Small-business government contracting updates and analysis from legal, regulatory, and data perspectives. I spent 20 years writing contract regulations for the government. Now I help small business owners understand the fine print. <br/><br/><a href="https://www.govconintelligence.com?utm_medium=podcast">www.govconintelligence.com</a>
GovCon Intelligence
Claim This Podcastby Sam Le
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26 episodes
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Podcast Overview
Small-business government contracting updates and analysis from legal, regulatory, and data perspectives. I spent 20 years writing contract regulations for the government. Now I help small business owners understand the fine print. <br/><br/><a href="https://www.govconintelligence.com?utm_medium=podcast">www.govconintelligence.com</a>
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7/17/2025
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Recent Episodes
June 30, 2026
The Next Stage of the FAR Overhaul (with David Mullis)
<p>David Mullis has been analyzing the FAR Overhaul from a small-business perspective for well over a year now. So when the FAR Council published its first batches of proposed rules last week, the former SBA Advocacy assistant chief counsel and current regulatory consultant at Gov Contract Pros was my first choice to break down how those rules affect small businesses. There are some surprises in there, David says. The proposed rules aren’t the same as what we saw published last year—instead, there are substantive policy changes. And there are some hidden changes for small businesses that you’ll miss if you read the 1,000 pages too quickly.</p><p>Right now, David is pushing to get small businesses more time to comment on the rules. But, if the FAR Council keeps to its current schedule, comments will be due on July 23. David and I talked about the strategies that small businesses should use to make sure their comments are considered, and how they might play a long game to push back on the changes, even if they are finalized.</p><p>Links</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mullis">David Mullis</a> https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mullis</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://govcontractpros.com">Gov Contract Pros</a> https://govcontractpros.com</p><p>FAR Overhaul Proposed Rules:</p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2026-12559">Parts 1, 2, 4, 33, 39, 40, and 53</a> https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2026-12559</p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2026-12562">Parts 3 and 49</a> https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2026-12562</p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2026-12561">Parts 5, 24, and 29</a> https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2026-12561</p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2026-12560">Parts 6, 7, 10, 18, 26, 37, and 41</a> https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2026-12560</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2025-06839">Executive Order on Restoring Common Sense to Federal Procurement</a> https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2025-06839</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/you-said-we-did">“You Said, We Did: How Public Feedback on Model Deviations Informed the Proposed Rules”</a> https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/you-said-we-did</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/dars/opencases/farcasenum/far.pdf">Open FAR Cases tracker</a> https://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/dars/opencases/farcasenum/far.pdf</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://advocacy.sba.gov/resources/regulatory-flexibility-act/">Regulatory Flexibility Act</a> https://advocacy.sba.gov/resources/regulatory-flexibility-act/</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.sbir.gov/about/policies">SBA SBIR Policy Directive</a> https://www.sbir.gov/about/policies</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2024-30437">FAR proposed Rule on Controlled Unclassified Information</a>, January 2025 https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2024-30437</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2024-30504">FAR Proposed Rule on Strengthening America’s Cybersecurity Workforce (NICE Framework)</a>, January 2025 https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2024-30504</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://advocacy.sba.gov/resources/regulatory-flexibility-act/rfa-basics/">Guide to the Regulatory Flexibility Act</a> https://advocacy.sba.gov/resources/regulatory-flexibility-act/rfa-basics/</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FAR-2026-0001-0003">Regulations.gov docket for comments</a> https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FAR-2026-0001-0003</p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 - Introduction to the FAR Overhaul</p><p>01:28 - What is the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul?