I read all the news so you don’t have to.
SBA Comprehensive Audit of 8(a) Program
The Small Business Administration (SBA) announced a sweeping audit of 8(a) contracts. This audit will start with 8(a) contractors receiving either high dollar value or limited competitive contracts. The SBA intends to go back for 15 years. Yes, you read that right. The SBA press release states that any evidence of bribery or fraud will be referred to DOJ for enforcement.
DoD Releases New IP Guidebook
The Department of Defense (DoD) has published its first comprehensive “Intellectual Property Guidebook” in two decades, outlining its approach to IP negotiations, data rights, and competitive procurements. The IP Guidebook endorses “Use Cases” and a Value-Added Total Evaluated Price (VATEP) as two best practices. One of the ways DOD has looked at VATEP is which vendor offers better rights in data over and above what the data rights clause in the solicitation requires. I’ve provided the link so those of you selling IP to DOD can see what DOD buying offices are focused on1. The goal is to encourage early vendor negotiations to lower costs and spur innovation. To me that seems like a contradiction – lower cost contracts to contractors yet they are expected to spend on research and development. Speaking of which–
GSA Announces New 75% Discount from Oracle
GSA announced a significant OneGov agreement with Oracle. The comprehensive deal offers government agencies a 75% discount on Oracle’s License-based technology, substantial base discounts and access to advanced data management technology including Oracle Database 23ai running on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) through November 2025.
VA Employee Reduction
The VA is on Track to Lose over 30,000 employees by the end of this year. President Trump signed a hiring freeze for the VA until October 15. There are also over 24,000 positions which will be downgraded which most likely means a reduction in pay for those 24,000 VA employees. There have been contentious hearings on Capitol Hill over these issues. Democrats claim that services to vets will decrease. Republicans say that won’t happen. We shall see.
That’s all the news I have. Until next week,
Best,
Barbara
