GCP

📢 Supporting Small Business—Preserving Competition GovContractPros is proud to support the Protecting Small Business Competitions Act of 2025, a bipartisan effort led by Senator Joni Ernst, Senator Ed Markey, Representative Roger Williams, and Representative Nydia Velázquez. This legislation aims to codify the Rule of Two, a long-standing safeguard that ensures federal agencies set aside contracting opportunities when at least two responsible small businesses can perform the work. Why this matters: ✅ Protects fair access for small businesses in an era of consolidated purchasing ✅ Promotes innovation and competition in the federal supply chain ✅ Strengthens the small business industrial base and supports economic growth 📉 With small business participation in federal contracting down by 50% over the past decade, this legislation is a timely and necessary step toward restoring opportunity and balance in the marketplace. 📄 GCP joins many of organizations in supporting this bill. Read the full letter of support below: #SmallBusiness #FederalContracting #GovCon #RuleOfTwo #ProtectSmallBiz #Bipartisan #Procurement #PublicPolicy #GCP #GovContractPros

🚨 SDVOSB Certification Alert 🚨 If you're a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (#SDVOSB) previously certified under the VA’s VETCERT program and relying on that eligibility through 2026, it’s critical to double-check your certification status in the new SBA platform. GCP has learned that during the transition from DSBS to the SBA’s new certification search portal (https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.plnkd.in/e-uGZUTw), some legacy SDVOSB firms were dropped and are no longer showing as certified. 🔍 Please review your: ✅ SAM.gov profile ✅ https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.plnkd.in/e-uGZUTw listing 📌 Under FAR 19.1403, an SDVOSB must be: Certified by the SBA, and Designated in SAM.gov as SDVOSB, or Have a pending application status reflected in Certify.SBA.gov This certification is essential for your EOFY contract eligibility. If your status is not validly displayed, contact the U.S. Small Business Administration immediately to resolve it. #SDVOSB #SBA #VeteranOwnedBusiness #FederalContracting #SAMgov #Certifications #EOFY #Compliance #VETCERT #FAR #GovCon #searchcertifications #GovContractPros

A message from our Chairman, John Shoraka, regarding proposals for the federal marketplace reform by GSA. GCP will continue to monitor these proposals and advocate on behalf of our clients. To learn more about these changes, or our advocacy efforts, please contact Jake Neilson.

📍 Catch the GCP Team at the 2025 National HUBZone Conference We're excited to join the 25th Annual National HUBZone Conference—July 21–24 at the Westfields Marriott in Chantilly, VA—and share our expertise on navigating federal small business programs and FAR compliance. https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.plnkd.in/e7CK-etV 👥 Meet our Speakers & Senior Leadership: 🔹 John Shoraka , Chairman, GCP 🕙 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Jeffersonian 5-6 🔸 BREAKOUT: New HUBZone Regulations John will break down the very latest updates to HUBZone rules—what’s changed, what’s coming next, and how federal contractors can stay compliant and competitive. 🔹 Trevor Skelly, CEO, GCP 🕝 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM | Lincoln Forum 🔸 BREAKOUT: Maintaining HUBZone Status through Program Examinations Trevor will dive into the essential strategies for maintaining your HUBZone certification through audits and SBA program reviews. 🔹 Anna Sanders, Senior Consultant - Entity Certification & Eligibility, GCP Anna will be on-hand throughout the event to network, answer questions, and help attendees unpack the implications of regulatory shifts on HUBZone-certified businesses. 🎯 Visit us at Booth 410 to discuss: Strategy for compliance and recertification What the new HUBZone regulations mean for your business Best practices for SBA examinations and audits Whether you’re renewing your HUBZone status, exploring set-asides, or expanding your GovCon footprint, our team is here to help you succeed. 🔗 Let’s connect in person—drop by Booth 410 or send us a message to set up a time! See you in Chantilly! #HUBZone2025 #GovCon #SmallBusiness #GCP #GovernmentContracting #Compliance #HUBZoneConference #Booth410

