Insights

Important Updates on DHS PACTS II, GSA Ascend and VA T4NG2

What Is A Qualified ‘Made In USA’ Claim?

Record Federal Contract Awards Made to Small Disadvantaged Businesses

Another Minority Business Development Program Found Unconstitutional

What COVID Taught Us About International Trade and Supply Chains

Foundations of GOVCON-Types of Contracts

Key Take Aways from Annual Review – Hot Issues in Federal Contracting

DoD, GSA and NASA Final Rule: Trade Agreements Thresholds

Sanctions Compliance: What You Need To Know Now

As February comes to an end, the flurry of sanctions surges on. The new sanctions,…

Limitations on Subcontracting – Long Overdue Reforms May Come Soon

For federal contract awards reserved partially or exclusively for qualified small business prime contractors, there…

US Import Tariffs & Duties: Know the Rules…

US business supply chain globalization has created a money-making bonanza for the US Government as…

Foundations of GOVCON – the Basics

We’ve gotten a number of inquiries lately on how government contracting works.  I thought it…

Increasing Task-Order Level Competition – By Not Requiring Pricing at Contract Formation

Pricing is an essential element of the evaluation of all federal contract awards – unless…

Claiming the Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit

This blog states what compliance must be prepared for by a Manufacturer of clean energy…

Cracking the Codes of Import and Export: HTS and ECCNs

In the world of international trade, understanding and adhering to regulations is crucial for businesses.…

GAO Task Order Protests – How is the $25 Million Dollar Threshold Determined? 

Under 10 U.S.C. 3406(f)(1), the GAO has jurisdiction to hear a protest of the issuance…

China Containment Through Export Pressure on Allies

Starting in 2022 and continuing through 2023, the US Government pressured many allied countries, particularly…

Alan Chvotkin Recently Featured in a Defense News Story

Alan Chvotkin was featured in an on-line Defense News story after a brief interview conducted…

Gifts Delivered by the Fiscal Year 2024 NDAA

In addition to the acquisition policy provisions in this year’s NDAA, there are numerous restrictions…

Are You Complying With the Berry Amendment?

Are you selling certain products to the Department of Defense (DoD)? Then, you may have…

TAA Compliance Simplified

This blog aims to simplify which rules apply to companies that procure goods for or…

Are You Ready For a Bounce in Global Trade in 2024?

The WTO and other world trade organizations predicted three to four percent global trade growth…

A Tale of Two CISOs (or, How to Keep Yourself From Being Indicted)

Recently, two CISOs handled the pressures of data security issues in different ways, resulting in…

Important Update on New FAR Rule on Supply Chain

Congress recently passed the Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act (FASCSA).  As of December 4,…

How To Fix the Risk of a Lapsed SAM Registration

Recent Court of Federal Claims decisions have strictly interpreted the relevant FAR provision regarding continuous…

How Does The United States Calculate ‘Benchmarks’ Regarding Exporters?

The US calculates the level of subsidy accorded to the foreign industry and based on…

DoD Proposes Making Its Mentor-Protégé Program Permanent

The 8(a) and All Small Mentor-Protégé programs officially merged into the new SBA Mentor Protégé…

Government Contractors Must Follow Export Control Regulations Unless….

Discover the 'GOV' US Export License Exception, simplifying controlled product and technology transfers to US…

New FAR Data Breach Notification & Cybersecurity Requirements

The federal government recently released two draft Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) rules for notice and…

How To Get Ahead of ITAR Compliance

If your company is a contractor or subcontractor, for the US Department of Defense, Airforce,…

Government Shutdown? Maybe. Being Prepared? Essential.

In a few days, our Federal Government will start a new federal fiscal year. We…

Is This the End of the SBA 8(a) Program?

Ultima Services Corporation is back in federal court again challenging the Small Business Administration’s 8(a)…

Elon Musk’s SpaceX Tests Limits of US Law – Who Can You Hire?

