SBA Changes 8(a) Rules for Individually Owned Small Firms
A new SBA rule ends the 8(a) racial presumption for individually owned firms. Pending applicants may get 45 days to update records and resubmit.
Federal Contracting
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SBA to Take Public Testimony on Proposed Small-Business Size Standards
The SBA will hear testimony September 17 on proposed size-standard changes that could affect federal contracts, loans and small-business program eligibility.
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SBA Proposal Could Add 114,541 Eligible Small Businesses
The SBA’s proposed size-standard overhaul could expand federal loan and contracting eligibility for 114,541 firms, but current rules remain in effect.
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Planned ICE facility near Alexandria could begin operating as early as August
ICE officials signed a contract in late June for a planned holding facility at a former military base near Alexandria International Airport. The site could begin operating as early as August, but its status as of Aug. 7 has not been confirmed.
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SBA Proposes Evidence-Based Test for 8(a) Eligibility
The SBA wants individually owned 8(a) applicants to prove group-based discrimination and material harm. The proposal is not final and would not directly affect current participants.
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ICE Proposes $776 Million No-Bid Extension for Fort Bliss Detention Camp
ICE is proposing a $776 million no-bid extension for Camp East Montana at Fort Bliss, raising national questions about detention costs, oversight and care.
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White House tightens defense-supply-chain waivers for critical materials (2027 update)
United States White House and Federal Power Watch – EO signed July 20 pauses most defense-supply-chain waivers from Jan. 1, 2027 without accepted mitigation plans.
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DOJ updates religious-liberty guidance July 7, 2026: what agencies are told
United States – DOJ Civil Rights updated religious-liberty postings July 7, 2026, spotlighting an AG memo and DOJ instructions for federal agencies and courts.
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SEC OIG questions $5,463.31 in Enforcement penalty contractor billing; response due Aug. 17, 2026
United States Federal Watchdogs and Public Spending – SEC OIG flags $5,463.31 in contractor billing support issues tied to Enforcement disgorgement and penalty work.
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July 1 FAR update: EO 14402 makes fixed-price default, adds justification
EO 14402 (Apr. 30) pushes fixed-price as default and requires written approval for non-fixed-price and hybrid deals—what changes July 1.
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SBA Suspends 7,800 Wisconsin Borrowers in $375M PPP/EIDL Fraud Case
SBA says it suspended 7,800 Wisconsin PPP/EIDL borrowers tied to $375 million in suspected fraud. Here’s what changes—and what it doesn’t prove.
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EO 14402 pushes federal buying toward fixed-price awards
A July 1 Acquisition.gov update tied to EO 14402 adds FAR Parts 16 and 52 language that pushes agencies toward fixed-price, performance-based deals.