Contracting Resources for Veteran-Owned Small Businesses
Veteran’s Day is right around the corner and to honor Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs), we have compiled a list of GSA resources available to help them succeed. The Small Business Administration (SBA) and GSA have several programs designated to assisting Veteran-Owned Small Businesses as they integrate into the federal marketplace. The federal government aims to award at least 3% of all federal contracting dollars to Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs), each year so there are a lot of contracting opportunities out there.
For the interest of GSA, the Veteran Federal Procurement Entrepreneurship Program specializes in training Veteran-Owned and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses nationwide in pursuing or already engaged in federal procurement. VOSBs also have access to federally owned personal property through GSA’s Federal Surplus Personal Property Donation Program. In addition, the Department of Veteran Affairs awards a large sum of contracts to veteran-owned business each year through their Veterans First Contracting Program designated for government set-asides. These are just a few resources that help support veteran business owners through the federal procurement process. For more information on resources for Veteran-Owned Small Businesses check out our recent blog.
Couldn't make it to last month's Lunch & Learn webinar? Watch it here on demand. We cover resources to help you prepare your GSA MAS Offer, how to conduct preliminary market research and look for opportunities, and how to properly follow MAS compliance.
In this virtual 1-hour training session you can expect: an introduction of the Facilities Maintenance and Management Schedule, to have a better understanding of the facilities related solutions that are available on the Multiple Award Schedule (MAS), ordering options and flexible features, and helpful tips on how to use the schedule and gain access to the 600+ contractors under the MAS. Register here.
Join GSA for their monthly office hours where you can engage with policy makers, program managers, and leaders. This month’s topic is how to market your GSA Schedule. You can register here.
CRITICAL INFORMATION
The COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate for Federal Contractors
Millions of federal contractors and subcontractors must get the COVID-19 vaccine by December 8, 2021, unless they are granted a legal exemption. This includes all remote and in-person employees who are working under a “covered” contract. Who is affected by this mandate? Let’s break it down.
All service contracts, construction contracts, and contracts with federal property or land above the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT) of $250,000 must comply. However, this guidance extends far beyond the prime contractors and subcontractors. It also includes contractor employees working in connection with a “covered” contract, like HR professionals and quality control officers, or anyone who comes into contact with employees listed above at contractor facilities. This includes in the elevator, restrooms, and cafeterias. The list above is extensive, but not all inclusive. The government is also encouraging agencies to apply the guidance to products contracts as well.
Although this order doesn't affect all contracts, ALL GSA contractors must accept Mass Mod A837 which implements the vaccine mandate and other COVID safety measures. This Mass Mod must be accepted by November 14, 2021. For more information on this order, check out our blog.
QUICK TIP OF THE MONTH
What is CMMC and Why is it Relevant to Contractors?
If you are a government contractor who works with the Department of Defense (DoD) or related contracts, then you should know you are subject to the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification, or CMMC. CMMC is a set of cybersecurity requirements that are placed on government contractors to ensure that they are properly handling and protecting sensitive information. This system was largely created to ensure that DoD contractors were held to a universal standard for cybersecurity practices.
Proper implementation of CMMC is vital to protect sensitive government information from being stolen or sold. Recently, the Defense Logistics Agency has started to increase their efforts to ensure full implementation of CMMC. As of August 16th, 2021, contractors will not be considered for contract awards or renewals unless they have recently assessed their cybersecurity systems against NIST 800-171 and reported it via the DOD Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS).
It’s vital for contractors who are working with the DoD to be fully caught up on CMMC requirements and timelines, so they don’t miss out on key opportunities. To learn more about CMMC and what you need to do to stay compliant, check out our blog here.
EMERGING BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
IT and Telecom – Cyber Security and Data Backup
The Department of Defense has issued a pre-solicitation for the award for Risk Management Framework (RMF) security authorization package creation and maintenance. This opportunity is listed under NAICS code 541519 - Other Computer Related Services. The anticipated response date is December 17, 2021. For more information check the full solicitation under Notice ID N0017821R4413.
Payroll Specialist
The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Technical Assistance has issued a pre-solicitation for a Financial Specialist (Payroll) to provide payroll services for its Washington, D.C.-based headquarters. This opportunity is listed under NAICS Code 928120 - International Affairs. Responses due December 31, 2021. More information can be found under Notice ID 2032K821R00028.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What is CPARS?
A: Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) ratings are annual performance reviews submitted by government agencies to document how well contractors are performing on their contracts. CPARS is used to assess contractors for their performance in areas such as technical, regulatory compliance, management, and small business subcontracting. These ratings are important because they can influence future contract award decisions.
Q: Which Contracts Receive CPARS Ratings?
A: You are subject to CPARS ratings if:
Your contract exceeds the Simplified Acquisition Threshold of $250,000 (excluding construction and architecture-engineer contracts).
You have an architect-engineer contract greater than or equal to $35,000.
Your construction contract exceeds $750,000.
You are providing critical supplies to the government and are subject to further reporting.
Q: When Are CPARS Ratings Given?
A: CPARS evaluations are released once a year throughout the life of the contract and once more when the work under the contract is completed. For example, if you have a 5-year contract, you will have Interim Reports for years 1 through 4, and a Final Report for the 5th year. Government agencies can write an optional Addendum Report after the contract is completed.
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