Daniel M. Jacobs, Sr.

An interesting summary of how joint ventures can be a good strategy in #GovCon, but they can also go very wrong. https://lnkd.in/ehGVrSVY ASCE Publishing #ACE #JVs #risk

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Small Contractors Set to Benefit from Strategic Alliances and Government Efforts in 2025 Small defense contractors stand to gain as the next administration pushes efficiency and cost cuts, increasing their Pentagon share. https://lnkd.in/gyVHGUsz

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Heads Up...DoD News related to Architect - Engineering (AE) Services! (1) FINAL RULE Effective 8/26/2024 - DFARS Case 2024-D019 Architect and Engineering Service Fees. This rule changes DFARS to implement Section 2881 of the FY24 NDAA to increase the limitation of the contract price (i.e., "fee") for A-E services for the preparation and delivery of designs, plans, drawings, and specifications from 6% of the project's estimated construction cost to 10%. It is applicable to Army, Navy, and Air Force projects (references in 10 U.S.C. 7540,8612, and 9540). The new 10% limit replaces the 6% fee limitation on contract modifications for work not initially included in the contract and redesign, and applies only to that portion of the contract (or modification) price attributable to the preparation of designs, plans, drawings, and specifications. If a contract or modification also includes other services, the part of the price attributable to the other services is not subject to the fee limitation. (Personally, I've been waiting since the early 1990's for this percentage to change (and yes, I've been doing this THAT long). This makes it easier for small AE businesses to participate in the Federal space. So, YEA!) Permalink: https://lnkd.in/g7vF95R6 (2) PROPOSED RULE Comments due 9/27/2024 -- DFARS Case 2023-D007 Task Order and Delivery Order Contracting for Architectural and Engineering Services. This rules proposes a corresponding change to DFARS Subpart 216.5, Indefinite-Delivery Contracts, to require DoD Contracting Officers (KOs) to use qualification-based selections when awarding task orders and delivery orders for AE services that was previously implemented procedurally under FAR Subparts 16.500, 16.505, and 36.6 procedures in 2005 under the final rule for FAR Case 2004-001 Improvements in Contracting for Architect-Engineer Services. This proposed rule adds DoD-specific statutory guidance (10 U.S.C. 3406(h)(2)) to DFARS directing KOs not to request additional info regarding qualifications unless necessary to determine qualifications for a particular task order or delivery order under a multiple-award contract. There should be little to no impact from this proposed rule since there are no procedural changes, new clauses or provisions, and no new applicability in terms of thresholds or types of contracts. Permalink: https://lnkd.in/gwh2_38J

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Government Contracting #govcon seems to be a labyrinth 😕to many outsiders and newer folks coming into the space. I once created an Access database🧮 at a previous employer many years ago to highlight the importance of good data management and common unique identifiers... As the company tended to have some byzantine processes and nomenclature that I was trying to flesh out and focus 🔍on measuring the things that matter. So I've seen quite a bit of diverse contracts from over $100M 💰annual jobs to ones under $100K. I believe the process is essentially the same to ensure a smooth transition from pre-award to 🥇post-award. It starts with being able to accurately code 🔣your contract into your system of record. Do your #proposal 📚and #pricing 💵documents match the contract award 📝documents? Check that before you 🖋sign! Had an experience recently where there was some ambiguity 😵with a contract modification document in what it was doing as it relates to the changes we proposed. Some contracts get complex when you get to a dozen mods or so with many CLINs, SLINs, and 🗜ARCNs... IYKYK We both had differing interpretations🗣 as we worked through the document. There was a 💪🏼challenge with all the moving parts and new CLINs added and old ones removed and it turns out that we both had the same initial confusion that it wasn't done correctly... However, when we dug ⛏deeper into the changes in Section B (contract values) and Section G (funding values) we determined that this customer was doing It's important to have a uniform 🥋methodology on how you read and review your contract documents before you sign it and book the funding and contract values in your accounting system. Set your books up right the first time, or you'll pay💸 for it over-and-over again each month. And get the right people 🤼 and departments involved! Make it a great week 👊🏼

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Sometimes, it's just the anxiety of knowing DCAA is coming to do an audit that gets you frazzled. Sometimes it not knowing whether what you are doing is the right thing. Either way, a good feeling about how its going to play out can help alleviate that stress. Whether through a simple "audit-like" review, business process improvement and automation, or policy optimization, we have a solution for that.

