Added guidance for 8(a) sole-source justifications

The Federal Acquisition Regulations Council proposed a rule to clarify guidance for 8(a) sole-source justifications for awards over $22 million. The council said the rule is in response to a GAO report from 2012. They said the goal is to make the justifications more consistent across agencies, not to expand their scope. Congress started requiring the justifications in 2010; implementation was in 2011.

More information: Federal Register notice: http://goo.gl/KCiIUp

DOD grants guidance

The Defense Department wants to update its regulations for grants and cooperative agreements with six new proposed rules. The goal is to organize the content to make it easier for users. Comments are due by Feb. 6,2017.

More information: Federal Register: http://goo.gl/4cyQBH

GSA Agile BPA

More small businesses than expected successfully won contracts in Pool Three of GSA’s Agile BPA, so GSA has decided not to award additional BPAs for Pools One and Two, Fedscoop reported.

More information: http://fedscoop.com/gsa-wont-award-remaining-agile-bpa-pools

DFARS issues final rule on independent research

The Defense Department published a final rule on Nov. 4 requiring contractors for independent research and development to engage in “technical interchanges” with DOD before IR&D costs are generated. Industry has expressed concerns that the rule would stifle innovation and would shift priorities to DOD interests. The rule took effect Nov. 4.

More information: Federal Register notice: http://goo.gl/9Hp5kU

Category management questioned

Lawsuit may set priority: Veterans or the disabled?

Dec. 2 deadline for closeouts

Column: Considerations when choosing a mentor or protege under the SBA’s programs

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