The VA Issues Class Deviation: Important Changes Governing Limitations on Subcontracting Effective Immediately

On December 23, 2020, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) issued a class deviation to implement the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) formulation of the limitations on subcontracting (LOS) and nonmanufacturer rule (NMR) for all VA contracts awarded to small businesses or under SBA socioeconomic programs. SBA’s formulation is outlined in its May 31, 2016, final rule . The VA’s class deviation follows the release of a Civilian Agency Acquisition Council (CAAC) letter , which authorized civilian agencies to issue such class deviations to . . . Read More

Weekly Update for Government Contractors and Commercial Businesses – January 13, 2021

If you have questions concerning the content below, please visit this link . PilieroMazza Builds on Strategic Plan for the Future, January 5, 2021 PilieroMazza announced that, effective January 1, 2021,  Tony Franco  became Managing Partner, assuming the role held for over three decades by Founding Partner  Pam Mazza . Commenting on the change, Pam remarked, “Tony is a proven leader with a solid understanding of not only the practice of law, but also the business of law. He is more than capable of leading us . . . Read More

Jon Williams

Jon is an experienced legal advisor to government contractors on a wide range of federal, state, and local procurement matters. His practice focuses on helping firms with a diverse array of Federal Acquisition Regulation compliance issues, including extensive counseling on federal procurement programs for small businesses. As some examples, Jon assists contractors in applying for and maintaining compliance in SBA’s 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, and SDVOSB programs; understanding and navigating SBA’s nonmanufacturer rule; small business subcontracting plans; Buy American Act and . . . Read More

Antonio R. Franco

Tony brings more than three decades of experience giving advice and counsel to PilieroMazza’s diverse client base. He is recognized by clients and industry peers for his ability to anticipate risks, resolve problems before they escalate, and provide practical, business-minded guidance that drives results. Clients rely on him not only as a trusted legal advisor, but as a true partner in protecting their interests and advancing their business goals. For government contractors and commercial businesses facing high-stakes legal and regulatory . . . Read More

GAO Holds that SAM Registration Pertains to a Bidder’s Responsibility, Not Responsiveness of a Bid

On December 16, 2020, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) sustained a protest by a contractor that was eliminated from a competition because its System for Award Management (SAM) registration had expired. Holding that registration in SAM pertains to a bidder’s responsibility, not the responsiveness of the bid, the GAO directed the agency to afford the bidder an opportunity to cure the matter after bid opening and before the award rather than finding the bidder to be ineligible for award. This . . . Read More

PPP Round Deux: Who Qualifies, For How Much, and Forgiveness Changes

While the President vetoed the 2021 NDAA—and has put COVID relief into question—he has not yet acted on the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, which contained the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act (the Act) dealing with the second round of PPP Loans.  So, while the Act may be in jeopardy of a veto also, it has not yet occurred and, regardless, it is likely many of the PPP Loan provisions contained in the Act will be . . . Read More

Weekly Update for Government Contractors and Commercial Businesses – December 17, 2020

If you have questions concerning the content below, please visit this link . This is the last issue of PilieroMazza’s Weekly Update for 2020.  We will resume the publication in the second week of January 2021.  Please visit this link to view a holiday message from us to you. To access resources for businesses navigating the COVID-19 crisis, we invite you to visit PilieroMazza’s “ COVID-19 Client Resource Center .” Contact covid19@pilieromazza.com for immediate assistance. GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS Key Provisions in the 2021 NDAA for Government Contractors, December 11, 2020, . . . Read More

Key Provisions in the 2021 NDAA for Government Contractors

‘Tis the season for holiday cheer and the National Defense Authorization Act (“NDAA”).  The NDAA, commonly referred to as “must pass” legislation, is a key legislative vehicle that Congress uses each year to address a wide variety of issues, from defense spending to small business contracting matters.  And this year is no different.  Based on the recent Conference Report , the 2021 NDAA heading to the President will contain numerous provisions that will impact contractors doing business with the federal government.  There . . . Read More