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
The Department of Veterans Affairs is currently planning for the next five-year contract to continue its controversial 2018 plan to insource the warehousing and distribution of positive airway pressure (PAP) devices and accessories, commonly prescribed to the millions of veterans with sleep apnea. Jon Williams recently wrote a column for Federal News Network discussing how poorly this plan has gone so far and why VA should return to relying on veteran-owned small businesses in the private sector for the warehousing . . . Read More
On March 14, the Fourth Circuit stayed a preliminary injunction that had prohibited President Trump’s administration and federal agencies from implementing Executive Orders 14151 and 14173 (“DEI Executive Orders”). This means the Trump administration can proceed with implementing the DEI Executive Orders pending ongoing litigation. In this blog, we discuss what federal contractors should take away from the Fourth Circuit’s order. Executive Orders 14173 and 14151 are the primary mechanisms President Trump has used to wind down certain Diversity, Equity, . . . Read More
On March 20, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order to consolidate federal procurement under the General Services Administration (GSA). Framed as an effort to eliminate waste and save taxpayer dollars, the order mandates that federal agencies shift their purchasing of common goods and services to the GSA. While this move is being touted as a step toward efficiency, the reality may be far more complex for government contractors. What Does the Executive Order Require? The order mandates several major changes to . . . Read More
A new policy directs all Defense Department components not to include Equal Employment Opportunity provisions and clauses in new contracts and solicitations. In a memo released on March 4, John Tenaglia, the defense pricing, contracting and acquisition policy principal director, instructed DoD contracting officers not to enforce President Lyndon B. Johnson’s executive order signed in 1965 that mandated all federal contractors to promote equal employment opportunities and prevent discrimination. . . . “It is a shift — it’s been around since . . . Read More
