In December 2025, PilieroMazza explained some key highlights of the 3,000-page 2026 NDAA for defense contractors, tracking how these important updates will affect their ability to compete and how they align with DOW’s Acquisition Overhaul . In this blog, we dive deeper into one of these NDAA updates—Section 1826—which all small businesses, defense contractors, and prospective defense contractors need to understand, as it could significantly ease compliance burdens across the existing defense industrial base and invite new competitors into the space. For more insights on . . . Read More
The Civilian Board of Contract Appeals (CBCA) and the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals (ASBCA) recently published their annual reports (the Reports), providing updates on personnel, decision statistics, and other relevant developments over Fiscal Year 2025 (FY2025). As the primary forums for federal contract appeals, the CBCA and ASBCA serve as critical resources for federal contractors. In this blog, attorneys in PilieroMazza ’s REAs, Claims, and Appeals Group offer key insights from the Reports that could affect how government contractors submit or respond to CBCA . . . Read More
This year, the federal government has seen an unprecedented level of scrutiny aimed at cutting waste and inefficiencies. While trimming waste and striving for greater efficiency are admirable pursuits, it is important not to take an overly broad approach and overlook the intent behind federal processes that may seem burdensome. Federal procurement is designed to serve the public interest, not private advantage. The bid protest process, set forth in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 33.1, plays a vital role in . . . Read More
The Pregnant Workers’ Fairness Act (PWFA) became effective on June 27, 2023. Two years later, we’re seeing PWFA cases make their way through the courts. Employers need a firm grasp of the PWFA to support pregnant employees appropriately while steering the company away from preventable compliance missteps and costly legal fallout. What is the PWFA? The PWFA and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) implementing regulations require covered employers—those with 15 or more employees—to provide “reasonable accommodations” for a qualified . . . Read More
As part of the broader Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO), Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 27, which addresses patents, data, and copyrights was revised. While most changes were driven by the need for plain language, greater clarity, improved readability, and streamlined procedures, a few notable changes were introduced that will impact the treatment of intellectual property in federal government contracting. Special and Existing Works FAR Sections 27.405-1 and 27.405-2, which address special works and existing works, were revised. Notably, the prescriptions . . . Read More
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
Click here to view the recorded session. GovCon Giants’ Eric Coffie and PilieroMazza’s Meghan Leemon show you the critical changes happening with 8(a) and other small business certifications in 2025 that you must know to protect and grow your business. In this video, they break down the latest updates, including the overhaul of FAR Part 19, the reinstatement of the “bonafide place of business” rule for construction, and why certification approvals are taking longer. Eric and Meghan explain the ongoing compliance . . . Read More
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
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 pleasant surprise of many in the government contracting community, much of Part 19’s original content remains intact considering other more significant changes to other parts of the FAR. Still, several notable revisions—most prominently, retention of the Rule of Two—carry significant implications for small business . . . Read More
