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
Weekly Update for Government Contractors and Commercial Businesses – March 12, 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 Strengthens Litigation Bench with Newly Launched White Collar Defense Group Led by Former Military Judge Mark Rosenow, PilieroMazza News, Mark F. Rosenow , Todd M. Reinecker PilieroMazza is proud to announce the launch of its White Collar Defense Group , a strategic expansion of the firm’s litigation capabilities designed to protect businesses and individuals facing high-stakes criminal, civil, and regulatory exposure. Led by Mark Rosenow , . . . Read More
CMMC Mission Readiness: Navigating Growth, Costs, and Competition for Defense Contractors
Click here to view the recorded session. The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is now a business reality for defense contractors—and how contractors respond will directly impact growth, pricing, and competitive positioning. With CMMC Phase 1 now formally implemented, contractors that process, store, or transmit Federal Contract Information (FCI) or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) must understand not only what compliance requires, but how to approach it strategically. This webinar examines the finalized CMMC framework through a legal and compliance lens, while . . . 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
PilieroMazza Strengthens Litigation Bench with Newly Launched White Collar Defense Group Led by Former Military Judge Mark Rosenow
PilieroMazza is proud to announce the launch of its White Collar Defense Group , a strategic expansion of the firm’s litigation capabilities designed to protect businesses and individuals facing high-stakes criminal, civil, and regulatory exposure. Led by Mark Rosenow , a former U.S. Air Force trial judge, prosecutor, and defense counsel, the Group brings a rare combination of criminal and civil courtroom experience, judicial insight, and strategic judgment to matters where reputations, operations, livelihoods, and liberty are on the line. “The stakes in white collar defense matters . . . Read More
Weekly Update for Government Contractors and Commercial Businesses – March 5, 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 . _____________________________________________ BID PROTESTS PilieroMazza Annual Review: Key Insights from Recent Bid Protest Decisions Shaping Government Contractor Success in 2026, PilieroMazza Webinar Replay, Katherine B. Burrows , Eric Valle Join Katie Burrows and Eric Valle , attorneys in PilieroMazza’s Bid Protests and Government Contracts practice groups, as they break down recent decisions that will shape the bid protest landscape in 2026. This session equips government contractors with actionable . . . Read More
PilieroMazza Annual Review: Key Insights from Recent Bid Protest Decisions Shaping Government Contractor Success in 2026
Click here to view the recorded session. Bid protests remain a critical element of the federal procurement process. Whether submitting a proposal, filing a protest, or defending a contract award, recent rulings can influence not only your current contracts but also future opportunities and overall procurement strategies. Decisions from 2025 highlight evolving trends, clarify key regulatory requirements, and signal potential shifts in protest outcomes for government contractors. Join Katie Burrows and Eric Valle , attorneys in PilieroMazza’s Bid Protests and Government Contracts practice groups, as they break down recent . . . 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