Publications Archives | PilieroMazza PLLC

Trump’s Executive Order Shuts Down Federal DEI Programs: Key Steps for Federal Contractors to Improve Cost Recovery

On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed the executive order, Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing ( DEI Executive Order ), putting an end to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs within the federal government. Given the DEI Executive Order and the potential impact it may have on current federal contracts, PilieroMazza put together the following key steps for federal contractors who received and/or expect to receive termination-related directives from their customers, as well as ways to improve their ability to . . . Read More

SBA Update: New Rule Makes Major Changes to Eligibility and Certification Requirements for HUBZone Program

Client Alerts 01.16.25

By: Meghan F. Leemon, Emily A. Reid

As PilieroMazza noted recently here , on December 17, 2024, the Small Business Administration (SBA or the Agency) published a final rule that will make changes to its regulations for the Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) Program and clarify certain program policies. This final rule goes into effect on January 16, 2025, and “will apply to existing contracts.” [1] Below are some key high-level takeaways on changes to the HUBZone Program. Attorneys in PilieroMazza ’s Government Contracts Group released a series of client alerts on different aspects of . . . Read More

Better Late Than Never: DOD Amends DFARS Implementing SBIR/STTR Data Rights, What it Means for Small Business

Client Alerts 01.13.25

By: Isaias “Cy” Alba, IV, Joseph P. Loman

On December 18, 2024, the Defense Department (DOD) issued its Final Rule (Rule) amending the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to implement the data rights portions of the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program Policy Directive (the Policy Directive). The Rule is effective on January 17, 2025. To maximize protection of SBIR/STTR data rights, government contractors should: (1) carefully review their contracts and subcontracts to identify the applicable version of . . . Read More

SBA Update: SBA Clarifies Protégés’ Past Performance and/or Experience Exception

Client Alerts 01.09.25

By: Antonio R. Franco, Meghan F. Leemon, Kristine “Krissy” Crallé

As PilieroMazza has been reporting, the Small Business Administration (SBA) recently issued a final rule updating and clarifying many regulations that impact small businesses. The revised regulations cover a wide range of programs, including the SBA’s Mentor-Protégé Program. One clarification addresses how agencies should credit the past performance and experience of protégés when bidding as part of a joint venture with its mentor. The rule seeks to clarify the extent to which an agency may require a protégé to submit past . . . Read More

Corporate Transparency Act, Part 7: Reporting Requirements Stayed (Again), Voluntary Reporting Allowed

Client Alerts 01.02.25

By: Meghan F. Leemon, Abigail “Abby” L. Baker, Cole R. Fox

In the latest twist regarding the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, on December 26, 2024, vacated its own stay of the nationwide preliminary injunction that halted the enforcement of the CTA. Thus, the CTA’s reporting requirements are not currently in effect, though voluntary reporting is allowed. See links here to Part 1 , Part 2 , Part 3 , Part 4 , Part 5 , and Part 6 in this series. In response to the Fifth Circuit vacating its own stay, FinCEN issued guidance . . . Read More

ITAR Registration Fees Increase, Preparing Government Contractors for Financial Impact and Registration Requirements

Client Alerts 01.02.25

By: Isaias “Cy” Alba, IV, Aaron A. Kor

On December 10, 2024, the U.S. State Department published a Final Rule , announcing an increase in registration fees with the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC), as required by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). [1] With the January 9, 2025, effective date looming, PilieroMazza discusses below ITAR’s increased registration fees, registration requirements, and potential discounts that government contractors should know now to prepare. Overview of ITAR In a nutshell, ITAR is a federal regulatory scheme governing the export, temporary import, . . . Read More