We regularly get questions about sole source awards, and we have received several questions over the years asking for clarity on when an agency must notify contractors about a planned sole source award. This is a very good question, as such notice requirements can significantly impact the ability to challenge such decisions. We think it’s high time that we help provide some clarity on one of the more complex areas of federal contracting: When an agency must publish notice of its plan to sole source a contract.
Continue reading…Come with a Plan, Says SBA OIG in Review of SBA Mentor-Protege Program
Way back in 2019, the SBA’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) issued a report on the SBA’s (then named) All Small Mentor Protege Program. At that time the SBA OIG found that the SBA didn’t create effective controls to ensure mentor-protege application reviews and evaluations were made in accordance with the regulations and SBA did not make sure such reviews and evaluations measured program success. The SBA OIG gave the SBA a list of recommendations at that time to fix those issues. At the end of September 2026 (after giving SBA a seven-year window), the SBA OIG revisited its 2019 inspection of the SBA’s Mentor-Protege Program (MPP) and found there were some improvements, but still some issues with the MPP, especially regarding protege business plans.
Continue reading…SmallGovCon Week in Review: October 5-9, 2026
Hello, Blog Readers. October is finally here, and with it comes the beautiful colors, cooler temperatures, pumpkin patches, and other fall favorites. Of course, the weather can be a little unpredictable in October, with warm afternoons one day and a definite chill in the air the next, so be sure to enjoy those pleasant fall days when you can.
This week in federal government contracting included a warning about government functions at DoW, and how federal contracting proposals could alter control of intellectual property.
Continue reading…GovCon FAQs: How Do I Protest an FAA Acquisition at ODRA?
In the world of bid protests, GAO gets some of the spotlight because there are so many protests filed there. COFC seems to get plenty of attention because of the complexity and scope of its decisions. The Office of Dispute Resolution for Acquisition (ODRA)? Well, not so much. ODRA is a bit like the forgotten child of the bid protest family—rarely the first name that comes to mind, but very important when it comes to protesting a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) acquisition. While they are fewer in number, it’s important for any contractor working with the FAA to know this protest option, either to pursue it as a protester or if its award gets protested. This blog post puts ODRA into the spotlight for a change and showcases the process for protesting an FAA acquisition.
Continue reading…SBA Issued a New 8(a) Potential for Success FAQ
With all the 8(a) social disadvantage updates of late, the other 8(a) Business Development Program eligibility requirements haven’t been in the spotlight much. But when SBA released its last social disadvantage FAQ (Part II), it also released a new potential for success FAQ with some helpful guidance.
Continue reading…SmallGovCon Week in Review: September 28-October 2, 2026
Happy Friday and happy October! October brings more than crisp mornings and changing leaves—it marks the start of a new federal fiscal year. For federal government contractors, it’s an ideal time to refresh your capabilities, review your pipeline, and prepare for the opportunities ahead. We’ve seen a lot of changes in the federal regulations and expect more to come so stay tuned to SmallGovCon.com. We will bring you the latest breaking news to keep you in the loop.
This week in federal government contracting, some of the biggest stories include updates on AI monitoring and supply chain concerns for federal contractors.
Continue reading…Expanding Exemptions: DoW Seeks Additional FOIA Exemption for CUI
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), enacted in 1967, allows the public to request federal government records. It is designed to require disclosure of US government records in the absence of any of its 9 exemptions for things like privacy, national security, and law enforcement.
Now, the Department of War (DoW) has asked Congress for additional exemptions to disclosing documents under (FOIA). DoW has submitted a legislative proposal to create an exemption for controlled unclassified information (CUI).
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