Small businesses that receive a multiple-award schedule or other multiple-award contract will have to annually certify that they continue to meet the size standard for a small business, according to a proposed rule published by the Small Business Administration in the Federal Register April 25.
A proposed change to the fee agencies pay to use the General Services Administration's multiple-award schedules would result in substantial costs and administrative burdens on contractors and agencies, an IT trade association says.
Senior federal procurement executives strongly support robust, fair competition for federal work, the competitive sourcing process and making purchasing decisions based on best value rather than lowest cost, according to a study released today.
Mark Forman's job description hardly changes, but today he officially became the administrator for the Office of E-Government and IT within the Office of Management and Budget as the administration begins implementing the E-Government Act of 2002.
In a recent letter to Mitch Daniels, director of the Office of Management and Budget, a group of senators sharply criticized the administration's proposal to allow best-value contracting on a small portion of public-private competitions. Instead, the senators argued, public-private competitions should be based on "a combination of cost and quality."
The job of connecting citizens with the federal government isn't done once federal portals, such as www.regulations.gov and www.recreation.gov, go online. The public must know about the projects or they won't be a success, Rep. Adam Putnam, R-Fla., said April 9.
	A coalition of tech companies and associations is lobbying for permanent extension of the research and development tax credit. A temporary credit expires in June 2004.
	A proposed rule published April 3 in the Federal Register would require federal contractors to register in the Central Contractor Registration database before they are awarded a contract or other purchase agreement.
Greater numbers of Americans are using e-government services, but many still have serious concerns about the security and privacy of their online transactions with government, according to a new study.
Companies entering the federal market for the first time are often concerned about potential liability for consequential or punitive damages in connection with breach of a federal contract. These companies have heard horror stories about the occasional, huge award of damages against a contractor, typically in a state court, and they want to know if there is similar risk on federal contracts.
The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division, wants a contractor to support an A-76 study involving budget and financial program support services. The work requires using multiple government databases and software programs to provide logistical and financial controls. Details can be found at FedBizOpps.gov, solicitation no. N6133103R0035. Responses are due June 12.
	The Air Force Space Command is looking for contractors to provide management, technical expertise, tools, equipment, supplies, labor and quality control for data evaluation support services to the Technical Applications Center, Reactor Products Program.
	The Navy is developing requirements for converting technical manuals from electronic format to an interactive structure for people who use and maintain equipment aboard ships. The conversion will involve about 41,000 pages of text, tables, schematics, drawings, figures, fault isolation procedures and cable running sheets. Responses are due May 9. For more information, visit FedBizOpps.gov, solicitation no. N0016403R8W03.
	The Air Force Air Combat Command wants a small business contractor to provide around-the-clock maintenance and administration for all communication equipment at the Defense Satellite Communications System facility. Details are available at FedBizOpps.gov, solicitation no. F455CONS030001. Responses to a request for information are due May 1.
Dominic DeAngelo joined to give his company, Sonic Telecom Ltd., an entrée into the federal IT marketplace. Walter Hillabrant joined so his company, Support Services International Inc., would have more opportunities to win federal work.
<b>Address</b>Defense Commissary Agency<br>ATTN: SSP<br>1300 E Ave.<br>Fort Lee, VA 23801-1800<br>(804) 734-8253<br><a href= "http://www.commissaries.com">www.commissaries.com</a><b>Founded:</b> 1991<b>Director:</b> Air Force Maj. Gen. Michael Wiedemer<b>Employees:</b> About 18,000
A proposed rule would require all federal contractors to register in the Central Contractor Registration database before they are awarded any contract, basic agreement, basic ordering agreement or blanket purchase agreement.
<b>Address</b>Army Corps of Engineers441 G St. NWWashington, DC 20314(202) 761-0008<a href= "http://www.usace.army.mil">www.usace.army.mil</a><b>Founded:</b> 1775<b>Commander:</b> Lt. Gen. Robert Flowers<b>Employees:</b> 34,600 civilian, 650 military
Fourteen senators asked Appropriations Committee leaders to help restore funding for the Small Business Innovation Research program, which provides research and development funds to small businesses. Funding for the program was cut in the omnibus appropriations bill.
