Contracts Management

Your one-stop solution for getting through the red tape.

Contracts Management & Compliance

- FAR compliance and strategy	- Prime contract reviews and negotiations	- Agreement reviews (NDAs, TAs, OTAs, etc) and negotiation	- GSA schedule proposals and post award support
- Contracting system set up and director-level support	- Intellectual Property protection for government contractors	- Contract management training	- Coaching
- Guidance in administration of contracts, deliverable submission, reporting, etc.	- Outsourced contract management support	- Expert witness options	- Training

Maximize government contract success.

Proper contract management is one of the most complex and vital aspects of any government contractor’s administrative responsibilities. The Federal Acquisitions Regulations (FAR) are complex and onerous. Agencies and contract types bring unique challenges. It is our job to keep your business and your government contracts working for you, not against you.

Profitable government contracting.

The following examples of recent work performed not only convey our value (and potential for high ROI), but the inherent fact that trying to understand and manage risk in the margins will diminish your bottom line and distract your company from the work you should be doing instead.

Activity	Time	Result
Contract Management	4 hours	$1M contract saved
Subcontract Review	3 hours	Margin increased by 20%
Pricing Review	30 minutes	$10k profit increase
FAR Compliant Pricing	3 hours	$75k add-on, no negotiation

The importance of compliant procurement.

Did you know that federal regulations require you, as the prime contract holder, to use and protect the funds on your contract in the same manner as they expect the Contracting Officer to protect those funds? This is because you are spending taxpayer dollars on services, goods and materials and therefore you need to be aware, and follow, federal regulations relating to procurement. Whether you are purchasing consulting services, sending a subcontract to a large business, buying commercial off the shelf hardware, or procuring a software license, you are procuring using federal dollars. If this is done incorrectly, you are putting your company at risk.

Let us help you with:
✓ Solicitations to vendors and subcontractors	✓ Documentation fair and reasonable pricing	✓ Price competition and price negotiation memos	✓ Flowdown clauses
✓ Subcontracts, consulting agreements, and purchase orders	✓ Subcontract negotiation	✓ Correct file documentation	✓ Policy and Procedure

Explore your options.

govIRG tailors client-specific support solutions based on your unique needs. We can provide just the essentials, a turnkey outsource solution, or something in between. Some of our optional services include:

As-needed expert advice
Project specific support for unique situations
Stand up of Contracts Department with associated admin training
Outsourced day to day contract management support
Strategic planning and in-house training
Policies, procedures & processes
Contract management tool implementation
M&A support – due diligence, novation’s, and assignments

Supporting your contract management with off-the-shelf expertise.

Maintaining a compliant contract management system that also makes smart business sense is complex and time consuming. If you choose, our experts can take much of this burden off of you. These ongoing services will ensure that your company gains the advantage.
We want to help your business get the most out of government contracts and you ensure compliance. Schedule a call for a free consult or submit below.

Expert witness options.

govIRG offers a comprehensive range of Expert Witness Services, including document review, investigations, research, opinion formation, report drafting, legal consultations, sworn depositions, and trial testimony. We consistently exceed the expectations of retaining counsel by being highly responsive, available, and dependable, while also maintaining impeccable credibility. Our experts provide defensible opinions, superior reports, and excel in deposition and trial proceedings.

GSA schedule proposals & post-award support.

If you’d like to learn more about GSA Schedules and if they’re right for your company, please contact us. We have experience in successfully assisting clients get on various GSA schedules.

To learn more about which Schedules are available, check out the GSA eLibrary:
http://www.gsaelibrary.gsa.gov/ElibMain/home.do

Is a GSA schedule right for your company?

What is a Schedule? – The General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule (also referred to as Multiple Award Schedules (MAS) and Federal Supply Schedules) establish long-term government contracts with commercial firms. GSA Schedules provide fast, flexible, cost-effective procurement solutions that allow customers to meet acquisition challenges, while achieving their missions. There are 40 different Schedules that cover everything from environmental services, furniture, restaurant equipment and finance to business solutions.

Acting almost like a catalog of supplies and services for the US Government to procure from, GSA Schedules can be an easy way for customers to access your supplies/services quickly and easily, to an extent. It seems to be a common belief that a GSA Schedule is a necessity and if your company doesn’t have one, you’ll be left behind. Let’s look at some of the pros, cons and considerations you should make before jumping into GSA.

