Federal Government Contracts Educator | Federal Government Contracts Speaker, Blogger & Author | Small Business Advocate | Tribal Business Board Member | Nonprofit Board Member & Volunteer
I’m tracking some potentially huge sole source news for SDVOSBs and VOSBs in the House draft of the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act. Section 861 of the current draft would allow DOD Contracting Officers to award sole source SDVOSB or VOSB contracts up to certain dollar amounts WITHOUT first determining that there are unlikely to be two or more SDVOSB or VOSB offerors. If this change becomes law—and it has a long way to go—SDVOSB sole source authority would look much more like that in the 8(a) Program, at least at DOD, which would almost certainly mean many, many more sole source SDVOSB awards. DoD would become the second agency (after VA) with authority to issue sole source contracts to VOSBs. #govcon #governmentcontracting #SDVOSB #veterans
Emilie Vicchio
1mo
Do you think there’s any connection with the SBA/VA phasing out self-certifying as a SDVOSB? Or just coincidence?
Rich Earnest
1mo
Thank you, Steven Koprince, for all of your work letting the government contracting community about upcoming legislation and other initiatives!
Thanks for sharing, Steven. It is about time that the USG takes the SDVOSB program seriously. As the owner of a company that recently graduated from the 8(a) program, I have always noted the differences between the way you are received by USG Contracting Officers when you reference qualification in both programs. The SDVOSB program has no teeth, that is the honest to God truth. Maybe this will finally help. Also, maybe as a byproduct, finally KOs will realize that SDVOSBs can do more than just construction work!
Troy Francis
1mo
Oh boy... not sure I'm a fan of this. While I understand the intent of the DOD to award more contracts to SDVOSB, the separate concern of reducing competition even further (within the SDVOSB pool) is eye-opening.
It's about time.
This is awesome. I would also love to see some traction on the MilSpouse set aside program that was proposed a couple of years ago. Combined with VOSB and SDVOSB, it would significantly expand the DoD contractor base with those who directly understand their needs and challenges.
This is great news! As a SDVOSB and pending Hubzone certification, I am always exploring different contract opportunities and teaming agreements. This will hopefully create more opportunities for collaborations.
Ashley Duwel
1mo
Thank you for sharing. Interesting, I'll be following.
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1mo(EDITED: Saw you made edits to your original post. I'm glad my eyes were not fooling me!) Thanks for sharing. I read the text of Section 861. It actually appears broader than that (unless I read it wrong) - as it also applies to veteran-owned business, not just SDVOSBs. As a veteran owner of a small business, it would be nice to finally see some set-aside work for us non-SDVOSBs (outside of VA, of course).