Blogs
Editorial commentary and analysis on federal acquisition, from the original WIFCON archive.
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Government Contracts Legal Forum
Fastest 5 Minutes
**Cybersecurity, Health Information Technology**
Crowell and Moring LLP · Sep 19, 2024
NIH NITAAC Blog
New Extension: CIO-SP3 and CIO-SP3 Small Business Now Available Through 10/29/24
Thank you for your patience while awaiting the extension of CIO-SP3. We value you as our customer and want to make sure your IT mission objectives can be awarded better – faster – cheaper with our suite of IT contracting vehicles. It is no secret that the award of the CIO-SP4 GWA
Acquisition Consultants · May 3, 2024
The Contractor's Perspective
Husch Blackwell Launches New FCA-Themed Podcast
Last week, we launched [False Claims Act Insights](https://www.huschblackwell.com/false-claims-act-insights-podcast#page_1), a new podcast devoted to exploring issues relating to False Claims Act (FCA) investigations and litigation. The show is hosted by [Jonathan Porter](https:/
Husch Blackwell LLP · Apr 9, 2024
The Contractor's Perspective
Federal Infrastructure Contractors: Build America, Buy America Now Mandates More Restrictive Definition of “Construction Materials” for Federal Grants and Agreements
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Pub. L. No. 117-58, which includes the Build America, Buy America Act (“BABA”), was signed into law by President Biden on November 15, 2021. BABA provisions apply to all Federal financial assistance awards (e.g., grants, cooperative ag
Husch Blackwell LLP · Feb 27, 2024
The Contractor's Perspective
Avoiding the False Claims Act with Good Cyber Practices
Since 2021, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has been increasingly focused on adjudicating False Claims Act (FCA) matters for deficient cybersecurity practices. As the government increases scrutiny of data privacy and cybersecurity, it is increasingly important to develop and main
Husch Blackwell LLP · Dec 21, 2023
The WIFCON Blog
The Fixed-Price Incentive Firm Target Contract: Not As Firm As the Name Suggests
### **_The Fixed-Price Incentive Firm Target Contract: Not As Firm As the Name Suggests_**
Moderator · Dec 7, 2023
NIH NITAAC Blog
NITAAC Blazing the Trail in Environmental Efforts
**Joint Proposal Calls for Amendment of the FAR to Support Environmental Concerns.**
Acquisition Consultants · Oct 5, 2023
The Contractor's Perspective
Dusting off the Government Shutdown Playbook
Once again, the threat of a government shutdown looms over federal contractors and grantees. If Congress does not pass a continuing resolution or other funding legislation before midnight on Saturday, agencies will lack authorized appropriations to fund their operations. Although
Husch Blackwell LLP · Sep 28, 2023
The WIFCON Blog
Lockheed Propulsion Company, Thiokol Corporation, B-173677, June 24, 1974 - Part 6: April 3, 1974
One of the things I first noticed when we drove from Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) to our hotel was a sign post that looked like a corkscrew with a road sign on top. Someone told me: "A tornado did that." How could wind do that? I was about to find out.
Moderator · Sep 16, 2023
The Contractor's Perspective
New Davis-Bacon and Related Acts Regulations to Expand DOL Authority
For the first time in 40 years, the Department of Labor (DOL) updated its interpretation and implementation of the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts in new final rules.
Husch Blackwell LLP · Aug 30, 2023
The WIFCON Blog
Lockheed Propulsion Company, Thiokol Corporation, B-173677, June 24, 1974 - Part 5: Apples and Oranges and O-Rings
**What did I do in Huntsville, Wifcon?**
Moderator · Aug 26, 2023
The WIFCON Blog
Lockheed Propulsion Company, Thiokol Corporation, B-173677, June 24, 1974 - Part 4: Truth or Consequences
> > Quote
Moderator · Aug 20, 2023
NIH NITAAC Blog
CIO-SP3 and CIO-SP3 Small Business Open for Business
There is an adage that simply says, “Perfection is attained by slow degrees; it requires the hand of time.” This adage is quite apt for the Chief Information Officer-Solutions and Partners 4 (CIO-SP4) solicitation. In our ongoing quest to bring to market the best Government Wid
Acquisition Consultants · Aug 10, 2023
The WIFCON Blog
Lockheed Propulsion Company, Thiokol Corporation, B-173677, June 24, 1974 - Part 3: Selling the Program
On September 12, 1962, [President Kennedy told us](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=th5A6ZQ28pE)
Moderator · Jul 9, 2023
NIH NITAAC Blog
Take the Guesswork out of Fair Opportunity with NITAAC
According to Bloomberg, information technology (IT) continues to be a large source of federal market growth, accounting for more than $76.4 billion dollars. Most of these dollars are typically spent through commodities, solutions, and services purchased from a myriad of companies
