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 […]
GAO Sustains Protest: Recordings Reveal Flaws in $814M DIA Contract Award
Background: DIA’s $814M Intelligence Support Contract In early 2025, the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) solicited bids under its SITE III contract vehicle for a major analytical support task order with U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM)[1][2]. The work involves supporting CENTCOM’s Joint Intelligence Operations Center (JIOC) at MacDill Air Force Base, a fusion center responsible for current […]
GSA Cracks Down on Consulting Firms and Resellers Amid FAR Overhaul
In recent months, the General Services Administration (GSA) has been moving quickly on multiple fronts to tighten oversight of federal contracting – from refreshing major contract vehicles to scrutinizing the role of value-added resellers (VARs). These efforts signal a shift toward stricter control of how agencies purchase services and technology[1]. At the same time, a […]
Government Shutdown 2026 – February 3 Update: Shutdown Ends, Government Reopens & Guidance for Federal Contractors
As of February 3, 2026, the partial U.S. federal government shutdown is finally ending. Congress has moved forward on a funding deal to reopen the government, bringing relief to hundreds of thousands of federal employees and contractors. Below we provide the latest shutdown status and new developments in Congress since Feb. 2 – including whether […]
February 2, 2026 Government Shutdown Update: Status, Small Contractor Impacts & Strategies
Latest Shutdown Status and Congressional Actions (Feb 2, 2026) As of February 2, 2026, the federal government remains in a partial shutdown that began over the weekend. Funding for several major agencies lapsed at midnight on January 30 after the House of Representatives adjourned on Friday without voting on a Senate-passed funding package[1][2]. The Senate […]
January 30, 2026 Shutdown Update: Congress Hustles to Avert Federal Government Shutdown Tonight
Shutdown Status and Latest Legislative Updates (Jan 30, 2026) As of January 30, 2026, the U.S. federal government faces a funding deadline at midnight, and lawmakers are in a race against time to prevent a partial shutdown. Dozens of federal agencies are set to see their funding lapse at 12:01 a.m. on January 31 unless […]
Government Shutdown Looms: January 29, 2026 Update – Latest Moves in Congress & Impact on Small Federal Contractors
As of January 29, 2026, the United States federal government is once again on the brink of a shutdown. Lawmakers have until midnight on January 30 to enact funding for the remaining agencies, or a partial federal government shutdown will begin shortly thereafter[1]. Negotiations in Congress have intensified over the last 24 hours, with a […]
Government Shutdown 2026 – January 28 Update: Status, Impacts, and Strategies for Contractors
As of January 28, 2026, the federal government is just days away from a potential partial government shutdown. Lawmakers face a funding deadline at the end of this week, with about half of federal agencies set to run out of money on January 30[1]. If Congress fails to act by Friday night, those agencies “will […]
SBA Suspends Over 1,000 8(a) Contractors for Missing Data Submission Deadline
Last week the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) took the unprecedented step of suspending over 1,000 companies from its 8(a) Business Development program for failing to submit required documentation by the deadline[1]. This mass suspension – impacting roughly one-quarter of all 8(a) firms – has sent shockwaves through the small federal contracting community. Affected businesses […]
Why Small Businesses Lose Federal Contracts (and How to Change That)
Why so many small businesses underperform in federal competitions—and a practical playbook to fix targeting, teaming, and AI-assisted screening.