</p><p>02:30 - The Significance of Proposed Rules</p><p>04:05 - The Rulemaking Timeline</p><p>06:01 - The Scope of the 12 FAR Rules</p><p>07:50 - Substantive Changes vs. Model Deviations</p><p>09:41 - The Impact of Public Comments and the Sunset Provision</p><p>13:30 - The Regulatory Flexibility Act and 10-Year Reviews</p><p>15:06 - Changes to Market Research (Part 10 to Part 7)</p><p>17:14 - The Push for COTS and Full and Open Competition</p><p>19:15 - Balancing COTS with Cybersecurity and Compliance Risks</p><p>20:22 - Oral Acquisition Plans</p><p>21:09 - The Impact on Small Business Programs</p><p>24:43 - Good News for SBIR/STTR Programs</p><p>27:13 - The New CUI and Cybersecurity Requirements</p><p>32:41 - The 30-Day Comment Period Debate</p><p>36:36 - Breaking Down the 12 Rulemaking Batches</p><p>37:48 - The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) Explained</p><p>39:43 - The Missing Data in the Regulatory Flexibility Analysis</p><p>41:55 - The IRFA, FRFA, and Judicial Challenges</p><p>45:08 - The Role of the SBA Office of Advocacy</p><p>46:57 - Strategic Tips for Submitting FAR Overhaul Comments</p><p>51:38 - Conclusion and Contact Info</p><p>Go to www.govconintelligence.com for a full transcript.</p><p></p><p>With 20 years of Federal legal experience, Sam Le counsels small businesses through government contracting matters, including bid protests, contract compliance, small business certifications, and procurement disputes. Sam received his law degree from the University of Virginia and formerly served as SBA’s director of procurement policy. His website is <a target="_blank" href="http://www.samlelaw.com/">www.samlelaw.com</a>.</p><p>This video is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.</p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://www.govconintelligence.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1">www.govconintelligence.com</a>
June 23, 2026
Behind the Scenes of the Fight for the Rule of Two (with Lizzie Sullivan)
<p>Lizzie Sullivan has been pushing the Rule of Two through Congress for years now, and this year is the best shot to get that vital rule for small businesses into statutory law, she says. But opposition from an unexpected source has popped up.</p><p>Sullivan, the president of Madison Services Group, joined me on GovCon Intelligence to discuss the prospect of Congress passing the Rule of Two—which would boost small business set-asides for years to come. We also talked about why 151 is a bad number of IT value-added resellers, the bill that would end the women-owned small business program, and what to expect out of SBA’s size standards.</p><p>Links</p><p>* Elizabeth Sullivan on LinkedIn: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/esullivanmsgi/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/esullivanmsgi/</a></p><p>* Madison Services Group:</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://madisonservicesgroup.com/">https://madisonservicesgroup.com/</a></p><p>* Women’s Procurement Circle:</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.procurementcircle.org/">https://www.procurementcircle.org/</a></p><p>* H.R. 2804, Protecting Small Business Competitions Act of 2025: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/2804/text">https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/2804/text</a></p><p>* GSA Summary of Results of Request For Information (RFI) about IT hardware procured through Value Added Resellers (VARs): <a target="_blank" href="https://buy.gsa.gov/interact/community/6/activity-feed/post/ed096e0c-4d52-459f-895c-37c9e95884de/Summary_of_Results_of_Request_For_Information_RFI_about_IT_hardware_procured_through_Value_Added_Resellers_VAR">https://buy.gsa.gov/interact/community/6/activity-feed/post/ed096e0c-4d52-459f-895c-37c9e95884de/</a></p><p>* SBA Proposed Rule on Monetary-Based Size Standards: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/22/2025-16142/small-business-size-standards-monetary-based-industry-size-standards">https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/22/2025-16142/small-business-size-standards-monetary-based-industry-size-standards</a></p><p>* H.R. 7154, Streamlining Small Business Contracts Act of 2026: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/7154/text">https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/7154/text</a></p><p>* SBA Proposed Rule on Social Disadvantage in the 