Unfair by Design? Flaws in CPARS Disputes and What Needs to Change
The Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) heavily influences who wins federal contracts, but its dispute process is anything but fair. Agencies can post their version of events—accurate or not—with little neutral oversight, while contractors get limited time to respond and few options for real correction. It’s time for reform. Independent reviews, temporary holds on disputed ratings, clear evidence rules, and enforceable deadlines would make CPARS more accurate and balanced. Lawmakers and industry leaders must act to make the CPARS . . . Read More
FASCSA Enforcement Begins: Acronis Order and What It Means for Federal Contractors
As PilieroMazza blogged about here , Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act (FASCSA) Orders prohibit agencies from procuring or obtaining—or extending or renewing a contract to procure or obtain—any covered article, or any good or service produced or provided by a source. [1] The first FASCSA Order (Order) published on SAM.gov was released in September 2025 by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) excluding Acronis AG (Acronis), a Swiss-based cybersecurity company, from all Intelligence Community (IC) executive agency procurement actions as well . . . Read More
Why Business Leaders Should Speak Out During the Shutdown
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
Weekly Update for Government Contractors and Commercial Businesses – October 23, 2025
The Weekly Update recaps recent legislative and regulatory updates affecting government contractors and commercial businesses. If you have questions concerning this content, please email marketing@pilieromazza.com . _____________________________________________ GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS / LABOR & EMPLOYMENT / REAs, CLAIMS, AND APPEALS Contracting Through the Long Haul: Maximizing Recovery During a Protracted Government Shutdown, PilieroMazza Client Alert, 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 . . . Read More
Contracting Through the Long Haul: Maximizing Recovery During a Protracted Government Shutdown
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
Weekly Update for Government Contractors and Commercial Businesses – October 16, 2025
The Weekly Update recaps recent legislative and regulatory updates affecting government contractors and commercial businesses. If you have questions concerning this content, please email marketing@pilieromazza.com . _____________________________________________ GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS Senate Fails to Advance GOP Funding Bill for 9th Time as Government Shutdown Enters Day 16, CBS The Senate failed to advance a House-passed GOP bill to fund the government for the ninth time on Wednesday, the 15th day of the government shutdown. The vote attracted no additional support from Democrats, who are demanding an extension . . . Read More
Overcoming the Compliance Minefield of Cost-Reimbursement Contracts, Part 2: Mastering DCAA Audits in Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee Contracts
Click here to view the recorded session. Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) contracts come with complex compliance requirements and heightened audit risk. In this webinar, we’ll walk you through how to successfully manage a DCAA audit within a CPFF framework—from pre-award preparations to post-award audit readiness. Learn what auditors are looking for, how to handle common challenges, and best practices for tracking costs, indirect rates, and supporting documentation. Whether you’re new to CPFF or seeking to strengthen your compliance posture, this session will equip . . . Read More
Weekly Update for Government Contractors and Commercial Businesses – October 9, 2025
The Weekly Update recaps recent legislative and regulatory updates affecting government contractors and commercial businesses. If you have questions concerning this content, please email marketing@pilieromazza.com . _____________________________________________ FAR OVERHAUL Long-Awaited Release of FAR Part 19: New Rule of Two and More, PilieroMazza Client Alert, Antonio R. Franco , Kristine “Krissy” Crallé On September 26, 2025, the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council released the much-anticipated rewrite of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 19, formerly titled Small Business Programs, as part of the broader Revolutionary FAR Overhaul initiative. To the . . . Read More
FAR Part 19 Overhaul: What It Means for the 8(a) Program
On September 26, 2025, the Federal Acquisition Regulatory (FAR) Council released the FAR Part 19 model deviation text, significantly reorganizing the Part’s overall structure. The updated FAR Part 19 not only streamlines the layout to align with the acquisition lifecycle but also revises key rules governing set-aside contracts awarded under various small business programs. One of the most notable areas affected is the 8(a) Business Development Program. This blog provides a more detailed analysis of recent changes to the FAR . . . Read More
CNN Quotes Nichole Atallah: Federal Workers Face Unpaid Furloughs as Shutdown Continues
As the government shutdown continues, federal workers—particularly those in low-wage, hourly roles—are unlikely to be made whole after furloughs, warns Nichole Atallah , Chair of PilieroMazza ’s Labor & Employment Group . “If you’re a cafeteria worker or a janitor, you can’t make up that time. It’s lost,” Atallah told CNN in a phone interview. Although employers can decide to pay contract workers despite the shutdown, experts say that’s rare when it comes to hourly workers in blue-collar jobs. Atallah said contract employers will sometimes work to . . . Read More