PilieroMazza Celebrates Women’s History Month
PilieroMazza celebrates Women’s History Month and throughout the year, we recognize the ongoing achievements and contributions of the women within the Firm—including our Founding Partner Pam Mazza —who set the foundation for the successful firm we are today and who are leading us into the future. #WomensHistoryMonth
PPP Eligibility Increases Under American Rescue Plan Act, but Deadline to Apply Remains March 31
On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (Act). The Act allotted an additional $7.25 billion in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funding for small businesses. Moreover, nonprofit entities and digital media companies are now allowed to receive funding. Below are key PPP eligibility updates made under the Act and details on the borrower application deadline. Under the Act, eligible nonprofits now include those employing 500 or fewer employees per physical location (300 or fewer . . . Read More
COVID-Related Construction Claims: 4 Key Strategies for Recovery
The construction industry has seen increased costs and contract performance concerns resulting from the impacts of COVID-19. For construction firms contracting with the government, it is critical to understand how to position the firm to recover increased costs. Following are four key recovery strategies to better prepare you before filing a claim or request for equitable adjustment (REA). 1. Understand How Contract Provisions Help Carefully examine the contract to identify provisions that may excuse delays or provide for recovery in . . . Read More
Government Purpose Rights in Technical Data and Software Developed with DOD Funding
When you develop technical data or software, in whole or in part, with government funding, it is important to know the scope of data rights that the government will obtain at the outset, both with respect to components that were developed solely at private expense and those that were developed with government funding. However, because technical data and software are often developed with multiple funding sources and are continually updated and improved, it can be difficult to determine these data . . . Read More
SBA Takes Steps to Address PPP Validation Error Problems
On February 10, 2021, the Small Business Administration (SBA) announced new policy changes to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) meant to address an ongoing issue loan applicants face regarding validation error codes. These error codes serve as validation checks to combat fraud and prevent improper loans from being issued to ineligible businesses. However, many eligible businesses have received such error codes during the application and forgiveness process, delaying necessary economic relief. SBA’s new changes grant additional authorities to lenders for borrowers . . . Read More
The First 100 Days: President Biden’s Buy American Executive Order, What Government Contractors Need to Know
President Biden signed an executive order (EO) on January 25, 2021, titled “Ensuring the Future Is Made in All of America by All of America’s Workers.” Referring broadly to all statutes, regulations, rules, and executive orders that relate to Buy America, Buy American, or domestic sourcing requirements as “Made in America Laws,” the EO expresses the new administration’s policy that the U.S. government should maximize the use of domestic products and services and “should, whenever possible, procure goods, products, materials, . . . Read More
The First 100 Days: President Biden’s Plan to Secure a Sustainable Public Health Supply Chain, 3 Tips for Government Contractors
In November, we published a post on potential Biden administration use of the Defense Production Act of 1950 (DPA) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In his first week in office, President Biden invoked the DPA and signed an executive order to secure a sustainable public health supply chain. The executive order gives insight into how the Biden administration may use the DPA going forward. The following explains the Biden administration’s goals for pandemic preparedness and potential DPA use and identifies . . . Read More
The First 100 Days: President Biden Signs Memo on Tribal Consultation and Strengthening Nation-to-Nation Relationships
Last week, President Biden signed a Memorandum on Tribal Consultation and Strengthening Nation-to-Nation Relationships. In the memorandum, President Biden says “It is a priority of my Administration to make respect for Tribal sovereignty and self-governance, commitment to fulfilling Federal trust and treaty responsibilities to Tribal Nations, and regular, meaningful, and robust consultation with Tribal Nations cornerstones of Federal Indian policy.” The memo also reaffirms Executive Order 13175 , which “charges all executive departments and agencies with engaging in regular, meaningful, and robust consultation . . . Read More
Top Bases for REAs and Claims Arising Under COVID-19
COVID-19 has increased costs for government contractors in almost every sector. Requests for Equitable Adjustment (REAs) and claims are available to contractors seeking compensation. But when should you submit an REA or claim? Below are top bases for filing REAs or claims that government contractors should look for when facing cost increases due to COVID-19. Delays Delays in contract performance are a common driver of increased costs and/or the need to extend a contract’s period of performance for government contractors. . . . Read More
The End of An Area: Planning Now for Potential Loss of HUBZone Status
2021 is an important year for the many HUBZone firms located in redesignated areas that will lose HUBZone status after 12/31/21. For these firms, the time is now to plan for maintaining HUBZone status in 2022 and beyond. Here’s what you need to know. If you are located in a redesignated area that loses HUBZone eligibility after this year, you could make plans this year to move your office to a new location that will still be HUBZone eligible after . . . Read More