(Click on headlines below to read each full story.) Women-owned small firms making gains in federal contracting: survey Women small business owners are quicker to win their first federal contract, in comparison to their male counterparts, according to a new survey by American Express OPEN. Upcoming LPTA set-asides total $7.7B Despite objections from contractors, the government’s push for LPTA--low price, technically acceptable--procurements appears to be gathering momentum, according to new research from Market Connections and Centurion Research. Air Force commits $1.5B to OASIS-SB The General Services Administration's “OASIS-SB” professional services contracting vehicle--small business track--already has a substantial amount of contracts in the pipeline, according to Jim Ghiloni, program manager. New guidance on per diems The government changed its per diem rates on Oct. 1, and now the Defense Contract Audit Agency has issued additional guidance for contractors. Shutdown uncertainty lingers The 29 House and Senate budget negotiators have begun meeting on a spending and deficit deal, and some lawmakers made it clear they want to avoid another government shutdown. Column: Some year-end accounting issues for small government contractors If you’re like most small contractors, the extent of financial oversight consists of focus on the bottom line and your bank balance. Keeping up with getting your invoices out and paying your vendors can consume much of your time. Washington Insider: $300M FSSI award Sapient Government Services announced it had signed a Blanket Purchase Agreement with the General Services Administration to provide management support services to support strategic sourcing initiatives.... Vendor suspension bill A House committee approved legislation that would consolidate federal agency suspension and debarment offices.... ‘Buy American’ audits The Defense Department’s Inspector General plans to audit “Buy American Act” compliance.... ‘Prices paid’ Web portal The White House is beta-testing a new Web portal to compare “prices paid” on federal contracts.... Single FOIA portal The White House told the Open Government Partnership it plans to launch a single online Freedom of Information Act portal....