Top 10 Killer Construction Contract Clauses, Part 5: Liquidated Damages Provisions
Liquidated damages clauses are common in construction contracts and can create significant risk for contractors. They set a predetermined daily amount for late completion. Under common law and federal contract law, liquidated damages generally must reasonably estimate anticipated delay damages and cannot operate as a penalty. While they can create certainty, they can also threaten profitability if contractors fail to manage schedule risk. This blog highlights key benefits, risks, and practical considerations associated with liquidated damages clauses for construction contractors. . . . Read More
SBA Issues Proposed Rule Regarding Social Disadvantage Requirements for Individually-Owned 8(a) Applicants
On June 11, 2026, SBA issued a proposed rule entitled “Reforms to Remove SBA’s 8(a) Program’s Rebuttable Presumption of Social Disadvantage for Individually Owned Firms Only; Reforms Do Not Impact Entity-Owned Firms.” This client alert covers key aspects of the proposed rule and how it may impact a contractor’s pending or future 8(a) application. Notably, this proposed rule does not impact current individually-owned participants in the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 8(a) business development program (8(a) program) or entity-owned firms. . . . 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
PilieroMazza Distinguished for Legal Excellence in 2026 Chambers USA Ranking
PilieroMazza is proud to announce that Chambers USA distinguishes the Firm’s Government Contracts Group among the nation’s elite—earning the highest nationwide ranking for the Group’s work with government contractors. Additionally, Isaias “Cy” Alba, IV, earned his first national ranking in Government Contracts, reflecting Cy’s exceptional leadership and extensive experience guiding clients through every stage of the federal procurement lifecycle. Cy remarked: “I’m honored to receive this recognition from Chambers USA alongside such an exceptional Government Contracts team. Our clients are . . . Read More
Weekly Update for Government Contractors and Commercial Businesses – June 4, 2026
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. _____________________________________________ Introducing the PilieroMazza Foundation, PilieroMazza News, Jon Williams PilieroMazza is proud to announce the launch of the PilieroMazza Foundation, a charitable initiative that reflects the firm’s longstanding commitment to service, community involvement, and giving back. Building on a tradition of supporting causes that matter to our attorneys, staff, clients, and communities, the Foundation will serve as a platform . . . Read More
PilieroMazza Attorneys Recognized in 2026 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
PilieroMazza is proud to announce that several of the firm’s attorneys—across multiple practice areas, including Government Contracts, Construction, Labor & Employment, and Litigation & Dispute Resolution—were selected for inclusion in the 2026 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists. Super Lawyers recognizes attorneys who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement, while Rising Stars honors outstanding lawyers who are either 40 years old or younger or in practice for 10 years or less. “We are honored to see our attorneys . . . Read More
No Severance, No Noncompete: Virginia Mandates Employers Pay for Enforceable Noncompete Agreements Against Laid-Off Employees
Virginia has become increasingly hostile to noncompetition agreements as of late. Starting July 1, 2026, Virginia employers will be prohibited from enforcing new noncompete agreements against employees who are laid-off or fired without cause—unless the employer pays them severance or another amount that it specifies upfront in the noncompete agreement. Before the law takes effect, Virginia employers should review their noncompete agreements and employee separation practices to ensure compliance and minimize legal and financial penalties. What Restrictions Does the New . . . Read More
Introducing the PilieroMazza Foundation
PilieroMazza is proud to announce the launch of the PilieroMazza Foundation, a charitable initiative that reflects the firm’s longstanding commitment to service, community involvement, and giving back. Building on a tradition of supporting causes that matter to our attorneys, staff, clients, and communities, the Foundation will serve as a platform for meaningful philanthropy, employee volunteerism, and community engagement. The Foundation’s mission is to expand access to legal services for individuals and organizations that cannot afford them, improve the lives of . . . Read More
Weekly Update for Government Contractors and Commercial Businesses – May 28, 2026
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 House Small Business Committee Unanimously Advances “Rule of Two” Bill Toward Full House Vote, PilieroMazza Client Alert, Antonio R. Franco, Jacqueline K. Unger In a significant development for the small business federal contracting community, the House Small Business Committee unanimously approved an amended version of H.R. 2804, the Protecting Small Business Competitions Act of 2025, advancing . . . Read More
Contract Claims 101: Uncommon Theories, 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