“SMALLTOFEDS” By Ken Larson “In contracting for supplies and services the federal government utilizes several different contract types. The nature of these contract vehicles has evolved over a period of years based on the government experience. At the heart of selecting the contract type is an analysis of risk involved to the contractor and the government and the administrative burden of the contract.” __________________________________________________________________________

https://www.pinterest.com/smalltofeds/sm-bus-fed-gov-contracting/ Pictorially illustrated, direct links to topics on the Military Industrial Complex, Small Business Federal Government Contracting and Veterans Affairs. (Click images at above link to access and follow on Pinterest

Image: Clarity and Peace by Ken Larson Joe Coy from his from the book “Meditations with Native American Elders : – The Four Seasons” “ Nature is a living example of how communities live in harmony. If you go into the forest or mountain and sit still and watch, ask yourself, what lessons are being taught?” ________________________________________________________________________________ “Then watch how the animals conduct themselves. The trees could represent diversity. The flo

CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE The irony the United States faces, both within our country and globally, is a product of technology, weapons and power races inside human communication bubbling voids. This is high risk. Both within our country and abroad, we are struggling to understand one another, having not taken the time to learn about each other’s respective values, cultures and objectives. We have much more in common than we have been led to believe. _____________________________

“Nerdwallet” by Andy Rosen Key takeaways “Section 179 of the Internal Revenue Code lets businesses write off assets immediately rather than after they’ve depreciated. Office furniture, certain vehicles, computers and off-the-shelf software are typically considered deductible expenses. For 2025 (taxes filed in 2026), the maximum Section 179 deduction is $1,250,000. What is the Section 179 deduction? Section 179 deductions are major purchases that can be used to lower a busines

“NATIONAL DEFENSE MAGAZINE “ By P.W. Singer and Emerson T. Brooking “A comparatively tiny physical conflict, fought in an area the size of Portland, Oregon, became a global engagement, prompting the exchange of more than 10 million heated messages on Twitter alone. The lesson was clear: Not only did modern war require a well-planned military campaign. It required a viral marketing campaign as well… “ “The following is an excerpt from the new book  LikeWar: The Weaponization

“SMALLTOFEDS” By Ken Larson “ How can a startup or a small business new to government contracting meet the past performance challenge? The answer lies in a high quality proposal that clearly demonstrates an understanding of the requirement at hand, a unique and cost effective project plan and high performing personnel and/or products tailored to the statement of work to offset an interim, light past performance record.” ________________________________________________________

“SMALLTOFEDS” By Ken Larson “Contract Line Items (CLINs) specify products or services being procured and the negotiated prices for them.  Carefully review (CLIN) relationships to other critical elements of your contract for consistency before proposing, accepting and signing your deal. Contract line items are critical for reporting and billing purposes in your accounting system.” ________________________________________________________________________________ “Invoices to th

“THE HILL” By Bill Rivers “ Are we as a people — all 330 million or so of us, with all our divergent opinions, economic needs and aspirations, and beliefs about America’s role in the world — willing to resource the military arm of a fight commensurate with our political objectives? If we are not, then the political objectives must be scaled back. This requires something more than just appetite-control; it requires statesmanship — both in dealings in foreign capitals and in co

“The 2026 NDAA continues the push towards commercial-first acquisition and eliminates multiple compliance hurdles and barriers to entry. Its changes should prompt commercial companies to consider future defense opportunities.” ________________________________________________________________________________ “WASHINGTON TECHNOLOGY” By Jeremy D. Burkhart   “The 2026 National Defense Authorization Act continues the push to accelerate defense acquisition, expand the industrial bas

“SMALLTOFEDS” By Ken Larson “ Infrastructure funding, world events and the fast pace of technology are venues in which federal funding programs are enacted, grown and made part of the culture.  They are on the way.  There will be dramatic roles for small business. Considering the principal unique aspects of federal government contracting will yield a successful plan and more importantly a successful execution of that plan in the Federal Government Market.” __________________

Vermillion River Trail Hastings, Minnesota https://www.flickr.com/photos/odysseyof_armaments/55031226844/in/dateposted-public/

“TASK AND PURPOSE” By Joe Plenzler “At retirement he talked of wars sold to the American public based on false information and the minimization of the many strategic failures of senior political and military leaders, maintaining his men fought, killed, bled, and died more to shore up the profits of Wall Street than to defend the United States from foreign invaders. ” ________________________________________________________________________________ “The   Medal of Honor, our n

“MILITARY TIMES” By: Senator Tammy Duckworth “Veterans Small Business Enhancement Act allows veteran small business owners to acquire those pieces of equipment and personal property that the federal government no longer has any use for, effectively free of charge.” ______________________________________________________________________________ “Scattered in warehouses throughout the country are the kinds of federal resources that can help make small businesses thrive — laptops

“WASHINGTON TECHNOLOGY” By Nick Wakeman “The 2026 NDAA will allow DOD to withhold up to 5% of payments under the incumbent contract while a protest is being heard at the GAO to counter incumbents protesting a loss to extend their time and revenue from the contract.” _______________________________________________________________________________ “The federal market inched a little closer to a “loser pays” setup for bid protests in the recently-signed 2026 National Defense Auth

“WASHINGTON TECHNOLOGY” By Mike Lisagor  and Lou Kerestesy “Key personnel are often (and should be) one of the top evaluation criteria in a services solicitation. They are even more important on bids that require oral presentations. This is critical if you are a small company going up against larger companies with the ability and resources to write more outstanding proposals. In other words, a few solid key personnel who are liked by the client can seize the day.” __________

“SMALLTOFEDS” By Ken Larson “During the course of marketing to the federal government the small business will encounter opportunities involving potential for acquiring an incumbent work force as an element of winning a contract.  The acquisition of existing personnel already performing on a service contract is a way to exponentially grow a small enterprise. “   ________________________________________________________________________________ “We have previously discussed plann

“ WASHINGTON TECHNOLOGY” By Ezekiel Russell “Contracting officers are being given more latitude to make procurement decisions in the name of agility and speed. Our reaction should be to understand CO’s pressures, incentives and options and then strategically align our interests with theirs.” _______________________________________________________________________________ “It’s true: the 8(a) program seems to be dying of a thousand cuts. All 8(a) firms are treated as suspects o

“SMALL TO FEDS” By Ken larson “Most small businesses, particularly those selling services, will encounter the need to team with industry partners in small business federal government contracting. Be prepared for challenges and the risks. Exclusivity is the practical way to go on any given program. Team early and exclusively by opportunity, then give it your all and be a winner. Your reputation is key, ethics count and your customers as well as your industry are observing you.

Military pay raises have been minimal, recruiting has been a challenge in the services. How do we acquire, train and retain what we need? Reserves and National Guard involve long term multiple deployments with no assurance of a future for those who return.  What is the mix of technology and manpower required to fight today’s wars? The following are 3 perspectives from experts: Can YOU answer the Citizen’s Question at the end of this article? __________________________________