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Widespread WOSB and EDWOSB Contracting Problems

Client Alert | less than 1 min read | 06.26.18

A recent SBA OIG report found that the overwhelming majority – 50 out of 56 contracts reviewed – of Woman-Owned Small Businesses (WOSBs) sole source awards were awarded improperly. The SBA OIG found that the SBA generally failed to comply with a 2015 NDAA requirement moving WOSBs and Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Businesses (EDWOSBs) from a self-certification system to a third party-run certification system. The SBA OIG faulted the agency for failing to implement a government-run certification program and for permitting the improper award of contracts to firms that self-certify. The SBA OIG called on the agency to implement a government-run certification program for WOSBs and EDWOSBs, among other recommendations.

Insights

Client Alert | 3 min read | 04.25.24

JUST RELEASED: EPA’s Bold New Strategic Civil-Criminal Enforcement Collaboration Policy

The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA) just issued its new Strategic Civil-Criminal Enforcement Policy, setting the stage for the new manner in which the agency manages its pollution investigations. David M. Uhlmann, the head of OECA, signed the Policy memorandum on April 17, 2024, in order to ensure that EPA’s civil and criminal enforcement offices collaborate efficiently and consistently in cases across the nation. The Policy states, “EPA must exercise enforcement discretion reasonably when deciding whether a particular matter warrants criminal, civil, or administrative enforcement. Criminal enforcement should be reserved for the most egregious violations.” Uhlmann repeated this statement during a luncheon on April 23, 2024, while also emphasizing the new level of energy this collaborative effort has brought to the enforcement programs....