Unlocking the Potential of Phantom Equity: Incentive and Compensation Strategies to Attract and Retain Top Talent

Navigating the landscape of employee incentives can be complex, particularly when exploring non-traditional compensation methods. Phantom stock, also known as synthetic equity, offers a unique solution for business owners seeking to incentivize and retain key personnel without giving away ownership in the company. Below, PilieroMazza attorneys answer commonly asked questions regarding the nature of phantom stock, outlining its structure, benefits, and the strategic considerations involved with this valuable tool for attracting and retaining top talent. What is a phantom plan . . . Read More

Novation and Recertification Requirements: A Post-Closing Guide for GovCon M&A Deals

After the sale or acquisition of a business or its assets, there are often one or more post-closing requirements that business owners must complete. In deals involving government contractors, two of these requirements are especially important: contract novation and size recertification. Below, PilieroMazza attorneys provide a post-closing guide for government contractors on meeting novation and recertification requirements to avoid costly penalties such as loss of contract award or criminal liability. Overview Parties preparing to acquire a small business government contractor, . . . Read More

Corporate Transparency Act Updates for Government Contractors and Commercial Businesses: Constitutionality, Exemptions, and Substantial Control

The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), which came into effect on January 1, 2024, has significant implications for government contractors and commercial businesses. This client alert summarizes recent developments in the CTA—including constitutionality, physical office requirements, unpopulated joint ventures, and substantial control—to help businesses comply and avoid harsh enforcement penalties.  If you formed an entity on or after January 1, 2024, and are not subject to one of the exemptions, then you must file your initial BOI report within 90 days from . . . Read More

Keys to Avoiding GAO’s Timeliness Trap

GAO’s recent decision in Marathon Medical Corporation provides a cautionary tale for government contractors seeking to protest the terms by which an agency conducts a procurement. Specifically, Marathon reinforces a little-known rule: the Government Accountability Office considers an agency’s receipt of proposals to be adverse agency action in response to an agency level protest challenging the terms of a solicitation, and the ten-day rule for filing a subsequent protest at GAO begins running from the date on which the agency . . . Read More

What DOD’s Final DFARS Rule Means for Defense Contractors, American Manufacturing, and Protecting the Nation’s Supply Chain

On February 15, 2024, the Department of Defense (DOD) issued a final rule amending the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to implement Executive Order (EO) 14005, Ensuring the Future Is Made in All of America by All of America’s Workers, and strengthen Buy American Act (BAA) domestic preferences in DOD procurements. Below, PilieroMazza explains the final rule’s implications for defense contractors in the manufacturing sector and safeguarding the defense industry’s supply chain. Evolution of BAA Domestic Preference Rules The DOD’s final . . . Read More

SBA’s 8(a) Program Again Challenged and the Potential Impacts on Native Owned Entities

The Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 8(a) Business Development Program (8(a) program) faced new constitutionality challenges in a case filed at the U.S. Court of Federal Claims (COFC) by Advanced Simulation Technology Inc. (ASTi).  ASTi protested a contract awarded to an Alaska Native Corporation (ANC) alleging, among other things, that the entire tribal 8(a) program is unconstitutional. While this case will likely be dismissed for reasons wholly unrelated to the constitutionality challenge, these allegations are sure to be raised again by . . . Read More

Focus on S Corporations, Part 3: Tax Implications and Special Considerations in S Corp Acquisitions

Acquiring a business can be a strategic move to grow, diversify, or compete in the market. Acquisition also involves significant tax implications that can affect the value and structure of the deal. Therefore, it is crucial for buyers and sellers to understand the tax consequences of different types of acquisitions and plan accordingly. In Part 3 of PilieroMazza’s blog series “Focus on S Corporations,” we highlight key elements of an S Corp acquisition that buyers and sellers should address to . . . Read More

Federal Judge Orders Minority Business Development Agency to Serve All Business Owners Regardless of Race

On March 5, 2024, a federal judge ordered the Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) to immediately stop considering a business owner’s race or ethnicity in determining whether an applicant may receive business-related benefits and services from MBDA Business Centers nationwide, including assistance with accessing capital and pursuing government contracting opportunities. [1] Judge Mark T. Pittman, U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Texas, ruled that MBDA’s use of the presumption that certain individuals—including African Americans, Latinos, American . . . Read More

Decoding the 2024 NDAA: Implications for Defense Contractors Small and Large

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24), signed into law on December 22, 2023, signals significant changes across the defense acquisition and contracting landscape. These changes are poised to reshape how the Department of Defense (DOD) engages with contractors, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and fairness.  PilieroMazza  examines key themes and provisions in the NDAA that DOD government contractors (small and large) should know to take advantage of contract opportunities and maintain compliance requirements. Background  The NDAA is annual . . . Read More