Michael Fischetti, executive director of the National Contract Management Association (NCMA). Recent data indicates protests have increased by about 17 percent since 2012, exceeded only by the decrease in Government contract spending over that same time. The resulting increase in pre-award costs derived from protests for all parties requires a step back [...]
Note: At bottom a path is shown where a qualified small business could win this contract. The new Program Management Contractor Support Services (PM CSS), Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ), Multiple Award Contract (MAC) may be your opportunity to enter or expand your NAVAIR business. The draft Request for Proposal (RFP) released for [...]
Audit and advisory firm Grant Thornton recently published a fascinating survey of contractor performance. They provide solid figures on profitability and contract win rates in different market segments. The 2016 Government Contractor Survey also analyzes pricing strategies, labor rates, contracting strategies, and other issues affecting profitability in the federal marketplace. Bill Johnston, [...]
Summer is winding down and the proposal activity is picking up. Studies have shown that taking time off can contribute to an increase in productivity and creativity. However, many of us continue to check our emails while on the beach or at dinner. If you plan your vacation correctly you can come [...]
As guardian of the nation’s inventions and innovations, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is entrusted with keeping the cutting edge of America’s technological progress and achievement razor sharp. WHO PUT THE SCOTCH IN SCOTCH TAPE? -- Richard Drew of 3M Co. invented cellophane adhesive tape in 1930. Legend has [...]
Gary Everett Evaluators can be afraid of their failure as well as the contractor, and both are motivating factors for them. Contractors need to consider and write to evaluators’ emotions, fears, biases and feelings as well as to the facts. A good proposal will include meeting these key Evaluator sell points checklist: [...]
Judy Brandt and Bill Jaffe While the White House has proposed spending cuts in every agency except DHS, DoD and VA, Congress is pushing back hard. That means federal buyers are uncertain about what FY18 will bring…and are eager to spend every last dollar they have in the current year’s budget! So [...]
Supporters of US foreign aid programs are well practiced at the art of persevering in the face of criticism they have received for decades. These programs are now facing significant funding cuts. Especially during this period of financial distress, USAID will have to deal with a contentious political environment. As detailed below, [...]
Give Me My Favorite Dish: FISH! -- Fish supply the greatest percentage of the world's protein consumed by humans. The next piece of the $3B NOAA PRO-TECH behemoth is nearly upon us. There is confidence the Enterprise Operations Domain – administrative services – RFP will come out on or near the [...]
Firing and Maneuvering The $5B Global Tactical Advanced Communications Systems and Services (GTACS II) program has now joined the army of contracts that are in retreat. The RFP drop date for this program has moved to 2018. Winging Their Way to Victory – Carrier Pigeon G.I. Joe, was awarded the Dickin Medal [...]
