Purchasing System Compliance – Unauthorized Commitments

Unratified Purchase Errors.  In business-speak we call them procedural missteps, broken processes, or deviations from procedures.  Colloquially, we use phrases like “cart before the horse” or “cut across the infield” and “blew it this time”. DCMA calls them “Unauthorized Commitments”. 

If you are a GovCon subject to the DFARS Purchasing System rules, you most likely have Unauthorized Commitments from time to time. FAR 1.602-3 defines an Unauthorized Commitment as an agreement that is not binding solely because the representative who made it lacked the authority to enter into that agreement.  The most common example is a project manager directing a seller to get to work before authorization from the purchasing department.  Sound familiar?  

The Crucial Role of HR in GovCon Mergers and Acquisitions

The Crucial Role of HR in GovCon Mergers and Acquisitions

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the government contracting (GovCon) industry bring forth significant changes and challenges for organizations. As the integration process begins after the sale closes, Human Resources (HR) assumes a crucial role in ensuring a smooth transition and maximizing the success of the merger or acquisition. In our previous blog, we discussed the importance of HR due diligence prior to the sale. Any HR due diligence items that were not completed prior to a merger or acquisition due to timing or lack of cooperation during the process should be conducted as soon as possible. Now, let’s explore additional key GovCon HR activities that are vital during the transition phase.

The Importance of HR in GovCon Mergers and Acquisitions

The Importance of HR in GovCon Mergers and Acquisitions: Preparing for Success

When it comes to mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the government contracting (GovCon) industry, there are complex processes involved in integrating multiple organizations. While financial aspects and strategic synergies often receive the most attention, it is crucial not to underestimate the vital role played by Human Resources (HR). HR professionals are instrumental in ensuring a smooth and successful merger or acquisition by effectively managing various people-related challenges and facilitating a seamless transition for employees.

So, you signed an onerous subcontract. Now what?

GovCon or no, we have all been there.  We have made the bad deal.  We signed the paper without really reading and understanding it.  Whether we committed to the 3-year deal with the home alarm company with shoddy equipment and worse customer service or signed the exclusive teaming agreement thinking, “This is the ONE!”, only to end up with a one-sided subcontract with a fraction of the work share that we were promised, we have all experienced the rush of wind leaving our sails the moment we realize that we have been had.  That rush is the sound of your company’s growth plan moving backwards.

Building Teams to Take on the GovCon Wilderness

Ensuring Workforce Continuity and Success: The Importance of Succession Planning for GovCons Is your GovCon prepared for a disruption within your workforce? Are you taking steps to prepare for the future of your organization? Internal and external factors can have a significant impact on your current and future workforce. Unfortunately, only 1 in 4 companies […]

June Proposal Tips

Proposal Season Is On The Horizon - BOOST

Are You in Proposal Hell? As government contracting organizations mature, their proposal strategy evolves. Let’s face it, in the beginning, a GovCon is just happy to be invited to the dance, even as a sub. So, we’ll bid on blue birds; we’ll stretch our rates, our margins, our past performance and occasionally our credibility. How […]

Grow Your GovCon With Strategic Contracting

Grow Your GovCon With Strategic Contracting

Pipeline planning is essential to grow your business. Most small business GovCons focus on revenue attainment without placing substantial (enough) energy on the terms of the contracts underlying said growth. Depending on your GovCon’s, 1, 3 and 5+ year plan, the type of contracts you compete for, win and operate under are as important as the revenue they bring your organization. Strategic contracting is key!

Talent Acquisition and Proposal Season for GovCons

Proposal season is right around the corner, and we all know what that means! It means we all begin the time-critical endeavor of locating, recruiting, and securing the key personnel that are required to win the wide variety of contracts that are up for competition! 

There are many factors involved in the enormous task of talent acquisition in proposal season. On top of that, you only have a very short window to make sure your proposal is solid, competitive, and wins out amongst all the contenders within the GovCon sector. 

A Small Business takes on An Industry Giant

How BOOST Support Helped a Small Business in Negotiations

Most of us routinely agree to terms and conditions in our daily lives without even reading them. We tap “I AGREE” to update our phone’s software, sign up for gym memberships, magazine subscriptions, and lawn care services, often without a second glance at the fine print. More importantly, we sign leases, mortgages, and purchase orders for new cars without reviewing the contract or seeking a consultant. Small business owners have more to worry about. They need to sign non-disclosure agreements, teaming agreements, and purchase/task orders, all invoking varying terms and conditions. And without a government contracts consultant, they could become lost in the weeds.