Federal Procurement Changes Spotlight
Federal contracting is full of opportunity but also change. From executive orders to new registration systems and oversight reforms, the rules of engagement are shifting. That’s why we’ve launched our Federal Spotlight articles, a new quarterly article designed to help small businesses make sense of federal policy updates, system changes, and emerging trends that impact how you do business with the government. In this issue, we’re breaking down the latest updates to SAM registration rules, DSBS (now SBS), upcoming GSA eBuy improvements, increased scrutiny in the 8(a) program, and more.
Whether you’re preparing your next proposal or managing an existing contract, staying current with federal changes is essential—and we’re here to help you do just that.
System for Award Management (SAM) Clarification
As of August 7, a new rule clarifies the SAM pre-award registration requirements. Offers must now be registered and current at the time of the offer submission and at the time of contract award, but do not have to be registered between those two points in time. What does this mean for you as a government contractor? You know the date that the proposal submission is due but cannot predict when the government will make the award, so it is best practice to always be updated and current with your registration in SAM to avoid loss of a potential contract.
DSBS has Been Replaced
Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS) has been replaced by the new Small Business Search (SBS), a modernized search platform with several improvements and new tools, designed to streamline the connection of prime contractors and government agencies to small businesses. To help you navigate the new platform, the SBA has developed a help guide that you can use to explore the new features. This is a recent change and the counselors at the APEX are happy to help guide you through the new process.
Staying Ahead of Tariff Changes
Tariffs are constantly changing as negotiations continue with the current administration and other countries. It is your responsibility as a contractor to include the applicable tariffs at the time of your proposal in your proposal. Some agencies are not granting contractors relief from tariffs if they are not included in the original proposal, so it is critical that you have the correct tariffs in every proposal!
Executive Orders Impacting Procurement
Executive Orders (EO) issued by the President have, and are likely to continue to, directly affected the Federal Government contracting rules. We have gathered two of them below that we recommend keeping track of:
- EO 14275 – Restoring Common Sense to Federal Procurement. This EO addresses the streamlining of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), where all unnecessary regulations and policies will be removed. The FAR will be replaced with the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO). You can track changes on the website above. NorCal APEX will offer classes when the streamlining is complete.
- EO 14240 – Eliminating Waste and Saving Taxpayer Dollars by Consolidating Procurement. This EO directs federal agencies to shift procurement of common goods and services to the General Services Administration (GSA). GSA will become the executive agent for all government IT acquisition contracts. Businesses wanting to sell these services to the government will need to have a GSA Contract.
GSA E-Buy Improvements
GSA has recently updated the GSA system for both buyers and setters. If you are one of our clients who is a seller, there is additional information that is available to you to view which will help you to match what the buyers are requesting.
SBA Increases Oversight of 8(a) Program
The U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recently issued a letter to contracting officers throughout the federal government. The letter emphasized the contracting officers’ legal responsibilities including reporting any suspected fraud, waste, and abuse. The letter was generated by several recently discovered fraud schemes and follows a full scale audit of the 8(a) Program that was ordered earlier in August. It is imperative that our clients understand their responsibilities in this program as potential misconduct, submitting false information and other forms of abuse are being reported.
We know that regulatory shifts can feel overwhelming, especially for small businesses managing multiple priorities. But you don’t have to navigate these changes alone.
The Norcal APEX Accelerator team is here to provide one-on-one support, explain new requirements in plain language, and connect you with tools and resources that help you stay compliant and competitive. We’ll continue sharing updates, so you can stay informed and focused on what matters most: growing your business through government opportunities.
If you are looking for help with government contracting or want no-cost help to find contracting opportunities, please contact your Norcal APEX Accelerator counselor for assistance or apply for services today!
Authored by: Mary Jo Juarez, Norcal APEX Accelerator Procurement Specialist
If you have more questions, please contact us at info@apexnorcal.org or (707) 267 – 7561
