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PilieroMazza Expands Litigation Practice with Addition of Former DOJ Senior Attorney Paul Allulis, PilieroMazza News, Paul A. Allulis
PilieroMazza is pleased to announce that Paul Allulis joined the Firm as Counsel in its Litigation & Dispute Resolution Group, following his tenure as a senior attorney with the Department of Justice. “I’m excited to join PilieroMazza’s distinguished litigation team and contribute to the Firm’s mission of helping clients resolve disputes efficiently and effectively,” said Paul Allulis. “We’re thrilled to welcome Paul to the team,” remarked Todd Reinecker, Practice Group Chair. “Paul brings a rare dual perspective that strengthens our ability to advocate for clients navigating disputes with federal agencies or in commercial settings. His deep litigation experience and strategic mindset are a tremendous asset to our team and our clients.” Read more here.
PilieroMazza’s Sarah Nash Appointed to HUBZone Council Board of Directors, PilieroMazza News, Sarah L. Nash
PilieroMazza is pleased to announce that Sarah Nash—a partner in the Firm’s Labor & Employment Group—was appointed to the Board of Directors of the HUBZone Contractors National Council. “I’m honored to join the HUBZone Council’s Board of Directors,” said Sarah. “HUBZone businesses are vital to driving economic growth in underserved communities. I look forward to contributing to the Council’s mission and helping ensure these businesses have the tools and support they need to succeed.” Read more here.
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Model Deviation Text for FAR Parts 18, 39, & 43
On June 12, the FAR Council released the model deviation text for FAR Part 18, Emergency Acquisitions; FAR Part 39, Acquisition of Information; and FAR Part 43, Contract Modifications. FAR Part 18’s deviation was revised to streamline acquisition flexibilities for emergency acquisitions. FAR Part 18 retains increased thresholds, commercial procedures, and award preferences during emergencies. FAR Part 39’s deviation renames FAR Part 39 from “Acquisition of Information” to “Acquisition of Information and Communication Technology.” FAR Part 39’s deviation was revised to be “future forward” and emphasize strategies to promote more efficient acquisition and target new and emerging technology. FAR Part 43’s deviation was “streamlined to provide the essential contract modification standards for the workforce to limit risk to the public and government.” The General Services Administration’s (GSA) memoranda and class deviations fully incorporating the same into all GSA procurements are available here: FAR Part 18, FAR Part 39, and FAR Part 43. Informal feedback is due July 28, 2025.
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Overhaul Adoption:
- Social Security Administration (SSA) Memorandum: Request for Class Deviation (CD) from the FAR Parts 1, 10, and 34–DECISION. On June 4, SSA issued a CD fully implementing and incorporating the FAR Model Deviation for FAR Parts 1, 10, and 34. This CD is effective immediately. Read more here.
- Department of State (DOS) Memorandum: FAR CD for FAR Part 10 in Support of EO on Restoring Common Sense to Federal Procurement. On June 5, DOS issued a CD fully implementing and incorporating the FAR Model Deviation for FAR Part 10. This CD is effective upon the issuance of the CD and applies to all DOS procurements and contracting activities. The DOS Acquisition Regulation does not cover FAR Part 10 and is not impacted by this CD. Read more here.
- Department of Energy (DOE) Memorandum: CD Findings and Determination, FAR Part 1, FAR System. On June 6, DOE issued a CD fully implementing and incorporating the FAR Model Deviation for FAR Part 1 and relevant sections of FAR Part 52. This CD is effective upon issuance of the CD. Read more here.
- Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Memoranda:
- CD for FAR Part 1 in Support of Executive Order (EO) on Restoring Common Sense to Federal Procurement. On June 11, VA issued a CD fully implementing and incorporating the FAR Model Deviation for FAR Part 1. This CD is effective immediately and applies to all VA procurements. Read more here.
- CD for FAR Part 10 in Support of EO on Restoring Common Sense to Federal Procurement. On June 11, VA issued a CD fully implementing and incorporating the FAR Model Deviation for FAR Part 10. This CD is effective immediately and applies to all VA procurements. Read more here.
- CD for FAR Part 34 in Support of EO on Restoring Common Sense to Federal Procurement. On June 11, VA issued a CD fully implementing and incorporating the FAR Model Deviation for FAR Part 34. This CD is effective immediately and applies to all VA procurements. Read more here.
- Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Memoranda:
- FAR CD for FAR Part 1 in Support of EO on Restoring Common Sense to Federal Procurement. On June 5, NRC issued a CD fully implementing and incorporating the FAR Model Deviation for FAR Part 1. This CD is effective immediately and applies to all NRC solicitations and new contracts as of May 2, 2025, but does not apply to contracts signed or executed on or before May 1, 2025. Read more here.
