Navigating the Termination Threat of President Trump’s Latest DEI Executive Order for Government Contractors
On March 26, 2026, the Trump Administration issued a new Executive Order (EO) that all-but promises contract termination for federal contractors whose diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies are deemed non-compliant with the EO. The EO builds on the Administration’s ongoing scrutiny of DEI initiatives, following a May 2025 Department of Justice (DOJ) memorandum signaling the use of the False Claims Act (FCA) to challenge DEI practices within federal contracting, higher education, and other federally funded entities. This blog specifically . . . Read More
A Kick in the Asphalt: $30 Million Settlement Highlights FCA Risk for Construction Contractors
Earlier this year, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced it amassed a record $6.8 Billion in fraud and False Claims Act (FCA) recoveries in Fiscal Year 2025. New FCA matters also increased substantially, driven in large part by a significant rise in suits brought by whistleblowers. As part of DOJ’s and whistleblowers’ relentless focus on pursuing claims of fraud committed against the federal government, construction contractors have come under heightened scrutiny. Recently, two Ohio asphalt companies paid a combined $30 Million . . . Read More
Faster to the Fight: How the Navy is Reengineering SBIR/STTR Innovation
Earlier this month, the U.S. Navy announced a significant overhaul of its Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, with a renewed emphasis on speed, efficiency, and commercialization. The changes are intended to accelerate how quickly innovative technologies move from concept to deployment, which is unsurprising given the U.S. Department of War’s (DOW) focus on speed and supporting the warfighter. As these reforms begin to take shape, small business contractors should make efforts to assess . . . Read More
Trump Administration’s Latest Executive Order on DEI Requires Immediate Action for Government Contractors
On March 26, 2026, the Trump Administration issued a new Executive Order (EO) targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies for federal contractors. The EO continues the Trump Administration’s hyper-trained focus on DEI, or what the President believes constitutes “racial discrimination in American society.” It follows a Department of Justice (DOJ) memorandum issued in May 2025 in which DOJ indicated it would utilize the False Claims Act (FCA) to target DEI policies for federal contractors, educational institutions, and companies doing business . . . Read More
86 That Grant: SBA Targets Restaurant Revitalization Fund Recipients for Recoupment
The Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) was a Congressionally-created program, administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), under which financial grants were issued to restaurants, food stands, caterers, bars, food trucks, food carts, breweries, wineries, and other food and beverage businesses to help those companies navigate the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2024, the SBA Office of Inspector General issued a report, SBA’s Restaurant Revitalization Fund Program Award Practices , which suggested that approximately $6.7 Billion of the $28.6 Billion in grants issued under . . . Read More
Navigating the Recent Ban on Foreign Ownership for SBA Loans
Earlier this month, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) banned foreign nationals, non‑citizens, and lawful permanent residents whose principal residence was outside of the U.S. from owning any interest in a small business applicant of a SBA‑guaranteed small business loan under the 7(a) and 504 programs. Effective April 1, 2026, that ban will expand to the Surety Bond ( Procedural Notice 5000-877134 ) and Microloan ( Procedural Notice 5000-877232 ) programs. Below, PilieroMazza highlights what this means for businesses that regularly apply for SBA-backed loans as well . . . Read More
Contract Claims 101: Financial Fundamentals, Part 3
We’re back for the third installment of PilieroMazza ’s REAs, Claims, and Appeals Group ’s “Contract Claims 101” series, introducing federal contractors to the basics of requests for equitable adjustment (REAs), claims, and appeals. This month, we’re defining the key terms underpinning the basic financial framework of government contract disputes. Financial rules can make or break a contractor’s recovery: Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) dictate how costs must be built, Contract Disputes Act (CDA) interest can influence the timing and value of settlements, and the list goes . . . Read More
The Trump Administration’s New Cyber Strategy and Its Impact on Federal Contractors
The Trump Administration recently released its “Cyber Strategy for America” ( Strategy ) emphasizing modernization of federal networks, streamlined “common sense” regulation, and supply chain risk reduction across several policy pillars. The strategy will guide implementation of an “unprecedented coordination” across government and the private sector to secure global dominance in cyber space. Whether these pillars can co-exist with one another is a different question. Below, PilieroMazza highlights key aspects of the strategy and its potential impact on federal contractors. Key . . . Read More
GSA MAS Refresh #31: Key Changes and Updates Every Contractor Should Know
The General Services Administration (GSA) announced back in January that Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) Solicitation 47QSMD20R0001 – Refresh # 31 is expected to be issued in March/April 2026. Refresh #31 will introduce significant changes, including new Artificial Intelligence (AI) requirements alongside the expansion of the Transactional Data Reporting (TDR) pilot program. Government contractors should review the proposed updates (summarized below) and submit comments to GSA on Refresh #31 by March 20, 2026, to stay ahead of compliance obligations and prepare . . . Read More
Top 10 Killer Construction Contract Clauses, Part 4: Retainage Provisions
Retainage is a contractual practice that is unique to the construction industry. Most construction contracts entitle project owners as well as lower-tiers to withhold a percentage of each progress payment to contractors or subcontractors until the contracted work is substantially or finally completed. Retainage ensures that contracted work is completed properly, incentivizes timely completion of the work, and provides financial leverage attendant with defects in construction. While contracts largely govern the specific terms as to how much retainage will be . . . Read More