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Mar - Apr 2011 Volume 7, Issue 2 |
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There have been some changes in the GSA Schedule Program over the last two months. The changes include:
Under GSA Order ADM4800, GSA updated the list of authorized users of the GSA Schedule Program. This update indicates that the Red Cross is now authorized to use the GSA Schedule. In addition, the update provides allowances for states to use the GSA Schedule for disaster recovery planning and/or disaster response. In FAC 2005-50 the agency made a number of changes to the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) regarding ordering procedures for the GSA FSS aimed at improving competition rules. Of these changes, one of the most noted is the change in threshold for further competition. Under the new regulations, each individual purchase of property or services in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT) will require the agencies to seek information from more than 3 schedule holders. Currently the SAT is set at $150,000. According to Government Contracts Magazine, "Agencies with requirements for products in excess of the SAT must mow issue a Request for Quotations (RFQ) to as many schedule holders as practical to ensure at least 3 quotes are received, or post it on GSA’s E-buy system. If 3 quotes are not received then justifications must be done to proceed with award unless the RFQ was posted on GSA’s E-buy." FAC 2005-50, also implemented new rules regarding Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPA). The new BPA rules are aimed at increasing competition. The rules create a preference for multiple-award BPAs (over single-award), and establish further competition requirements for placing orders under multiple-award BPAs. In the event of a single award, agency justification is now required and the contract value is limited to $100 million, including options. FAC 2005-50 also clarifies that ordering activities may seek a price reduction under FSS contracts at any time but that they must seek a price reduction when placing an order or establishing a BPA that exceeds the SAT. Please be aware of these changes and ensure that your team fully understands how these changes affect your business development strategies and contract administration.
Washington Technology released its list of the Top 20 Federal Civilian Contracts in early April 2011. The list is presented as follows (please note - contracts are ranked according to the value of their ceiling):
For more information about these contracts, as well as more detailed analysis, please consult the article at the following web address: Washington Technology |
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Newsflash |
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DoD Advocates Fixed-Priced (FFP) Contracts Most federal contractors have gotten use to agency preferences for firm fixed-priced (FFP) contracts. It then came as no surprise when the Washington Post reported on March 27, 2011, that the Pentagon had proposed new amendments to federal regulations that would endorse DoD entities using more FFP contracts. The use of FFP contracts is a tactic to respond to growing calls for greater efficiency and cost-savings not only with DoD programs, but Government programs overall. According to the Washington Post, “Contracting officers would be required to give special consideration to using “fixed-price incentive” contracts, which adjust a company's profit based on how closely the final cost adheres to the target cost. Companies get more if they come in under budget, but receive less and could even take a loss if they come in over budget. The proposed rule sets 120 percent as a price ceiling.” It is believed that FFP contracts will incentivize productivity and encourage contractors to do a better job of controlling costs. At the same time, an argument could be made that such contracts will push contractors to build in extra costs to a contract and even limit the DoD’s ability to make changes easily to order requirements. DoD is currently accepting comments on the rule. |
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Update |
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Digital Certificates/Signatures - Mass Modification A112 for Schedule 70 GSA has issued a mass modification to Schedule 70 that requires contract holders to confirm the names of the authorized negotiators on their contract to ensure they match exactly the names on those individuals’ digital certificates. According to GSA: “The purpose of this modification is to electronically capture and update the authorized negotiator information for each participating schedule contract holder. Capturing accurate and current authorized negotiators is a necessary step in the move towards completely, electronic contracting. Specifically, this information is required in order to process contract modifications in eMod. All solicitations have been instructed to mandate the electronic submission of offers and modifications through eOffer/eMod during 2011.” Basically, GSA is asking contract holders to ensure that the authorized negotiators name on the contract MATCH EXACTLY the name on the digital certification. This includes any spaces, capital letters, middle initials, punctuation, etc. Differences, of any kind, between the two names may result in you being denied access to the eOffer/eMod system. |
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May 20, 2011 June 3, 2011 June 9, 2011 June 10, 2011 |
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