- FAR CD for FAR Part 10 in Support of EO on Restoring Common Sense to Federal Procurement. On June 5, NRC issued a CD fully implementing and incorporating the FAR Model Deviation for FAR Part 10. This CD is effective immediately and applies to all NRC solicitations and new contracts as of May 22, 2025, but does not apply to contracts signed or executed on or before May 21, 2025. Read more here.
- FAR CD for FAR Part 34 in Support of EO on Restoring Common Sense to Federal Procurement. On June 5, NRC issued a CD fully implementing and incorporating the FAR Model Deviation for FAR Part 34. This CD is effective immediately and applies to all NRC solicitations and new contracts as of May 2, 2025, but does not apply to contracts signed or executed on or before May 1, 2025. Read more here.
- Udall Foundation (Udall) Memoranda:
- CDs for FAR Part 1 and Part 52 in support of EO 14275, Restoring Common Sense to Federal Procurement. On June 5, Udall issued a CD fully implementing and incorporating the FAR Model Deviation for FAR Parts 1 and 52. This CD is effective immediately and applies to all Udall procurements, solicitations, and new contracts as of June 5, 2025. This CD does not apply to contracts signed or executed on or before June 5, 2025. Read more here.
- CDs for FAR Part 10 and Part 52 in support of EO 14275, Restoring Common Sense to Federal Procurement. On June 5, Udall issued a CD fully implementing and incorporating the FAR Model Deviation for FAR Parts 10 and 52. This CD is effective immediately and applies to all Udall procurements, solicitations, and new contracts as of June 5, 2025. This CD does not apply to contracts signed or executed on or before June 5, 2025. Read more here.
- CDs for FAR Part 34 and Part 52 in support of EO 14275, Restoring Common Sense to Federal Procurement. On June 5, Udall issued a CD fully implementing and incorporating the FAR Model Deviation for FAR Parts 34 and 52. This CD is effective immediately and applies to all Udall procurements, solicitations, and new contracts as of June 5, 2025. This CD does not apply to contracts signed or executed on or before June 5, 2025. Read more here.
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Proposed Rule Withdrawals
On June 12, the Department of Defense, Office of Federal Procurement Policy, General Services Administration, and National Aeronautics and Space Administration withdrew three proposed rules: Protests of Orders under Certain Multiple-Award Contracts, published on January 15, 2025; Small Business Innovation Research and Technology Transfer Programs, published on April 7, 2023; and Small Business Participation on Certain Multiple-Award Contracts, published on January 15, 2025. These withdrawals are made to reevaluate the rules considering the FAR Council’s new Revolutionary FAR Overhaul initiative.
Government Accountability Office (GAO) Report: Defense Acquisition Reform, Persistent Challenges Require New Iterative Approaches to Delivering Capability with Speed
On June 11, GAO released a report emphasizing the need for defense acquisition reform. In support of the recommendation, GAO provides that the Department of Defense (DOD) takes an average of 12 years to deliver the first version of a weapon system, which is inefficient and does not keep up with emerging threats or deliver innovative technology. GAO has provided recommendations and ongoing work to serve as a blueprint to implement change and innovation at DOD. Read more here.
Small Business Administration (SBA) Notice: Establishment of the Manufacturing in America Advisory Committee (MAAC)
On June 9, SBA published a notice announcing its intent to establish the Manufacturing in America Advisory Committee. The Administrator has determined that establishing the MAAC is necessary and in the public interest. The notice is available here.
Senate Commerce Dems Demand Review Of Cruz Budget Bill, Law360
Democrats on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee urged the chair on Wednesday to hold a formal markup for their reconciliation proposal, which includes a spectrum deal, instead of fast-tracking it to the Senate floor. Read more here (subscription required).
Democrats Raise Alarm over AI-Driven Contract Cuts at VA, NextGov/FCW
The Department of Government Efficiency overly relied on artificial intelligence to terminate contracts at the Department of Veterans Affairs, top Democrats on the House and Senate VA panels said on Tuesday. Connecticut Democrat Sen. Richard Blumenthal, the ranking member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, said DOGE’s use of an AI tool resulted in the “wholesale slashing” of VA contracts. Read more here.
