Mentor-Protégé Joint Ventures: Recent GAO Protest Decision
Mentor-protégé joint ventures are becoming a dominant strategy in federal contracting. This blog explores a recent GAO decision on a protest involving AccelGov and Team CSI, highlighting key takeaways on proposal evaluation, small business eligibility, and best-value tradeoff decisions.
GAO Sustains Protest Over NIH Task Order Evaluation
The GAO sustained TISTA Science and Technology Corporation’s protest over an NIH task order evaluation, citing unfair treatment in surge staffing and proposal assessments. Learn the key takeaways and implications for federal contractors.
Participatory AI in the Public Sector: Bridging Innovation and Community Trust
Participatory AI design is essential for ensuring ethical, transparent, and equitable AI integration in public governance. A new report by Devansh Saxena and colleagues explores emerging best practices, procurement policies, and stakeholder engagement strategies to enhance AI accountability and community trust in government decision-making.
Regulatory Shifts in Government Contracts and Grants
This blog summarizes Taft Law Firm’s analysis of key contract clauses affecting federal contractors and grantees amid regulatory changes. Learn about stop-work orders, terminations, payment delays, and cost recovery strategies.
GAO Dismisses Protest in Army Contract Award Dispute
GAO dismisses bid protest by Major Contracting Services, Inc. over Army contract award, citing lack of evidence on bias, past performance, and procurement violations.
The U.S. Coast Guard’s Infrastructure Crisis: $7 Billion in Unmet Needs and Growing Challenges
The GAO reports that the Coast Guard faces a $7 billion backlog in infrastructure projects, with nearly half of its assets beyond their service life. Chronic underfunding and outdated management practices exacerbate the crisis, threatening mission readiness.
The Urgent Need for FAA’s Air Traffic Control Modernization
FAA’s aging air traffic control systems pose serious risks to flight safety and efficiency, with 37% deemed unsustainable. The GAO-25-108162 report highlights delays in FAA’s modernization efforts, funding challenges, and oversight failures. Without urgent action, ATC failures could disrupt national airspace. Learn why modernization is critical and what steps the FAA must take now.
The Pentagon’s Real Estate Challenge: Underutilized Facilities and the Push for Accountability
The GAO report highlights inefficiencies in how the Department of Defense manages underutilized and excess facilities, costing taxpayers billions. This article summarizes key findings, challenges, and recommendations for improving DOD real estate oversight.
Enhancing the Defense Innovation Unit’s Impact
The GAO’s latest report, GAO-25-106856, evaluates the Defense Innovation Unit’s effectiveness in adopting commercial technology for the military. It highlights gaps in performance assessment, challenges in scaling innovations, and opportunities to improve collaboration. Read how DIU 3.0 aims to address these issues and enhance national defense capabilities. #DefenseInnovation
GAO Denies Protest of The Mission Essential Group, LLC on NSA Contract Exclusion
GAO denies Mission Essential’s protest challenging its exclusion from the NSA’s LUCIDLOBSTER contract. The decision highlights key evaluation deficiencies, from staffing issues to innovation failures, underscoring the importance of proposal compliance. Learn the key takeaways from B-423053; B-423053.2.
Responding to Government Contract Terminations
The second Trump administration’s en masse contract terminations raise legal concerns for federal contractors. Learn how to respond, potential legal challenges under the Contract Disputes Act, and how abuse of discretion could entitle contractors to lost profits. Insights from Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP.
Presidential Order on Federal Spending February 26, 2025: What It Means for Government Contractors
The February 26 executive order introduces stricter oversight on federal spending, requiring contract reviews and justifications within 30 days. While military contracts are exempt, ambiguous language raises questions about defense procurement. Learn how this order could impact government contractors and what to watch for in upcoming reviews.
GAO Dismisses Protest in Army Task Order Award Dispute
GAO dismisses protest by Operations Services, Inc. over Army task order award, citing misstatements of solicitation requirements and speculative claims. Learn why OSI’s protest failed and what this means for federal contractors.
GAO’s 2025 High-Risk Report: Billions at Stake in Government Efficiency and Oversight
The GAO’s 2025 High-Risk Series report highlights 38 areas of government inefficiency, identifying major financial risks and potential savings. With improper payments, cybersecurity threats, procurement delays, and disaster relief inefficiencies costing billions, the report underscores the need for urgent reform. Read more on how GAO findings could shape federal government improvements.
Stop Work Orders: Consequences for Contractors
Government contractors facing Stop Work Orders must act quickly to minimize financial risk. Learn how to respond, track costs, and prepare Requests for Equitable Adjustments. Understand compliance under FAR regulations and strategies for resuming work or settling contracts. Get expert guidance on managing government contract disruptions effectively. Stay informed and protect your business.
The Walsh Construction Protest and the Removal of Project Labor Agreement Requirements
A GAO decision denied Walsh Construction’s protest against the Army Corps of Engineers' removal of a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) requirement. The ruling clarifies how federal procurement regulations apply to IDIQ contracts and highlights evolving legal challenges to PLA mandates. Learn about the implications for contractors navigating federal construction projects.
Conflicts Over Americans’ Personal Data Spark Federal Debate
A new executive order and agency oversight shakeups under the Trump administration raise concerns over privacy and access to Americans' personal data. Legal experts and advocacy groups challenge the move, citing risks to consumer protections.
How the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) is Amended: A Guide for Government Contractors
Learn how the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) is amended, from regulatory rulemaking to congressional mandates. Learn about the role of the FAR Council, OFPP, and public comment periods in shaping federal procurement policies. Stay informed on FAR updates to ensure compliance and competitive advantage in government contracting.
Understanding Contractor Team Arrangements (CTAs) in GSA Schedule Contracts
Contractor Team Arrangements (CTAs) are unique to GSA Schedule contracts, allowing multiple Schedule holders to collaborate as co-prime contractors while maintaining individual responsibilities. Learn how CTAs differ from traditional teaming and why they offer flexibility in federal contracting.
Another Impending Government Shutdown?
Potential government shutdowns pose serious risks for federal contractors, including delayed payments, stop-work orders, and financial instability. As budget negotiations stall, contractors must prepare for disruptions. Learn about the latest political developments and strategies to mitigate shutdown risks. Stay informed with Fed Contract Pros’ insights on government contracting challenges.