Click here to view the recorded session. On August 19th, PilieroMazza issued a client alert analyzing the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) significant new proposals to revise its size standards methodology and the size standards applicable across numerous industries. If adopted, these proposals would fundamentally change how small business status is determined for federal contracting and reshape the set-aside contracting landscape. The authors of the client alert, partners Jon Williams and Meghan Leemon, will host a virtual PilieroMazza Town Hall on Thursday, August 27, 2026, from 11am – 12pm ET to discuss . . . Read More
On August 14, 2026, the U.S. Small Business Administration (the SBA) announced the issuance of Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) 50 10 8.1, Lender and Development Company Loan Programs, which will become effective on October 1, 2026, according to SBA Policy Notice 5000-880695. SOP 50 10 8.1 will apply to all lending applications that are issued an SBA loan number on or after October 1, 2026, and is intended to build upon the 7(a) lending criteria that were reintroduced pursuant to . . . Read More
In Part 1 of this series, we examined the Department of Defense’s Proposed Rule and how it would broaden the reach of Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI) obligations across the defense industrial base. Before looking ahead, it helps to understand how the current framework works. In this installment, PilieroMazza attorneys walk through the foundation of the existing system: obtaining and maintaining a facility security clearance, securing personnel security clearances for the people who run and safeguard the business, and, . . . Read More
Click here to view the recorded session. Contractors performing work for federal agencies operate under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and a distinct body of case law governing recovery in contract disputes—often diverging from traditional legal theories. Understanding both commonly asserted and less frequently used claims is critical to protecting your rights and positioning your organization for recovery. Join PilieroMazza’s Lauren Brier, Caitlin Trevillyan, and Jon Neri for the next installment in our Contract Claims 101 series. This session will explore key claims doctrines . . . Read More
Click here to view the recorded session. Knowing and understanding the specific requirements around joint venture eligibility can make or break your ability to compete and be eligible for certain government contracts. PilieroMazza’s Meghan Leemon examines key elements of joint venture eligibility you need to understand to maintain your competitive edge and defend a contract award. This is a can’t-miss webinar for any contractor considering or currently pursuing work through a joint venture. Learning objectives include: latest SBA requirements for joint venture eligibility and date to determine . . . Read More
In this episode of The Real Deal, Cy Alba sits down with Mark Drever, CEO of Xcelerate Solutions, for a candid conversation about building, scaling, and leading a successful GovCon business. The discussion walks through Mark’s career journey, from his early days in government consulting to the launch of Xcelerate and its growth into a major player in the federal market. Mark discusses challenges he faced as an owner and CEO, how today’s federal environment is shaping GovCon growth, and . . . Read More
On April 30, 2026, President Trump issued an Executive Order (EO) establishing that the default contracting method for federal agencies is fixed-price contracts with performance-based considerations; and, for certain large contracts, the EO adds a justification and approval requirement for any other contracting method. The EO is the Administration’s most recent effort to overhaul the federal contracting framework and came just two days before the year anniversary of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Council’s first round of Revolutionary FAR Overhaul . . . Read More
Click here to view the recorded session. The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is now a business reality for defense contractors—and how contractors respond will directly impact growth, pricing, and competitive positioning. With CMMC Phase 1 now formally implemented, contractors that process, store, or transmit Federal Contract Information (FCI) or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) must understand not only what compliance requires, but how to approach it strategically. This webinar examines the finalized CMMC framework through a legal and compliance lens, . . . Read More
Click here to view the recorded session. Bid protests remain a critical element of the federal procurement process. Whether submitting a proposal, filing a protest, or defending a contract award, recent rulings can influence not only your current contracts but also future opportunities and overall procurement strategies. Decisions from 2025 highlight evolving trends, clarify key regulatory requirements, and signal potential shifts in protest outcomes for government contractors. Join Katie Burrows and Eric Valle, attorneys in PilieroMazza’s Bid Protests and Government Contracts practice groups, as they break down recent . . . Read More
Click here to view the recorded session. DOJ continues to aggressively deploy the False Claims Act (FCA) as an enforcement tool, with a record-breaking $6.8 Billion in settlements and judgments in FY2025—the highest annual total in FCA history. DOJ also saw a record 1,297 qui tam filings and hundreds of new government-initiated investigations, signaling continued risk across procurement, cybersecurity, tariffs, and beyond. Join Jackie Unger and Todd Reinecker of PilieroMazza’s False Claims Act and Audits & Investigations teams for a practical discussion on recent enforcement activity and mitigation tactics designed to . . . Read More
