Insights | PilieroMazza, Law Firm, Government Contracts Attorney

DOL Increases Hourly Minimum Wage to $17.20 for Federal Contractors Starting January 1, 2024

Beginning on January 1, 2024, Executive Order 14026 (Order) will raise the minimum wage for workers performing work on or in connection with covered contracts to from $16.20 to $17.20 per hour, a second year of a significant adjustment to the minimum wage for service and construction workers doing work on federal projects. Government contractors in the service and construction sectors should evaluate how the minimum wage increase will affect their operations and pricing strategies when bidding on new government . . . Read More

New Developments in Ultima Case: Potential Effect on Current and Future SBA 8(a) Program Participants

Government Contracts 09.28.23

By: Antonio R. Franco, Isaias “Cy” Alba, IV, Peter B. Ford, Meghan F. Leemon

On September 15, 2023, Ultima Services (Ultima) filed a motion in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee seeking additional equitable relief in its suit challenging the constitutionality of the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 8(a) Business Development Program (8(a) program). [1] Ultima’s motion comes after the SBA’s recent suspension of new applications to its 8(a) program to comply with U.S. District Court Judge Corker’s July 19, 2023, decision. 8(a) contractors should be aware of these developments as the court’s . . . Read More

Changes to Construction Prompt Payment Act: What It Means for Construction Contractors Operating in DC

Blog, Construction 09.27.23

By: Jessica A. duHoffmann

In 2023, the Private Contractor and Subcontractor Prompt Payment Act of 20131 (the Act) was amended to include additional protections for subcontractors on private projects by limiting a contractor’s setoff rights related to claims or damages on other projects. This limitation also applies to first-tier subcontractors. Below, attorneys in PilieroMazza ’s Construction Group summarize what changes to the Act mean for construction contractors and subcontractors working on private construction projects in DC. The Act—which governs private projects—requires contractors and first-tier subcontractors to pay . . . Read More

SBA Tightens Enforcement of HUBZone Regulations

Government Contracts, Client Alerts 09.26.23

By: Antonio R. Franco, Jon Williams, Isaias “Cy” Alba, IV, Matthew E. Feinberg

Government contractors maintaining or seeking HUBZone certification should make themselves aware of the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) recent efforts to tighten and enforce new and existing rules surrounding the HUBZone program. In this client alert, PilieroMazza details the SBA’s enforcement efforts and the major implications for HUBZone contractors who do not comply with program requirements. On September 20, 2023, the SBA issued a press release announcing its plan to strengthen enforcement of HUBZone regulations. The press release, titled “U.S. Small Business Administration Acts . . . Read More

Your Turn: New Rule Allows Government Contractors to Rate the Government

Government Contracts, Blog 09.25.23

By: Isaias “Cy” Alba, IV

Contractors get feedback from the government all the time. It’s a much rarer occasion when contractors are afforded the opportunity to give the government feedback. The Federal Acquisition Regulation Council (FAR Council) is looking to change that with FAR 52.201-1, Acquisition 360 (Acquisition 360 or final rule). In this blog, PilieroMazza examines implementation of Acquisition 360, as well as potential impacts on the procurement process for government contractors. Background Initially proposed by the FAR Council in 2020, this final rule takes effect on September 22, . . . Read More

Reducing the Negative Impacts of a Government Shutdown for Federal Contractors

Government Contracts, Client Alerts 09.21.23

By: Jon Williams, Nichole D. Atallah, Patrick T. Rothwell

Once again, the specter of a government shutdown looms over the federal contracting community. The federal government is set to run out of funding on September 30 and tensions in the House are making it ever more likely that a shutdown will occur. Below are key steps your business should take to mitigate the possible negative impact of a government shutdown, along with shutdown-related labor and employment considerations for government contractors. A. Mitigating Damages Understand the likely consequences of a . . . Read More