Competing at the Speed of Space: What Space Force’s Acquisition Shift Means for Government Contractors
Defense contracting is changing rapidly, and United States Space Force (USSF) procurements are no exception. In September 2025, Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman emphasized that USSF cannot afford to maintain the status quo of “chasing perfection” and instead must shift toward building “minimum viable capability.” For contractors, that message is important: winning future USSF work may depend less on proposing a fully mature, long-duration solution and more on showing that the company can deliver a usable, mission-ready capability . . . Read More
Not So Fast: Recent ASBCA Decision Highlights Government’s Burden Before Terminating a Contractor for Default
A recent decision from the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals (ASBCA or Board) offers a useful reminder that the government must do more than point to performance problems when terminating a contract for default before completion. Although Jaxon Construction, Inc., ASBCA No. 64432 (June 24, 2026) was issued under the ASBCA’s Small Claims/Expedited procedures and therefore lacks precedential value (previously explained in our blog series about how the Boards of Contract Appeals work), government contractors should still take note . . . Read More
Claim Sponsorship | Contract Claims 101, Part 7
Claim sponsorship is one of the most important and frequently overlooked aspects of federal subcontracting. Because subcontractors generally lack privity of contract with the Government, their ability to pursue recovery for government-caused impacts often depends entirely on the prime contractor’s ability and willingness to sponsor a Contract Disputes Act (CDA) claim on the subcontractor’s behalf. As a result, the subcontract’s claim and dispute provisions can significantly affect whether a subcontractor can obtain meaningful relief and whether a prime contractor can . . . Read More
When Does a CPAR Stop Mattering? GAO’s Latest Answer Is: It Depends
One of the most common questions government contractors ask after receiving a negative Contractor Performance Assessment Report (CPAR) is also one of the hardest to answer: “How long does a CPAR stay on my record?” Many contractors assume there is a simple answer. At some point, a CPAR becomes too old to matter, and agencies can no longer rely on it. In this blog, we examine a recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) protest decision that demonstrates why the answer is not nearly that simple and . . . Read More
Common Construction Appeal Theories | Contract Claims 101, Part 6
While Parts 4 and 5 of this series explored both common and less common theories available to contractors pursuing claims against the federal government, many of which can arise in the construction context, there are more nuanced theories that often , intersect with those more familiar claims involving changes, delays, or defective specifications, presenting distinct legal and evidentiary considerations for construction contractors. Success typically depends on a contractor’s ability to develop a well-documented record demonstrating how specific government actions, omissions, . . . Read More
Government Contractors and AI: Protecting Confidential Information and Privilege in Disputes
Artificial intelligence (AI) offers clear efficiencies, but government contractors should proceed with caution before inputting protected documents, confidential information, or dispute-related facts into consumer AI tools in the hopes that they will quickly analyze your dispute and provide a strategy for recovery or litigation. A prompt intended to save time may instead produce unreliable analysis, expose sensitive information, create compliance problems under the contractor’s legal and contractual obligations, or jeopardize privilege. This article highlights several reasons government contractors—especially those facing . . . Read More
Uncommon Theories | Contract Claims 101, Part 5
While it is likely only a matter of time before contractors working for federal agencies become familiar with the government contract claim issues discussed in Part 4 of our series (e.g., changes, delays, defective specifications, and terminations), it is equally important that contractors are also aware of the less common and often more difficult claim theories recognized by federal courts as well as boards authorized under the Contract Disputes Act (CDA). These claims are less common as they often flow . . . Read More
Ending Discrimination in Government Contracting Act Proposes to Eliminate Preferences for 8(a) and WOSB Firms
On April 27, 2026, Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) and Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-WI) introduced companion bills called “Ending Discrimination in Government Contracting Act.” The bills (H.R. 8511) and (S. 4390) seek to eliminate federal contracting preferences for “socially and economically disadvantaged individuals” and “small business concerns owned and controlled by women,” essentially gutting the statutory bases for the Small Business Administration’s Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) and 8(a) Business Development Program (the 8(a) Program). Following President Trump’s March 26, 2026, Executive . . . Read More
Understanding the Proposed Rule | The Shifting Landscape for Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence, Part 1
The Department of Defense (DOD) recently released a Proposed Rule (Rule) that would expand federal contractors’ and subcontractors’ obligations regarding disclosure of beneficial ownership and foreign ownership, control, or influence (FOCI). FOCI obligations and related beneficial ownership disclosures have historically applied primarily to government contractors and subcontractors holding a facility security clearance and performing cleared government contracts or subcontracts. DOD is now proposing to broaden these often confusing and complex rules. Below, PilieroMazza attorneys outline the Rule, its implications for . . . Read More
Common Theories | Contract Claims 101, Part 4
Contractors working with federal agencies are governed by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (“FAR”), which has its own body of case law that controls recovery for legal disputes separate from traditional theories. When projects shift, delays mount, or directives change, the claims process becomes critical to protecting a contractor’s rights and entitlement to additional costs. This post provides a practical overview of common government contract claims, how they arise, and how to position your company for successful resolution. While every contract . . . Read More