Act
Contractors on the GSA Federal Supply Schedule need to understand compliance issues presented by the Trade Agreements Act.