International trade law can dictate who your company can hire, advertise to hire, and terminate.…

Chvotkin Discusses New Rule from FAR with FedNewsRadio

Alan Chvotkin discussed a new rule from the Federal Acquisition Regulation Council called, “Acquisition 360”…

Can Vendors Now Rate Federal Agency Acquisitions? Almost!

After 5 years of regulatory gestation, the FAR Council finally published a final rule titled…

Business Email Compromises: What Do I Have to Worry About and What Do I Have to Do?

Business Email Compromises (BECs) have risen by 55% over the last six months.  Now, the…

Considerations for US Businesses When Attracting Foreign Investors

Securing investment in your business is crucial.  However, if that capital comes from a foreign…

How Long is Too Long – Government Extensions of Federal Contracts

Your team is waiting for the recompete to come out for a contract you have…

Chvotkin Discusses Supreme Court False Claims Act with FedNewsRadio

Centre Law & Consulting partner Alan Chvotkin discussed two key Supreme Court decisions relating to…

Federal Court Finds SBA’s 8(a) Program Unconstitutional

Periodically, there are judicial and press challenges to the constitutionality of SBA’s 8(a) minority business…

Wireless Electricity: It’s Here, Almost…

Though you will not be able to see electricity transmitted wirelessly at your business facility…

Protest Case Study

We recently won a protest for our client in the action ALLICENT TECHNOLOGY, LLC v.…

GovCon Expert Alan Chvotkin Breaks Down Controlled Unclassified Information & New Compliance Requirements for Contractors

In March 2016, pursuant to an initial Obama Executive Order, the National Archives published its…

Evaluate Oasis+ or Bid on Oasis – That is the Question

The Oasis solicitation has dropped and as expected there are a number of tracks depending…

Unlock Your Potential with Centre’s CSCM Program: Mastering Government Contract Management

Are you ready to take your career in government contracting to the next level? Look…

Generative Artificial Intelligence & Attribution

This blog addresses legal exposure using “Generative Artificial Intelligence” (AI) without attribution. Commercial law issues…

The End of SIP

GSA has formally announced the replacement for its long-in-the-tooth Schedule Input Program (SIP).  SIP is…

GSA Acquisition Advisory Committee Releases First Six Recommendations

On May 19, 2023, the GAP FAC made public its initial set of 6 recommendations…

Alan Chvotkin Joins Centre Law & Consulting

Centre Law, a leading government contracts law firm, is pleased to announce that Alan Chvotkin has…

Update: GSA Released Its Latest MAS Modification, Schedule MAS Refresh 16

We summarize the changes below. GSA Schedule holders will need to log into the MASS…

Read Beyond the Title: Important “Other” Changes Contained in SBA’s 8(a) Final Rule

On April 27, 2023, SBA published a final rule, effective May 30, 2023, making significant…

Contract Renegotiation at the VA

Oracle Cerner is the latest contractor attempting to modernize the VA’s electronic health records (EHR)…

Oasis Wherefore Art Thou

SH Synergy LLC and VCH Partners, LLC filed a pre-award protest against the GSA Polaris…

Centre Law & Consulting Awarded $600 Million Contract to Support Asset Forfeiture at DOJ, DHS

GSA Audits and Assessments

As GSA increases both the number of audits and scrutiny during those audits, Schedule holders…

Russia, A Continuing Unifying Catalyst

Global nation-state security alliances creating and promoting sanctions against Russia in response to the war…

3 Things to Know When Navigating Shifting US Trade Policies on China

Here are the top three policy trends that will affect your business with Chinese companies:…

Recent Decisions Impacting Joint Venture Agreements

Joint ventures continue to be a popular mechanism for offerors to compete for large procurements.…

A Primer on Past Performance for Federal Contractors

This is the ultimate guide to past performance. The government believes a contractor’s previous performance…

Reduced Trade Sanctions for Iran: How Embargoes Work

Iran is presently embargoed by the US government. An embargo is a comprehensive, country-specific, or…

Data Breach Case Studies

Some lessons learned from recent data breach incidents.

