GSA’s inspector general said IT contractor GovConnection has agreed to pay the government $2.6 million to settle claims it overcharged buyers on its GSA schedule contract.

GovConnection, a subsidiary of PC Connection Inc. of Merrimack, NH, did not admit wrongdoing.

An IG audit in 2003 found evidence that the company and its predecessor, ComTeq Federal Inc., overcharged the government and failed to pay GSA fees on the sales, according to a GSA statement.

SBA’s new deputy administrator, Jovita Carranza, says her 30 years’ experience with delivery giant United Parcel Service is relevant to her new job. Both UPS and SBA, she said, have “a network whose employees are dedicated to meeting the service needs of small businesses and the communities they serve. Like large corporations, small businesses expect timely assistance in the delivery of services.”

“I will bring to the Small Business Administration a goal-oriented management philosophy with a history of successes on two continents,” Carranza said.

The Senate confirmed her nomination on Dec. 9.

She started with UPS in 1976 as a night-shift clerk and worked her way up to vice president of air operations.

The number of small business loans outstanding under $100,000 increased 25% between June 2004 and June 2005, according to a report by SBA’s Office of Advocacy. The increase came mostly from credit card use by small businesses.

The report also noted that the number of small business loans outstanding between $100,000 and $1 million increased 5% during the same period.

The Air Force has named John Caporal acting director of its Office of Small Business Programs. He succeeds Joseph Diamond, who retired.

In the office’s newsletter, Caporal reported preliminary figures show the Air Force awarded 16.6% of prime contract dollars to small firms in 2006. Its goal was 15.5%.

The Professional Services Council has elected Jim O’Neill, president of Northrop Grumman Information Technology, as its chairman.

Phil Nolan, president of Stanley Associates, was elected vice chairman for 2007 at the board of directors meeting this month.