Sloppy Mama’s BBQ Thanksgiving tradition has come a long way since its start in 2014 when owners Joe and his wife Mandy tested their menu at a small gathering.
What began with just seven orders the next year has grown to over 241 meals served last Thanksgiving, showing how much their holiday offering has become a local favorite.
Joe and Mandy’s menu is inspired by his family’s recipes, with some tweaks. The turkey, originally roasted, is now smoked for extra flavor. The stuffing is his mom’s recipe, with cornbread and sausage added, paired with sides like collard greens, mashed potatoes, and their signature sweet potato casserole — lovingly called “pre-dessert” for its spot on the plate before pie.
Orders for this year are open until Friday, November 22, with two pickup options: cold on Wednesday with heating instructions or hot and ready on Thursday. The cold option suits those traveling or preferring a flexible schedule, while the Thursday pickup is perfect for those wanting a meal ready to serve.
Sloppy Mama’s BBQ offers a complete traditional feast with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberry sauce, greens, and rolls.
Customers can use this link to order just the turkey, sides, or complete feast to fit their own plans.
Sloppy Mama’s BBQ is located at 5731 Langston Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22207 | 703 -269-2718 | Open Wed.-Sat., 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Just Listed highlights Arlington properties that just came on the market. This biweekly feature is written and sponsored by Coral Gundlach Homes.
Hello Arlington!
Coral Gundlach here with Coral Gundlach Homes in Arlington. I’ve been an Arlington homeowner since 2001 and a Realtor since 2004. I love this real estate market, even though it has its challenges.
Well, the election is behind us at last. Mortgage rates are steadily rising, buyer showings are down and there was a slight increase in purchase contracts. For the week ending November 10th, showings in Arlington were 623 compared to 677 the week prior and purchase contracts ticked up slightly from 47 to 52.
Here are the numbers as of the time of writing: Friday, November 15 at 11 a.m.
This week we will feature the highest and lowest between any categories. Highest is a detached home, lowest is a condo.
All active listings in Arlington: 280, exact same as two weeks ago
New Listings in the past week: 53, up from 40 two weeks ago
Under Contract/Pending in last week: 32, down from 44 two weeks ago
Median Days on Market for Active Under Contract: 18, down from 22 two weeks ago
Median Days on Market for Pending: 15, up from 6 two weeks ago
All active detached listings: 94, down from 98 two weeks ago
New active detached listings: 12, down from 16 two weeks ago
All active townhouses, fee simple: 28, up from 25 two weeks ago
New active townhouses, fee simple: 10, up from 3 two weeks ago
All active condos/co-ops: 155, up from 152, two weeks ago
New active condos/co-ops: 29, up from 19 two weeks ago
Thirty-eight total properties closed in the last week, down from 41 two weeks ago. The median CDOM was 20, down from 22 two weeks ago, and the median original list price to sales price ratio was 98.6% and the average current list price to sales price ratio was 99.2%,
The highest priced new listing is a 8000 square foot single family homein 22207’s Arlingwood neighborhood. It was built in 2001, sits on 31391 square foot lot — nearly 3/4 of an acre. Listing price is $3,200,000.
The deal of the week is a studio condo in 22204’s The Carlton condominium building. It is remodeled and 546 square feet. Condo fees are $550 a month and include all utilities. It is listed for $169,950.
Contact Coral Gundlach Homes today at (703) 200-3631 or email [email protected] to talk more about buying or selling Arlington real estate.
This week’s featured new listing is delightful 2520 S. Walter Reed Drive #6 in 22206. This 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath townhouse condo in S. Arlington’s Windgate community. This is the largest model offered in Windgate, an end unit, with window and light on two sides. It includes an unfinished basement, stylish kitchen and baths, hardwood flooring and a spacious patio that backs to a park-like common area. It is listed by Renata Briggman of KW Metro Center and is open Friday from 5-6:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 2-4 p.m.
Want to see more Just Listed properties? Interested in an Open House this weekend? We’re happy to show them to you privately! Contact Coral Gundlach Homes today.
Please note: While Coral Gundlach Homes provides this information for the community, they may not be the listing agents of these homes. Equal Housing Opportunity.
At Horizon Business Brokers, we specialize in navigating complex transactions, ensuring smooth negotiations, and maximizing value for our clients.
Founded in 2006 by Dustin Zeher, Horizon Business Brokers is based in Northern Virginia. Dustin is a Certified Business Intermediary (CBI) and President of the Maryland Business Brokers Association. He is also a board member of the Carolinas-Virginia Business Brokers Association. Horizon has sold nearly 400 businesses for business owners from all parts of the D.C. metro area.
What is a Business Broker?
Business brokers act as intermediaries between buyers and sellers of businesses and work to ensure mutually beneficial outcomes for both parties. They are vital in the sale and acquisition process, offering expertise in valuation, negotiation, and transaction management while confidentially connecting buyers and sellers of privately held businesses.
Today business brokers have access to advanced technology and use sophisticated tools like data analytics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to provide more accurate market insights and valuations, helping clients make informed decisions. They manage complex deal terms and ensure that the process is smooth and efficient, ultimately helping sellers maximize their returns while also fostering positive relationships with buyers to ensure they are getting a great business at a fair price.
Frequently a business seller wants to maintain a level of confidentiality, so hiring a broker enables them to maintain discretion when sharing information as the broker will be the first point of contact during the sale process.
The broker will acquire information from potential buyers prior to releasing any sensitive details about the business that is listed for sale to ensure buyers are professionally and financially qualified and to obtain their confidentiality. A business broker also creates sales and marketing materials to highlight the business and its strengths and opportunities for growth, while also managing the marketing and advertising efforts of the business.
Using a number of different platforms, a business broker will reach out to their internal database of buyers as well as their professional contacts to let them know the business is for sale, all in a confidential and effective manner. When using a business broker, there is a higher probability of a sale versus trying to sell the business on your own, and more often than not, a broker is able to sell the business for a higher price in a shorter time period.
An overwhelming majority of small business sales are private transactions so there is not a publicly accessible database of final sale prices from recent years. A broker will be able to provide a business owner with a reasonable asking price based on business performance, the value of any tangible assets, intellectual property or patents, goodwill, and inventory. Many brokers offer business valuation services to determine a fair market value and the most probable selling price of a business.
If an offer is accepted, the broker will assist the buyer in conducting due diligence to verify that what has been presented in the offering materials is accurate, and to ensure that the seller is only sharing information that is absolutely necessary and will not be detrimental to the operation and sale of the business. A knowledgeable broker will also be able to provide guidance for working with landlords to transition the lease to a new party, if needed, and to pre-qualify the business for an SBA backed loan to help expedite the financing if necessary. An experienced broker will also likely have established relationships with attorneys, accountants, and bankers who may be involved at various phases of the sale process to assist both the buyer and the seller.
Before a business owner decides to engage with a broker, they should do research and interview multiple brokers to see which one best fits their goals. The average time to sell a business is roughly 6-12 months, but there are times when it takes longer for a variety of factors so you will want to make sure your broker is someone you trust and will enjoy working with as you navigate the process.
Whether you’re selling your business or looking to grow through acquisition, buying your first business, or having your business valued, partnering with a reputable business brokerage firm can make all the difference.
Contact us today for a complimentary consultation to explore how we can help you achieve your business goals!
Dustin Zeher, CBI
Founder and Principal Broker/M&A Advisor
Horizon Business Brokers, LLC.
Office: 703-910-7384
Cell: 571-437-5135 [email protected] www.horizonbrokers.com
’Tis the season for gathering with family and friends!
If you’re looking for ways to entertain your guests or explore Arlington’s vibrant arts scene this holiday season, we’ve got you covered. With events running through December, Arlington’s Winter Arts Highlights offers a comprehensive guide to arts and cultural happenings across the county, ensuring you’ll find something for everyone.
Arlington, together with D.C. and Alexandria, ranks third among the most arts-vibrant communities in the U.S. as evaluated by the National Center for Arts Research’s Arts Vibrancy Index. This ranking assesses vibrancy by analyzing supply, demand, and government support for the arts across 900+ communities. Since the index’s debut in 2015, Arlington has remained a top-ranked community for the arts, bolstered by a creative mix of visual and performing artists.
This high ranking was achieved because of Arlington’s exceedingly talented and creative array of visual and performing artists.
This winter, their offerings include soulful cabaret evenings at the Tony Award-winning Signature Theatre (through November 24); an opportunity to shop local at LAC Studios Holiday Show and Sale (December 7); holiday performances by The Arlington Philharmonic Brass Quintet (December 7-8; 14-15); Encore Stage & Studio’s staging of Disney’s The Lion King, Jr. (through November 24); Jane Franklin Dance’s performances of “December at TOTR” (December 14-15); and an Artist Talk and Tour of current exhibits at Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington (November 22).
This winter, Arlington’s vibrant cultural calendar includes unique events for all ages. Below are some featured highlights, with a full schedule available on the Arlington Arts’ Winter Arts Highlights page.
In today’s digital age, cybersecurity compliance is crucial for small to medium businesses (SMBs) to protect sensitive data and maintain customer trust. Discover key strategies that SMBs can implement to achieve success in cybersecurity compliance.
Cybersecurity compliance involves adhering to laws, regulations, and standards designed to protect digital information. For SMBs, achieving compliance can be challenging due to limited resources and expertise. However, with the right approach, SMBs can effectively safeguard their data and ensure regulatory adherence.
Key Strategies for Cybersecurity Compliance
Risk Assessment and Management
SMBs should start by conducting a thorough risk assessment to identify potential vulnerabilities. This involves evaluating the likelihood and impact of various cyber threats. Once risks are identified, businesses can implement appropriate measures to mitigate them.
Employee Training and Awareness
Human error is a significant factor in cybersecurity breaches. Regular training programs can educate employees about best practices, such as recognizing phishing attempts and using strong passwords. Creating a culture of cybersecurity awareness is essential for compliance.
Implementing Robust Security Measures
SMBs should invest in robust security measures, including firewalls, antivirus software, and encryption. Regular updates and patches are crucial to protect against emerging threats. Additionally, businesses should establish protocols for data backup and recovery.
Compliance with Regulations and Standards
SMBs must stay informed about relevant regulations and standards, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). Compliance with these standards not only ensures legal adherence but also enhances customer trust.
Regular Audits and Monitoring
Continuous monitoring and regular audits are vital to maintaining cybersecurity compliance. SMBs should establish processes for tracking and analyzing security incidents. This proactive approach allows businesses to identify and address potential issues before they escalate.
Contact CMIT Solutions of Arlington
Helping your business get compliant is one of the core services offered at CMIT Solutions of Arlington. For expert assistance and tailored solutions, contact CMIT Solutions of Arlington, VA at 703-216-1860, or fill out the contact form here: Contact Our Corporate Offices | CMIT Solutions.
Our team of professionals are dedicated to helping you get and stay compliant allowing you to focus on your business and your core offerings.
This is a sponsored column by attorneys John Berry and Kimberly Berry of Berry & Berry, PLLC, an employment and labor law firm located in Northern Virginia that specializes in federal employee, security clearance, retirement and private sector employee matters.
By John V. Berry, Esq.
Thoughts on the Security Clearance Appeal Process
Security clearance appeals take place when individuals get denied while applying for a security clearance. They can also occur when an individual with a security clearance has their clearance revoked. Security clearance appeals can have important ramifications for your career.
In many cases, losing a security clearance can result in losing your position. We represent government contractors, federal employees and military personnel in security clearance appeals.
Each Agency’s Appeal Procedures are Different
Every federal agency handles security clearance appeals differently. While the right to a security clearance appeal comes from Executive Order 12968, agencies have developed their own policies in implementation.
Some agencies, like the Department of Defense and Department of Energy, incorporate an administrative judge hearing process. These types of appeals are essentially administrative court proceedings, with the government represented by an attorney. Other agencies, like the Department of Homeland Security, incorporates a written response and personal appearance process, which is less formal. Many of the Intelligence Community agencies provide the opportunity to submit a written response and meet with adjudicators during a personal appearance.
While there are many different procedures for security clearance appeals, there are many things in common.
Common Considerations in Security Clearance Appeals
While there may be different procedures by different federal agencies in the security clearance appeals process, there are many similar considerations. These include:
Obtain Legal Advice Early: Obtaining legal representation early in the security clearance appeals process is extremely important. Too often we see security clearance appeals that have gone too far in the process before an attorney is hired, which often lowers the odds of ultimate success. Ideally, individuals with security concerns should meet with an experienced security clearance lawyer before submitting their initial security clearance forms. If not then, it is important to have a security clearance lawyer help them respond to a Statement of Response (SOR) or Notice of Intent to Revoke a Security Clearance.
Obtain Critical Documentation: Many individuals are not aware and not advised about the level of detail and documentation needed to present a strong security clearance appeal. Depending on the particular case, we may need to obtain government records, performance evaluations, documents that address the security concerns, witness statements, awards, character letters and other mitigating documentation to present the best possible security clearance appeal.
Draft a Comprehensive Written Response to the Security Concerns: In many cases individuals handling their own initial responses don’t realize the level of detail needed in their written response to address the security concerns. Some individuals write in “I admit” on the SOR or prepare a short paragraph responding to the concerns. A response, to be successful, must give a complete and detailed explanation about the security concerns raised by the Government. These responses tend to run 10-14 pages and along with the exhibits attached can run 25 to 40 pages. Additionally, the response has to provide detailed information about who you are as a person. The Whole-Person Concept, an overview of you and your experience and life is critical to help resolve a security clearance appeal.
Be Fully Prepared for the Administrative Judge Hearing or Personal Appearance: When the time comes for an administrative judge hearing or personal appearance on the security clearance appeal it is critical to be prepared. A security clearance attorney can assist you in preparing for these processes. You will want to be able to answer questions clearly about the security concerns, your background and other issues. Additionally, in administrative judge proceedings you will want to be prepared for a government attorney’s cross-examination. For personal appearances, you will want to be prepared to address critical questions raised by the reviewing official.
Contact Us
Each security clearance appeal is unique, so individuals are advised to have counsel advise and represent them as early in the process as possible. If you need assistance with a security clearance issue, please contact our office at 703-668-0070 or at www.berrylegal.com to schedule a consultation.
The holiday season is fast approaching and with Thanksgiving arriving later this month, December will be here before you know it. Before you’ve even packed away the turkey carving knife and gravy boat, it’ll be time to start planning your holiday party.
But don’t worry — contact RSVP Catering, and we’ll take care of all your holiday celebration needs!
The end of the year is full of festive celebrations, and whether you’re planning an intimate family gathering or an impressive company holiday party there’s a lot to consider, but with RSVP Catering by your side, you can relax and enjoy the process.
As one of the region’s premier catering services, trusted by both corporations and wedding planners, RSVP offers a wide range of elegant menus for in-home parties and off-site corporate events. Whatever your budget, RSVP Catering ensures your celebration is seamless, sophisticated, and stress-free.
If you’re looking to design a custom menu that reflects your style or prefer one of RSVP’s chef-curated prix fixe reception menus, RSVP Catering has options that suit every need. You focus on what to wear, and let us worry about the rest.
Just a few standout items from this year’s Holiday Menu include the savory Sunday Parm Station with crispy chicken cutlets and creamy Stracciatella, our festive Bubble Bar cocktail station to keep your spirits high, and the indulgent Chocolate Grazing Table filled with holiday chocolates and house-made confections. And for dessert lovers, you won’t want to miss the Melt-A-Way Tiramisu Bar or our fan-favorite Build Your Own Sicilian Cannoli Cart — you might just need to have both!
If you’re planning a holiday celebration at home or in the office, RSVP Catering is ready to bring the magic to your table. Let us handle the details so you can enjoy every moment of the season.
Arlington Economic Development (AED), in partnership with key regional players like JBG Smith, the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation, National Landing BID and the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership, celebrated a major step forward for Arlington’s entrepreneurial ecosystem with DC Startup and Tech Week in October.
More than just an event, this initiative highlighted the strategic role Arlington plays in fostering a supportive and innovative environment for founders and entrepreneurs across the region.
With around 1,500 attendees, Day 2 of DC Startup and Tech Week transformed National Landing into a buzzing festival-like hub for tech and innovation, channeling the energy of an East Coast SXSW. The day started with engaging sessions on growth strategies, artificial intelligence, Web3 and climate tech.
Highlights included a fireside chat on the future of work, where JBG Smith’s Evan Regan-Levin and Seema Alexander shared insights into ways their organizations are actively investing in innovation, and a compelling panel organized by the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation on how the region can grow its reputation as a top technology ecosystem.
This day of inspiration and connection, funded by the Arlington Innovation Fund, underscored AED’s mission: to connect startups with the resources, networks, and capital they need to succeed. The Innovation Fund, backed by over $1.2 million from the Arlington County Board, is a cornerstone of AED’s economic growth strategy, designed to attract and retain entrepreneurs who drive innovation, create jobs and contribute to the local economy.
Additionally, the remarks delivered by AED Director Ryan Touhill further emphasized Arlington’s commitment and championed the region’s collaborative spirit and shared resources that make Arlington an ideal place for tech startups to flourish.
DC Startup and Tech Week also highlighted Arlington’s commitment to fostering connections across the DMV. “We’re breaking down barriers and thinking regionally,” Touhill said. “This event is a testament to our belief that no community stands alone in building a thriving tech ecosystem. Our collaboration with partners from Alexandria to Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation and National Landing BID strengthens our collective goal of making this area an innovation powerhouse.”
For those interested in learning more or getting involved with Arlington’s innovation initiatives, AED offers services through its Business Investment Group. From strategic guidance and network-building to funding resources, AED is helping to shape a thriving future for Arlington and the broader region.
Additionally, National Landing, a rapidly evolving area, is increasingly becoming a preferred location for entrepreneurs to both live and work. Events like DC Startup and Tech Week reinforce Arlington’s role as a vibrant hub, advancing the vision of AED’s strategic plan to drive regional economic success through innovation and collaboration.
To stay connected with upcoming opportunities, visit AED’s website or reach out to Tally Wolff ([email protected]) for partnership opportunities. Whether you are a founder looking to take your idea to the next level or a business leader eager to support the growth of the local tech ecosystem, Arlington is here to welcome you.
About Arlington Economic Development
Arlington Economic Development (AED) is committed to helping Arlington thrive as an economically vital, competitive and sustainable community by providing leadership and services to Arlington’s business, real estate, tourism and cultural affairs sectors. We’re here to help your business get the tools and resources you need to grow and succeed in our community. Interested in learning more? Visit our website.
This sponsored column is by Law Office of James Montana PLLC. All questions about it should be directed to James Montana, Esq. and Janice Chen, Esq., practicing attorneys at The Law Office of James Montana PLLC, an immigration-focused law firm located in Falls Church, Virginia. The legal information given here is general in nature. If you want legal advice, contact us for an appointment.
On August 19th, the Parole in Place program opened. On August 23rd, ten states filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security, seeking an injunction to freeze the program and a declaratory judgment that the program is unlawful.
On August 26th, the federal judiciary issued its first reply to the litigants: an administrative stay. The purpose of this advertorial is threefold: First, we’ll explain how this stay will affect current and future Parole in Place applicants; second, we’ll explain the nature of the administrative stay; and third, we’ll offer some guarded predictions about the future of the Parole in Place program.
As a reminder, the Parole in Place program had a particular, and technical, purpose: allowing spouses of U.S. citizens who have been in the country for more than ten years to be ‘admitted’ for immigration purposes without departing the country. (For additional background on program and its eligibility requirements, see our handy ARLnow explainer, here.)
If approved, beneficiaries of the parole in place program would be eligible for work authorization, and, in many cases, to apply for green cards.
The gavel went “thwack!” in between Statutes of Liberty’s publication dates.
The Federal Judge in this case is J. Campbell Barker of the Eastern District of Texas, Tyler Division. Judge Barker was nominated to the bench by President Trump, and is known as a conservative jurist, but it would be wrong to describe him as unqualified or as an ideological pick; Judge Barker graduated first in his class from the University of the Texas School of Law, clerked both at the Federal Circuit and Second Circuit Courts of Appeal, and served as a prosecutor in the Eastern District of Virginia.
With all of that said, it is no accident that the plaintiffs have their case before Judge Barker — it’s a matter of geographic gamesmanship. Federal litigation is assigned randomly to a judge who sits within the filing district. There are just two judges who sit in the Tyler, Texas district — Judge J. Campbell Barker, and Judge Jeremy Kernodle, also a Trump appointee of a similar age and a similar political background. The plaintiffs doubtless filed there because they believed, rightly or wrongly, that they would receive a sympathetic hearing.
In a rapidly written opinion, Judge Barker stayed the Parole in Place program for fourteen days. He set an extremely rapid schedule for motions practice — which we’ll excerpt, here, for the benefit of any litigators in the audience:
August 28, 2024 — Deadline to file any motions related to venue or forum.
August 30, 2024 — Deadline to respond to any such motion.
September 2, 2024 — Deadline to reply on any such motion.
(August 30th is a Friday and September 2nd is a Monday. Enjoy your weekend, litigators!)
Judge Barker’s opinion also dispenses with initial disclosures and most fact discovery in the interest of speeding the course of decision-making, an indication that he wants to come to a decision pretty quickly on the merits of the case.
We predict that Judge Barker will issue a preliminary injunction that preserves the main features of the administrative stay — new Parole in Place applications can be accepted, but no Parole in Place applications may be approved while the injunction is in place. The litigation will then continue through the summary judgment stage, which might — might! — be concluded as soon as late October 2024, just in time for the election.
What does this mean for Parole in Place applicants? Practically speaking, it means that, for Parole in Place to be granted to any applicant who doesn’t have it now, two conditions must obtain:
Vice-President Harris must prevail in the Presidential election contest. If President Trump is re-elected, he will immediately revoke the Parole in Place program, deny pending applications as moot, and cease to defend the legality of the program in court.
The Biden (and, later, the Harris) Administration must prevail in what will likely be protracted federal litigation. Judge Barker’s stay is just the first shot in what is likely to be a long process, not dissimilar to the DACA litigation — and that eventually made it to the desk of Chief Justice Roberts.
Should those who are eligible still apply, given that the application window remains open but that no applications can currently be approved — and that the above two conditions will have to obtain for any approvals to be issued?
We think the answer depends on your particular situation. Applicants who stand to benefit from parole in place with little downside risk should probably apply. Those who might be a priority for deportation in a future administration should probably hesitate to do so — giving the government your full contact information and admitting, under penalty of perjury, that you entered the United States without inspection isn’t the best way to start removal proceedings.
As always, we are grateful for your questions and comments, and will do our best to respond.
Each week, “Just Sold Condos” spotlights condos in Arlington that have sold over the previous week. The market summary is crafted by Rick Bosl, the Arlington Condo Expert, founder of ArlingtonCondo.com, and an agent with KW Metro Center. Contact Rick and make your next move the right move.
Welcome to Just Sold Condos in Arlington!
Last week, July 29 to August 4, we had 22 condos and co-ops that went to settlement, which was twice as many as the week before. The sold prices ranged from $108,000 to $1,375,000 with an average price of $473,710 and an average of 24 days on market.
One of the many unique things about Arlington real estate is the wide variety of price ranges within close proximity to each other.
The lowest priced and highest priced sale last week were:
River Place — 1121 Arlington Blvd. #339 for $108,000
Gaslight Square — 1610 N Queen St. #241 for $1,375,000
They are both in zip code 22209 and are only 0.44 miles or 777 yards apart. Compare that to many suburban neighborhoods where all the homes are priced within 5%-10% of each other.
This column is sponsored by BizLaunch, a division of Arlington Economic Development.
A common question from businesses, both large and small, is: “How can I do business with Arlington?”
For companies with a few years of experience, working with local governments is a great way to expand their customer base while serving their community. In this month’s “Small Business Focus,” we will break down the process to help you succeed in local government procurement.
Do Your Homework
Before you start selling to the local government, doing your homework is essential. Arlington is one of the most transparent clients, with many procurement opportunities and purchasing decisions publicly accessible. You can find these in our Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), annual budget, regular board meeting minutes and comprehensive master plans. Through Virginia’s Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA), business owners can also view the results of any previous bids or solicitations and final contracts from past requests.
In April, the Arlington County Board approved a balanced budget of $1.65 billion for fiscal year 2025, which began on July 1, 2024, and will end on June 30, 2025.