Understanding the Importance of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the US (HTSUS) in International Trade Law

Learn about the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the US (HTSUS) and how it determines import…

SAM.GOV Security Issue

Breaking news on security issue at sam.gov

Class Action Analysis: Employee Data Breach

Analysis of recent class action filed against employer. Discussion of lessons learned concerning for all…

CMMC: What do I do?

DOD's implementation of CMMC has led to widespread confusion. This blog discusses where every contract…

GSA Mass Modification 15

Brief summary of GSA MOD 15.

Federal Trade Commission Moves to Ban All Employer to Employee Non-Compete Agreements Nationwide

FTC moves to ban all non-compete agreements.

GAO: AWARDEE’S QUOTATION MISREPRESENTS AVAILABILITY OF KEY PERSONNEL – PROTEST SUSTAINED!

In ASRC Federal Data Solutions, LLC, 2022 WL 17505197 (12/2/2022) (ASRC), the GAO sustained a…

GSA Update

Trends we are seeing at the GSA, including SAM.gov problems, price adjustments, and increased audits.

GAO: AGENCY’S “BEST VALUE TRADEOFF” INADEQUATE, PROTEST SUSTAINED!

In KPMG, LLP, B-420949, 2022 WL 16921986 (11/7/22), the GAO sustained a post award protest,…

SBA’s REFUSAL TO PERMIT CORRECTION OF CLERICAL ERROR

NEW ENHANCEMENTS TO CFIUS

Organization Conflict of Interest Unreasonable: Protest Sustained

New: Secure Software Development Requirements

Technology Law Roundup with Brandon Graves

August was a busy month for proposed cybersecurity and privacy rules.  Not all of these…

International Trade Law: Duties, Tariffs, Restrictions

International trade law not only encompasses exports from the US but imports coming into the…

The Future of Cyber Insurance

Many of Centre's clients ask questions about cyber insurance.  More and more contracts require it,…

Important Update on Small Business Subcontractor Past Performance

The Small Business Administration (SBA) just implemented a new rule that establishes a process for…

Claims Court Has Jurisdiction Over Protests Under “Other Transaction Agreements” (OTAs)

International Trade Update with Dan Minutillo

The most obvious and far-reaching change to US policy regarding international trade law is the…

Yes, Employers – We Still Need to Talk About Covid

Last month, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) made several revisions to its guidance “What…

D.C. Pulls Back on Non-Compete Restrictions, But Many Remain Nationwide

On July 12, 2022, the D.C. City Council passed a significant amendment to its ban…

Proposed Key Personnel Departures Continue to Impact GAO’s Bid Protest Decisions

Recent bid protest decisions from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) continue to focus on…

SAM.gov and Accountability Failure

Some of you may have noticed that GSA is updating SAM.gov as part of a…

GAO: Agency Award of Delivery Under GSA Federal Supply Schedule was Improper

In Chicago American Manufacturing LLC., _ CPD_, 2022 WL 2438642 (5/23/2022) (CAM), the GAO granted…

Meet David Warner, Partner

As we continue to grow and evolve it's important that continue to highlight those who…

Cybersecurity Trends: Board Liability

There is a definite trend both in the development of the law and in settlement…

Federal Circuit: A Mandatory Source Under “ABILITYONE” Program Qualifies As A “Prospective Bidder” Under Law

In SEKRI, Inc. v. United States, 34 F.4th 1063, 2022 WL 1510321 (5/13/22), the Federal…

Meet Tyler Freiberger, Senior Associate Attorney

As we continue to grow and evolve it's important that continue to highlight those who…

DOJ and EEOC Issue Guidance on Employers’ Artificial Intelligence Discriminating Against Individuals with Disabilities

Last month the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued…

Seven Steps for an Effective Compliance Program for the Buy American Statute and Trade Agreements Act

Are you selling your products or services to the U.S. Government? If so, what does…

Designing a Defensible Security Program

Designing a Defensible Security Program: Most regulations require a reasonable security program. but few regulations…

GAO: Absent “Competitive Range” Determination, Agency’s Negotiations/Discussions with Only One Offeror Improper: Protest Sustained

In Rice Solutions, LLC, 2022 CPD 102, 2022 WL 1223945 (4/25/22) (Rice), the GAO sustained…

GSA Mass Modifications

GSA Schedule holders have a long-term contract with the government; if all option periods are…

CFIUs: Is There A Fly In The Ointment?

