Jerry McGinn
George Mason University’s Center for Government Contracting has published a coronavirus-related report for government agencies and companies that contract with the government. The report provides detailed information on the Defense Production Act and its implications in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. The report also helps contractors navigate the issues and opportunities related to the unprecedented challenges facing the country.
“We wrote this report to help inform the government contracting community about how they can help during this time,” said Jerry McGinn, executive director of the center. “We wanted to provide key information about where the government is spending money to respond to COVID-19 and what that means for the government contracting community.”
In addition to providing a continuously updated report, the Center for Government Contracting will host a webinar on Monday, March 30, at 2 p.m. to provide more information on topics related to government contracting during the coronavirus pandemic.
As of Thursday, March 26, President Donald Trump had not yet activated the Defense Production Act to have the federal government direct the manufacture and distribution of critical supplies, but instead is working in close partnership with governors and industries to increase production. Nevertheless, the report details how the act will likely be used as a tool to build industrial capacity in critical health care and pharmaceutical supply chain areas in the coming weeks and months.
In addition, the report discusses the various emergency packages passed by Congress, and how government agencies will use the funds to address the current crisis. The Center for Government Contracting also provides information in the report as to contract opportunities, including help with diagnostic and vaccine prototypes, said McGinn.
McGinn emphasized that the emergency stimulus packages passed by Congress include “billions of dollars that various government agencies will need to obligate quickly to address this unprecedented crisis.”
The Center for Government Contracting describes itself as a nexus for government, industry and academia to explore issues in government contracting. It is located in Mason’s School of Business.
To reach Jerry McGinn, please email him at jmcginn5@gmu.edu
For more information, please contact Anna Stolley Persky at apersky@gmu.edu
About George Mason
George Mason University is Virginia’s largest public research university. Located near Washington, D.C., Mason enrolls 38,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. Mason has grown rapidly over the past half-century and is recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity and commitment to accessibility.