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Reciprocal Defense Procurement Agreements (RDPAs) are the subject of a new US Government Accountability Office report with specific recommendations for improving how the agreements are negotiated, renewed, evaluated, and managed by the United States Department of Defense. RDPAs are and remain important tools for industrial cooperation between U.S. industry and the industrial bases of the RDPA partner nations. Since these agreements directly impact U.S. industry, as the GAO pointed out, industry input and feedback on the agreements is critical to ensure reciprocal benefits are shared between signatories. I certainly share that view. One thing of note - the Figure 2 chart in the main report shows that U.S. defense exports to RDPA countries are higher than imports. No surprise there; the U.S. exports more than it imports. That's consistent with data annually reported by the Aerospace Industries Association. So, while we can and should tighten up the way RDPAs are managed between the United States Department of Defense and the U.S. Department of Commerce, let's not lose the headline: RDPAs continue to be a good deal for both the U.S. and the RDPA nations. Recommendations coming from the report: ➡️ The Secretary of Defense should ensure that the Principal Director of Defense Pricing, Contracting, and Acquisition Policy develops and implements written policies and procedures for initiating and renewing RDP Agreements, to include seeking defense industry feedback, and coordinating with the Department of Commerce. ➡️ The Secretary of Defense should ensure that the Principal Director of Defense Pricing, Contracting, and Acquisition Policy coordinates with the Secretary of Commerce to develop and implement policies, procedures, and guidance on how to assess and monitor the effects of RDP Agreements, including those already in place with automatic extensions, on U.S. defense technology and the U.S. industrial base. ➡️ The Secretary of Commerce should ensure that the Bureau of Industry and Security, in consultation with other appropriate offices within Commerce, updates guidance to address weaknesses in its methodology assessing the potential effects of RDP Agreements on U.S. industry so that it is based on sound economic reasoning and rigorous methodology and leverages the expertise of other appropriate offices within Commerce. ➡️ The Office of Management and Budget should direct the Director of the Made in America Office to develop a written plan or guidance on how it will review RDP Agreements. Full report here: https://lnkd.in/e7XGTt8g #aerospace #defense #exports #RDPA #defensetrade #DIB

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"The Open Announcement will significantly accelerate the timeline to project award, which will bring critical capabilities to the industrial base faster. This effort also supports the critical Supply Chain Resiliency Focus Areas identified as part of President Biden's Executive Order 14017, On America's Supply Chains." "'This Open Announcement will solicit new ideas for research or prototype project solutions that will benefit our industrial base,' said Dr. Laura Taylor-Kale, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy (ASD(IBP))." It addresses the following critical sectors and areas of interest: **Strategic and Critical Materials **Kinetic Capabilities **Energy Storage and Batteries **Castings and Forgings **Microelectronics **Workforce Development **Small Unmanned Aerial Systems **Submarine Industrial Base **Space Industrial Base **Emerging Manufacturing Technology Visit the open call to see if you may be interested in submitting your white paper by September 2024. #opencall #solicitation #submarinesupplychain #defenseindustrialbase #dib #sib #workforcedevelopment #castingsandforgings

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Looking to win more federal contracts? Success in the #GovCon space is all about focusing on the right agencies, building strong relationships, and consistently delivering value. It’s not just about having a great product or service; it’s about knowing how to navigate the complex federal buying process and standing out from the competition. Ready to elevate your federal business strategy? Schedule a consultation with us today! Let’s discuss how you can apply proven best practices to enhance your approach, build meaningful connections, and secure more contracts. https://zurl.co/n0gZ #WinMoreFederalContracts #BuildStrongRelationships #FederalContracting #FederalBusinessStrategy #HowToConsistentlyDeliverValue #Connect #SummitInsight

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This puts the "Con" in #govcon

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AFWERX AFVentures has issued a Notice of Opportunity (NOO) within the Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) program for both air and space projects. The window for government champion-led capability package submissions will open on July 25 and close September 18 at noon ET. "The STRATFI program underscores our commitment to transitioning dual-use commercial technologies into the hands of our Airmen and Guardians, ensuring that our military forces have access to the most advanced state-of-the-art capabilities that are emerging in our private sector,” said Col. Elliott Leigh, AFWERX director and chief commercialization officer for the United States Department of the Air Force. “This Strategic Funding Increase is not just an investment in hardware; it's an investment in our national security, safeguarding our values and interests for generations to come." STRATFI is open to small businesses with an awarded Phase II SBIR/STTR contract. The company must either have a current Phase II contract, with a minimum of 90 days of performance executed, or have completed a Phase II contract within two years of submitting a capability package. Read more here: https://ow.ly/ZGyz50SHFci . . . #AFWERX #AFVentures #STRATFI #noticeofopportunity #funding #opportunity #innovation

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🚨 Announcing the New Implementation Plan for Strengthening America’s Defense Industrial Base 🚨 I’m honored to be an integral part of executing the Department of Defense’s (DoD) new National Defense Industrial Strategy Implementation Plan (NDIS-IP). Today, the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy (OASD(IBP)) unveiled this critical plan, detailing the ongoing and future actions needed to modernize and secure our defense industrial base. This initiative outlines six cross-cutting programs designed to ensure a more resilient defense ecosystem. From collaboration across DoD components and Services to vital partnerships with industry, international allies, and stakeholders, this strategy underpins the effort required to reinforce our industrial base. 📈 The NDIS-IP addresses a unified commitment to strengthening industrial capacity, building resilience, and reducing risks across the board. This will involve: • Key partnerships with private industry, academia, and international allies, • New OTAs under the Defense Industrial Base Consortium (DIBC) for rapid research, including the recently announced request for white papers on “Critical Chemicals for Defense,” • Support from Congress as a cornerstone of sustainable security. For those interested, the unclassified NDIS-IP document is available here: NDIS-IP FY2025. https://lnkd.in/dUmSt7yd I’m inspired by the opportunity to help lead this strategic vision forward, ensuring our nation’s industrial base remains robust and capable. #NationalSecurity #IndustrialBase #DefenseStrategy #Innovation #DoD

