Suspension & Debarment: The Fundamentals

Join members of GSA's Suspension & Debarment team to discuss the importance of Suspension & Debarment and the acquisition workforce's increasingly important role in Suspension & Debarment.

Ever wonder why some contractors who have engaged in wrongdoing are suspended and debarred and others are not? Do you know and understand the vital role that you play in the suspension and debarment process? This discussion will include why certain contractors who have engaged in wrongdoing are suspended or debarred, while other contractors are not, what factors lead to a determination that a contractor is "presently responsible," how the contracting workforce can engage in preventing fraud, waste, and abuse through proper reporting and collaboration, and why it is important for the acquisition workforce to follow the requirements of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). The discussion will highlight the importance of the acquisition workforce's role in suspension and debarment. Specifically, the discussion will explain ways that the Contracting Officer's Representative can encourage contractors to stay out of trouble regarding Suspension & Debarment, and how the acquisition workforce can collaborate with an agency's Office of Inspector General. The presentation will also discuss what the acquisition workforce needs to know about contractors who are tax delinquent or have been convicted of a felony.

If you’re interested in learning more about Suspension & Debarment, please take advantage of the following additional resources:

• Video Transcript from the February 2013 Suspension & Debarment Acquisition Seminar
• PowerPoint Presentation from the February 2013 Suspension & Debarment Acquisition Seminar
• General Services Administration's Suspension and Debarment Division's website
• Suspension and Debarment: What Makes a Successful Meeting? (April 2016 Acquisition Seminar)
• Bite-Sized Videos on Hot Questions in Suspension & Debarment 
• Best Practices for Meeting with an SDO