We’re headed back to Knoxville, Tennessee this week. On December 9th, Bryan King and I will speak on a panel at the 16th Annual Business Opportunities Conference hosted by the Energy, Technology and Environmental Business Association (ETEBA). Bryan will participate in “Protest Proof your Proposal,” and I’ll be a part of, “SBA Update: Women Owned
The Trans-Pacific Partnership: Impact on Trade and Procurement
Late in the night of October 5, 2015, twelve countries concluded negotiations on a groundbreaking free-trade agreement to liberalize trade. The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is a free-trade agreement between the United States, Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Singapore, New Zealand and Vietnam.
The TPP, which still requires approval from Congress, is part of the Obama Administration’s efforts to gain market access in the growing economies of Asia and balancing out China’s increasing economic influence. While China, South Korea and other major players in Asia are not parties to the agreement, there is hope that they will choose to join. Several nations, including Indonesia and the Philippines, have already expressed interest in joining the agreement once it goes into effect.
Like all free-trade agreements, the TPP requires the countries involved to substantially reduce barriers to trade, including tariffs on goods and services. While some tariffs will be eliminated entirely, tariffs on politically sensitive goods such as automobiles, types of apparel and dairy products will drop more gradually.Continue Reading The Trans-Pacific Partnership: Impact on Trade and Procurement
Ten Unique Issues to Consider When Buying or Selling a Government Contractor
Bass, Berry & Sims attorney Todd Overman authored “Ten Unique Issues to Consider When Buying or Selling a Government Contractor,” outlining 10 helpful tips unique to acquisitions involving government contractors. The areas discussed include:
- Structuring the transaction – stock vs. asset purchase?
- How to deal with a corporate conversion
- Novation tips for the unwary
- Will
Items Only Need to be Included on GSA Contract at Order Issuance Date
A recent decision by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) made it clear that ordered items only need to be included on an awardee’s Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) contract at the time the order is issued, and not at an earlier date. On October 2, 2015 GAO denied a protest by AmeriGuard Security Services, Inc. over
Event: LMCI Attorneys Conference
Next month, I’ll be headed to Las Vegas to discuss the “Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces” proposed rule and accompanying guidance at the Labor Management Cooperation Institute’s (LMCI) Attorneys Conference. The conference aims to bring labor and management lawyers from a diverse array of construction and industrial sectors together to discuss issues of common concern.
DoD Eases Procurement Restrictions on Cuba-Owned Firms
A final rule issued on October 30, 2015 removes Cuba from the definition of “state sponsor of terrorism” in two DFARS clauses. The new rule implements the State Department’s action to remove Cuba from the List of State Sponsors of Terrorism. The new rule affects DFARS 252.255-7049, Prohibition on Acquisition of Commercial Satellite Services from
DoD Report Highlights FY14 Spending Trends and Priorities in All 50 States
Although federal government defense spending grew significantly from 2000 to 2010, spending by the Department of Defense (DoD) has been on the decline ever since. The recent cut in defense spending can be attributed to the troop drawdown in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as the Budget Control Act of 2011. With defense spending expected
SBA Testifies on Status of Expansion of Mentor-Protégé Program to All Small Businesses
John Shoraka, Associate Administrator of Government Contracting and Business Development at the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), testified before the House Committee on Small Business Subcommittee on Contracting and the Workforce on October 27, 2015. Concerns were raised regarding the stagnant progress of implementing the expansion of the mentor-protégé program as provided for in
Event: Headaches and Hot Spots: A Review of the Changing World of M&A in the Global Aerospace and Defense Industry
In a couple of days, I’ll be headed north to Montreal, Canada, to join leading aerospace and defense investment bankers and advisors at the 2015 Fall Meeting hosted by the International Law Section of the American Bar Association. I’ll be speaking at “Headaches and Hot Spots: A Review of the Changing World of M&A in
Event: Preparing Your Government Contractor for Sale
I’m heading to Oak Ridge, Tennessee again next week to present “Preparing Your Government Contractor for Sale: How to Maximize Value and the Importance of Internal Controls” with Ted Hotz of Pugh CPAs.
Join us on Tuesday, October 13 from 11:30-1:30 at the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce (1400 Oak Ridge Turnpike).
Why should you