Robert J LeBlanc Jr

More 8(a) Suspensions Initiated by the SBA As we have been following, the SBA issued a request due in late January to all 8(a) participants for three years of financial records, account reconciliations, and detailed operational documentation. Here's what has happened since: - January 28, 2026: The SBA announced the suspension of 1,091 firms from the 8(a) program for failure to meet the January 19 reporting deadline. This is an astounding 23% of the reported 4,800 total 8(a) active participating firms. - February 11, 2026: The SBA announced the suspension of an additional 154 Washington D.C.-based 8(a) firms, initiating termination proceedings alleging that the firms failed to meet the "economic disadvantage" eligibility requirements. This is significant progress. We'll keep you posted as we learn more. I am curious about both the suspension criteria and the appeals process. Does anyone have additional information to share? #GovCon #8a #SBA #UnitedSatesGovernment #govIRG #MichelleMartinez

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Staffing finance departments has become one of the most challenging tasks in our profession. The demand for strong financial leadership continues to rise, salaries are climbing, and the most experienced individuals are either deeply rooted in their current roles or extremely difficult to recruit. It’s a significant issue affecting cities and counties of all sizes. And while there’s no magic fix, there are practical, creative ways to bridge the gap. At Sumter Local Government Consulting, we’ve been exploring innovative approaches to help local governments stabilize their financial operations — especially when traditional hiring methods aren’t working. Our fractional and embedded staffing models have given many communities a way to achieve high-level performance at a reasonable cost, without compromising continuity or expertise. I recently wrote an article for the South Carolina Association of Counties that dives deeper into options and ideas for navigating this tough labor market. I hope it's useful as you think about how to support your team and serve your community. If you’re facing challenges in your finance department and want to talk through potential solutions, feel free to reach out: 404-535-0525 warren@sumterconsulting.com https://lnkd.in/gfa3i4hp

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The first "Power" I have seen start playing out at SBA Source is Counter Positioning. Helmer defines this as "A newcomer adopts a new, superior business model which the incumbent does not mimic due to anticipated damage to their existing business.” Our counter positioning is simple: 1. We only accept a referral fee from the lender (don't charge the borrower) 2. We cap that fee at the industry minimum By taking the same fee from all of our lending partners, we eliminate the potential for conflict of interest and can provide truly objective advice. We set the business up this way because we thought it was the right thing to do, but also because it creates a competitive advantage. If competitors adopted these practices (dropped their fee to the lowest common denominator and stopped charging the borrower), they would destroy their P&L. As Bezos said: "Your margin is my opportunity"! If you (or your franchisees) need help with an SBA loan, reach out! jacob@sbasource.ai

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DCAA’s FY 2024 Report to Congress is out and there’s a lot to unpack. Once I started unpacking, I realized I needed two videos, so this is Part 1 of 2. I know, I know, I talk too much! Cue my mother’s voice telling me to be quiet! In this week’s Capital Edge Tip Line, I’m breaking down the Defense Contract Audit Agency's (DCAA) FY 2024 Report to Congress. It’s full of data and here are a few stats that stood out: 🔹 $600B in contract costs examined and the highest in 5 years 🔹 $5.9B in audit exceptions 🔹 $5.1B in taxpayer savings 🔹 $7.20 ROI for every audit dollar spent – this one needs an *! (more to come) The DCAA is signaling where audit focus has been and is headed, how they define risk, and how ROI is evolving. But as with all reports, it’s important to read between the lines. If you’re a GovCon exec or compliance lead, this is more than data. Expect more scrutiny in forward pricing and increasing pressure on business systems… and the timeline to perform audits is not going to be fast, unless it's for Forward Pricing Rates. Curious how this applies to your contracts? Let’s talk. Message me here on LinkedIn or email info@capitaledgeconsulting.com. Capital Edge Consulting is here to help and respond. Stay tuned for Part 2 of this topic rolling out in a few days!

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The SBA just made it harder to buy a small business in America. Starting March 1, the Small Business Administration will require 100% US citizen ownership for any business seeking SBA-backed financing. Green card holders — legal permanent residents who pay taxes, employ Americans, and have built their lives here — are now excluded entirely. Even a 1% indirect ownership stake by a non-citizen disqualifies the entire business. Here's why this matters: Nearly 1 in 5 small business owners in the US are immigrants. That's 5 million+ entrepreneurs running the restaurants, service companies, and Main Street businesses that anchor local economies. SBA 7(a) loans are the single most important financing tool for small business acquisitions. For many buyers, especially first-time entrepreneurs, there is no realistic alternative with comparable terms. This doesn't just hurt buyers. It hurts sellers too. Fewer qualified, financeable buyers means longer timelines to sell, fewer competitive offers, and lower valuations. At a time when thousands of Baby Boomers are looking to transition out of their businesses, we're shrinking the pool of people who can buy them. We work with buyers and sellers of small businesses every day at Baton. The acquisition market works best when it's accessible — when talented, motivated people can access capital to buy and grow great businesses regardless of where they were born. Restricting access to capital doesn't protect anyone. It just means fewer deals close, fewer businesses successfully transition, and more value is lost. If you're a buyer affected by this change, there are still paths forward — conventional financing, seller financing, and private lending are all options. But let's be honest: none of them are as accessible as SBA was designed to be. Small business is the backbone of the American economy. Policy should be making it easier to keep these businesses alive and thriving, not harder.

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In government contracting, lowest price is often mistaken for best value. The two are not the same. Agencies need outcomes they can trust, solutions that endure, and partners who align with their mission. Polaris Solutions LLC builds proposals on the strength of our Three P’s Framework: People, Process, and Portfolio. This ensures every solution we deliver is Compelling, Credible, and Consistent, clearly evidencing best value to any evaluator. 💰 This is not theory. This approach has helped secure more than $1 Billion in recompete and new business awards across Defense and Public Sector markets. 👉 If you want to compete on value and not just price, connect with me or visit https://lnkd.in/e2DPR4Q3 to learn more.

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The best part is.....commissions are charged off of the savings that are found. Keeping consultations at a cost-neutral approach.

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