What is the Micro Purchase Threshold?
The Micro Purchase Threshold (MPT) is the maximum dollar amount that an authorized buyer can purchase without having to go through acquisition bidding processes and they preferred method of payment is the Government Purchase Card. What this simply means, is that the...
Grow with GSA’s Cooperative Purchasing Program
Expand Your Customer Base with State and Local Customers GSA Schedule contractors are familiar with the large list of agencies that can purchase from their Schedule and know the benefits of having a GSA Contract — streamlined federal acquisition; but did you...
What is the Polaris GWAC
The Polaris Government-wide Acquisition Contract (GWAC) is part of the efforts to support small businesses as well as historically marginalized and underserved small businesses. Polaris will now include a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)...
When You Lose a Bid: Brief Explanations and Debriefings
According to the Federal Acquisitions Regulation (FAR) 8.4, unsuccessful bidders are entitled to either a brief explanation of why they were not chosen or a debriefing. Brief Explanations vs. Debriefings What are the differences? For starters, the time frame for...
GSA to Host Small Business Event
GSA will be hosting Small Business Works 2021 September 29, 2021. Small Business Works is a virtual small business training and matchmaking event. GSA is hoping the event provide attendees tools and resources to succeed in the Federal Marketplace. Small Business Works...
Understanding the Executive Order on $15 Federal Minimum Wage
Beginning January 30, 2022, federal agencies will start incorporating the $15 minimum wage in new contract solicitations and will be required to have it incorporated in all contracts by March 30, 2022. Any ongoing contracts will have the wage requirement at the option.
What is a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA)?
A BPA, or Blanket Purchase Agreement, is a “funnel” to narrow competition to a few GSA Schedule (or VA FSS) Contractors. Per the Federal Acquisition Regulation 8.405-3 it is designed to fill the Government’s recurring needs for a Government contractor’s specific goods...
Coronavirus Relief Options for Small Businesses
Recently, much has been written regarding Coronavirus relief options for small businesses through traditional SBA funding and several new temporary programs established by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Important information about each...
A List of TAA Designated Countries
What is TAA Compliance? (Updated: May 2021 ) How do you know if you are TAA Compliant? TAA refers to the Trade Agreement Act. Under 19 USC 2501 Trade Agreements Act government agencies may only purchase US-made or designated country end products or US or designated...
What is Best Value Source Selection
FAR 15.1 covers Source Selection Process and Techniques. FAR 15.101 covers the Best Value Continuum which provide guidance on when agencies should consider the Tradeoff process (Best Value) or Lowest Priced Technically Acceptable (LPTA) Source Selection. Best Value...
What is Lowest-Priced Technically Acceptable Source Selection
The scourge of many professional service providers is the lowest priced technically acceptable (LPTA) source selection process. FAR 15.101-2 address LPTA source selection. Product vendors, especially those acted as resellers of widely available products, should...
What are Sole Source Contracts?
Sole Source Contracts are non-competitive procurements that allow a single supplier to fulfill the needs of the contractual requirements. Though Full and Open Competition is preferred in federal acquisitions, the use of a sole source can be highly valuable when...
Introduction to The SBA’s Mentor-Protégé Program
A Path to Government Contracting One of the Small Business Administration’s mission is to continuously expand Federal contracting opportunities for Small Business. In 2016, they established the All Small Mentor-Protégé Program (ASMPP) to extend SBA approved...