Meet Brandon Graves, Partner

As we continue to grow and evolve it's important that continue to highlight those who…

GAO: Agency Fails to Document and Support

In Starlight Corp., 2022 CPD 65, 2022 WL 912078 (3/14/22) the GAO sustained a post…

3 Major Tips for Small Businesses Doing Business with The Government

The stiff competition and complex regulations around government contracting can be daunting for small businesses…

Stricter Buy American Requirements May Be On The Horizon

Monthly Legal Update from David Warner

While it is anticipated Judge Jackson will being a new perspective to the bench, she…

Teaming Agreements Do’s and Don’ts

When you are considering whether to team with a partner for a federal government contracting…

GSA Acknowledges Reality, Permits Additional Flexibility on Price Increases

New Federal Cybersecurity Reporting Requirements

From Commercial to Government and Back Again: Inverse Licensing Regimes

GAO Sustained a Post Award Protest: Softrams, LLC, Chags Health Information Technology, LLC

GSA New Consolidation Phase

GSA recently implemented a new MAS Consolidation Phase, Phase 3.  Per this new guidance, a…

Legal Review: GAO: AWARDEE’S PROPOSAL MISREPRESENTED PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE OF KEY PERSONNEL

Barbara Kinosky’s Gov Con In/Out List for 2022 

Barbara Kinosky is the Managing Partner of Centre Law and Consulting.  She has more than…

Understanding the Timeline of Bid Protests at the GAO

The deadline to file a bid protest will depend on the type of protest you…

Cybersecurity Compliance for Government Contracting

2021 was a significant year for cybersecurity, both in view of breaches and the regulatory…

GSA: Mass Modifications Refresh

GSA has recently released a new Mass Modification Refresh, number 0009.  The majority of the…

“Award Limit Clause” Violates Full & Open Competition; Protest Sustained

Injunction of OSHA Mandate

Everything Government Contractors Need to Know About COVID Vaccine Mandates

Labor Day Ransomware Threat

The FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued an advisory concerning an…

Just Announced: GSA on Track to Debut Consolidated Schedule Solicitation October 1, 2019

Department of Labor Cybersecurity Guidelines Become Rules

GovCon Alerts

Don’t miss the latest government contractor news and developments from the Centre Law & Consulting's…

The Importance of Patch Updates and Validation

The release of software patches is, unfortunately, not news. But, we wanted to take this…

Vaccines for Federal Contractor Employees – Not Required, But Certainly Encouraged

Can employers require covid vaccine? New safety plans split government employees, contractors, and visitors into…

GSA Extends Moratorium on $25k minimum sales criteria through 9/30/2021

GSA extends moratorium on the enforcement of the minimum sales requirements of FAS clause I-FSS-639,…

GSA Interim Rule to Implement the Secure Federal Leases from Espionage and Suspicious Entanglements Act

GSA unveiled an interim rule requiring the "immediate owners" of high-security space rented to the…

Verified Products Portal (VPP) Implementation

GSA develops the Verified Products Portal (VPP), for manufacturers and wholesalers to provide product content…

DOD Issues New Proposed Rule on Enhanced Debriefings

You may have been aware that the Department of Defense was providing enhanced debriefings as…

Biden’s Cybersecurity Order and You

On May 12, 2021, President Biden signed the Executive Order on Improving the Nation’s Cybersecurity…

Pipeline Cyberattack Highlights Fragile Infrastructure

On May 8, 2021, Colonial Pipeline announced that it was the victim of a ransomware…

MAS Consolidation Phase 3 Plans Due Sept. 30, 2021

May 24th, 2021 SAM.gov Will Merge With beta.SAM.gov

Unilateral GSA Schedule Modifications – Have You Seen a Change in Your CS/CO Assignment?

