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Contract management

After-the-Hack Survival Guide

Post Breach Rules Require Password Resets

Remember that huge GSA hack? Remember how they subsequently lost all your usernames and passwords? Now it’s time to deal with the fallout.

Since then, GSA assessed “the underlying vulnerability in all of its information systems and is immediately applying stricter security measures, including more stringent password management and Multi-Factor Authentication”. The measures apply to eBuy, Advantage Spend Analysis Program (ASAP), Schedule Input Program (SIP), Reverse Auctions and 72A Reporting System accounts.

What does this mean for contractors? For 72A reporting, you’ll have to visit https://72a.gsa.gov/ to reset your password. VSC users should have received an email with links and instructions to reset your VSC password. In case it got filtered to your spam, you can find reset instructions here. System features will be inaccessible until you reset your password. GSA advises users having trouble to contact the Vendor Support Center Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EDT at 877-495-4849 or vendor.support@gsa.gov. Through tomorrow (12 June), VSC offers extended hours of 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. If this is all way too confusing for you, we are here to help at 301-913-5000 or admin@ezgsa.com.

Heard it Through the GSA Grapevine…

A plausible source at GSA has told EZGSA proposal specialists that the minimum yearly sales requirement for GSA Schedules is going to be increasing soon.

While this won’t be a problem for contractors that already more than meet the current sales requirement of $25,000 in the first two years and $25,000 per year subsequently, it could make it even more difficult for those businesses that struggle with selling off their Schedule.

If you need help or have questions about this increase, please contact your EZGSA proposal specialist or call 301-913-5000.

Is eOffer Easier?

eOffer’s New Look

eOffer recently gave the website a makeover for section 508 compliance. Section 508 requires that all federal agencies ensure that persons with disabilities have comparable access to electronic material. This means larger type, more intuitive website mapping, and a more accessible user interface.

Don’t get too excited though: eOffer’s interface still isn’t quite caught up with the times. Only small portions of navigational areas are responsive, headers are cramped, much of the type is still small, and mobile is another beast entirely, although a slightly prettier one than in the past.

To check out the new “look and feel” for yourself, head over to  https://eoffer.gsa.gov/

Uh EEO-1! The Due Date Changed!

The Employer Information Report EEO-1 deadline shifted

Instead of a fiscal end-of-year due date, organizations now have until March 31, 2018 to submit and certify the EEO-1 report. The 2017 report will collect race, ethnicity, and gender data by job category. It will not collect the hours worked and pay data.

Employers may use payroll data from October, November, or December in the report. Make a note in your calendars,  and be prepared to get a mail reminder two months before the due date.

Nervous about TDR? Drop Out or Don’t Even Join the Pilot!

Transactional Data Reporting now voluntary for contractors

Any contractor that has received multiple-award schedule contracts and special item numbers can now opt out of participating in the TDR pilot. To remind you, the TDR rule allows the agency to collect transactional-level data, which informs buying strategies and purchases.

Mary Davie, acting deputy commissioner of FAS explains that “GSA is altering TDR’s implementation to give new offerers and contractors approaching an option period the choice to adopt TDR….” For those contractors who were previously required to accept TDR, GSA is extending them the option to execute a one-time reverse modification to undo this action and work with their contracting officer to revert back to operating under the structure and tracking requirements of the price reduction clause.

Jack St. John, GSA chief of staff, said the modification of the TDR rule supports agency efforts to transition the current administration’s priorities into acquisition policies.

GSA Interact published the full announcement and further information. If you’d like assistance in reversing your TDR option, contact us at 301-913-5000 or mbotello@ezgsa.com.