While we support the various programs for granting preferences in federal contracting to companies in traditionally disadvantaged groups such as women, minorities, and disabled veterans, it is also critical that potential contractors not abuse the preferences that Congress has granted. Although this type of abuse is not nearly as common as some in the media...
Tag: HUBZones
Why Has Participation in 8(a) Program Declined Recently?
According to a recent article in FedScoop, there has been a recent decline in the number of companies that are participating in the Small Business Administration’s 8(a) and HUBZone set-aside programs, and the SBA is planning some targeted recruitment efforts to increase the number of companies in the programs. That’s not necessarily all bad news,...
Agency Is Taking a New Look at HUBZone Program for Small Businesses
Although it is not giving much detail about precisely what it plans to do, the Small Business Administration has announced that it has been reviewing the processes and procedures that it uses for implementing its HUBZone program and that it has determined that several of the program’s regulations should be amended in order to resolve...
DHS Procurement Is Put Off Again; Delay May Hurt Small Businesses
The Department of Homeland Security has pledged to make a new information-technology contract a model for government-wide efforts to contract with small businesses. But, according to a recent article by Jill Aitoro in the Washington Business Journal, it has missed its deadline for a substantial portion of the contract awards. The contracts are for portions...
Labor Dept. Ends Conflict Between New Rule, HUBZone Program
We reported in September that an unexpected conflict had developed between a new Labor Department rule and an existing congressionally mandated requirement that grants preferential treatment to HUBZone contractors —firms servicing Historically Underutilized Business Zones. Based on a current article in the Washington Business Journal, it now appears that the conflict has dissipated. HUBZone contractors are...
New Rule Makes Matters Thorny for HUBZone Contractors
As a result of a new Labor Department rule, HUBZone contractors will need to brace themselves for possible new changes to their hiring practices that may prove difficult and cumbersome. Since 1998, Congress has provided for preferential treatment to HUBZone contractors — those firms servicing Historically Underutilized Business Zones — in competitions for federal government...