Pros

1) Access to all government customers, not just one particular agency – the Schedule Program is government-wide
2) Ability to receive orders quickly
3) Pre-negotiated terms, conditions, and pricing (thus allowing for your quick orders)
4) Diversification of your company’s contract tools – having more ways for your government customer to reach you is good
5) Five year award, with options up to another 15 years

Pros

Your particular company’s industry, size, time in business and client base should be taken into consideration before making the leap.

Considerations

1) Is your industry dominated by competitors with schedules? Do they receive most of their revenue from GSA Schedules?
2) Is your product or service in high demand and do you have current government clients complaining they can’t reach you easily?
3) Have you been in business for over two years and do you have stellar track records and solid sales?
4) Do you have the extra funding available to pay for your time, or that of outside assistance, to build your proposal?
5) Are you willing to wait nearly a year to get on Schedule, or is your time better spent chasing other opportunities?

If you said yes to all of these questions, then ask yourself this final question.
Do the benefits of having a Schedule outweigh the costs of building a proposal, offering discounted pricing and administering the schedule?

If the answer is yes, we can help make your GSA Schedule happen.

Post-Award GSA Support.

Congratulations, you have been awarded a GSA schedule ! To maintain a successful GSA contract, compliance is essential. govIRG provides cradle – to – grave services to keep you compliant after you win your GSA award. govIRG will assist you with the vital points of contract maintenance.

Including: Registrations, eLibrary updates and GSA Advantage approved price list uploading.

Free training

Small Business Innovative Research Overview (SBIR)
GSA Schedules Overview
Indirect Rates for Government Contractors Overview

Ongoing training

Guide to the Small Business Innovative Research Program (SBIR)

$49/person

This 45 minute webinar will provide both novice and more experienced R&D companies with helpful insights, information, tips and tricks to be successful in the SBIR Program. The SBIR Program can be one of the best ways to obtain non-dilutive investment into your innovative technology company. However, it doesn’t come without potential pitfalls or without competition. This webinar will provide an overview on the SBIR Program as it stands today, what to expect if you’re an SBIR participant, best practices for succeeding with SBIR contracts, and instructions on how best to successfully propose, then manage your contract. This valuable webinar is a great refresher as well as provides new information to seasoned SBIR companies. Recommended for owners, contract managers, engineers and business development for innovative R&D companies with under 500 employees. Arrowhead is considered the state of Colorado’s subject matter expert on the SBIR Program and has guided tens of millions of dollars of SBIR awards to our clients. Let us share what we know with your company.
The Basics of Government Contracting

$69/person

What does it mean when someone says their company is a Government Contractor? As a commercial company, what do you need to know about having the Government as your customer? If you have already won government contracts, what critical information do you need to know to be successful? The big prime contractors of the world have hundreds of specially trained government contract professionals helping them navigate through the maze of regulation, process, and compliance. For the past 7 years, Arrowhead has been training government contractors of all sizes (from 2 person companies to $4B companies) on how government contracting works, what is most important to know, and how to stay profitable while working for the world’s largest customer. We can also help you understand if the Government customer is the right customer for your. This one hour webinar is perfect for companies who need to learn more about government contracting as well as providing critical information for new employees who are learning to help your company be a successful government contractor.
The Basics of Government Subcontracting

$69/per person

Did you know that if you purchase or subcontract anything under your government contract that you are subject to almost all the same rules as the federal government follows? By using your contract money to procure goods or services to support that contract, you are using taxpayer money that is subject to many rules and possibly audit. This one hour webinar will provide you with the key pieces of information on how to properly spend your contract money and also reduce your corporate risk. An audit is something many government contractors will face, if you are caught not spending the money correctly, you could be subject to repaying the government or fines. This webinar will provide you with information only the big prime contractors seems to know and clarify for you, regardless of your business size, what you need to pay attention to before issuing that next purchase order or subcontract.

What is SBIR/STTR?

