Public Contracting Institute Blog
The Public Contracting Institute blog supplement our govcon training offerings with insightful articles written by leading professionals across the government contracts industry. Our professionals publish articles on topics on government contracts administration, accounting, bids/proposals, disputes, claims, and much more. For more inforamation about our blog, reach out to seminars@publiccontractinginstitute.com.
Additionally, look for the PCI Practical Matters Podcast, coming soon! It will cover the latest news in our industry, along with insightful commentary on the most important topics in Government Contracting.
Litany of Sustains at the GAO
It’s rare but it does happen, that the Government Accountability Office (“GAO”) sustains five separate violations of the procurement regulations in a single protest. See Deloitte Consulting, LLP; Softrams, LLC, B-421801 et al, Jan. 30, 2024. All of the violations...
What Happens When an Agency Issue Orders Under a Requirements Contract, Then Reduces Quantities and Partially De-Obligates Funds
The Air Force (“USAF”) awarded Vectrus Systems Corp. (“Vectrus”) a task order against a commercial items contract that contained several Contract Line Item Numbers (“CLINs”) associated with housing maintenance. After the order’s performance period was over, the USAF...
Season 11: Episode 15: FAR Facts
Hello and thank you for joining us for Episode 14 of Fun with the FAR Season 11! Our next session will cover FAR Part 25 (Foreign Acquisition)! As we prepare for our 15th episode of Season 11, here are a few Episode 15 FAR Facts for us to think about: Under the Buy...
Salient Characteristics in Brand Name or Equal Protections
One popular way of soliciting for agency needs is the use of Brand Name Or Equal Purchase Descriptions. Agencies, however, sometimes run afoul of a relatively straightforward procurement method, as shown in American Mat’l Handling, Inc., B-422171, Jan. 22, 2024, a...
How to Effectively Use Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) to Drive Innovation in Contracts
Understanding OTAs: A Game-Changer in Government Contracting Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) have emerged as a powerful tool in the ever-evolving landscape of government contracting, fostering innovation and streamlining procurement processes for contractors in...
Implementing Standard Cost Systems in Accordance with CAS 407: A Comprehensive Guide
1. Understanding CAS 407: The Foundation of Standard Cost Systems CAS 407 provides guidelines for using standard costs to estimate, accumulate, and report costs of direct material and direct labor. This standard ensures consistency and fairness in cost accounting...
Managing Risks Associated with Subcontractors: A Comprehensive Guide for Government Contractors
In the complex world of government contracting, managing risks associated with subcontractors is a critical skill that can make or break your project's success. At Public Contracting Institute, we understand the challenges contractors face when dealing with...
Asserting Duress in Signing a Modification
Sand Point Services, LLC brought two claims before the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals, both involving modifications and asserting duress. Sand Point Servs., LLC, ASBCA Nos. 61819, 61820, January 4, 2024. The first modification for certain “punch list...
Mastering Accounting for Unallowable Costs: A Guide to CAS 405 Compliance
Introduction to CAS 405 and Unallowable Costs In the complex world of government contracting, understanding and properly accounting for unallowable costs as per Cost Accounting Standard (CAS) 405 is crucial for success. At the Public Contracting Institute, we...
Mastering CAS 406: Establishing and Adhering to Cost Accounting Periods
In the complex world of government contracting, understanding and implementing Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) is crucial for success. Today, we're diving deep into CAS 406, which focuses on establishing and adhering to cost accounting periods. This standard is a...
