On April 3, 2025, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued two memoranda addressing the accelerated use and efficient acquisition of Artificial Intelligence (AI) by federal agencies: M-25-21 and M-25-22 . The memos implement Executive Order 14179, “Removing Barriers to American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence,” issued by President Trump on January 23, 2025. [1] This blog is the first in a two-part series discussing the first memo, M-25-21, which focuses on the use of AI by federal agencies, signaling a significant shift . . . Read More
In this Part 3 of PilieroMazza’s blog series, “The Rise of OTA in Defense Contracting,” we discuss tactics and best practices defense contractors should deploy when negotiating terms once selected for an OT award. This is essential guidance to strengthen your position and protect your interests throughout the contract’s lifecycle. Visit this link to access Parts 1 and 2 in this blog series. Flexibility = Negotiation As discussed in the previous blog, the flexibility of DOD’s OTA is key to achieving . . . Read More
In Part 1 of PilieroMazza’s blog series (linked here ), we looked at how Other Transactions Authority (OTA) has emerged as a key acquisition tool for government contractors eager to work with the Department of Defense (DOD). In Part 2, we’ll unpack what OTA is, who can participate in these agreements, and where to look for OTA-related opportunities. What is an “Other Transaction”? OT generally refers to the statutory authorities allowing the federal government to enter transactions other than a typical . . . Read More
PilieroMazza recently published a client alert regarding executive orders imposing additional tariffs on goods from Canada, Mexico, and China. Since then, the Trump administration has imposed a series of worldwide and targeted tariffs, which are likely to have a significant impact on supply chains and costs incurred by government contractors. This blog provides contractors with (1) an update on these tariffs and (2) advice on insulating your government contract from the cost and delay impacts. Tariffs on Steel, Aluminum, and Automobiles On . . . Read More
President Trump’s April 9, 2025, Executive Order Modernizing Defense Acquisitions and Spurring Innovation In the Defense Industrial Base (EO) is likely to have major implications for federal defense contractors. This blog, the first in a three-part series about Other Transactions Authority (OTA), discusses the EO and the Department of Defense’s (DOD) use of OTA in reforming defense acquisition. For government contractors eager to work with DOD under OTA—particularly small businesses and non-traditional defense contractors with an interest in research, development, and prototyping—the EO’s preference for OTs may present a significant opportunity. . . . Read More
This is the first in a series of PCI podcasts, “Tracking Changes with the New Administration to Help You Manage Contracts and Grants.” In this episode, PilieroMazza ’s Nichole Atallah and Forvis Mazars ‘ Bill Walter discuss evolving affirmative action and DEI requirements, enforcement of the Trump administration’s DEI Executive Orders, and what government contractors should do to ensure compliance with the administration’s rules. Primarily, contractors should evaluate their policies and procedures for hiring, promotion, and retention for federal law compliance and carefully review the certification required by . . . Read More
One of the recent executive orders from the Trump administration directs federal agencies to require plaintiffs post a security (a bond) when seeking preliminary injunctions or temporary restraining orders in lawsuits against the government. As the number of lawsuits seeking to block recent executive actions rises, this Executive Order (EO) enforcing Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 65(c) (FRCP 65) is drawing increased attention. In this exclusive interview, Sam Finnerty provides valuable insights into why the EO was issued, how FRCP . . . Read More
The Department of Defense (DOD) cut another batch of government contracts and grants on March 20th. The DOD is just one of many executive agencies advancing the policies of President Trump and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) focusing on mass cuts to contracts and grants in the name of improving government efficiency. The latest DOD cuts come a day after the deadline for DOD heads to conduct a comprehensive review and validation of existing General Services Administration (GSA) contract . . . Read More
In a March 20 executive order , President Trump directed federal agencies to submit plans to consolidate procurement for “common goods and services” under the General Services Administration, which puts the agency in charge of contracts in 10 broad market categories that were worth $495 Billion in fiscal 2024. Together, these contracts represented 64% of total contract spending by all defense and civilian agencies, according to the most recent Bloomberg data. . . . Trump’s move would have a major impact on the buying . . . Read More
