On April 27, 2023, The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) of The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a draft Secure Software Development Attestation Form. Software producers that sell to the government will be required to complete the self-attestation form to attest that the software they produce was developed in conformity with specified secure development practices.
Topics: DFARS Business Systems, Contractor Purchasing System Review (CPSR), Cybersecurity
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) 2023, Section 803 amended the data that contractors are required to supply for commercial products at the subsystem, component and spare-part levels for major weapons system. While a DFARS proposed rule is being drafted, we expect Contracting Officers and DCMA Commercial Item Group (CIG) to begin requiring this information for proposed commercial products in advance of the DFARS proposed rule.
Topics: DFARS Business Systems, Contractor Purchasing System Review (CPSR), Commercial Item Determination
Does a Government default due to the debt ceiling result in a Government shutdown? Well maybe. It all depends on how the Government reacts or directs its contracting officers to react. A default is different than the – shall we say it – normal – yes, we said it – Government shutdowns we have been dealing with for the past decade or so.
Topics: Government Shutdown, Government Regulations, Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)
In today's fast-paced business landscape, staying ahead of the competition requires agile and comprehensive financial management solutions. Deltek, a leading provider of enterprise software for project-based industries, has once again demonstrated its commitment to innovation with the release of Deltek Costpoint 8.2 starting in July 2023. This eagerly awaited update brings a host of new features and improvements designed to streamline operations, enhance user experience, and maximize productivity. In this blog post, we will delve into the exciting enhancements that Costpoint 8.2 offers, including time and expense improvements, dark mode integration, simplified navigation, in-app learning guides, and the availability of Redstone Government Consulting to assist businesses in deploying this world-class ERP solution.
Topics: Deltek Costpoint
FAR 31.105, Construction and architect-engineer contracts, provides somewhat unique cost accounting expectations (i.e., cost principles and procedures) the Federal Government has when awarding contracts for construction management or construction, alteration or repair of buildings, bridges, roads, or other kinds of real property. It also addresses architect-engineer (A&E) contracts related to construction projects. This applies to all cost-reimbursable contracts and the pricing of contracts based on cost analysis as required by FAR 15.404-1(a)(3).
Topics: Government Regulations, Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Federal Construction Contracting
Like CAS 401 and CAS 402 (see previous blog posts on these CAS Standards), CAS 405 is part of modified CAS coverage and is one of the first CAS standards a company encounters. Compliance with this standard will likely not call for any changes to the company’s cost accounting system if the company is compliant with FAR 31.201-6 (Accounting for Unallowable Costs) because the FAR clause has more requirements than CAS 405.
Topics: Contracts & Subcontracts Administration, DCAA Audit Support, Government Regulations, Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)
In late 2008, the Final Rule on Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (“CoBEC”) was added to FAR Part 3 (Improper Business Practices and Personal Conflicts of Interest) in response to the heightened focus on increased lapses in corporate ethical behavior. FAR Subpart 3.10 sets forth guidance for all contractors with regard to enhanced ethical and compliance standards and requires the insertion of the clause at FAR 52.203-13 in solicitations and contracts if the value of such contract is expected to exceed $6 million, and the performance of which is 120 days or longer. DCAA focuses on compliance with FAR 52.203-13 when conducting accounting system audits.
Topics: Government Compliance Training, Human Resources, Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)
The Unanet Champions conference was held this year in Denver, CO. Prior to the conference kick-off, Unanet now host a day of training for those want training in specific areas. Katie participated in Analytics and I was in the CRM: Administering the System. I will become a Certified Implementer for CRM this summer and I’m excited about the opportunity.
Topics: Unanet
Like CAS 401, CAS 402 is part of modified CAS coverage and is one of the first CAS standards a company encounters. It likely will not call for any changes to the company’s cost accounting system because Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) 31.202 (Direct costs) and 31.203 (Indirect costs) give us words very similar to the CAS words.
Topics: Contracts & Subcontracts Administration, DCAA Audit Support, Government Regulations, Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)
FAR 36.203, Government estimate of construction costs, and FAR 36.605, Government cost estimate for architect-engineer work, require the development of an independent Government estimate of the cost of construction costs and architect-engineer services when the value is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold ($250,000). The estimate shall be prepared in as much detail as though the Government were competing for award or on the basis of a detailed analysis of the required work as though the Government were submitting a proposal. Access to the Government estimate is limited to Government personnel unless during negotiations the contracting officer identifies a specialized task and discloser is deemed necessary to arrive at a fair and reasonable price.
Topics: Government Regulations, Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Federal Construction Contracting