DOW Announces Review of All Small Business Set-Aside Contracts Over $20 Million
Small businesses have long been a centerpiece of federal contracting. By law (the “rule of two”), agencies must set aside contracts for small firms whenever at least two qualified small businesses can compete for the work[1]. This mandates programs like 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB, etc., giving small vendors critical access to Defense Department business. But […]
New Executive Order Broadens Definition of Defense Contractor Underperformance
Overview: A new executive order (EO) issued January 7, 2026 is putting fresh pressure on defense contractors – and, by extension, their subcontractors – to perform and invest in ways the government expects. This “Prioritizing the Warfighter in Defense Contracting” EO significantly broadens what counts as contractor underperformance beyond just missing delivery dates. It introduces […]