A lot of businesses are looking to the federal government and the public sector to keep their businesses profitable during an economically uncertain time. Thankfully, the U.S. government is taking steps to try to help out Economically Disadvantaged Businesses through methods like those outlined in the OMB Memorandum. The federal government is also prepared for times of emergencies and has put statutes and clauses in place that specifically address small business set-asides and sole-source opportunities in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and the Stafford Act. If you and your company are economically disadvantaged due to the effects of the Coronavirus, let’s review how set asides, sole source opportunities, and the updates to the MAS program can help your business.

As "shelter in place" orders are mandated across the country, unemployment surges, and commercial businesses are being required to close their doors, COVID-19 has caused considerable uncertainty for U.S. companies. Working with commercial customers can be confusing and concerning for small business as many consumers are looking to tighten their belts to face the economic hardship that the Coronavirus has caused. Thankfully there are some markets that are stable and even growing during this uncertain time. Selling to the government is a safe opportunity during times of crisis. With the $2 Trillion Coronavirus Stimulus Package coming into play, the federal government is one of the safest buyers in the world, and they need solutions now more than ever. Selling to the government is significantly different than selling commercial during times of crisis. The government is buying more due to the crisis and with the government’s fourth quarter quickly approaching, the government is buying on an even larger scale.

As the Coronavirus continues to surge, federal, state, and local governments are working to respond in a timely manner to reach those most susceptible to the disease and slow the spread. While social distancing is something that we all can do as individuals to respond to the crisis, it’s important to note how federal contractors come into the mix. We’ve mentioned how the General Services Administration can prepare for the pandemic and how contractors can best come to the aid of state and local governments through the Disaster Purchasing Program. Now that the military is starting to be called to contain the coronavirus, it’s crucial to consider how defense contracts will play the situation surrounding COVID-19. Enter DPAS. The Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) is used to prioritize national defense-related contracts/orders throughout the U.S. supply chain in order to support military, energy, homeland security, emergency preparedness, and critical infrastructure requirements. We’ve broken down DPAS to show you how it applies to you as a defense contractor.

President Donald Trump will reportedly be signing a disaster or emergency declaration under the Stafford Act today in response to the Coronavirus, or COVID-19. With universities closing, the N.B.A. suspending its season, and flights being cancelled left and right, the Coronavirus outbreak is no laughing matter. However, the outbreak should be confronted with facts and figures rather than hysteria. With regards to your government contract, the world will continue to turn. The General Services Administration is designed to continue to function in times of national emergency or disaster. GSA's Disaster Purchasing Program allows federal, state, and local governments to buy services and supplies directly from GSA Schedules to assist with disaster preparation, response, or major disaster recovery. Purchases made in support of recovery must be in response to a Stafford Act Presidential declaration, like the one President Trump is likely to announce this afternoon. So let’s break down how the GSA Schedule Program can help in a national emergency or disaster.

[This article was last updated on June 27, 2020] It’s no secret that the U.S. federal government has a great need for Drone and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in today’s day and age. If your company offers these products, then your 2020 resolution should be to get involved with the ASTRO program!

The Professional Services Schedule (PSS) is one of the top General Services Administration Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) Contracts. With so many opportunities, potential contractors may have some questions before submitting their proposal. We’ve compiled 5 Frequently Asked Questions to help dispel some confusion surrounding this contract!