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SBA Releases Interim Guidance to 8(a) Program Participants in Light of Lower Court Ruling
Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman Reaffirms Support for 8(a) Program
Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration released interim guidance regarding the 8(a) Business Development Program in light of a United States District Court ruling in Ultima Servs. Corp. v. Dep’t of Ag. affecting the program’s determination of social disadvantage.
The updated interim guidance for 8(a) Program participants and applicants can be found on the SBA’s website here. The SBA, in conjunction with the Department of Justice, is also providing federal agencies today with detailed interim guidance on how they may continue to issue 8(a) contract awards during this critical acquisitions period at the end of the fiscal year.
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Federal Acquisition Regulation: Sustainable Procurement
DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to restructure and update the regulations to focus on current environmental and sustainability matters and to implement a requirement for agencies to procure sustainable products and services to the maximum extent practicable. Comments due by Oct 2 2023
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Final Rule: Updating the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts Regulations
On August 23, 2023, the Department published in the Federal Register the final rule, “Updating the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts Regulations.” The final rule updates regulations issued under the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts that set forth rules for the administration and enforcement of the Davis-Bacon labor standards that apply to Federal and federally assisted construction projects. As the first comprehensive regulatory review in nearly 40 years, revisions to these regulations will promote compliance, provide appropriate and updated guidance, and enhance their usefulness in the modern economy.
The final rule is effective on October 23, 2023.
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Wisconsin Air Guard Unit Celebrates F-35 Mission, 75 Years of Service
Col. Bart Van Roo, commander of the Wisconsin Air National Guard’s 115th Fighter Wing, acknowledged the latest chapter in the unit’s storied legacy during a Sept. 7 ceremony at Truax Field.
“Today is all about the final welcoming of the F-35 mission to the 115th,” Van Roo said, “and it’s all about the sacrifice our members and their families have made to get us here.”
In a week where the 115th Fighter Wing also celebrates its 75th anniversary, the wing also formally accepted its F-35 mission — the ninth aircraft flown by the unit. The 115th Fighter Wing is only the second Air National Guard to field the F-35 Lightning II.
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Additional coverage Here & Here
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Freedom-variant littoral combat ship (LCS) USS Milwaukee (LCS 5) was decommissioned in Mayport, Fla., September 8.
NAVAL STATION MAYPORT (Sept. 8, 2023) – Freedom-variant littoral combat ship (LCS) USS Milwaukee (LCS 5) was decommissioned in Mayport, Fla., September 8.
As an operational unit, Milwaukee and its crew played an important role in the defense of our nation and maritime freedom. Milwaukee and its Sailors were key to determine the operational success and deployment capabilities of today’s LCS platform.
During the ceremony guest speaker, Vice Adm. Dirk Debbink (USN, Ret), former chairman of Milwaukee’s commissioning committee wished the crew of Milwaukee fair winds and following seas as they bid farewell to their ship.
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New Series Announcement
Welcome to WPI’s Emerging Issues Series!
Over the last several years, cybersecurity has been front and center and garnered most of DoD’s contractor’s time and energy as it should. Cybersecurity is a major issue that needs to be addressed but it is not the only issue. There are existing and evolving issues that DoD contractors need to know about and in many cases require affirmative actions related to compliance.
This series, WPI’s Emerging Issues Series, is intended as an information tool and resource for contract managers and those with a compliance function. The topics selected for the initial group of Webinars are just some of the important topics. Some have not held the spotlight like others but nevertheless they are important. Others, such as Innovation and AI have recently emerged and have shown that they are not just a passing curiosity but truly topics of importance that will continue to impact DoD policy and provide procurement opportunities. These topics included in our first group, are current topics that need attention and need to be addressed. We expect that over time other issues – topics will emerge and come to the forefront. As these topics are identified we will add them to this series.
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October 19 Information Security
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November 2 Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM)
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November 16 Vetting Subcontractors and Suppliers
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November 30 Foreign Ownership, Control, and Influence (FOCI)
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October 10-12
Join the WPI Board of Directors, Wisconsin federal contractors, members of the WI Federal DC community, agency, and prime representatives at this year’s WI Federal Contractor Forum.
Presented by the Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) Board of Directors, in partnership with the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) Great Lakes Chapter.
SCHEDULE
Oct 10 – 2:00 PM – WPI Board Meeting [Board Members ONLY]
Oct 10 – 5:00 PM – Reception hosted by Husch Blackwell DC Office
Oct 11 – EXECUTIVE ROUNDTABLES – arrival 7:30 – program begins 8:00am – program ends 4:00pm [Rayburn House Office Building]
- DEVELOPING THE DEFENSE INDUSTRIAL BASE (DIB)
- BRINGING MORE FEDERAL DOLLARS BACK TO WISCONSIN
- HOW TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS WITH GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
- TECHNOLOGY, SECURITY, AI – CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
- DEFENSE AND FEDERAL PRIORITIES
Oct 12 – Meet for Breakfast – Program continues with agency and prime site visits
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Nov 1-3, 2023
Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center
900 E. Market Street, San Antonio, TX
This is your opportunity to connect with a community of leading experts, decision-makers, solution providers, business partners, and federal contracting officers.
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Dec 6 - 7, 2023
Baird Center
555 W Wells St, Milwaukee, WI 53203
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Be sure to follow WPI on social media (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter) for regular updates on events, news and opportunities.
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WPI 10437 Innovation Dr. Suite 320, Milwaukee, WI 53226 414-270-3600
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