📢 Proposed FAR Overhaul Could Reshape the Federal Marketplace The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has submitted sweeping legislative proposals to Congress supporting a revolutionary FAR overhaul—and GovContractPros (GCP) has reviewed the language (linked in comments) with deep concern about its potential impact on competition, compliance, and small business access. 🔍 Key Proposed Changes: The Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT) for commercial products/services would increase from $250,000 to $10 million in phases over five years. The Special Simplified Procedures cap would expand from $5 million to $50 million. The Micro-purchase Threshold would jump from $10,000 to $100,000 over five years. These thresholds aim to streamline procurement, but they could significantly reduce small business participation—especially if they dilute the application of the Rule of Two. 📘 Why It Matters for Small Businesses: The Rule of Two, a safeguard that ensures set-asides when at least two responsible small businesses can provide a fair market offer, is statutorily required for contracts below the SAT under 15 U.S.C. § 644(j)(1). Above the SAT, however, it is a regulatory requirement under FAR 19.502-2(b). If this requirement is weakened or removed for contracts above the newly proposed SAT of $10M, small firms could be excluded from competing for higher-value contracts. ⚠️ This could result in: ~ Fewer set-aside opportunities. ~ Reduced competition. ~ Increased market consolidation and risk to innovation. 📈 Additional Major Provisions in the Proposal: Emphasis on awarding via GSA Multiple Award Schedules with “Trade-Offs” replacing Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) evaluations. Increase of the protest threshold for task/delivery orders from $10 million to $35 million. Greater use of Section 876 authority, allowing price to be determined at the task/delivery order level—not the GWAC or IDIQ level. 💡 What GCP Recommends: These proposals may accelerate timelines and lower barriers for certain purchases, but they also introduce real risks to small business participation. If you're a federal contractor—or planning to become one—it’s critical to understand the policy shifts underway and prepare accordingly. 📩 For insights or support navigating these potential changes, contact: John Shoraka Anna Sanders Trevor Skelly 👇 Read the full OMB legislative proposal in the comments. #FARReform #FederalAcquisition #SmallBusinessPolicy #GovCon #GSA #ProcurementReform #BuyAmerican #RuleOfTwo #GovernmentContracting #GovContractPros

📢 The SBA’s 2024 Small Business Scorecard is here—and it tells a complicated story. While total federal contracting dollars awarded to small businesses increased year-over-year, the total number of small business awardees declined again, continuing a concerning trend that limits innovation, competition, and supply chain diversity through increased consolidation. 📉 Two key targets were missed: Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSB) and HUBZone firms—both fell short of the government’s 5% minimum contracting goals. Though some gains were made, structural challenges remain. The continued use of category management and government-wide acquisition contracts (GWACs)—a procurement preference emphasized in prior years—has increased the complexity and cost of entry for many small businesses. This shift, combined with contract consolidation and requirement “bundling,” raises barriers to entry and potentially increases performance and pricing risk for federal agencies. 🔍 An often-overlooked metric: Small Business Subcontracting Achievement. Under FAR 52.219-9, contracts awarded to large businesses over $750,000 require a formal Small Business Subcontracting Plan. While the overall small business subcontracting goal was exceeded, both Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) and HUBZone firms fell significantly short of the 10% subcontracting goal. GovContractPros recommends several actions to address these trends: ✅ Broaden awareness and entry pathways through: - Robust Industry Days during market research - Increased visibility of the SBA’s Mentor-Protégé Program - Use of Non-Manufacturer Rule waivers to open sourcing opportunities for small manufacturers ✅ Empower small firms to participate in larger awards by submitting responses to RFIs and Sources Sought notices, and by pushing for stronger evaluation of subcontracting plans at both the pre- and post-award stages. ✅ Strengthen and expand “Vets First.” SDVOSBs are making strides—but they deserve more. Under the VA’s “Vets First” authority (38 U.S.C. § 8127), the VA can award sole-source contracts up to $5 million ($7 million for manufacturing) directly to certified SDVOSBs—no competition required. 📊 Scorecard context matters: Although the Trump Administration has reaffirmed a government-wide 23% small business contracting goal for FY2025, it’s important to remember that the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. § 644(g)(2)) sets these as statutory floors, not ceilings. During the Biden Administration, SDVOSB goals were increased from 3% to 5%, and the 8(a) goal was raised to 15%. We at GCP support a modern and innovative procurement strategy—one that balances compliance, competition, and opportunity for today’s small businesses. 📬 Let’s keep the conversation going—access and innovation in federal contracting are essential for long-term success. #GovContractPros #FederalContracting #SBA #SmallBusinessScorecard

