Individual motorists in the Pelican State frequently have unique personal characteristics and driving histories. Coverage providers also interpret these details differently, resulting in an array of quotes that likely to be unique depending on the insurer. Shopping around and making comparisons can allow Louisiana motorists to better find an adequately priced policies. The reason why the price of insurance estimates can differ significantly is because rates are generally based on driver risk, and interpreting a motorist’s risk of filing a claim can be a complex process.

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Before a motor vehicle can be registered in Kansas, it must be insured. Additionally, all motorists must be able to maintain financial responsibility throughout the vehicle’s period of registration. Failing to meet these requirements could result in fines or the loss of driving privileges. To avoid being convicted of driving while uninsured, residents should become familiar with state insurance requirements, and pursue coverage that can provide adequate protection.

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There is an old saying that “you win some, and you lose some.” Well, if you are a construction contractor who competes in the world of Multiple Award Task Order Contracting (“MATOC”), you usually lose. Under sealed bidding, which dominated the procurement of federal construction for many years, a contractor who was not the low bidder could always compete for the next project. In the MATOC arena, a contractor who is not selected to be one of the chosen few to compete for task orders over what is often a three to five year period may not be able to compete for the “next project” for a long time. What this means is that there are a few winners, but there are many more losers.

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On December 22, 2010, the VA announced that it had selected the first twenty (20) mentor-protégé teams to participate in its newly minted Mentor-Protégé Program. The program is designed to assist firms that have already been verified as veteran-owned or service-disabled, veteran-owned small businesses by the VA. Eligible firms are permitted to team with mentors, who are expected to provide developmental assistance to their protégé(s). In return for providing assistance to protégé firms, the VA has stated that mentors can expect “proposal evaluation consideration” with regard to proposals submitted on “best value” solicitations. Moreover, large business prime contractors serving as mentors can receive subcontracting plan credits in connection with a specific VA contract. Protégé firms are limited to one mentor at a time and can only participate in the program twice. There are no specific limitations such as this placed on mentor firms.

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The recent increase in the use of Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (“IDIQ”) contracting for construction has become even more evident by looking at the “FY 2011 – Forecasted Acquisition Strategy” issued by the Jacksonville District of the Corps of Engineers. A review of the list reveals that the majority of the construction work in the coming year will be awarded in the form of task orders under existing Multiple Award Task Order Contracts (“MATOC”), or under task orders on new MATOCs to be issued. The Jacksonville District is not alone in this trend and there is an unmistakable decline in the number of contracts available for full and open competition.

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The SBA issued a press release yesterday regarding its new “Small Business Teaming Pilot Program”, which was established as part of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010. The program will involve “training, guidance, counseling, mentoring and procurement assistance to small businesses” that are interested in teaming arrangements on federal projects. The SBA expects to issue grants to various national organizations during the 2011 fiscal year, who will then work with the SBA and other governmental agencies in an effort to educate and assist interested companies. Organizations interested in obtaining grant monies through the program must submit applications to the SBA by no later than February 25, 2011.

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Prior to 2008, dating back to 1994, it was not permissible to protest a task order. The 1994 enactment of the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act (“FASA”) provided that protests over task or delivery orders were barred unless the protest alleged that the order increased the scope, period, or maximum value of the underlying contract through which the order was issued. That changed with the passage of the Defense Authorization Act of 2008 (“NDAA”), which contained an amendment that expanded the jurisdiction of the GAO to include protests of task or delivery orders valued in excess of $10 million. 41 U.S.C., Section 253j(e)(2). The NDAA also contained a sunset provision, which stated that the “subsection shall be in effect for three years.” Section 253j(e)(3). The three year period expired on May 27, 2011. The question then arose as to whether the GAO could lawfully consider task and delivery order protests after May 27, 2011. That question was recently answered in the affirmative by the GAO.

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Government contractors frequently use incorrect terminology to describe a solicitation. For example, clients often call me and ask why they were not awarded a contract even though they had submitted the lowest bid. The first thing that I ask is whether the solicitation was a Request for Proposals (“RFP”), or an Invitation for Bid (“IFB”). If it was an RFP, the award was probably based on best value and the lowest-priced proposal would not necessarily receive the award. If the solicitation was an IFB, there would be more of a question about why an award was not made to the lowest-priced bidder. Of course, even in sealed bidding the lowest bidder must also be responsive and responsible in order to receive an award, so there can be a valid reason as to why the lowest bidder did not receive the award.

