Key Questions to Help You Prepare for a GSA Assessment

By Karen Long

Over the decades, GSA has used different terms to describe how they determine whether a company is compliant with the GSA Terms and Conditions including assessments, reviews, and audits. I will use the term “Assessment” for my article. The criteria are very similar, although there have been some nuances and slight variations of emphasis throughout […]

Remembering Martin Buniva, My Mentor and Friend

By Karen Long

My friend and mentor, Martin Buniva, died unexpectedly on December 23, 2019 at age 45. Martin and I both began working at Sabre Systems (Sabre) in July 2009. I worked at the National Capital Regional Office (NCRO) in Alexandria, Virginia; Martin worked at the Headquarters in Pennsylvania. He was hired to be groomed as Sabre’s […]

The Importance of a Robust Payroll System

By Karen Long

Recently I had a chance to interview Mark McClatchey, a Business Development Manager and Networking Specialist at PayTech Trust, located in Chantilly, Virginia. PayTech Trust is a Technology company helping businesses become more prosperous by focusing on improving business systems and processes. I interviewed Mark about the importance of having a robust payroll system. Read […]

When “Other than Full and Open Competition” Applies to Federal Government Purchases

By Karen Long

The Federal Government encourages full and open competition because it generally reduces the price and increases innovation. However, it does not apply to: Micropurchases which are contracts up to $10,000; Contracts awarded for between $10,000-$250,000 under the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT); Contract modifications that were previously evaluated in the initial award (e.g. option years, optional […]

HUBZone Program Changes Effective December 26, 2019

By Karen Long

Effective December 26, 2019 there will be changes to the HUBZone (Historically Underutilized Business Zone) Program that should benefit both small businesses and the Government. Small businesses should benefit because the restrictions will be slightly less rigorous both in order to get certified and to maintain certification. With the less stringent regulations, it will most […]

What Government Contractors Should Know About Revocable Trusts

By Karen Long

Recently I had a chance to interview Katherine David, an attorney at the law firm of David, Brody & Dondershine, LLP, which is located in Reston, Virginia. I interviewed Katherine about the ability of Government Contractors to transfer their certified small businesses to their revocable trusts. Karen: Can a certified small business owner transfer their […]

How to Prepare for a Recompete from a Contract Manager’s Perspective

By Karen Long

Approximately two years before the end of a contract, your company should begin preparing for the Re-Compete. There are several tasks that should and can be done in advance of the solicitation being released. These activities include reviewing lessons learned, debriefings, contract growth and history, work to be performed, and business size status (if applicable). […]

What You May Not Know About GSA Schedules

By Karen Long

As part of my required continuing education, I recently attended a workshop at Public Contracting Institute (PCI) presented by Larry Allen of Allen Federal Business Partners. It was a good reminder of some key points about GSA Schedules and, as always, I learned a few things. GSA Schedule Sales Overall, GSA schedule sales in FY […]

hands reviewing reports on tablet

What is the Difference Between Contract Administration and Contract Management?

By Karen Long

Many people use Contract Administration (CA) and Contract Management (CM) interchangeably.  However, in my opinion, they are very different.  There is not necessarily a correlation between the title of Contracts Administrator and Contracts Manager.  Titles are simply titles.  I am referring to someone’s skill level and how he/she performs his/her job.  CA is reviewing a […]

business team

When and Why to Contact a Contracts Professional

By Karen Long

Your company is currently a Government Contractor or Subcontractor and needs to review a Contract or Subcontract. When you are a subcontractor, a Contracts Professional can help you negotiate and clearly define reasonable terms and conditions including payment terms, non-solicitation of customer, delineation of SOW, etc. The nuances of the language incorporated and what is […]

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