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 May 4, 2020, the DOJ issued a press release stating that Northland Associates, . . . Read More
Doing Business with the Government and the Impact of COVID-19
The July 2020 issue of Lawyer Monthly features an article by PilieroMazza ‘s Managing Partner Pam Mazza on “ Doing Business with the Government and the Impact of COVID-19 .” In the article, Pam explores why companies should consider doing business with the government and the possible pitfalls they should be aware of. Pam also discuses the challenges COVID-19 has presented for government contractors and changes we should be on the lookout for. Please visit this link to view the full article.
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
DC Launches Paid Family Leave Program July 1—What Employers Need to Know
Effective today, employees in DC are eligible for paid family leave pursuant to the DC Paid Family Leave Act (the Act). Below is our brief primer on what employers need to know and what to expect when administering paid family leave. The Act is an insurance program. It does not govern whether an employee is eligible for the leave itself but whether an employee will be eligible for paid leave benefits. Whether an employee is entitled to leave itself is . . . Read More
BLOG: New Judicial Order Offers Clarity on Maryland Statutes of Limitations Impacted by COVID-19
Early during the COVID-19 pandemic, a number of state-level court systems, including Maryland’s courts, declared judicial emergencies and issued orders automatically tolling, or postponing, the expiration of statutes of limitations* for claims filed within those states. These orders offered plaintiffs a reprieve from the strict filing deadlines. Now, as Maryland begins the process of reopening its court systems to the public, the state’s highest court has issued an order offering clarity as to the new filing deadlines for the expiration of . . . Read More
Weekly Update for Government Contractors and Commercial Businesses – June 23, 2020
If you have questions concerning the content below, please visit this link . Juneteenth: A National Day of Reflection, June 19, 2020 The PilieroMazza family paused to reflect and take a collective breath in remembrance of this day in our country’s history. Working with PilieroMazza’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee, we are using this time to listen, learn, and engage in discourse, and work to do better as individuals and as a team. We are honored to have an incredible team . . . Read More
SBA and Treasury Release New PPP Application Forms
As we reported in our previous alert , President Trump signed the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act (“Flexibility Act”) into law. The bill makes numerous changes to the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) aimed at improving loan forgiveness procedures and loosening restrictions on PPP funds. In accordance with the Flexibility Act, the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) and Department of the Treasury (“Treasury”) released revised application forms for businesses participating in the PPP. The new PPP application forms differ substantially from their previous . . . Read More
BLOG: New Judicial Order Offers Clarity on Maryland Statutes of Limitations Impacted by COVID-19
Early during the COVID-19 pandemic, a number of state-level court systems, including Maryland’s courts, declared judicial emergencies and issued orders automatically tolling, or postponing, the expiration of statutes of limitations [1] for claims filed within those states. These orders offered plaintiffs a reprieve from the strict filing deadlines. Now, as Maryland begins the process of reopening its court systems to the public, the state’s highest court has issued an order offering clarity as to the new filing deadlines for the expiration of . . . Read More
Landmark SCOTUS Decision Holds Title VII Prohibits Discrimination on Basis of Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation
Today, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that employers who discriminate against gay and transgender workers violate Title VII. The Court’s 6-3 decision resolves a longstanding circuit split on this issue and extends Title VII protections to LGBTQ+ employees across the country. Justice Gorsuch drafted the majority opinion for the Court, and was joined by Chief Justice Roberts and Justices Ginsberg, Breyer, Sotomayor, and Kagan. For employers, we examine the ruling below and offer key takeaways. In its long-awaited and hotly-debated decision, the . . . Read More
BLOG: 5 Steps for Preserving and Preparing Your Miller Act Claim
As the United States economy continues to grapple with the unprecedented impact of the coronavirus pandemic, many contractors are concerned about making and receiving payment for work. The Miller Act provides the process for subcontractors to ensure they are paid for their work on federal construction projects, but they must be familiar with its requirements and deadlines to seek payment. This guide outlines five steps subcontractors and material suppliers should take to ensure they preserve their right to recover payment . . . Read More