American Rescue Plan Tax Credits Are Now Available to Small Employers to Provide Paid Leave to Employees Receiving COVID-19 Vaccines

An update has been issued by the The Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department…

SBA Launches Supplemental Targeted Advance for Small Businesses Most Affected by COVID-19

The GSA Has Completed Its Routine Review ETS Items.

If you are a product vendor on GSA schedule, please be aware that GSA recently…

GSA Issues Temporary Waiver of Certain MAS Solicitation Requirements

SAM.gov 180 Day Extension Granted

GSA reduces the burden of renewal for schedule holders by granting 180-day extension for SAM.gov…

After Removal Of Legacy MAS Categories (SINs) Only POCs Can Login to GSA eBuy

April 1, 2021, GSA removes legacy categories / SINs from the GSA eBuy seller profile…

GSA Alerts

Don’t miss the latest GSA news and developments from the Centre Law & Consulting team.…

Navigating the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC)

Learn how Centre’s Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Accreditation Board (AB) Registered Practitioner Organization (RPO)…

Centre Expands Into Cybersecurity With CMMC-AB RPO Designation & New Hire

Centre is now a Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC)-AB Registered Provider Organization (RPO). We look…

Virginia’s New Data Privacy Law

On March 2, 2020, Virginia governor signed into law the Consumer Data Protection Act. Who…

Biden’s Procurement Agenda for Government Contractors

The inauguration and transition in the White House will bring about seismic policy shifts in…

GAO Annual Bid Protest Report 2021

While the number of bid protest cases filed this fiscal year was slightly lower, the…

Cybersecurity Program Maturity

The Department of Defense’s Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) has focused government contractors’ attention on…

The New Federal IoT Security Law

After a number of fits and starts, the federal government finally passed an Internet of…

JKB Solutions and Services, LLC v. United States

Case Review of JKB Solutions and Services, LLC v. United States, by Centre Hon Jack…

GSA To Implement DocuSign

SBA’s New Rule is a Win for Government Efficiency

The SBA just issued a new, and highly anticipated, rule implementing sweeping changes largely aimed…

2 New Funding Thresholds

GSA Advantage Catalogs Deadline Extended

Is the GSA Streamlining Competition?

The GSA appears to be tackling the massive undertaking involved with planning and implementing Section…

Challenge To Multi-Billion Dollar Jedi Cloud Solicitation Fails

Federal Circuit rejected a protest filed by Oracle that challenged the legality of the multi-billion…

GAO Corrective Action, is it the end?

Recent Peraton decision from the GAO serves as an important reminder to contractors that, while…

Federal Agencies Continued to Exceed Small Business Contract Goals for Fiscal Year 2019

As of July 15, 2020, the certification process for Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSBs) and Economically…

GAO to Incumbents: You Still Have to Submit a “Well-Written Proposal”

Recent GAO decision is a reminder for federal contractors suffering from “incumbent-itis” that agency knowledge…

GSA Allows Contractors to select SIN subgroups

Contracting in the Time of Coronavirus

As of July 15, 2020, the certification process for Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSBs) and Economically…

WOSB Rules and Musings from a Different Time

As of July 15, 2020, the certification process for Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSBs) and Economically…

Part B of Section 889 Legislation Goes Into Effect on August 13, 2020

Offeror Fails To Timely Disclose Denial Of Security Clearance – Protest Granted!

If You See Something, Say Something: COAFC Expands Restrictions on Post-Award Protests

DOJ Continues to Increase False Claims Act Penalties

COVID-19 and Employee Accommodations: Current State of EEOC Guidance

General Services Administration’s eTools – Tools for Contract Management

Contractor’s Claim Against U.S. Stays Out of COFC

Paycheck Protection Program Becomes More Flexible

Square Pegs and Round Holes – OSHA Reporting Requirements A Difficult Fit for COVID-19

Upcoming Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) Solicitation Refresh

Contractor Claims in a COVID-19 World

A Lesson from the CBCA on Recovering COVID-19 Related Costs on Your Government Contract

COVID-19 Funding Brings Enforcement Risks

Reckoning (and a May 7 “Mulligan”) On The Horizon For Paycheck Protection Program Abusers

Service Contractors Beware: Changes To FLSA “Salary Exempt” Status Coming (Yet Again)

MAS Updates to Industrial Funding Fee (IFF) Payments and Sales Reporting Due April 30

SDV Not In “Control” – Court Affirms Overturn of Set Aside Award!