Upcoming Government Contract Presentations
WEBINAR: Avoiding Common Teaming and Subcontracting Pitfalls, June 25, 2025, Jon Williams
WEBINAR: The Buy American Act and Trade Agreements Act: What Government Contractors Need to Know, June 26, 2025, Jacqueline K. Unger, Abigail “Abby” Finan
TRAINING: Navigating the FAR/DFARS: The Most Confusing and Little-Known Clauses, August 13, 2025, Eric Valle, Kristine “Krissy” Crallé
FALSE CLAIMS ACT / REAs, CLAIMS, AND APPEALS
Railroad Retirement Board Direct Final Rule: Regulations Under the Administrative False Claims Act
On June 16, the Railroad Retirement Board published a final rule amending its regulations to implement statutory amendments to the Administrative False Claims Act. These amendments revise and remove procedures under the Administrative False Claims Act that are no longer applicable due to statutory changes and implement new procedures allowing administrative false claims to be referred to the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals for adjudication. The rule is available here and will be effective August 15, 2025, unless adverse comment is received by July 16.
Upcoming False Claims Act Presentations
PM WEBINAR: DOJ Uses FCA to Target DEI Policies and Antisemitism: The Impact on Government Contractors, July 10, 2025, Matthew E. Feinberg, Sarah L. Nash
General Services Administration (GSA) Notice: Advanced Notice for Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) Refresh 27 and Upcoming Mass Modification
On June 9, GSA announced that it is planning to issue GSA MAS Solicitation 47QSMD20R0001 – Refresh # 27 in June 2025. The notice outlines the upcoming changes. The full notice is available here. It is also attached. There was a GSA public webinar about the upcoming changes on Thursday, June 12, 2025, from 1 – 2 p.m. EDT.
General Services Administration (GSA) News Release: GSA Expands Transactional Data Reporting for Smarter Purchasing
On June 9, GSA announced the expansion of Transactional Data Reporting (TDR), a move that increases transparency around what the government is buying and how much it’s paying for goods and services. The expansion begins with 62 new product and cloud services Special Item Numbers (SINs) at the end of June 2025. It will expand to all SINs beginning in FY26. TDR participation will now be mandatory for SIN holders. Read more here.
Two More Centralization, Cost Savings Initiatives from GSA, Federal News Network
Two new initiatives are accelerating General Services Administration progress toward centralizing the procurement of common goods and services, simplifying acquisition processes and saving money. FAS Commissioner Josh Gruenbaum wants more data and details from 10 value-added resellers to probe whether this model is still necessary for agencies. Read more here.
Upcoming Construction Presentations
WEBINAR: How Do I Get Paid When They Stop Paying? Strategies for Construction Contractors, August 1, 2025, Jessica A. duHoffmann, Tracey L. Pruiett
Department of Labor (DOL) News Release: DOL to Offer Prevailing Wage Webinars in June for Current, Prospective Federal Contractors on Prevailing Wage Requirements
On June 9, DOL announced that its Wage and Hour Division will offer webinars on prevailing wage requirements in 2025 for contractors, contracting agencies, unions, workers, and other stakeholders involved in federally funded construction and service contracts. Read more here.
Upcoming Labor & Employment Presentations
TRAINING: Labor Rules & Regulations: Federal Market Compliance, June 25, 2025, Sarah L. Nash
PM WEBINAR: Multijurisdictional Employers, Part 2: 2025 State-by-State Updates on Non-Compete and Non-Solicitation Agreements, July 1, 2025, Sarah L. Nash, Zachary S. Stinson
PM WEBINAR: Multijurisdictional Employers, Part 3: Best Practices for Paid Sick Leave and Family Leave, August 7, 2025, Nichole D. Atallah, Sara N. Strosser
Senate Reconciliation Bill Text Tweaks State AI Regulation Ban, Route Fifty
For its section of the reconciliation bill — known by President Donald Trump and Republicans as the “One Big, Beautiful Bill” — the committee would hold back funds for deploying broadband internet and AI infrastructure from states that want to regulate the technology over the 10-year period of the moratorium. That’s different from the House text, which would ban states outright from regulating AI for a decade. Read more here.
Trump Limits Use of Cyber Rules to Punish US Hackers, Election Meddlers, Defense One
Obama- and Biden-era cybersecurity rules will no longer be used to punish Americans and U.S. firms who engage in malicious cyber activities, nor used to deter election meddling, among other changes ordered up by President Trump on June 6. Read more here.
Trump Executive Order Revamps US Cybersecurity Policy, Law360
President Donald Trump has moved to “reprioritize” the nation’s cybersecurity efforts by issuing an executive order scrapping the provisions of prior directives issued by the past two Democratic administrations while focusing on measures such as mandating more secure software development and the latest encryption protocols. Read more here (subscription required).
LITIGATION & DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Judiciary Panel Advances New Rules On Amici, AI, Subpoenas, Law360
The federal judiciary’s top policy panel Tuesday propelled revamped rules regarding numerous hot legal topics, including artificial intelligence, “dark money” groups bankrolling amicus briefs and the subpoena powers of courts and defense counsel. Read more here (subscription required).