Follow @Setasidealert on Twitter for the latest news & tips SBA mentor-protege program may see huge expansion The Small Business Administration’s new authority to expand its mentor-protégé program to cover all small federal contractors was arguably the most important provision affecting small vendors in the recent defense authorization law signed on Jan. 2. New rule for subcontracting limitations The National Defense Authorization Act of fiscal 2013 contained a big change in limitations on subcontracting for small federal contractors. Size Protest case study: If you ignore the SBA, watch out! If you are a small business federal contractor facing a size protest for the first time, your inexperience could cost you dearly if you make this one mistake. DCAA to get small biz ombudsman Small government contractors will get their own mediator at the Defense Department audit agency under the National Defense Authorization Act of fiscal 2013, Section 1612. What Every Small Business Should Know: Key Provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act of FY2013 Earlier this month, President Obama signed into law The National Defense Authorization Act of Fiscal Year 2013. While there are numerous provisions in the Act that could affect small businesses, these are two provisions no small business should miss. Washington Insider: GSA plans Bulk Buys The General Services Administration is targeting cleaning products, tools and wireless devices for its next round of governmentwide bulk buying contracts, according to Dan Tangherlini, acting GSA administrator.... FAR changes pending The Federal Acquisitions Regulations Council has released its latest semi-annual report on regulatory changes it is working on for 2013.... VA verification gaps The Veterans Affairs Department has made improvements to its verification processes for small businesses--but it still is falling short, according to a new audit from the Government Accountability Office.... Steeper penalties Small business owners are likely to pay higher penalties for violating limitations on subcontracting, under Section 1652 of the National Defense Authorization Act.... More eligible for SBIR The Small Business Administration issued a final rule on size and eligibility for the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs....