The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) released a final rule , effective February 24, 2023, amending the VA’s Acquisition Regulation (VAAR) to impose new cybersecurity procedures and processes to protect sensitive VA data and health information. Although much of the recent cybersecurity buzz has centered around the Department of Defense’s (DOD) Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification ( CMMC ) framework, the VA did not want to be left out. These VAAR additions will force affected contractors at all tiers to implement internal controls . . . Read More
Filing a bid protest and ultimately recovering bid preparation and proposal costs after winning may not be a primary concern for contractors as they pursue a new contract. However, a recent Court of Federal Claims decision provides useful, but often overlooked, guidance for government contractors hoping to recover costs in such situations. This blog summarizes the Court’s decision in ARxIUM, Inc. v. United States [1] and suggests best practices for contractors to maximize cost recovery and improve bid preparation processes in . . . Read More
In January 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a proposed rule to ban the use of non-compete clauses in employment agreements. The rule follows President Biden’s July 9, 2021, executive order encouraging the FTC to engage in rulemaking restricting the “unfair use of non-compete clauses and other clauses or agreements that may unfairly limit worker mobility.” The FTC invites the public to comment by March 20, 2023. In this blog, we discuss important considerations related to the FTC’s proposed nationwide ban . . . Read More
If you have questions concerning the content below, please visit this link . Upcoming Events: Register to attend PilieroMazza’s upcoming events here . Recent Thought Leadership: Check out PilieroMazza’s recent client alerts and blogs here . GovCon Live! Podcast: Listen to PilieroMazza’s Podcast Series “Commercial Businesses New to Government Contracting” here . GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS SBA Releases Preview of New HUBZone Maps Effective July 1, 2023, 01.20.23, Jon Williams and Daniel Figuenick HUBZone contractors have been anxiously awaiting updates to the HUBZone maps. In 2021, the Small Business Administration (SBA) . . . Read More
If you have questions concerning the content below, please visit this link . Upcoming Events: Register to attend PilieroMazza’s upcoming events here . Recent Thought Leadership: Check out PilieroMazza’s recent client alerts and blogs here . GovCon Live! Podcast: Listen to PilieroMazza’s Podcast Series “Commercial Businesses New to Government Contracting” here . GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS Inflation Relief Is Coming for DOD Contractors, 12.09.22, Kevin Barnett, Lauren Brier , and James Rhodes As PilieroMazza has reported , rising costs due to inflation have been one of the most significant issues . . . Read More
Per an interim final rule published on November 17, 2022, the Small Business Administration (SBA) is adjusting the three economic disadvantage thresholds applicable to the 8(a) and Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) programs for inflation. SBA’s interim final rule will also increase its receipts-based small business size standards. These changes will be effective on December 19, 2022. SBA’s changes should be welcomed by small businesses and participants in the 8(a) and EDWOSB programs and those looking to apply. Economic Disadvantage Thresholds for . . . Read More
As PilieroMazza noted recently here , the Small Business Administration (SBA) released a major proposed rulemaking that will impact government contractors, primarily those that are participants in the 8(a) Business Development Program. PilieroMazza has posted a series of blogs regarding SBA’s proposed rulemaking, and this client alert highlights some of the proposed changes that pertain specifically to the 8(a) Program. Ownership and Control As you may be aware, there are certain ownership restrictions on an 8(a) firm. One of the restrictions . . . Read More
The Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program is in the midst of a major overhaul that would update, streamline, and clarify existing rules, strengthen implementation, and increase reporting requirements. The DOT’s DBE Program allows small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals to tap into billions of dollars’ worth of contracting opportunities issued at the state and local level through federally-funded infrastructure projects. On July 21, 2022, DOT issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (Rule) which presents the biggest potential . . . Read More
