On December 17, the Small Business Administration (SBA) published its final rule in response to its August 2024 proposed rule and the ensuing comments from the industry. The rule will have a substantial impact on the obligations of government contractors and the small business M&A landscape.Continue Reading New SBA Rule Overhauls Small Business M&A Landscape
President Trump Revokes Executive Order 11246
“Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity” (Order) is one of President Trump’s most recent executive orders. The Order was signed on January 21, 2025. The Order revoked Executive Order EO11246 (EO11246), along with several other previously enacted executive orders aimed at promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. EO11246 has been in
Upcoming Webinar | How the SBA’s New Rule Will Reshape GovCon M&A: What Small Business Owners Need to Know
Join me on January 29 for a webinar where I’ll break down the new SBA final rule that’s set to reshape the GovCon M&A landscape starting in 2025. If you’re a small business owner planning a sale, merger, or acquisition or even maintaining your small business status, this is information you can’t afford to miss.
Continue Reading Upcoming Webinar | How the SBA’s New Rule Will Reshape GovCon M&A: What Small Business Owners Need to Know
Bid Protest Minute: Bidders Beware – Clearly Stated Solicitation Requirements Control
On November 15, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) denied a protest from AtVentures, LLC, a mentor-protégé joint venture, who challenged its exclusion from consideration for award on the basis that it was able to use the past performance of its protégé’s wholly-owned subsidiary to satisfy a solicitation requirement. GAO’s decision represents a cautionary tale for bidders who wish to use the past performance of affiliates—follow the instructions, or else!Continue Reading Bid Protest Minute: Bidders Beware – Clearly Stated Solicitation Requirements Control
“Small” Space Companies: Growth Comes at a Cost
Space has become central to protecting U.S. national security interests as Americans increasingly rely on space-based services to support everyday life. As a result, the U.S. government has bolstered investment in the space sector creating a wealth of opportunities for contractors. For example, the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD) budget request for fiscal year 2025 is seeking $33.7 billion for space programs. Continue Reading “Small” Space Companies: Growth Comes at a Cost
Register Now | Small Businesses as Inorganic Growth Targets Webinar
Join me on December 3 for a webinar where I’ll dive into why small GovCon businesses with set-aside designations could be particularly attractive for acquisition in 2025. If you’re looking to enter the full and open market, acquiring a set-aside company may be a strategic path to hitting that elusive $100 million revenue target before selling.Continue Reading Register Now | Small Businesses as Inorganic Growth Targets Webinar
DoD Announces Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification 2.0 Final Rule (Finally!)
After numerous fits and starts, on October 14, the Department of Defense (DoD) published a final rule implementing the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program. Borne from documented deficiencies in the implementation of DoD-mandated security controls throughout the defense supply chain, the new CMMC program is a verification requirement to ensure contractors are complying with cybersecurity requirements at FAR 52.204-21, DFARS 252.204-7012, and DFARS 252.204-7020. Importantly, beginning in 2025 DoD RFPs will mandate the CMMC level contractors must meet in order to be eligible for award.Continue Reading DoD Announces Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification 2.0 Final Rule (Finally!)
Webinar | CMMC is Here (Finally!): What Contractors Should Know
Join us for a webinar on navigating the DoD’s new CMMC compliance requirements, implementation timeline, and key cybersecurity controls contractors need to meet eligibility for contract awards.Continue Reading Webinar | CMMC is Here (Finally!): What Contractors Should Know
DOD’s Office of Strategic Capital Announces First Notice of Funding Availability
On September 30, the Department of Defense’s (DOD) Office of Strategic Capital (OSC) announced a notice of funding availability (NOFA) of up to $984 million in loans aiming to support the financing of certain covered technology equipment. For years, DOD has attempted to find new ways to encourage the development of certain key technologies and integrate them into the defense industrial base. Continue Reading DOD’s Office of Strategic Capital Announces First Notice of Funding Availability
SBA Seeks to Make Changes to Recertification Requirements for Multiple-Award Contracts
On August 23, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) issued a proposed rule that would make significant changes to SBA’s recertification requirements. Most notably, the rule would change when size and socioeconomic status are determined and amend when a contractor’s eligibility under certain multiple-award contracts upon recertification. Continue Reading SBA Seeks to Make Changes to Recertification Requirements for Multiple-Award Contracts