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Registering a car in New Mexico requires residents to first purchase an auto insurance policy that includes an adequate amount of liability coverage. Only after meeting the state financial responsibility requirements can a resident legally operate a motor vehicle. In an effort to decrease the number of uninsured motorists on NM roads, which the Insurance Research Council estimated to be roughly 26 percent of drivers in 2009, the state Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) began utilizing an electronic database that regularly synchronizes policy information between insurers and the MVD. Purchasing vehicle coverage that includes liability protection with minimum limits of 25/50/10 can be simple after shopping around online. Easily accessible resources can allow residents to quickly gather the policy proof necessary to legally drive.

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There are countless auto insurance providers available to motorists across the nation, but no two companies are identical. Individual insurers generally offer diverse rates, unique discounts, and services with different levels of quality. To help motorists choose their insurers there is an array of information available online that rates various policy providers on a number of important points. Researching this information can be a simple and efficient way of finding vehicle coverage that is affordable, and comes from an insurer that is dedicated to the needs of the customer. A businesses financial strength and investment history can also play a large part in a motorist’s satisfaction with their policy provider, as few vehicle owners strive to purchase car coverage from bankrupt insurers.

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Motorists in Idaho are required by law to purchase vehicle coverage, but after initially buying a policy, many residents do not review their coverage until after an accident. Having an insufficient protection plan that cannot adequately cover damages or injuries after a collision can be financially devastating. Occasionally taking the time to review an existing policy and making changes when necessary can help many residents save money and remain financially prepared for a variety of situations. Purchasing additional protection when possible can help motorists avoid many out-of-pocket expenses related to automobile repairs, and using online resources can allow ID drivers to evaluate dozens of estimates at their leisure.

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To be adequately prepared for many of the potential expenses that may follow an automobile accident, motorists in the Sunflower State are encouraged to buy auto insurance. The price of vehicle coverage, however, is primarily based on a driver’s risk or being involved in an accident or filing a claim. Various statistical findings help insurers determine which applicants are at a greater risk, with riskier motorists commonly receiving higher premiums. Avoiding these high-risk categories, however, can help residents stay out of the non-standard driver pool and pursue more affordable coverage. The simple actions of shopping around for the lowest rates and avoiding dangerous driving habits can allow many residents to find better priced vehicle protection.

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When it comes to auto insurance, a low price for one motorist may not be affordable for another. Vehicle coverage can have a large price range because rates are based on numerous details that are likely to be unique for individual motorists. These price differences and unique rating methods, however, can often help drivers save money when shopping for coverage. Finding an adequately priced plan often depends on a vehicle owner’s willingness to shop around and explore the many options that are typically available. Free to use online utilities can help individuals explore multiple quotes at once for efficient comparing, and taking advantage of various discounts can also contribute to finding a less expensive policy.

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Auto insurance in New York can be divided into two different categories: the coverage that is required to register an automobile and optional protection that can usually be added to a policy. Buying a policy with the minimum amount of protection may appear economical, but after an accident it often pays to have a plan that includes an adequate amount of coverage. In 2010 the NY State Department of Motor Vehicles recorded over 315,000 accidents that ranged in severity and economic impact. A motorist who is involved in an accident where their liability limits are exceeded may end up paying a variety of expenses out-of-pocket. Residents are encouraged to use their resources and shop for a policy that can cover a wide variety of economic situations.

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The majority of vehicle owners are required by their state to buy automobile coverage, but the price of a policy is often dependent on a wide range of details that frequently fluctuate. Some insurers may be less expensive than others, while some motorists may have an easier time finding cheap rates. With the number of options that are commonly available, it is usually helpful to make as many comparisons as possible. Over time, policy prices also have a tendency to fluctuate for a variety of reasons. For example, in January of 2011 Texas motorists had to increase their minimum liability coverage from 20/50/25 to 30/60/25, likely resulting in higher coverage costs for many people.

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