Acquisition Consultants · Jun 29, 2023
NIH NITAAC
Make sure you know the score on brand new software attestations
Late last year, the United States Office of Management and Budget (OMB) published a memorandum, [M-22-18](https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/M-22-18.pdf), that required federal agencies to comply with the guidelines regarding ensuring the safety and integrity o
Sr Acquisition Consultant · Mar 2, 2023
NIH NITAAC
NITAAC ramps up for more small business success
On January 20, 2021, President Joe Biden signed his first Executive Order (EO), EO 13985, which called for “a comprehensive approach to advancing equity for all, including people of color and others who have been historically underserved, marginalized, and adversely affected by p
Sr Acquisition Consultant · Jan 31, 2023
NIH NITAAC
It’s Time the Media Watchdogs Get It Right
On behalf of the team at NITAAC, let me be the first to wish you a Happy New Year! As we usher in 2023, I know there is a lot of anticipation about the Chief Information Officer-Solutions and Partners 4 (CIO-SP4) Government-Wide Acquisition Contract (GWAC). CIO-SP4 has been in th
Sr Acquisition Consultant · Jan 2, 2023
NIH NITAAC
For This I am Thankful
The end of the year often marks a period of gratitude, where many pause to take time to celebrate and reflect on what they are thankful for. From their family to good health, to their jobs, Americans across the country can be found proudly declaring, “I am Thankful For.” NITAAC i
Sr Acquisition Consultant · Dec 1, 2022
NIH NITAAC
The next great IT vehicle promises far reaching change
Since NITAAC was founded in 1996 as part of the Clinger-Cohen Act, our federal acquisition program has been focused on reimagining information technology procurements with outstanding customer service. In that time, NITAAC has proudly served nearly every federal agency and depart
Sr Acquisition Consultant · Nov 1, 2022
Don Mansfield's Blog
Describing Contract Type: Watch What You Say
Consider the following exchange between two people:
Don Mansfield · Sep 1, 2022
Don Mansfield's Blog
The Acquivore Podcast Episode 8: Improving the Nation's Cybersecurity
In this episode, the Acquivores discuss President Biden's recent Executive Order on Improving the Nation's Cybersecurity.
Don Mansfield · Jun 14, 2021
Don Mansfield's Blog
The Acquivore Podcast Episode 7: Audit of Other Transactions Awarded Through Consortiums
In this episode, the Acquivores discuss the recent DoD IG Audit Report on Other Transactions Awarded Through Consortiums. Is DoD's use of OTs transparent enough? Are the awards competitive? Or is the IG looking at them through the lens of the FAR?
Don Mansfield · Jun 3, 2021
Emptor Cautus Blog
Finding a Home for “Acquisition Reform and the Golf Ball—A Baker’s Dozen”
At the beginning of Fiscal Year 2008 John Krieger and John Pritchard, two professors at the Defense Systems Management College, Defense Acquisition University, were kicking around the topic of Acquisition Reform. They reflected on what Jim Nagle wrote in the Epilogue to A History
Emptor Cautus · Jun 2, 2021
Don Mansfield's Blog
The Acquivore Podcast Episode 6: Who's Who in the DoD Acquisition Zoo?
In this episode, Jennifer provides a good overview of the organizational structure of DoD Acquisition. Nick says he can see things clearer than he ever has before, but laments the complexity. Don wonders if DoD is taking diversity and inclusion seriously.
Don Mansfield · May 24, 2021
Don Mansfield's Blog
The Acquivore Podcast Episode 5: The Contract Management Standard
In this episode, the Acquivores share their thoughts on the Contract Management Standard (CMS) and its usefulness. They also discuss DoD's gaffe in interpreting the CMS when developing the new DoD Contracting Competency Model.
Don Mansfield · Apr 16, 2021
Emptor Cautus Blog
Acquisition Reform ― It’s Soylent Green!
In the 1973 futuristic mystery thriller Soylent Green there’s an exchange between Detective Thorn (Charlton Heston) and Hatcher (Brock Peters):
Emptor Cautus · May 21, 2017
Emptor Cautus Blog
April Fools’ Day in Federal Acquisition
Had you ever speculated on why April Fools’ Day seems to be such an important day for federal acquisition? After all, consider some of the regulatory and policy issuances on that day:
Emptor Cautus · Apr 28, 2016
Emptor Cautus Blog
Misunderstanding the Missing Words
This post is not really so much about misunderstanding the missing words, but the misunderstanding that is created by the missing words when read or hear "All contractors must be treated the same" or "All offerors must be treated equally", or such similar sentences. It is the par
Emptor Cautus · Jan 23, 2015
Emptor Cautus Blog
FAR Eliminates Truth in Negotiations Act (TINA)
Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2005-73, effective May 29, 2013, eliminated the Truth in Negotiations Act (TINA).
Emptor Cautus · Jul 10, 2014