8(a) Program: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/06/11/2026-11765/reforms-to-remove-sbas-8a-programs-rebuttable-presumption-of-social-disadvantage-for-individually">https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/06/11/2026-11765/reforms-to-remove-sbas-8a-programs-rebuttable-presumption-of-social-disadvantage-for-individually</a></p><p>* S. 4390, Ending Discrimination in Government Contracting Act: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/4390/text">https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/4390/text</a></p><p>* Federal News Network: “SBA kicks off new audit of economically disadvantaged contractors” <a target="_blank" href="https://federalnewsnetwork.com/acquisition-policy/2026/06/sba-kicks-off-new-audit-of-economically-disadvantaged-contractors/">https://federalnewsnetwork.com/acquisition-policy/2026/06/sba-kicks-off-new-audit-of-economically-disadvantaged-contractors/</a></p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 - Introduction to GovCon and the Rule of Two</p><p>01:28 - The History and Legislative Push for H.R. 2804</p><p>03:58 - Understanding the Tolliver Case and Task Orders</p><p>05:28 - Bipartisan Support and the NDAA Vehicle</p><p>11:15 - Navigating Mandatory Sources and AbilityOne Concerns</p><p>14:45 - The Importance of Codifying the Rule of Two</p><p>17:35 - GWAC Innovation, Pools, and the Shift in Task Orders</p><p>19:26 - The IT Value-Added Reseller (ITVAR) Size Standard Debate</p><p>26:05 - The Value of ITVARs vs. Direct Procurement and OneGov</p><p>30:46 - The Fight to Raise Sole Source Thresholds</p><p>35:50 - The Impact of Compressed Buying Years and Competition</p><p>38:54 - Reimagining the OSDBU and the 8(a) Proposed Rule</p><p>41:43 - Women-Owned Small Business Entry into the 8(a) Program</p><p>44:57 - Legislative Threats to Small Business Set-Aside Programs</p><p>47:49 - Deconstructing the EDWOSB Audit and Program Origins</p><p>52:47 - Overcoming the Scrutiny and Complexity of the WOSB Program</p><p>55:18 - Strategies for Capability Statements and Mission Alignment</p><p>58:26 - A Plea for Small Business Unity Against Large Competitors</p><p>59:41 - Wrapup</p><p>Go to http://govconintelligence.com for a full transcript</p><p>With 20 years of Federal legal experience, Sam Le counsels small businesses through government contracting matters, including bid protests, contract compliance, small business certifications, and procurement disputes. Sam obtained his law degree from the University of Virginia and formerly served as SBA’s director of procurement policy. His website is <a target="_blank" href="http://www.samlelaw.com/">www.samlelaw.com</a>. This video is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.</p><p>This episode of GovCon Intelligence was produced by Amelia Delphos.</p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://www.govconintelligence.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1">www.govconintelligence.com</a>
June 10, 2026
SBA's 8(a) eligibility changes, the DoW Small Business Bill of Rights, SBA's Reorg, and more
<p>In this live stream, I analyzed the newly pre-published SBA’s proposed rule that changes the social-disadvantage eligibility criteria for the 8(a) program. Viewers had questions on the proposed rule. We also covered the little-discussed DoW Small Business Bill of Rights, a recent reorganization of staff at SBA, and a few cases involving the mentor-protégé program.</p><p>Links follow. A transcript is available at http://<a target="_blank" href="http://www.govconintelligence.com">www.govconintelligence.com</a>.</p><p>Links</p><p>* SBA pre-publication proposed rule on “Reforms to Remove SBA’s 8(a) Program’s Rebuttable Presumption of Social Disadvantage for Individually Owned Firms Only; Reforms Do Not Impact Entity-Owned Firms” <a target="_blank" href="https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-11765.pdf">https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-11765.pdf</a></p><p>* NDAA FY24 (see section 876 for Small Business Bill of Rights) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/118/plaws/publ159/PLAW-118publ159.pdf">https://www.congress.gov/118/plaws/publ159/PLAW-118publ159.pdf</a></p><p>* DoW Small Business Bill of Rights <a target="_blank" href="https://business.defense.gov/Small-Business-Bill-of-Rights/">https://business.defense.gov/Small-Business-Bill-of-Rights/</a></p><p>* PDF of Small Business Bill of Rights <a target="_blank" href="https://business.defense.gov/Portals/57/Small%20Business%20Bill%20of%20Rights/DoW%20Small%20Business%20Bill%20of%20Rights.pdf?ver=TGSweXAuiLJkOqERHfZKkw%3d%3d">https://business.defense.gov/Portals/57/Small%20Business%20Bill%20of%20Rights/DoW%20Small%20Business%20Bill%20of%20Rights.pdf?ver=TGSweXAuiLJkOqERHfZKkw%3d%3d</a></p><p>* DoW Small Business Bill of Rights one-pager <a