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Pending Senate Bill Affects Government Contractors:
Tell Us What YOU Think Before it is TOO LATE!
Remember how the 3% fee was passed into law? Don't wait on this one, it has the possibility of affecting you even more. Some points are good, and others are troubling.....
SUMMARY:
This legislation would amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to revise certain acquisition practices and procedures, including:
(1) requiring executive agency heads to use online reverse auction, or an equivalent method, in the procurement of commercial items above the simplified acquisition threshold;
(2) requiring the consideration of Federal Strategic Sourcing Vehicles (FSSV). FSSVs are type of government-wide interagency acquisition contract/agreement used to leverage the federal government's buying power in the acquisition planning process;
(3) authorizing contracting officers to waive contract closeout audits above the simplified acquisition purchase threshold based on risk assessments and to write-off unreconciled balances on low risk contracts;
(4) requiring executive agency heads to mandate that affordability be included as a requirement for major systems, research and development, and construction and architect-engineering acquisitions, prior to the approval of any acquisition plan exceeding $100 million;
(5) requiring service contracts valued at more than $100 million to include provisions to achieve productivity improvements and cost efficiencies; and
(6) assisting small businesses by paying their invoices as quickly as possible and before normal payment due dates established by contract.
The bill also requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to:
(1) identify on the OMB website a list of all Federal Strategic Source Vehicle contracts and agreements and awardees, and
(2) develop a plan to achieve at least $1 billion in measurable savings through Federal Strategic Sourcing Vehicles for FY2013-FY2016.
Some of these provisions are potential back-breakers for business, please tell WIPP what you think about these provisions. Are they going too far, about right, not far enough?
YOUR VOICE MATTERS. All feedback is welcome. Email Matt Boyle at WIPP today with your comments. Deadline Feb 16. 2012. Read the full bill here. | 
