businesswomen

Recently Asked Questions

By Karen Long

I am sharing some of the Recently Asked Questions that I have received from clients and other consultants. Question: Is it appropriate to include a 1099/consultant (without being an LLC nor being incorporated) using a Social Security Number for our Small Business Subcontract reporting in System for Award Management (SAM)? Answer: It depends. Yes, if […]

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Subcontractor, Independent Consultant, or Employee? What is the difference?

By Karen Long

I often hear my clients or other Government Contractors use “Subcontractor” and “Independent Consultant” interchangeably; however, they are not synonymous. Sometimes I hear Independent Consultants being referred to as “1099s”, which is a misnomer because 1099s shall be issued to both unless the Subcontractor is an S or C Corporation. An individual may be working […]

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Does Your Company Have Government Reports Due in October? Check Your Contracts.

By Karen Long

‘Tis the season of new Government Contract Awards! It’s also the month where there are many Government Contract Reports due either to the Prime or Government. Here are three of the more common contract requirements, their purposes, and why they’re important to the Government. Electronic Subcontracting Reporting System (eSRS) – FAR 52.219-9 – The Government […]

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How to Maintain a New Hire’s Enthusiasm

By Karen Long

P.S. This can raise your bottom line The HR Department works hard to find superb candidates and conveys the benefits, bonuses, positive culture, career growth, etc. of working for their company. The HR Representative offers the best candidate a position; and the candidate accepts and signs the offer letter. While some may view this as […]

How to Influence Your CPARS Rating Positively and More

By Karen Long

These are a few questions I have received from my clients that I thought may be useful to others. Question: It seems like my CPARS (Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System) is based on what is happening on the project at the moment instead of the entire year. In fact, sometimes it seems like the CPARS […]

How to Optimize Your Company’s Technical Team on Labor Contracts

By Karen Long

As the Government Fiscal Year comes to a close, many new contract awards will be issued and option periods exercised. One way to optimize your Technical (aka Direct Labor) Team for each Government Services Contract: Hold an Internal Contracts Kick-Off meeting upon award or Option Period Kick-Off (if applicable). Prior to the meeting, establish a […]

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Why I Like Federal Government Contracting

By Karen Long

When I tell people that I find working on Federal Government Contracts rewarding, I often get puzzled expressions. In the past having worked primarily for small and mid-size Government Contractors, I identify and root for them. To me, small businesses are the underdogs of the world. It’s satisfying to see a small business experience the […]

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Why One Village Member Alone Cannot Optimally Execute a Federal Contract

By Karen Long

I have heard many companies and organizations say that a particular Project Manager or Technical Lead can effectively execute a Federal Contract. Although the term “flawlessly” was not used, it was implied. Similarly, a client recently said that I can solve all of their contractual issues. While this is flattering, one person or Department cannot […]

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Why Meeting the Financial Forecast is Not Good Enough

By Karen Long

If your company is meeting its forecast and running as effectively as possible, then you don’t need to read any further. However, this would infer that your company is perfect; and I don’t believe a perfect company exists. Why is meeting a forecast “not good enough”? Unless your company is doing everything “right” and there’s […]

sole source award signing

Subcontractors: How to Protect Workshare

By Karen Long

Details That Make a Difference Since the Prime Contractor generally has more control than the Subcontractor (Sub), it’s important that the Sub leverage their input as much as possible. Recently, I worked with a client and was reminded of two lessons. First, while the Prime Contractor needs to flow down certain DFAR and/or FAR clauses, […]

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