When was the last time your company checked under its contract management hood? Just like oil changes, consistent preventive maintenance is essential to ensure the smooth running of your contract. Allen Federal announces the establishment of the Schedules Compliance Network, a group of professionals dedicated to ensuring that your company’s compliance health remains strong. Whether it’s training, a “physical”, or a “911 call”, the Schedules Compliance Network is here to help. See more about this unique set of services here:
Although Allen Federal conducts 90% of its business via retainer, lawyers and others require us to maintain an hourly rate. Effective November 1st, the hourly rate for Larry Allen will be $480/hr. The hourly rate for all others remains the same.
Government contractors are working in a new reality, but that shouldn’t mean that you don’t take full advantage of the business to be had during the last month of the fiscal year. It’s true that some “traditional” political posts aren’t filled, but government agencies still need to fulfill their missions. Those agencies have their money and, while there is some talk of a possible shutdown next year (see below), all are “open for business.” Neither you nor your government customer should expect to see “deputy associate assistant” positions filled during this administration. It’s a market reality to which everyone must adapt. While missing people may create some initial confusion, it shouldn’t dilute your message or the urgency of the need your customer must fill. In fact, some customers may use the absence of politicals as an “excuse” not to do business with you when the reality is that they are doing business with others. It is important to understand that how you close business this year-end may differ from last. You’re in business, though, to do business. Adapt and succeed.
President Trump vowed last week to shut down the government this Fall by not approving spending bills if they fail to contain money funding the building of a physical wall along the southern US border. Whether or not this is rhetoric or reality, it is undeniably a distraction heading into the new fiscal year. As of now, Congress appears unlikely to provide the requested funds, though it is possible that they could fund the government anyway over a Presidential veto. A more possible cause of a shutdown would occur later this calendar year over the increase in the federal debt ceiling. There is no clear path forward for the passage of such a measure now, though there is widespread agreement that it must happen. In the meantime, the Office of Management and Budget issued a report that the House “minibus” appropriations measure passed before August recess would trigger sequestration reductions if passed in its current form. There is no need to worry about that, however, as it is more likely that Elvis will perform live than the bill will be implemented “as is”. It is more possible, though currently difficult to say by how much, that one of the two funding issues could result in a temporary shut-down sometime this fall.
Many of the internal IT systems essential to the efficient running of the Federal Acquisition Service are outdated. Now, those systems – some of which date back to at least the 1970’s – may be slated for improvement under new FAS Commissioner Alan Thomas. Thomas has said Read more