Publications Archives | PilieroMazza PLLC

Warfighting at Warp Speed: Why Defense Contractors Must Track the Department of War’s Acquisition Overhaul

By: Lauren Brier, Josie Farinelli, Adel Mansour

The Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced on November 7, 2025, that the U.S. Department of War (DOW) is dropping a game-changing memo: “ Transforming the Warfighting Acquisition System to Accelerate Fielding of Capabilities .” This bold blueprint reimagines how defense capabilities are delivered—with speed, agility, and results at the forefront. But with rapid transformation comes turbulence. While the newly branded Warfighting Acquisition System promises thrilling opportunities, it also introduces uncertainty. Defense contractors should stay sharp and informed. Understanding how DOW plans to fast-track contract delivery will be key to . . . Read More

Update on the DBE Interim Final Rule: DOT Issues Key Guidance for DBE Program Stakeholders

Client Alerts 10.28.25

By: Jacqueline K. Unger

As PilieroMazza previously reported , via an interim final rule (IFR) effective October 3, 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) removed the use of race- and sex-based presumptions of social and economic disadvantage for establishing eligibility for its Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concessions DBE (ACDBE) Programs. [1] Given the lack of clarity with various aspects of the IFR, there is significant confusion among DBE Program stakeholders in terms of how the IFR is to be carried out. On October . . . Read More

Why Business Leaders Should Speak Out During the Shutdown

Client Alerts 10.23.25

By: Antonio R. Franco, Jacqueline K. Unger, Adel Mansour

On October 1, 2025, Congress failed to pass an appropriations bill to keep the federal government open. Three weeks have passed, and there is still no clear path forward. With each passing day, Republicans and Democrats alike become further entrenched in their positions, convinced that their cause is just. As a result, hardworking Americans, their families, and their businesses suffer. Government representatives who contend that holding out for an uncompromising win will be beneficial in the long run fail to . . . Read More

Contracting Through the Long Haul: Maximizing Recovery During a Protracted Government Shutdown

Client Alerts 10.21.25

By: Sarah L. Nash, Lauren Brier, Abigail “Abby” Finan, Josie Farinelli

As the federal government shutdown continues, contractors are left to grapple with growing uncertainty regarding whether certain costs are recoverable or whether certain work can be performed. Previous client alerts emphasized that maintaining open and consistent lines of communication with your contracting officers (CO) is critical. Although some COs may be furloughed and unavailable, it is imperative to establish a record of your decisions, and why you believe those decisions to be reasonable under the circumstances. This client alert: (1) . . . Read More