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Every episode we help train on the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO) and the FAR through Federal Procurement News!

Leave a comment or question for a future episode, and share the show with someone in the acquisition community.

In Episode 10 Ben and Will tackle a big question in federal contracting: Are we paying too much?

A new study of 130 federal procurements suggests oral presentations are associated with fewer bidders and higher winning prices. Meanwhile, the Department of War has issued new guidance reinforcing that contractors can keep the profits they earn through efficiency on fixed-price contracts. Are these signs of a healthy acquisition system that rewards performance and innovation, or should taxpayers be concerned about rising costs?

We're also covering major acquisition policy updates, new contracting opportunities, and a fascinating GAO protest involving Coast Guard helicopter simulators.

>FAR Companion Guide 3.0:** The FAR Council releases another update to the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul's Companion Guide, expanding guidance on industry engagement, acquisition methods, past performance, and contract administration.

>HUBZone Expansion:** SBA approves petitions covering 252 newly designated areas across 18 states, opening potential federal contracting opportunities for more qualifying small businesses.

>NASA SEWP VI Is Live!** NASA launches the next generation of its governmentwide IT acquisition vehicle, with expanded technology and services offerings, a 10-year ordering period, and individual contract ceilings of $20 billion.

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About The FAR is Lava

The FAR is Lava breaks down federal procurement news to help contracting professionals understand the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO), and the real-world decisions shaping government acquisition.

Whether you're a contracting officer, contract specialist, COR, program manager, or government contractor, we cover the news, protests, policies, and occasional absurdities of federal contracting.

Also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

**Produced by:** ASI Government

#TheFARisLava #GovernmentContracting #GovCon #GAOProtest #FederalAcquisition #ContractingOfficer #FAR #FixedPriceContracts #Procurement #AcquisitionReform #RFO

Send us Fan Mail

Every episode we help train on the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO) and the FAR through Federal Procurement News!

In Episode 9 of The FAR is Lava, Ben and Will break down a remarkable GAO bid protest involving the Air Force, leaked contractor pricing, and a contract award that GAO ultimately challenged.

We're also following a federal contracting fraud crackdown, new whistleblower cash rewards, and growing questions about whether the Pentagon's push toward Other Transactions is sacrificing oversight for speed.

GAO Protest of the Week: The Air Force accidentally disclosed competitors' pricing during an acquisition. One bidder cut its proposed price by $72 million. Did the agency's attempt to level the playing field actually make things worse?

GSA's Fraud Crackdown: GSA and SBA are reviewing contracts involving 689 suspended 8(a) contractors, with a combined contract ceiling of $5.5 billion.

Does Whistleblowing Pay? DOJ introduces WHIP, a new program offering $10,000–$30,000 for qualifying fraud tips.

CMMC Watch: Still paused! After nearly 1,000 industry responses, the Pentagon faces questions about compliance costs, certification requirements, and when Phase 2 might restart.

Are Other Transactions Going Too Far? Critics question whether OTs actually deliver capabilities faster while warning about weakened competition, pricing transparency, and oversight.

Pentagon Pricing Transparency: Senators demand answers about contractors' cost and pricing information and the government's ability to negotiate fair prices.

DHS's $2.7 Billion BPA: Why establish a new agencywide Blanket Purchase Agreement with Carahsoft when DHS can already buy through GSA's Multiple Award Schedule?

GSA's AI Contract Requirements: New safeguards for government data and AI systems are officially in effect.

Free Acquisition Tool: The LAB at Commerce introduces the Pro-Tested Tool, helping acquisition professionals find actual GAO and Court of Federal Claims decisions supporting innovative contracting practices.

Plus, This Day in Contract History takes us back to the Anti-Kickback Act of 1986, and we respond to comments from our viewers.

Resources & Links

Get Your Daily Dose of Federal Acquisition News (Free Newsletter):
https://elink.io/p/dailydose-9ffda63

Earn CLPs and Build Your Acquisition Skills with ASI Education Pro:
https://educationpro.asigovernment.com/

Schedule a Meeting or Learn More About ASI Government:
AskASI@asigovt.com


About The FAR is Lava

The FAR is Lava breaks down federal procurement news to help contracting professionals understand the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO), and the real-world decisions shaping government acquisition.

Whether you're a contracting officer, contract specialist, COR, program manager, or government contractor, we cover the news, protests, policies, and occasional absurdities of federal contracting.

Join the conversation! Subscribe, leave a comment or question for a future episode, and share the show with someone in the acquisition community.

Also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Produced by: ASI Government


#TheFARisLava #GovernmentContracting #GovCon #GAOProtest #FederalAcquisition #ContractingOfficer #FAR #CMMC #Procurement #AcquisitionReform

Send us Fan Mail

Can a contractor submit a quote six days early and still lose out on a government contract because of the government's spam filter?

Have a question for the show? Email us: AskASI@asigovt.com

Daily Procurement Newsletter — The Daily Dose:
https://elink.io/p/dailydose-9ffda63

Earn CLPs Watching ASI Education Content:
https://educationpro.asigovernment.com/

Learn More About ASI Government:
https://asigovernment.com/

Schedule a Meeting:
AskASI@asigovt.com

In Episode 8 of The FAR is Lava, Ben Bunting and Will Roberts break down this unusual GAO bid protest, what the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO) says about late submissions, and whether contractors should be held responsible when government technology blocks their proposals.

In This Episode:

GAO's New Strategic Plan: How the government's watchdog plans to keep pace with artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and rapidly evolving technology.

Federal Workforce Updates: OPM eliminates time-in-grade restrictions for promotions, and federal retirees learn their 2027 cost-of-living adjustments.

New Other Transactions Guidance: The Department of War releases a new OT guide and expands Other Transaction Authority for military construction under 10 U.S.C. § 2808a.

Army Acquisition Reform: The Army's Portfolio Acquisition Executives (PAEs) report record enterprise contracting and faster acquisition decisions.

The Army's HVAC Task Force: The Army is transforming defense acquisition, but fixing the air conditioning apparently requires a dedicated task force.

Is Cost-Plus Contracting Dying? Kevin Brancato of HitchAI highlights data showing a dramatic decline in cost-plus contracting as agencies increasingly favor fixed-price contracts and Other Transactions.

GAO Protest of the Week: Casey & Company challenges the rejection of a quotation trapped in the government's spam filter.

We also respond to listener questions about personal and nonpersonal services contracting and SBIR Phase III awards.

The FAR is Lava is sponsored by ASI Government.