Weekly Update for Government Contractors and Commercial Businesses – July 21, 2020

If you have questions concerning the content below, please visit this link. COVID-19 Client Resource Center: To access resources for businesses navigating the COVID-19 crisis, we invite you to visit PilieroMazza’s “COVID-19 Client Resource Center.” Please contact covid19@pilieromazza.com for immediate assistance. LABOR & EMPLOYMENT New DOL Rule Frees TRICARE Providers from OFCCP Audits and Enforcement, July 10, 2020, Sara Nasseri On July 2, 2020, the Department of Labor (DOL) published a final rule, which clarifies that its Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) lacks authority . . . Read More

STARS III: Simultaneous Bidding as Prime Contractor and Managing Member of JV, or Bidding as Managing Member Under Multiple JVs

PilieroMazza has received a flood of questions related to STARS III and Cy Alba gave a presentation (link) earlier today walking through a number of keys issues and our interpretation of key requirements in the RFP. As a part of that, one key question being asked is whether clients are able to bid themselves as a prime contractor and also as the managing member of a joint venture?  While there is nothing in the STARS III RFP that expressly disallows submitting an offer under . . . Read More

Jacqueline K. Unger

Jackie leads PilieroMazza‘s Government Contracts Group, serving as Chair of the Firm’s largest practice group. She also co-chairs the firm’s False Claims Act Group, where she represents clients in investigations related to government contracts, including FCA investigations and suspension and debarment proceedings. Jackie provides thoughtful and thorough guidance on a wide variety of government contracting issues, such as compliance with Buy American Act and Trade Agreements Act requirements; drafting, reviewing, and negotiating teaming agreements, subcontracts, and joint venture agreements; as well as small . . . Read More

Meghan F. Leemon

Meghan Leemon counsels government contractors and commercial businesses on a broad range of government contracting matters. She advises companies on small business procurement matters, particularly on issues related to eligibility and participation in small business federal procurement programs, such as the SBA’s 8(a) BD, SDVOSB/VOSB, WOSB/EDWOSB, and HUBZone programs. In addition, much of Meghan’s practice involves SBA’s Mentor-Protégé program and assisting clients in forming joint ventures. She also assists clients in maintaining compliance with the FAR and small business regulations. . . . Read More

Weekly Update for Government Contractors and Commercial Businesses – July 7, 2020

If you have questions concerning the content below, please visit this link. COVID-19 Client Resource Center: To access resources for businesses navigating the COVID-19 crisis, we invite you to visit PilieroMazza’s “COVID-19 Client Resource Center.” Please contact covid19@pilieromazza.com for immediate assistance. LABOR & EMPLOYMENT LAW DC Launches Paid Family Leave Program July 1—What Employers Need to Know, July 1, 2020, Nichole Atallah, Sarah Nash, and Sara Nasseri Employees in DC are now eligible for paid family leave pursuant to the DC Paid . . . Read More

BLOG: $4.5 Million False Claims Act Settlement Underscores DOJ’s Focus on Fraud in Small Business Programs

During the webinar on “The False Claims Act: 2019 Takeaways and 2020 Trends” earlier this year, Matt Feinberg and Jackie Unger noted that the SBA’s small business programs are fertile ground for False Claims Act (FCA) enforcement and predicted increased enforcement in 2020 and beyond. A recent settlement has shown this to be true and illustrates that the risk of FCA liability can extend to affiliates and business partners of purported small businesses that contract with the federal government. On . . . Read More

Senate Passes PPP Loan Application Deadline Extension, More Than $130 Billion Still Unclaimed

Last night, the Senate unanimously passed a bill that would extend the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) application deadline through August 8, 2020. The bill is now set to be taken up by the House.   The PPP provides forgivable loans to cover payroll and overhead expenses for small businesses. On June 27, 2020, SBA reported that over $134 billion in unclaimed funds remained of the $669 billion program. Unless Congress repurposes them, leftover funds will be returned to the . . . Read More

Samuel S. Finnerty

Sam Finnerty is a trusted legal partner to government contractors, helping businesses secure, defend, and maximize federal contracting opportunities. With deep expertise in federal procurement, construction law, small business programs, and litigation, Sam provides strategic counsel to contractors navigating the complex world of government compliance and disputes. A seasoned advocate, Sam represents contractors in high stakes bid protests before the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), Federal Aviation Administration’s Office of Dispute Resolution for Acquisition (ODRA), U.S. Court of Federal Claims . . . Read More

Peter B. Ford

Peter advises government contractors and commercial businesses on a broad range of federal procurement matters. He is adept at navigating issues related to eligibility for, and continued participation in, small business programs such as SBA’s 8(a) BD, SDVOSB, WOSB, and HUBZone programs and the VA’s VetBiz VIP program. He represents clients in actions before OHA, GAO, and ODRA. He also counsels federal contractors on FAR and small business regulation compliance, which includes auditing clients for potential size and affiliation issues. . . . Read More