Insights | PilieroMazza, Law Firm, Government Contracts Attorney

Get Ready! Enhanced Cybersecurity Standards for Federal Contractors Coming Soon

For years, the federal contracting community has closely monitored the oft-delayed Department of Defense’s (DOD) Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program—now on iteration 2.0—as the forefront of cybersecurity obligations. That focus may soon be expanding. Contractors outside of DOD’s orbit may soon be subject to similar requirements. Civilian agency contractors should start preparing now for an enhanced cybersecurity proposed rule to prevent gaps or issues when the regulation goes into effect—not to mention it just being good business to have . . . Read More

GAO Sustains Protest Finding Agency’s Failure to Engage in Meaningful Discussions Was Not Cured During Re-Evaluation

Government Contracts, Blog 05.31.23

By: Samuel S. Finnerty

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) recently sustained a protest in Life Science Logistics, LLC , B-421018.2, .3 (April 19, 2023), finding that an agency’s discussions were not meaningful where they did not disclose flaws that were present in the protestor’s initial proposal, but which were not identified by the agency until it re-evaluated the proposal during corrective action. Below, PilieroMazza reviews this case and highlights key actions an agency is required to take to give government contractors similar opportunities to revise their proposals. The . . . Read More

Bloomberg Sound ON Radio Show: Cy Alba Discusses Debt Ceiling Debate and “Squeeze” on Federal Contractors

News 05.30.23

By: Isaias “Cy” Alba, IV

Cy Alba —Practice Group Chair of PilieroMazza ’s Government Contracts Group —spoke with Sound ON radio show hosts Joe Mathieu and Kailey Leinz about the debt default’s negative impact on federal government contractors, with the most vulnerable being contractors in the small business sector. Cy specifically discussed how contractors are getting squeezed in terms of getting paid by the government for the goods and services provided and potential conflicts that may arise such as claims related to contract performance. To hear Cy’s full interview, please click . . . Read More

Partnering to Win: Teaming, Subcontracting, Joint Ventures, and Mentor Protégé Agreements

Webinar Replays 05.25.23

By: Samuel S. Finnerty, Meghan F. Leemon

Click here to view the recorded session. The unique regulatory landscape of government contracting makes it difficult for new or commercial businesses to enter the space and win prime contracts. Fortunately, the government has created several programs to assist companies looking to enter the federal market and expand their capabilities. This also allows larger, more established businesses to partner with and / or mentor newer companies in the space. There are, however, many requirements and regulations governing these types of arrangements. . . . Read More

DOD Issues Final Rule Updating Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) Assessment Procedures for Federal Contractors

Government Contracts, Blog 05.24.23

By: Daniel Figuenick, III

Effective March 22, 2023, the Department of Defense (DOD) issued a final rule (Final Rule) amending the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) requiring Contracting Officers (COs) to use Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) assessments when evaluating proposals and considering a contractor’s responsibility. Federal government contractors should be aware of the changes, how the government can use SPRS assessments, and the potential effects on cybersecurity compliance and bid protests. On June 6, 2023, PilieroMazza attorneys will present “Cybersecurity for Government Contractors: Success . . . Read More

GAO Confirms Agency Must Consider Experience of Each Partner in a Small Business Joint Venture

Client Alerts 05.18.23

By: Samuel S. Finnerty

Earlier this year, the Government Accountability Office (GAO)—in AttainX, Inc. , B-421216, B-421216.2 (Feb. 9, 2023)—clarified that in evaluating the experience of a mentor-protégé joint venture (JV) for a small business set-aside procurement, the agency must evaluate each JV member’s experience individually, as well as any experience of the JV itself. After the decision was issued, the protestor requested GAO reconsider its ruling, alleging the decision contained an error of law. In MiamiTSPi, LLC-Reconsideration , B-421216.3 (May 11, 2023), GAO denied that request in . . . Read More

Construction Roundtable: Top 4 Legal Risks for Federal Construction Contractors

Webinar Replays 05.18.23

By: Jessica A. duHoffmann, Nichole D. Atallah

Click here to view the recorded session. Construction firms face a myriad of legal risks throughout a project’s life cycle. From compliance obligations to managing disputes, don’t miss this insightful discussion on the top 4 legal risks facing contractors working in the federal space and a discussion on proactively facing those challenges. Leading the roundtable discussion are PilieroMazza attorneys Jessica duHoffmann , Practice Group Chair of the Construction Group , and Nichole Atallah , Partner in the Labor & Employment Group . They’ll cover: project management resources; subcontractor and supplier issues; wage . . . Read More