Insights | PilieroMazza, Law Firm, Government Contracts Attorney

Polaris Contract Paused Again: COFC Stops GSA from Evaluating Proposals

By: Isaias “Cy” Alba, IV, Eric Valle, Dozier L. Gardner, Jr.

The Court of Federal Claims (COFC or Court) recently enjoined the General Services Administration (GSA) from evaluating proposals and awarding contracts under the highly publicized Polaris Program. While the decision impacts the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB), Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), and Small Business (SB) pools specifically, it stands to make a much more significant impact on the procurement as a whole with Judge Eleni Roumel determining that certain solicitation requirements are deficient and ordering GSA to amend . . . Read More

Final Rule Implements New Process for Appealing HUBZone Status Protests

Client Alerts 05.10.23

By: Jon Williams, Daniel Figuenick, III

Based on new rules that take effect on May 10, 2023, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHA) will now hear appeals from Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) status protests. PilieroMazza and others advocated for this change for some time, and it is now a reality. This is a welcome development to put the HUBZone program on par with the other small business programs and allow HUBZone firms to avail themselves of the appeal process at OHA. The . . . Read More

Federal Contractors: Preparing Software Producers for Compliance with CISA’s Self-Attestation Form

Blog, Government Contracts 05.09.23

By: Isaias “Cy” Alba, IV, Daniel Figuenick, III

As contemplated by PilieroMazza ’s recent blog , the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) released a notice and request for comments on a new requirement for software producers to provide self-attestations regarding their software and its compliance with the secure software development practices, as described in the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Secure Software Development Framework (SSDF) ( Special Publication 800–218 ). The Office of Management and Budget released a memorandum on September 14, 2022, requiring agencies obtain self-attestations from software producers before using their software. A draft . . . Read More

ICYMI: PilieroMazza’s Cy Alba Discusses the Polaris Procurement on BGOV Webinar

News 05.08.23

By: Isaias “Cy” Alba, IV

If you missed BGOV’s May 4, 2023, discussion about the Polaris procurement between Cy Alba , Practice Group Chair of PilieroMazza ’s Government Contracts Group , and Bloomberg Government Analyst Paul Murphy, check out the link below to watch a replay of the conversation. Replay here Use passcode: BGOVPolaris0523! Murphy and Alba discussed various aspects of the decision from the U.S. Court of Federal Claims that blocked the General Services Administration from awarding IT services contracts worth at least $60 Billion. They also talked about how the . . . Read More

SECAF Honors Government Contract Attorney Jon Williams with Advocate of the Year Award

News 05.05.23

By: Jon Williams

May 5, 2023—Falls Church, VA: PilieroMazza , a business law firm serving the needs of government contractors and commercial businesses, is proud to announce that partner Jon Williams received the Advocate of the Year Award from the Small and Emerging Contractors Advisory Forum . The SECAF Advocate of the Year is bestowed upon a member who tirelessly championed the organization’s mission. The award was presented on May 4, 2023, at SECAF’s Annual Gala Awards Dinner, which was attended by approximately 500 guests. During the award presentation, attendees learned about Jon’s strong advocacy for the small . . . Read More

SBA’s New Lending Rules Improve Small Business Growth Opportunities

Government Contracts, Blog 05.01.23

By: Isaias “Cy” Alba, IV

On April 12, 2023, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) published two new rules: (1) Small Business Lending Company (SBLC) Moratorium Rescission and Removal of the Requirement for a Loan Authorization (Moratorium Rule) and (2) Affiliation and Lending Criteria for the SBA Business Loan Programs (Affiliation Rule), collectively, the Rules. The Rules focus on combating persistent gaps in access to capital affecting small business owners in underserved communities. Starting May 11, 2023, small businesses and entrepreneurs will have more opportunities to obtain capital for growth and development. The Moratorium Rule Small businesses and entrepreneurs face major issues related to limited access to capital and restrictions imposed . . . Read More