Fake companies still win SBA approval

GAO tests SBA's set-aside program with fake companies that used the Alamo's address as their headquarters and still won certification.

Existing procurements got bulk of Recovery Act contract dollars

Pressure to act quickly on high-priority projects drove agency officials toward existing contracts, GAO reported.

DRC sells components unit to concentrate on fed sector

Dynamics Research Corp. has sold its Metrigraphics Division to private equity firms Clarkston Merchant Partners LLC and New England Capital Partners. Financial terms of the transaction, which took effect July 19, were not reported.

Officials put temptation in front of small businesses

When a company can certify itself as a particular type of business entitled to preferential treatment, it is a temptation that is hard to resist, according to one member of Congress.

Acquisition Solutions changes name to highlight services

Acquisition Solutions Inc., a provider of performance management solutions to the federal sector, is changing its name to ASI Government effective Sept. 1.

Agencies defend charges of contracting fraud

Officials say the recently reported fraud that GAO uncovered in a small-business set-aside program comes from business owners and contracting officers not understanding the program rules, but at least one member of Congress rejects that explanation.

MCR buys Alion's Navy research business

MCR LLC has acquired a portion of Alion Science and Technology Corp.’s business that provides expert program management and technical services to the Office of Naval Research. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Criterion finds Hanson has right criteria for COO

J. Greg Hanson has been promoted to senior vice president and chief operating officer at Criterion Systems, a provider of technology-enabled business solutions to government agencies.

DOD now required to report bundled contracts, sole-source awards

DOD's contracting now must publish a notification on FedBizOpps.gov or any similar site at least 30 days before releasing a solicitation for a bundled contract, according to a new Federal Register notice.

SBA, IG disagree on sole-source awards

In awarding two sole-source contracts, IG says SBA officials defeated the purpose of the Recovery Act.

Why LinkedIn, why now

A Market Connections 2010 social media study indicates a rapidly growing acceptance and use of social media tools by both industry and government.

Administration makes it easier to award vets sole-source contracts

The amendment to the Federal Acquisition Regulation would more closely mirror the language of the Veterans Benefits Act.

IT dominates homeland security market

The homeland security market is expected to be worth $85 billion by 2014 across federal, state and local, intelligence agencies, and private-sector organizations.

Agilex, NISC lead slate of Hot Ticket winners

The Northern Virginia Technology Council recognizes up-and-comers in the technology market.

DHS puts finishing touches on $22B opportunity

Vendors are looking over changes that the Homeland Security Department plans for a contracting vehicle that its agencies have used to buy information technology worth billions.

Baroni leads Attain to new markets

Attain LLC has closed more than 20 contracts worth a total of more than $20 million as it focuses on the energy, cybersecurity and health care markets.

Centuria provides IT power for Energy hydroelectric project

Centuria Corp. will provide a wide range of information technology services to the Energy Department’s Western Area Power Administration, Rocky Mountain Region, under a three-year contract valued at approximately $5 million.

Former SI execs make first deal with SGIS acquisition

Salient Federal Solutions Inc., a recently formed information technology and engineering solutions company, has taken its first step into the mergers and acquisitions market by acquiring SGIS.

Small-biz definitions put hurt on midsize contractors

Midsize companies are stuck between big and small businesses as the definition of a small business has failed to keep up with the changing dynamics of the market.

New SBA deputy administrator confirmed by Senate

Marie Collins Johns will be the second-ranking official at the Small Business Administration, with responsibilities for management, policy development and program supervision.