Blog

SENATE LEADERS THINK SOME APPROPRIATIONS MAY BE POSSIBLE BEFORE END OF FY

Up to 70% of federal discretionary programs could be funded at the start of the 2019 Fiscal Year if Senate leaders have their say.  The chamber, which has been in session for much of August, has essentially completed work on nine of twelve appropriations measures and is now ready to offer the package to the entire Senate in September.   Another measure, a three-bill minibus covering smaller numbers, like Energy and Water appropriations, is also nearing completion.  While it is still way too early to be optimistic, this is as close as Congress has gotten to implementing more than one or two spending bills on time for many years.  Indeed, the last two years have started with 100% of the government operating under a Continuing Resolution.  Most contractors would be happy with DOD and Homeland Security having money at the start of the year.  That may happen this September, though there are at least three factors that could lead to a familiar CR in October.  First, is whether any deal can pass muster with the more conservative members of the House.  They may want to show constituents that they are holding the line on spending moving into the November election.  Second, there is a very limited window of time in September, with the House being in session, at best, for 10-11 days.  Lastly, the President must also be considered.  Congressional leaders have no assurance that he will sign any partial or total spending measure, especially if it fails to contain funding for a border wall.  Stay tuned.

MAIL BAG: WHAT’S THE HARM IN ACCEPTING A SCHEDULE PO WITH THE BAA ON IT?

Occasional reader O. Winfrey of Chicago writes, “A federal customer recently insisted that the Buy American Act be applied to a GSA Schedule transaction.  Does BAA apply and, if not, what’s the harm anyway?”  Products and services sold via the GSA Schedule are NOT bound by the Buy American Act, O.  All Schedule services and products are, instead, covered by the Trade Agreements Act.  This fact is not well-understood by many government customers who Read more

BOOK YOUR ETHICS AND COMPLIANCE TRAINING NOW

Annual ethics training is a best practice for all government contractors.  New people and new interpretations of old rules mean that regular tune-ups are essential to a successful business.  Fall is a great time to get that training for your team.  Allen Federal has conducted countless ethics and compliance courses tailored to specific clients.  Our classes are actually fun – as well as educational.  Even better, they’re usually less expensive than alternatives – especially audit costs.  Find out what we can put together for your team today.  Contact us at info@allenfederal.com