Free Money? Are The Payroll Loans Too Good to Be True?

Single Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) Modification Guidance Package Released and COVID-19 Update

Trump Administration Continues To Align “Joint Employer” Standard Government-Wide

Spring Cleaning: It’s Time to Spruce Up Your Multiple Award Schedule

Good News for Employers! NLRB Upholds Employee Handbook Policies Tailored to Legitimate Business Purposes

Court Awards Equitable Adjustment for Legal Fees to Defend Qui Tam Suit!

“Ok Boomer”- Cringy But Not Discrimination (Yet)

Current GSA Contractors Alert – Consolidation Mass Modification Rollout Begins

Random Procurement Musings in the Dog Days of January

DOL Breaks Records in Wage & Hour Enforcement: How Employers Can Protect Themselves in 2020

“Cold Take” Alert: There’s A Reason It’s Called “Working At Risk”

GSA Multiple Award Schedule Mass Modification Will Impact Pending and Current Schedule Holders – January 2020

GAO Finds That DOD Faced Fraud and National Security Risks From Contracting in 2019

FAR “Fake” News! FAR Amended to Require Reporting of Counterfeit Items

New DOJ Strike Force Aimed at Contractors is Likely Overhyped

Phase 2 – Multiple Award Schedules (MAS) Consolidation

Debriefings: A Modest Proposal

President Trump Revokes Executive Order Providing for Nondisplacement of Qualified Workers

Forty Million More Reasons To Care About Workplace Equity

Staying Vigilant – Why Ethical Compliance Under the FAR is Never Complete

GAO Report: Offshoring/Foreign Direct Investment – Risks to the Defense Supplier Base?

#Metoo’s First Victory Over Senate-Confirmed Official and Overtime Coverage Expands

Don’t Be Left Holding the Bag – Why It’s More Important Than Ever To Thoroughly Review Your Government Contract Before Signing

Service Contract Labor Standards (AKA SCA): Top 10 Things to Consider

The GAO Weighs in on SBA’s New Five Year Annual Receipts Average

EEO, “Do’h!!”-Deadline for Contractors’ Submission of EEO-1 Wage and Hour Data on the Horizon

The Salary History Problem

The President’s New(est) Buy American Act Executive Order (Not as Big a Deal as It Seems)

Traveling this Summer? Watch Out for TSA Backlogs

Supreme Court Reduces Information Available Under FOIA

“The Tale of Billy Joe Hunt” – And, False Claims Act Statute of Limitations is Longer Thank You Might Think

Saying “More” When “Less” Will Do: Misleading Pre-Award Discussions Support Protest

The Monkey’s Paw of Forced Arbitration

Changing A Negative CPARS Rating: A (Real) Second Bite at the Apple

FAC 2019-02 Issued

Women-Owned Small Business Set-Asides Remain Only Small Percentage of Overall Federal Contracts

Centre Law & Consulting Welcomes Jonathan S. Spaeth as a Partner

Getting “Real” – Agency’s Inadequate Price Realism Evaluation Supports Protest

Billion Dollar Task Order Protest Sustained Due to Price Determination

Best Practices for Best In Class Contract Management

Actual False Claim Not Needed For Viable FCA Retaliation Claim?

Actual False Claim Not Needed For Viable FCA Retaliation Claim?

Expansion of Buy American Act Requirements are Coming – Including the Addition of Cyber Projects

Protecting a Forgetful Government – “Christian Doctrine” Alive and Well!

Disabled Workers Hit Hard by Shutdown

OCI and FCA: Two Acronyms You Never Want to See Together…