By Kevin Hoskins • August 23, 2024

SBIR , or Small Business Innovation Research , and STTR , or Small Business Technology Transfer , are government-funded programs designed to engage small businesses in research and development efforts across the United States. These programs aim to boost the commercialization of federally funded research, enhance national investment, and foster technological innovation. The difference between SBIR and STTR The SBIR program is a three-phase award system that offers qualified small businesses the opportunity to propose innovative solutions that address the federal government’s specific research and development needs. The three phases are as follows: Phase I focuses on creating a proof of concept for the innovation; Phase II involves continuing research and development efforts; and Phase III is dedicated to pursuing commercialization in the private sector. STTR is intended to promote technology transfer by facilitating cooperative research and development between small businesses and research institutions. The key distinction from SBIR is that STTR requires the small business to formally partner with a research institution. At the time you apply for a SBIR you might also be eligible for “TABA (Technical and Business Assistance)” funds that is in addition to the SBIR funding to help you with your IP (Intellectual Property), Accounting System setup, and other things. You might also be eligible for R&D (Research & Development) Credits when you win an SBIR. GovIRG is committed to helping businesses thrive by simplifying compliance and increasing their business value. Our goal is to help businesses understand the available options and resources that can set them on the path to success. Some of this article references information found from SBIR.gov and U.S. Department of Education.

Navigating the Impact of IRC Section 174 on Government Contract Research Firms: Strategies for Survival

By Kevin Hoskins and Associates • April 10, 2024

(This is a synopsis of the best information that we have found on Section 174 and its impact on Government Contract Research First. Please contact govIRG if you have questions or would like clarification, and we will direct you to the right resources regarding your needs.) Introduction: The enactment of IRC Section 174, mandating the capitalization of specific research and experimental expenses, has sent ripples of concern throughout the business landscape, particularly affecting contract research firms. This legislation has raised critical questions about the deductibility of research-related expenditures and posed challenges for companies reliant on such activities for revenue generation. In this article, we delve into the implications of Section 174 on contract research organizations (CROs) and explore potential strategies for navigating these turbulent waters. Understanding the Shift: Historically, under IRC Section 162, research and experimental expenses were deductible as ordinary and necessary business expenses. However, the recent amendment to Section 174 necessitates the capitalization and amortization of these expenditures over five years. This change has significant ramifications for businesses, particularly those engaged in government contract research activities. The distinction between "expenses" and "expenditures" has become crucial in determining the tax treatment of research-related costs. Challenges Faced by Contract Research Firms: Government contract research firms rely on the immediate deduction of research expenses to maintain profitability and sustain operations. The requirement to capitalize such expenses threatens their financial viability and could potentially hinder their ability to compete in the market. Considering the challenges posed by Section 174, contract research firms must carefully evaluate their options and adopt proactive strategies to mitigate risks and ensure continued viability. Here are three potential approaches: 1. Compliance with Section 174: One option is to adhere strictly to the provisions of Section 174 by capitalizing all research and experimental expenditures. While this may appear to be the safest choice from a compliance perspective, it could impose significant financial burdens on businesses, potentially impeding growth and expansion efforts. 2. Strategic Non-compliance: Alternatively, some firms may choose to disregard the rules outlined in Section 174, banking on the expectation that legislative amendments will retroactively address the issue. However, this approach carries inherent risks and uncertainty, as it relies on the anticipation of future regulatory changes. 3. Leveraging Section 162: A more nuanced approach involves leveraging the provisions of Section 162 to continue deducting research costs directly related to revenue-generating projects. By categorizing research expenses as ordinary and necessary business expenses, firms can mitigate the adverse effects of Section 174 while maintaining tax compliance. Consultation and Disclosure: Regardless of the chosen strategy, government contract research firms are advised to seek guidance from tax advisors to assess the implications of Section 174 on their specific circumstances. Additionally, attaching an IRS Form 8275 Disclosure Statement to tax returns can provide protection against potential penalties associated with non-compliance with Section 174. This statement should clearly articulate the rationale behind the chosen tax treatment and demonstrate adherence to applicable tax laws. Conclusion: The implementation of IRC Section 174 has introduced unprecedented challenges for government contract research firms, threatening their financial stability and operational efficiency. In navigating the complexities of this regulatory landscape, proactive planning and strategic decision-making are paramount. By carefully assessing their options and seeking expert guidance, contract research firms can adapt to the new tax regime while safeguarding their long-term viability and competitiveness in the marketplace. References: Jim Casart, Co-Founder of the GovCon Alliance Rick Kleban, Founder and President of Sycamore Growth Group James Bean, Senior Research Analyst at Sycamore Growth Group

Complex Contracts Require Expert Navigators

In the world of government contracting, adhering to the stringent regulations set forth by the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) is essential. Ensuring your accounting and financial systems are compliant with DCAA standards can be a daunting task, but with the right partner, you can navigate this landscape seamlessly. Our accounting systems make it easy for you to streamline your services while maintaining efficiency and compliance.