Polaris Contract Paused Again: COFC Stops GSA from Evaluating Proposals
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
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
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 . . . Read More
ICYMI: PilieroMazza’s Cy Alba Discusses the Polaris Procurement on BGOV Webinar
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
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
Weekly Update for Government Contractors and Commercial Businesses – May 4, 2023
If you have questions concerning the content below, please visit this link . Upcoming Events: Register to attend PilieroMazza’s upcoming events here . Recent Thought Leadership: Check out PilieroMazza’s recent client alerts and blogs here . GovCon Live! Podcast: Listen to PilieroMazza’s Podcast Series “Commercial Businesses New to Government Contracting” here . GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS SBA’s New Lending Rules Improve Small Business Growth Opportunities, 05.01.23, Cy Alba and Ustina Ibrahim 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 . . . Read More
SBA’s New Lending Rules Improve Small Business Growth Opportunities
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
Weekly Update for Government Contractors and Commercial Businesses – April 26, 2023
If you have questions concerning the content below, please visit this link . Upcoming Events: Register to attend PilieroMazza’s upcoming events here . Recent Thought Leadership: Check out PilieroMazza’s recent client alerts and blogs here . GovCon Live! Podcast: Listen to PilieroMazza’s Podcast Series “Commercial Businesses New to Government Contracting” here . GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS Small Business Innovation Research Program and Small Business Technology Transfer Program Policy Directive: Correction The Small Business Administration (SBA) is correcting a notice that appeared in the Federal Register on April . . . Read More
5 Tips to Protect Construction Contracts During An Economic Downturn
For two consecutive quarters, the U.S. economy experienced an economic decline—typical indicators of an impending recession. Despite what the numbers may indicate, it is still unclear what direction the U.S. economy may take. Whether a recession is already here or on the way, here are five tips to help protect your construction contracts—particularly payments for your work. 1. Review Your Construction Contracts Do not wait to review your construction contracts. Understand the financial status and the payment terms applicable to each . . . Read More
Weekly Update for Government Contractors and Commercial Businesses – April 20, 2023
If you have questions concerning the content below, please visit this link . Upcoming Events: Register to attend PilieroMazza’s upcoming events here . Recent Thought Leadership: Check out PilieroMazza’s recent client alerts and blogs here . GovCon Live! Podcast: Listen to PilieroMazza’s Podcast Series “Commercial Businesses New to Government Contracting” here . GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS NIST Seeks Small Business Input for Chips Manufacturing Data and Analysis As the United States works to bolster its semiconductor manufacturing capacity, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is . . . Read More