Senate CR has big cuts

Eventually the government shutdown will end, but even the best-case scenario includes likely major spending cuts for contractors.

The fiscal 2014 “clean” Continuing Resolution spending bill that passed the Senate set discretionary appropriations at only $986 billion, according to the Washington Post.

That is lower than President Obama’s original request of $1.2 trillion, lower than the $1.19 trillion in fiscal 2010 enacted spending and even lower than the $1.07 billion fiscal 2011 compromise.

More information: http://goo.gl/JOVsva

E-Verify, SSNs at risk

The E-Verify system run by the Homeland Security Department is not functioning during the shutdown.

It is one of several identity-related government programs that are either suspended or of uncertain status during the federal agency closures that went into effect Oct. 1, according to the National Law Review.

The Social Security Administration will not be accepting or processing new applications for Social Security Numbers. New employees are allowed to begin work without a Social Security number, but it could affect their ability to obtain a driver's license, open a bank account, secure credit or obtain other benefits.

The status of H1-b visa applications was uncertain.

More information: The National Law Review article: http://goo.gl/cnA658

Amazon wins cloud case

A judge ruled in favor of Amazon Web Services over IBM in the recent court battle to build the cloud computing infrastructure for the CIA, NSA and the rest of the intelligence community.

U.S. Court of Federal Claims Judge Thomas Wheeler made the decision on Oct. 7, according to an article by FCW.

More information: FCW article http://goo.gl/YkFjg7

SDV protest appeals

The Veterans Affairs Department published a new rule allowing appeals for protested companies found to be ineligible as SDVOSBs (service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses).

Under current rules, if a protested company was judged to be ineligible as an SDVOSB, its only recourse was to sue the VA in federal court.

Under the new rule, the protested SDVOSB has the right to an appeal within the VA. “It’s a step in the right direction,” Steven Koprince, government contracts attorney, wrote in a blog entry.

More information:Web link http://goo.gl/QxNsEV