CACI Protest Prompts Re-Evaluation of $428 Million DLA Task Order!:
- CACI’s protest halted a $428M task order under DLA’s JETS 2.0 contract
- GAO dismissed the protest after DLA agreed to re-evaluate the award
- Task order supports DOD’s major financial system upgrade (DAI)
- CACI back in the running for a project tied to Pentagon-wide budgeting systems
- Protests in federal contracting can reset the entire competition
Federal Contracting Roundup: CACI Protest, SBA Move, ASEC Win – CACI Forces Re-Evaluation of $428M Pentagon Tech Award
CACI International just made a big move in the federal contracting space. The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) planned to award a $428 million task order under the JETS 2.0 contract vehicle. That task order supports the Defense Agencies Initiative (DAI), which is the Department of Defense’s effort to modernize finance, accounting, and budget systems across its agencies.
CACI Called Out the Win
CACI, a regular name on the Top 100 federal contractors list, wasn’t selected for the work. Instead of letting it go, they filed a protest with the Government Accountability Office (GAO) on May 27. Their claim? The selected company didn’t show enough proof that it had the experience or systems to handle the job.
GAO Didn’t Rule—Because DLA Backed Off
GAO didn’t even issue a ruling on the protest. On June 5, the agency dismissed the case because DLA took corrective action. That means DLA canceled the original award and will now re-evaluate all bids from the beginning. This shows there was enough concern to re-open the competition.
What’s at Stake?
The DAI system is used by major defense agencies including:
- Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA)
- Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)
- Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA)
- U.S. Cyber Command (CYBERCOM)
These agencies depend on the platform to manage core financial functions like payroll, procurement, and forecasting. For a department that operates with an $800 billion budget, this task order helps build the tools they need to manage it all.
Why This Matters
For CACI, it’s not just about the money—it’s about positioning. Winning this order could place them at the heart of the Pentagon’s tech-based financial overhaul.
For the rest of the federal contracting world, this shows how a well-placed protest can reset even the biggest awards. CACI didn’t accept the loss—and now they’ve got a fresh shot at a major opportunity.
COMPLIANCE AND REGULATION UPDATES
Understanding procurement rules is critical in U.S. federal contracting. Only an “interested party” with a direct economic stake can file a protest in the procurement process. Meaning you must have submitted a bid to challenge an award.
- Protests must be timely and fact-specific
- Understanding “scope” is critical in contract disputes
- Late arguments are dismissed, even if they raise valid points
- Technicalities won’t win protests—compliance and clarity will
- SysCom lost a protest due to a vague staffing plan and poor timing
SysCom’s Bid Protest Blunder Costs Air Force Contract Opportunity
SysCom, Inc., a Colorado Springs-based contractor, made a costly mistake in its protest against the Air Force’s decision under RFP No. FA481924R0009. The Air Force rejected SysCom’s proposal for support services due to a weak staffing plan—specifically, it lacked detail on how the company would manage absences like sick days or vacation.
Protest Filed—But Too Late
SysCom first challenged the rejection but didn’t address the core issue in time. On March 31, the company tried to argue that the Air Force’s requirements didn’t actually call for that level of staffing detail. But by then, it was too late. The protest was dismissed as untimely—proving again that the rules around bid protests are strict, especially when it comes to deadlines.
Arguments Didn’t Hold
SysCom also tried to raise other points about its mission services plan, past performance, and pricing. But once the Air Force ruled them out due to the staffing flaw, those arguments no longer mattered.
Lessons for Contractors
- Scope Matters: Know what the contract requires and how far those requirements go
- Deadlines Count: Protest windows are short, and missing one means losing your shot
- Be Specific: Vague proposals and vague protests won’t survive scrutiny
- Stay Aligned: Your proposal must match what the agency is clearly asking for
Contracting officers and agencies don’t adjust deadlines or rules for confusion or missed details. If you’re bidding on federal work, know the scope, follow the instructions, and speak up fast—because late protests rarely get second chances.
🔓 Situations that Lead to the Failure of a Government Contracting Venture
Government contracting offers big opportunities. It also comes with risks. Many businesses enter the field with high hopes. Some succeed. Others fail. Failure is common in contracting. Knowing why it happens helps you avoid costly mistakes.
