(Click on headlines below to read each full story.) News Analysis: The MicroTech investigation: Are small biz contract rules too complex? When a major newspaper took a close look at a small federal contractor in a big investigative series recently, the result was not exactly what you might expect. Agency officials: ‘concerns’ about LPTA; Study: LPTA use rising Despite a recent push for lowest-price technically-acceptable (LPTA) procurements within the federal government, some officials are skeptical about the approach. NOAA: 47.8% in set-asides The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) spent 47.8% of its contracting dollars on small businesses in fiscal 2013, according to Mitch Ross, director of acquisition and grants. House approves DATA Act The House on Nov. 18 approved the DATA Act, which is viewed as significant legislation to bring more transparency to government spending. IT contract reform on the table The Healthcare.gov website’s woes could end up making federal IT procurement reform a higher priority for policy makers. Column: New rules governing size recertifications for small businesses: What you need to know before entering into a joint venture On Oct. 2, 2013, the SBA published its final rule amending the regulations pertaining to its policies and procedures for setting aside, partially setting aside, and reserving Multiple Award Contracts for small business concerns. This final rule formalizes many of the SBA’s policies regarding when a small business must recertify its size for a multiple award or long-term contract. Washington Insider: DC-area contract flaws The inspector general for the General Services Administration reported significant and recurring problems with GSA’s contracts in the National Capital Region.... Contract fraud update SDVOSB faker - A New Mexico construction company owner and his son-in-law have pleaded guilty to fraud in connection with $11 million in contracts intended for service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses.... Navy contract investigation - Three senior Navy intelligence officials are under investigation for allegedly charging the military $1.6 million for homemade firearm silencers.... DOD insourcing It’s not too late to submit a comment on the Defense Department new interim rule regarding contracting officials notifying vendors of insourcing plans.... More DOD cuts coming Fiscal 2013 budget cuts at the Defense Department were bad, but fiscal 2014 will be worse....