Workforce Reclassified: Understanding DOL’s “New” Independent Contractor Classification Rule
On February 26, 2026, the Department of Labor (DOL) announced a long-awaited proposed rule— again adjusting how the DOL views the appropriate classification of workers as “employees” or “independent contractors” under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Consequences of worker misclassification can be significant not only for wages and benefits but for various employment protections, for example the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Therefore, employers should be aware of changes to the independent contractor rule and evaluate their policies . . . Read More
Contract Claims 101: Common Disputes and How to Best Prepare for Them
Last month, PilieroMazza ’s REAs, Claims, and Appeals Group published the first blog in its “Contract Claims 101” series, introducing federal contractors to the basics of requests for equitable adjustment (REAs), claims, and appeals. This month, we’re analyzing the broad categories of contract administration disputes we expect to form the basis of federal contractors’ REAs, claims and appeals in 2026. In this second blog, we introduce federal contractors to disputes regarding stop work orders, terminations, and Contractor Performance Assessment Reports (CPARs), and how best to prepare at the . . . Read More
Buying or Selling: Navigating the New Landscape of 8(a) M&A Transactions
Click here to view the recorded session. Buying or selling a government contracting business remains a nuanced process—especially when 8(a) contracts are involved. Recent updates to SBA guidance, increased scrutiny post-Ultima, and heightened compliance expectations added new layers of complexity to transactions involving 8(a) companies. Whether you’re a current 8(a) participant, a recent graduate, or a buyer interested in acquiring such a business, it’s critical to understand how these developments affect ownership transfers, eligibility, and long-term contract value. Join us for . . . Read More
GovWin IQ: FAR Overhaul Prompts Compliance Uncertainty for Contractors, Says Sam Finnerty
The so-called “Revolutionary FAR Overhaul” (RFO), launched after the issue of Executive Order 14275 (Restoring Common Sense to Federal Procurement) in April 2025, is the most sweeping rewrite of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) in its 40-year history. The long-term intent of the RFO is to simplify and streamline federal procurement, but certain concerns raised by FAR legal experts raise the question if its rollout is actively generating compliance risk for contractors. . . . Rather than follow a traditional . . . Read More
Weekly Update for Government Contractors and Commercial Businesses – February 26, 2026
The Weekly Update recaps recent legislative and regulatory updates affecting government contractors and commercial businesses. If you have questions concerning this content, please email marketing@pilieromazza.com . _____________________________________________ PilieroMazza Earns Top Ranking for Government Contracting Thought Leadership in 2026 JD Supra Readers’ Choice Awards, PilieroMazza News PilieroMazza is proud to announce that the Firm was named Top Government Contracting Firm in the 2026 JD Supra Readers’ Choice Awards , recognizing leading firms and authors for thought leadership and reader engagement throughout 2025. In addition to the firmwide honor, Jackie Unger earned individual recognition as #1 in Government Contracts , . . . Read More
PilieroMazza Earns Top Ranking for Government Contracting Thought Leadership in 2026 JD Supra Readers’ Choice Awards
PilieroMazza is proud to announce that the Firm was named Top Government Contracting Firm in the 2026 JD Supra Readers’ Choice Awards , recognizing leading firms and authors for thought leadership and reader engagement throughout 2025. In addition to the firmwide honor, Jackie Unger earned individual recognition as #1 in Government Contracts , and Isaias “Cy” Alba took the #2 spot on the list. JD Supra’s Readers’ Choice Awards recognize top authors and firms based on visibility and engagement among C-suite executives, in-house counsel, media, and other professionals across the JD Supra platform. In 2026, JD Supra evaluated over 70,000 . . . Read More
Unlocking New Contracting Opportunities with the U.S. Coast Guard
It’s been a year since the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) launched its Force Design 2028 (FD28) initiative to enhance agility, capability, and responsiveness. FD28 is off to a roaring start, considering the USCG already spent over $7 Billion of the $25 Billion investment from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act . With lofty goals and a historic influx of funding to support the largest overhaul of the service since World War II, FD28 offers numerous contracting opportunities for small businesses. This blog provides an overview of USCG contracting and highlights key USCG initiatives that all . . . Read More
Navigating the DOW 8(a)/Set-Aside Audit and Termination Threat
On January 16, 2026, Secretary Hegseth announced in a video posted on X that the DOW would undertake an audit of all 8(a) sole-source awards over $20 Million to redirect defense spending to programs that enhance lethality while curbing fraud, waste, and abuse. Since that announcement, a DOW memorandum was made public revealing the scope is broader than anticipated. Rather than just 8(a) sole-source awards, DOW is auditing any active 8(a) sole-source contract, 8(a) set-aside contract, or small business set-aside contract over $20 Million. . . . Read More
Is Your Government Settlement Really Final? The Pratt & Whitney Decision Raises Doubts
In 1984, Steve Jobs introduced the Macintosh personal computer to the United States, Arnold Schwarzenegger hit the silver screen as The Terminator, and Pratt & Whitney began its now four-decade-long fight with the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA). The battle continues, as the Federal Circuit’s latest decision in what may be the longest-enduring cost‑accounting dispute in the history of government contracts—Secretary of Defense v. Pratt & Whitney, 160 F.4th 1224 (Fed. Cir. 2025)—still has not resolved the underlying Cost Accounting . . . Read More
PilieroMazza’s Ryan Boonstra Receives SAME Philadelphia Young Professional Award and 5-Year Membership Recognition
PilieroMazza is proud to announce that Ryan Boonstra (pictured on the left) received the Young Professional Award from the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) Philadelphia Post in recognition of his leadership and service as the Post’s Fundraising Committee Chair. In addition to this recognition, Ryan will also receive a 5-Year Membership Award, marking his continued involvement and dedication to SAME and the A/E/C community. Jackie Unger , Chair of the Firm’s Government Contracts Group , where Ryan supports the legal needs of government contractors, said: “Ryan’s service . . . Read More