GovCon Wednesdays Estimated Read Time: 5 minutes Labor is typically the largest cost element on government contracts and the most scrutinized during audits. Even contractors with strong accounting systems can fail reviews if labor distribution controls are weak, undocumented, or inconsistently applied. In GovCon, labor distribution isn’t just about tracking hours. It’s about proving that labor costs are accurate, allocable, approved, and traceable from time entry all the way to billing. This article… Read More
Audit Readiness
QBO vs ERP for GovCons: Choosing the Right System for Compliance and Growth
GovCon Wednesdays Estimated Read Time: 5 minutes One of the most common questions government contractors ask is deceptively simple: “Is QuickBooks Online enough, or do we need an ERP?” The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all and choosing the wrong system at the wrong time can create compliance risk, billing issues, and expensive rework later. This article breaks down QBO vs ERP for GovCons in a practical, compliance-focused way so you can make the… Read More
GovCon Accounting Systems & Controls Series #1: What Makes an Accounting System DCAA-Compliant?
GovCon Wednesdays Estimated Read Time: 5 minutes Winning (and keeping) government contracts requires more than competitive pricing and technical expertise. Your accounting system plays a critical role in whether you can bid on cost-type work, bill the government accurately, and withstand audit scrutiny. One of the most common misconceptions we see is this: “DCAA-approved accounting system” isn’t a formal certification. Instead, the Defense Contract Audit Agency evaluates whether your system meets specific criteria designed… Read More
What Happens After a DCAA Audit? The Post-Audit Roadmap GovCons Should Expect
GovCon Wednesdays Estimated Read Time: 5 minutes The audit may be “over,” but the work often isn’t. After DCAA completes fieldwork, the post-audit phase typically shifts from document production to decision-making and resolution—including contracting officer actions, corrective measures (if needed), and final rate/closeout steps. DCAA’s audit process overview confirms audits conclude with reporting results to support Government contract decisions. This guide explains what happens after the audit, what you should do… Read More
Payroll Reimbursements for GovCons: Why QBO Users Should Move Toward Accounts Payable
GovCon Wednesdays – Estimated Read Time: 7 minutes In the world of government contracting, “payroll” and “reimbursements” are often lumped together because they both involve sending money to an employee. However, treating them the same way in your accounting system is a recipe for audit findings. For those using QuickBooks Online (QBO), handling reimbursements correctly is not just about convenience—it’s about protecting your indirect rates and maintaining an audit-ready labor distribution… Read More
DCAA Audit Outcomes: Pass, Deficiency, or Corrective Action — What Happens Next for GovCons
GovCon Wednesdays Estimated Read Time: 5 minutes When a DCAA audit wraps, most contractors ask the same questions: “Did we pass?” “Is this a deficiency?” “What do we have to fix—and how fast?” The reality is that DCAA issues audit results, and then contracting leadership (often the Administrative Contracting Officer / ACO) uses those results to make decisions about system adequacy, rates, billing, and next steps. FAR confirms that the Government evaluates and… Read More