California High-Speed Rail Authority releases fall construction update

The California High-Speed Rail Authority has released its autumn construction update. Highlights include recent milestones, such as the completion of three high-speed rail grade separations. The video also includes new drone footage and updates across all Central Valley high-speed rail construction packages. Since the start of construction, the California high-speed rail project has created nearly […]

Top takeaways from Construction Inclusion Week

During the second annual Construction Inclusion Week, Oct. 17-21, contractors across the country were united in their efforts to stamp out hate and racism on jobsites. A total of 2,345 companies participated in the event, nearly double the amount of firms that took part in the inaugural CIW last year. During the week, Construction Dive ran a […]

What will Valley high-speed rail stations look like? Designer gets $35M to figure it out

Future riders of California’s planned high-speed rail system won’t be boarding the trains until the end of this decade. But planning is already underway for the first passenger stations for the initial operating route through the San Joaquin Valley. The California High-Speed Rail Authority’s board unanimously awarded a $35.3 million, 30-month contract for preliminary site […]

Back to Basics: Limitations on Subcontracting

One of the common questions small business contractors ask themselves when planning performance of a contract is “how much of this work are we allowed to subcontract?” Trying to answer this question inevitably leads contractors to one of the most commonly used and frequently misunderstood rules in federal contracting, the Limitations on Subcontracting. In this […]

Yes, No, Maybe? Understanding the Reason Behind SBA-Required Mentor-Protégé Agreement Questions

The SBA’s Mentor-Protégé Program offers a myriad of benefits to both Mentors and Protégés who participate in the Program. Small business Protégés benefit from the assistance provided by their SBA approved Mentor, which can include anything from guidance on how to find solicitations and make offers, to financial support in the form of loans or […]

Who You Gonna Call? Your Contracting Officer

In our line of work, we regularly litigate protests, appeals, claims, etc., against the Government. But often, procuring and contracting issues can be resolved without the need for litigation–via a little-known method we like to call “talking things out with your CO.” There are also opportunities to communicate with your contracting officers for networking and […]

Back to Basics: Veteran-Owned Businesses and SDVOSB Eligibility

To honor the sacrifice made by our country’s veterans, the federal government has made it a priority to set aside federal contracting opportunities for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB). To qualify for these opportunities, businesses must meet certain specifications in ownership and control. Let’s take a quick look at some the general qualifications needed to […]

Back to Basics: SBA’s Mentor-Protégé Program

One of the biggest game-changers among Federal Contracting programs is the SBA’s Mentor Protégé Program. It provides an avenue for small businesses and large businesses to work together where they otherwise may not have been able to previously, helps federal contractors develop their companies, and can provide protection from affiliation. However, in order for businesses […]