2019 FSA Contribution Cap Rises to $2,700

On November 15th 2018, the IRS issued Revenue Procedure 2018-57, announcing that employees can contribute $2,700 to health FSAs in 2019. This is a $50 increase from the 2018 limit of $2,650. In addition, Procedure 2018-57 adjusted limits and thresholds for other employee benefits, including those related to qualified transportation & parking and employer-sponsored adoption assistance programs.

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Topics: Contracts & Subcontracts Administration, Human Resources

Government Property Disposition: What is Abandonment?

The term abandonment seems to be a hot topic within government property (GP) circles for both contractors and government procurement professionals. Many more contractors are requesting abandonment as a method of disposition. But exactly what is abandonment? When can it be used? And is it a last resort for the government?

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Topics: Contracts & Subcontracts Administration, Government Property Management

2018 Halloween Costumes for Government Agencies

As we again approach Halloween and the night of tricks or treats, we’ve been able to identify and report a number of the more popular Halloween costumes (or masks) among government agencies and/or (n one case) an ex-government “CEO”.  Some of these trending costumes include:

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Topics: Redstone GCI

Trick or Treat: Are Your Checklists Complete?

This article is under review as a result of EO 14173, Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity, signed by President Trump on January 21, 2025. As we await further information from OFCCP and the courts, please reference this article for current status and action items.

We’re almost through October and 2019 will be here before we know it. This is a great time to review your company’s year-end and new year checklists for compliance. Want to be sure those frightful DOL ghosts and OFCCP goblins don’t come after you? Keep these checklist items in mind:

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Topics: Small Business Compliance, DCAA Audit Support, Human Resources

Costpoint - Managing Your Unbilled Receivables Doesn’t Require Magic

If your unbilled receivables account has you searching for a solution as simple as waving a Harry Potter wand and reciting “Evanesco!” you are not alone. The everyday life of an accountant is chock-full of number-crunching, and then you suddenly realize the “deathly hollows” of year-end is quickly approaching. Whether you are new to the tracking of unbilled receivables or the account has been covered in cobwebs, understanding the creation process to this “chamber of secrets” is where your journey out of the “dark forest” can begin.

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Topics: Compliant Accounting Infrastructure, Proposal Cost Volume Development & Pricing, Deltek Costpoint

Applicability of DFARS Business System Rules to Small Businesses

We have recently had to deal with issues related to DCAA applying DFARS business system rules in DFARS 252.242-7006 Accounting System Administration in its evaluation of small business client accounting systems. The DFARS business system rules were never intended to be applied to small businesses. Further, the limited resources of a small business make it very difficult for a small business to fully comply with all 18 of the specific criteria contained in the business system rules. DFARS 252.242-7005 regarding the applicability of the business system rules states:

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Topics: Small Business Compliance, DFARS Business Systems

Government Furnished Property Gotchas

Government furnished property can be a headache, even for the most seasoned contractor. It can include thousands of tiny parts, multi-million-dollar pieces of equipment or both – often all on one contract in an old dark government building. We have identified some common, and not-so-common, areas we see missing in contractor government property management plans.

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Topics: Contracts & Subcontracts Administration, DFARS Business Systems, Government Property Management

OFCCP Issues New Guidance to Address Pay Discrimination

This article is under review as a result of EO 14173, Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity, signed by President Trump on January 21, 2025. As we await further information from OFCCP and the courts, please reference this article for current status and action items.

A New Procedure: Directive 2018-05

On August 24, 2018, the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) issued a standard procedure for OFCCP staff to follow when conducting an analysis of contractor compensation practices during a compliance evaluation.   This information is also intended to assist government contractors in performing annual internal reviews and proactively addressing any potential pay discrimination. Directive 2018-05 - Analysis of Contractor Compensation Practices During a Compliance Evaluation replaces Directive 2013-03 Procedures for Reviewing Contractor Compensation Systems and Practices which was issued in February 2013.

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Topics: Contracts & Subcontracts Administration, Human Resources, Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs

Fiscal Year 2019 GSA Per Diem Rates Released

On August 14, 2018 the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) released the Fiscal Year 2019 travel per diem rates, taking effect October 1, 2018. These represent the maximum reimbursable amounts allowed for expenses incurred by federal employees. Making adjustments based on the current economy is important, as well as taking into consideration local price variations  in what is termed “Non-Standard Areas.”

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Topics: Compliant Accounting Infrastructure, DCAA Audit Support

Important Information for the VETS-4212 Filing Season

This article is under review as a result of EO 14173, Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity, signed by President Trump on January 21, 2025. As we await further information from OFCCP and the courts, please reference this article for current status and action items.

It’s that time again!  This is a reminder of the Federal contractor obligations for record-keeping and reporting under the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA). 

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Topics: Contracts & Subcontracts Administration