Understanding Arlington’s Purchasing Process
After you have done your homework, it’s important to understand how Arlington makes purchasing decisions. Arlington uses a decentralized purchasing process where each department handles its own procurement, supported by the Purchasing Division. This means each department, knowing its needs throughout the year, can make individual purchasing decisions. However, despite a decentralized purchasing process, departments must follow the Virginia Public Procurement Act (VPPA) and the County’s Purchasing Resolution, found on the Purchasing website.
How Arlington Buys Goods and Services
The dollar value and duration of the order influence how a buyer procures goods and services for amounts of $10,000 to $200,000.
There are the three main ways Arlington purchases goods and services:
X10,000: For one-time purchases of goods or services that are $10,000 or less within a fiscal year, the County doesn’t need to go through a public process. Purchasing agents can solicit bids from at least two competitors and choose the best fit.
Small Purchase Negotiations: Used for purchases greater than $10,000 but less than $200,000. These are advertised publicly for at least three days.
An Invitation to Bid (ITB) or Request for Proposal (RFP): For purchases greater than $200,000 an RFP process is leveraged. BIDs are advertised for a period of 10 to 21 days, and RFPs are advertised publicly for a minimum of 30 days.
Getting Started
Ready to secure a portion of the County’s $1.65 billion budget for your small business? Start by registering for Arlington’s procurement database. As of August 1, 2024, Arlington uses a system called PRISM+. New suppliers can register, and existing suppliers can use the new Supplier Portal to do business with Arlington and update their business records. Select all the commodity codes applicable to your business when registering for the procurement portal. Doing so will help anyone making purchases in the County find your business.
Before responding to a request, ensure that your business meets the County’s procurement guidelines, such as having a business license, being in good standing with the Virginia SCC, complying with the Living Wage Policy, cybersecurity standards and more. These requirements will be listed in the RFP or Small Purchase Negotiations and in Arlington’s Purchasing Resolution. If you have any questions, please reach out to any of the purchasing staff.
Upcoming Initiatives
Arlington’s Purchasing Division is also conducting a Disparity Study to determine the effects of race, ethnicity, or gender on a business’s ability to secure contracts in Arlington County. The goal is to find out what we can do better, and we can only find that by speaking with business owners! The County is asking businesses to share their experiences through an online survey about winning or bidding on contracts/subcontracts in Arlington County. For more information, please visit the Disparity Study link.
BizLaunch Support
Whether you are exploring federal, state or local procurement opportunities, BizLaunch is here to help. Sign up for a BizLaunch consultation today or visit BizLaunch to learn more.
This regularly scheduled sponsored column is written by Eli Tucker, Arlington-based Realtor and Arlington resident. If you would like to work with Eli and his team in Northern Virginia and the greater DC Metro area, you can reach him directly at Eli@EliResidential.com.
Eli and his team believe that your real estate needs should be managed by advisors, not salespeople. Their mission is to guide, educate, and advocate for their clients through real advice, hands-on support, and personalized service.
Question: What do you expect to see from the real estate market for the remainder of the year?
Answer: Following a strong first half for single-family homes and an exceptionally strong first half for condos, let’s take a look at what historical trends tell us we can expect from the local real estate market for the rest of the year. Having a strong understanding of weekly and monthly fluctuations in market conditions can give buyers and sellers a competitive advantage over the rest of the market and prevent costly mistakes based on inaccurate assumptions.
While the specific data/conditions vary year-to-year based on things like inventory levels, interest rates, and economic conditions, we can rely on trends as we move through the seasons and hit certain transition points (usually marked by major holidays) throughout the year. The charts below are made up of sales in Arlington since 2013 (excluding 2020 because of COVID lockdowns) and the trends can generally be applied to markets in the greater D.C. area, not just Arlington.
Inventory Will Spike Soon, Then Fall Sharply
The summer months are defined by a shift in demand (lower) and listing volume (lower) relative to the peak spring activity. A lot of homeowners wait to put their home on market until after Labor Day, the unofficial end of summer, so we usually see listing activity spike the week following Labor Day Weekend; producing roughly double the volume of listings in the following week or two relative to the preceding and proceeding weeks.
