Redstone Government Consulting Blog

Accurate timekeeping is important to most businesses, but for federal government contractors, it is crucial to compliance and continued success. While timekeeping may seem like a straightforward and simple task, it can be daunting for those responsible for developing and implementing appropriate processes, systems, and audit trails. Improper procedures can quickly lead to reporting inaccuracies and audit nightmares! A well-designed process, accompanied by an accurately designed system and a well-documented and communicated policy, is critical.

Topics: DCAA Audit Support, Human Resources, Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, Service Contract Act, UKG Ready HR Software Consulting

Income, earnings, and proceeds are various synonyms for the term “revenue,” but regardless of the terminology, the revenue recognized and reported is a strong indicator of business performance and stability. In this article, we will discuss Deltek Costpoint’s Revenue Worksheet and the benefits of utilizing it in recognizing revenue, calculating accurate bills, and identifying project discrepancies.

Topics: Compliant Accounting Infrastructure, Contracts & Subcontracts Administration, DCAA Audit Support, Deltek Costpoint

What is collective bargaining? Collective bargaining is a collaborative process between employers and employees, where both sides work together to negotiate terms for a fair agreement that benefits both parties. Employees typically are represented by a union, and the goal is to ensure fairness and negotiate in good faith.

Topics: Human Resources, Government Regulations, Employers & Unions

In May of 2023, Ms. Jamie Brabston, Director and Legal Counsel at Redstone GCI, wrote an article addressing the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) requirements expected of contractors receiving contracts for supplies and services from the federal government. These requirements are implemented through FAR 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct, which is included in contracts and subcontracts expected to exceed $6M, and the period of performance is 120 days or longer.

Topics: Contracts & Subcontracts Administration, Government Compliance Training, DFARS Business Systems, Human Resources, Government Regulations, Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Grants & Cooperative Agreements (2 CFR 200), Organizational Change Management Consulting

Government contracting moves fast and brings with it a dense web of compliance requirements. For small to mid-sized contractors, staying compliant with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) standards, and other regulations, while also focusing on growth, can feel like solving a puzzle with missing and shifting pieces. Each contract award introduces new requirements for cost tracking, timekeeping, reporting, and audit readiness, often with little room for error. What’s more, evolving guidance, shifting contract types, and limited internal resources can make it difficult to build a financial infrastructure that both supports operations and withstands government oversight. Without the right support, compliance gaps can go unnoticed until it’s too late.

Topics: Compliant Accounting Infrastructure, Small Business Compliance, DCAA Audit Support, Quickbooks

I find that depending on whether your job is on the Finance & Accounting (F&A) side or the Materials & Manufacturing side of the business, the perception of the capabilities and benefits of the Deltek Costpoint Inventory module tend to vary drastically.

Topics: Compliant Accounting Infrastructure, Contractor Purchasing System Review (CPSR), Government Property Management, Deltek Costpoint, Material Management & Accounting System (MMAS), Manufacturing Operations Consulting

On May 1, 2025, the National Institute of Health (NIH) issued NOT-OD-25-104 updating its policy to reiterate the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) subaward reporting requirements. This policy change will also prohibit foreign subawards in grants and cooperative agreements effective May 1, 2025, until NIH has developed a new foreign collaboration award structure policy. NIH is hoping to issue its new policy by September 30, 2025.

Topics: Compliant Accounting Infrastructure, Government Regulations, Grants & Cooperative Agreements (2 CFR 200)

On May 8, 2025, Department of Energy (DOE) issued three new policy flashes limiting the indirect costs on DOE grants to state and local government, for non-profit organizations and for-profit companies. DOE previously limited indirect costs for colleges and universities (i.e., Institutes of Higher Education) in its April 11, 2025 policy action.

Topics: Compliant Accounting Infrastructure, Proposal Cost Volume Development & Pricing, Government Regulations, Grants & Cooperative Agreements (2 CFR 200)

History of Tariffs

While import tariffs may seem unfamiliar due to historically low rates in recent decades, they have long played a significant role in U.S. economic policy-serving purposes such as revenue generation, industry support, and protectionism. Historically, high tariffs have often coincided with periods of economic and political instability, whereas lower tariffs have typically supported international engagement and economic growth. Since World War II and the creation of GATT and the WTO, the U.S. has generally maintained lower average tariff rates.

Topics: Contracts & Subcontracts Administration, Government Regulations, Export & Import, Material Management & Accounting System (MMAS), Manufacturing Operations Consulting

President Trump issued several executive orders addressing tariffs. American First Trade Policy dated January 20, 2025 and Modifying Reciprocal Tariff Rates to Reflect Trading Partner Retaliation and Alignment dated April 9, 2025. In addition, he has also issued a 90-day pause to some countries and is planning to reduce tariffs on certain industries such as US auto tariffs (see Amendments to Adjusting Imports of Automobiles and Automobile Parts into the United States dated April 29, 2025). It is clear that tariffs are impacting the supply chain and government contractors.

Topics: Compliant Accounting Infrastructure, Proposal Cost Volume Development & Pricing, Contracts & Subcontracts Administration, DFARS Business Systems, Contractor Purchasing System Review (CPSR), Government Regulations, Export & Import, Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Manufacturing Operations Consulting