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Understanding the Price Reduction Clause (PRC) in GSA Schedules If your company sells products or services through a General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule, understanding the Price Reduction Clause (PRC) is essential. The PRC is a contractual obligation that requires GSA Schedule contractors to offer their best prices to the federal government, ensuring that the government gets a fair deal. The PRC is triggered if a contractor offers a lower price to another customer under comparable terms and conditions. When this happens, the contractor must extend the same reduced price to the GSA Schedule contract. This protects the government from paying more than commercial customers for the same goods or services. While this clause safeguards taxpayer dollars, it can also introduce complexity for businesses. It’s crucial to have clear pricing policies and monitor commercial sales to avoid unintended violations. Failure to comply with the PRC could result in penalties or cancellation of your GSA Schedule contract. To manage the PRC effectively, companies should: Track all pricing agreements and ensure transparency across customer segments. Establish internal controls to ensure compliance with GSA pricing regulations. Regularly review and update their commercial sales practices. In conclusion, the PRC promotes fairness in federal procurement but requires diligence from contractors to remain compliant. Stay proactive, and the benefits of doing business with the federal government can outweigh the challenges. #GSA #PriceReductionClause #GovernmentContracting #Procurement #FederalSales #GSACompliance #BusinessDevelopment #GovCon #FederalGovernment #ContractManagement #PublicSectorSales

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The FY25 NDAA has now passed the House & Senate is headed to the President to be signed into law. There are dozens of notable provisions for AUVSI — Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International members in the bill, but I’ll call out a few of particular interest here: -- Funding for Drone Detection & Mitigation is increased by $336.442M across multiple budget lines (Army, USAF, USN, etc.) for homeland defense and OCONUS investments, totaling more than $1.7B. There are also multiple sections (Sections 353, 925, 1073, 1089, & 1090) in the bill related to DoD cUxV policy changes, largely demanding better coordination and planning. Of note, no expansion of federal authority or delegation of cUAS authority to SLTT. FY25 CR has an extension of existing authorities until March '25. Expect action on expansion of authorities in early 2025. -- There is support for the development of a more robust, secure, and resilient supply chain for critical technologies and the bill bolsters U.S. competitiveness acknowledging the threats posed by PRC drones and ground robotics and advances efforts to transition the U.S. away from such dependencies. -- Much needed AUVSI-backed language requiring industry and government cooperation on Unmanned Maritime Autonomy Architecture is included. -- Key initiatives and program offices supporting the rapid integration of UxS technologies to the warfighter, including DIU, AFWERX Prime, Replicator acquisition and others are funded at or above requested levels. Now we just need the defense appropriations bill to pass, which looks like it'll be in March 2025. AUVSI’s full statement, released when the bill text dropped on Dec 7, can be found here: https://lnkd.in/gHdAVeur The future of defense will be driven by autonomous systems, and AUVSI, as the tip of spear for our members, is committed to leading the way. Looking forward to a very busy, very exciting 2025.

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This is a thoughtful explanation of current DoD procurement issues and possible solutions. “DoD can radically flip the requirements, budget, and acquisition systems by harnessing commercial solutions for many capabilities - it’s also required by law. The challenge starts with breaking from the current approach. In the current norm, to launch the program, DoD defines requirements, secures funding, conducts analyses, develops strategies, and holds many reviews. DoD then requests proposals and selects one or more contractors to develop and produce the system according to DoD’s requirements and under government oversight each step of the way. Programs must navigate an ever-increasing labyrinth of bureaucracy that imposes high costs and long timelines and leads to mixed performance. What if there were a better way to acquire innovative systems at a fraction of the time, cost, and risk? As DoD pursues Replicator programs to rapidly acquire thousands of autonomous systems within 18-24 months, it must harness commercial acquisition strategies. Traditional and non-traditional companies would rather focus on winning production contracts than lengthy DoD micromanaged cost-plus development contracts. Commercial strategies enable speed of delivery, which our warfighters require to remain competitive in this dynamic operational environment.” https://lnkd.in/gJuMHZXv

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VA published Circular 24-26-16, Implementation Date for VA’s Home Retention Waterfall. Per VA: "The purpose of this Circular is to provide clarification on the dates of implementation for the recently released guidance in VA Servicer Handbook, M26-4, Chapter 5 and Appendix F. (Rescind Oct. 1, 2024)."

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