- 60% of contract failures happen due to non-compliance
- Cash flow issues hurt nearly 50% of failed contractors
- 40% of contractors credit networking for winning contracts
- Poor performance causes 30%+ of terminations
- Smart pricing, strong planning, and staying updated are essential
Avoid These Common Mistakes in Government Contracting
Government contracts come with rules you can’t ignore. Every contract includes terms you must follow. A report shows 60% of contract failures happen when companies break those rules—missing paperwork, ignoring standards, or failing audits. If you fall short, the government can cancel your contract.
Cash Flow Problems Can Break You
Government payments don’t come fast. Some take months. Many small businesses fail because they can’t wait that long. In fact, almost half of failed contractors had cash flow issues. They couldn’t pay bills while waiting to get paid.
Tip: Build a financial cushion before bidding. Expect slow payments.
Connections Open Doors
In government work, who you know matters. About 40% of successful contractors say networking helped them win. Without those connections, it’s harder to find or win work.
Want to grow your network?
- Join LinkedIn groups on federal contracting
- Follow government contracting experts on Twitter
- Attend industry events and webinars
Social media is key. It’s where contract updates, insights, and tips are shared daily. Ignoring it means missing chances.
Your Work Must Be Excellent
Over 30% of failed contracts fall apart due to bad performance. Missed deadlines, poor service, or sloppy delivery will get you cut fast. One failure makes future awards harder.
Advice: Deliver what you promised, on time and with quality. If issues come up, fix them quickly.
Don’t Bid Too Low—or Too High
Some companies bid too low to win, then can’t afford to deliver. Others bid too high and lose. Either way, poor pricing leads to failure.
Solution: Research rates. Know your costs. Price with care.
Rules Change—Stay Updated
Regulations shift often. Missing a rule change can kill your contract. Stay current by following agency websites and experts on social media. LinkedIn and Twitter are full of timely legal updates and policy alerts.
Bottom Line
Government contracting isn’t easy. Businesses fail due to poor planning, no network, wrong pricing, or missed rules. Learn from what others did wrong.
- Know the rules
- Watch your cash
- Build your network
- Deliver top results
- Price smart
- Stay updated
That’s how you succeed in this space.
Advanced Concepts Enterprises Takes Flight with $96.7M Aircrew Training Win!
ACEs Wins $96.7M Aircrew Training Contract with AFSOC
Advanced Concepts Enterprises Inc. (ACEs), a Fort Walton Beach–based veteran powerhouse, just locked in a $96.7 million task order with Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). The contract covers aircrew instruction support services through 2030—a six-year commitment to elite-level training at home and abroad.
Mission: Global Aircrew Instruction
This isn’t a classroom job. ACEs will deliver real-time, mission-critical instruction at:
- Hurlburt Field & Duke Field, FL
- Cannon AFB, NM
- Harrisburg ANG, PA
- RAF Mildenhall, UK
- Yokota & Kadena AB, Japan
From preparing special ops teams to mentoring tomorrow’s pilots, ACEs will be on-site, guiding aircrew who take on the toughest missions.
Veteran-Led. Mission-Driven.
Founded in 2002 by retired USAF veteran Rocky L. Blackwell and now led by CEO Mary W. Blackwell, ACEs is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned and Woman-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB/WOSB). They specialize in military instruction, flight ops, simulator training, C4ISR, and mission support services. Their track record? High-risk, high-value, and high-performing.
Outperformed the Competition
This contract wasn’t handed out—it was earned. Out of 259 bidders, only four made it to final review. ACEs came out on top.
Funding Already in Motion
The Defense Department has obligated $6 million in FY 2025 funds to jumpstart deployment. The full award runs through 2030, with global instructor teams launching in the coming months.
Shaping the Future of Aircrew Training
This win positions ACEs at the core of the Department of Defense’s most advanced aircrew training operations. From night missions to international deployments, ACEs will help shape and support the readiness of America’s elite flight crews.
Bottom Line: ACEs didn’t just win a contract—they earned a critical role in preparing the Air Force’s most elite units. Their experience, leadership, and mission-first mindset make them the right team for the job.
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