Federal Construction Contracting Workshop Provided a Unique Opportunity to Learn from Experts

Workshop instructors (from left) Gehrig Cosgray, CPA, a partner with the CPA firm of Clifton Gunderson, LLP; and Heather James, Esq. and Martha Perkins, Esq. both from the Washington, DC law firm of Whiteford, Taylor, & Preston, LLP.

The NASBP Federal Contracting Workshop, held during “NASBP Washington Week” in June, offered participants an opportunity roll up their sleeves and dig into the latest information about federal construction contracting. The instructors – all experts in federal contracting – made formal presentations and engaged in a lively exchange of information with the participants. Instructors included Gehrig Cosgray, CPA, a partner with the CPA firm of Clifton Gunderson, LLP; Heather James, Esq. and Martha Perkins, Esq. both from the Washington, DC law firm of Whiteford, Taylor, & Preston, LLP; and the SBA Business Development Specialist of 8(a) Programs.

Highlights from the Workshop included presentations on teaming and mentor-protégé agreements, cyber security challenges when doing federal work, the latest trends in federal procurement, federal cost recovery techniques, compliance issues related to the False Claims Act, and an extensive discussion about the evolution of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) small and disadvantaged business programs.

At the request of Workshop attendees, Business Development Specialist Francine Morris of the SBA spent additional time at the Workshop to contribute her expertise throughout the day and answer many questions participants had about the SBA programs.

SBA Business Development Specialist Francine Morris, (standing) answered numerous questions posed by Workshop attendees. Presenters Cosgray and Perkins are sitting at the head table.