target="_blank" href="https://business.defense.gov/Portals/57/Small%20Business%20Bill%20of%20Rights/Small%20Business%20Bill%20of%20Rights%201-Pager%2003.11.26%20-%20fillable.pdf?ver=WOh6YHb4fg84cZg0o1OXYA%3D%3D">https://business.defense.gov/Portals/57/Small%20Business%20Bill%20of%20Rights/Small%20Business%20Bill%20of%20Rights%201-Pager%2003.11.26%20-%20fillable.pdf?ver=WOh6YHb4fg84cZg0o1OXYA%3D%3D</a></p><p>* SBA policies under review at the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs <a target="_blank" href="https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eoReviewSearch">https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eoReviewSearch</a></p><p>* SBA news release: “SBA Announces Agency-Wide Reorganization to Modernize, Drive Operational Efficiency, and Enhance Accountability to Taxpayers” <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sba.gov/article/2026/06/05/sba-announces-agency-wide-reorganization-modernize-drive-operational-efficiency-enhance">https://www.sba.gov/article/2026/06/05/sba-announces-agency-wide-reorganization-modernize-drive-operational-efficiency-enhance</a></p><p>* SBA OIG news release: “Government Contractor and Executives to Pay $21.3M to Resolve Fraud Scheme Involving Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Contracts” <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sba.gov/article/2026/06/09/government-contractor-executives-pay-213m-resolve-fraud-scheme-involving-service-disabled-veteran">https://www.sba.gov/article/2026/06/09/government-contractor-executives-pay-213m-resolve-fraud-scheme-involving-service-disabled-veteran</a></p><p>* COFC decision on timing mentor-protégé joint ventures: Primary Healthcare LLC d/b/a Anglin Distinctive Health Care JV LLC v. United States, Case No. 25-1795C (2026). <a target="_blank" href="https://ecf.cofc.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/show_public_doc?2025cv1795-40-0">https://ecf.cofc.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/show_public_doc?2025cv1795-40-0</a></p><p>* COFC decision on mentor standing: Int’l Bus. Sales & Servs. Corp. v. United States, Nos. 26-401 & 26-425 (Fed. Cl. May 29, 2026). <a target="_blank" href="https://ecf.cofc.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/show_public_doc?2026cv0401-48-0">https://ecf.cofc.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/show_public_doc?2026cv0401-48-0</a></p><p>* GAO decision on subcontractor joint-venture past performance: ID8Spark, LLC, B-424253.2, .3, .5, May 18, 2026. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.gao.gov/assets/890/886345.pdf">https://www.gao.gov/assets/890/886345.pdf</a></p><p>* FAR Overhaul proposed rule status: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/dars/opencases/farcasenum/far.pdf">https://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/dars/opencases/farcasenum/far.pdf</a></p><p>* Number of 8(a) participants below 3,000: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.datawrapper.de/_/Tvaur/?v=5">https://www.datawrapper.de/_/Tvaur/?v=5</a></p><p></p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 - Introduction to GovCon Intelligence</p><p>00:52 - SBA Proposed Rule on 8(a) Social Disadvantage</p><p>08:00 - Impact of the Proposed Rule on Current 8(a) Firms</p><p>11:13 - Group Classification and Historical Context under the New 8(a) Rule</p><p>18:12 - Delays in Processing New 8(a) Applications</p><p>19:54 - New vs. Old Application Evidence</p><p>20:40 - Department of War Small Business Bill of Rights</p><p>26:21 - Upcoming SBA Policy Changes and OIRA Reviews</p><p>30:16 - SBA Agency-Wide Reorganization and Workforce Reductions</p><p>33:20 - SDVOSB Fraud Case: Broadway Electric and Cornerstone Contracting Settlement</p><p>37:13 - Court of Federal Claims Case: Primary Healthcare (Mentor-Protégé Joint Venture Timing)</p><p>43:13 - Court of Federal Claims Case: International Business Sales and Services Corporation (Mentor standing)</p><p>45:08 - GAO Case: ID8 Spark (Subcontractor and Joint Venture Past Performance)</p><p>47:19 - FAR Overhaul and Notice and Comment Phase Updates</p><p>49:45 - Tracking the Latest 8(a) Active Firm Data</p><p>52:03 - Business Activity Targets (BAT) and Closing Remarks</p><p>With 20 years of Federal legal experience, Sam Le counsels small businesses through government contracting matters, including bid protests, contract compliance, small business certifications, and procurement disputes. Sam obtained his law degree from the University of Virginia and formerly served as SBA’s director of procurement policy. His website is <a target="_blank" href="http://www.samlelaw.com/">www.samlelaw.com</a>.</p><p>This video is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.</p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://www.govconintelligence.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1">www.govconintelligence.com</a>
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