We’re excited to share a significant update that reflects our continued commitment to serving you, the federal marketplace, with focus and excellence. As of July 14th, Strategic Growth Partners (“SGP”) and GovContractPros (“GCP”) are now two independent organizations. This change is a strategic decision designed to allow each company to sharpen its focus, simplify its operations, and strengthen its alignment with your business goals. This move reflects GCP’s rapid growth, focus, and distinct identity as a trusted independent advisor in the federal contracting ecosystem. Our clients rely on us for expert guidance in SBA and FAR compliance, joint ventures, certifications (8(a), HUBZone, ED/WOSB, SD/VOSB), MPAs, mergers and acquisitions, and regulatory strategy—and we remain fully committed to advancing those services and advocacy with clarity and purpose. Under the leadership of Trevor Skelly, CEO, and John Shoraka, Chairman, GCP is entering its next chapter with greater focus, agility, and dedication to our mission: best-in-class regulatory and business advice to our clients. The entire GCP Team is energized for what’s ahead and looks forward to continuing to serve our clients, advocate for small business success, and help navigate the complex world of federal contracting with experience, precision, and care.    We Thank You for Your Support.  #GovCon #FederalContracting #SmallBusiness #SBACertifications #FARCompliance #MentorProtege #GovernmentContracts #GCP

Catch our CEO John Shoraka tomorrow, July 2, at the Native Edge Institute in Mashantucket, CT! He’ll be sharing insights on small business federal contracting, set-aside programs, and the latest rule changes—all hosted by NCAIED. 📍 Foxwoods Resort Casino ⏰ 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM EDT + networking after If you’re in the area, don’t miss this chance to learn, connect, and grow.  🔗 Register: https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.pshorturl.at/HZg1R If you’re attending, he’d love to meet you there! John Shoraka #NEI #NCAIED #FederalContracting #NativeBusiness #SmallBusinessLeadership #JohnShoraka

🔎 Advocacy in Action: Protecting Tribal 8(a) Opportunity Last week, our leadership team—CEO John Shoraka and President Trevor Skelly—submitted formal comments to the Office of Native American Affairs at the U.S. Small Business Administration following the 13 June Tribal Consultation in Anchorage. Why it matters: 🔹 Sovereignty first. Tribes hold a political, not racial, status under U.S. law (Morton v. Mancari). We urged SBA to clarify that recent executive orders targeting DEI do not apply to all Entity-owned 8(a) programs, including NHOs. 🔹 Stop harmful consolidation. Executive Orders 14240 & 14275 push more contracts into large, complex GWACs—raising costs and barriers for Tribal enterprises and all small businesses. 🔹 Keep SBA at the table. FAR Part 10 “model deviation” sidelines SBA market-research oversight, weakening small-business set-asides and eroding the #RuleofTwo. 🔹 Strengthen, don’t shrink, the Mentor-Protégé Program. Instead of curbing Tribal joint ventures, increase compliance checks and penalties for bad actors while preserving critical pathways for growth. Our recommendations: ✳️ SBA/OHNA should issue clear guidance affirming Tribal 8(a) protections and participation. ✳️ Collaborate with GSA to prevent bundling, enforce on-ramps, and preserve small-business competition on GWACs. ✳️ Restore robust SBA consultation requirements in FAR Part 10. ✳️ Enhance MPP (Mentor-Protégé Program) oversight (annual Joint Venture work-share reviews, merger reporting, faster mentor changes) rather than limit JV eligibility. We remain committed to ensuring that sovereign Tribal nations and the small-business community thrive in the federal marketplace. 👉 Read our full comment letter below and let us know your thoughts. Together we can safeguard competition, innovation, and economic self-determination. #TribalConsultation #NativeBusiness #8aProgram #FederalContracting #SmallBusinessAdvisory #Innovation #competition #advocacy