PilieroMazza Sponsors MCCC’s 2020 Business Awards
The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) hosted its 2020 Business Awards on October 29, 2020. The virtual event celebrated the best of Montgomery County’s business community, with organizations and leaders receiving recognition from a variety of industries. PilieroMazza was a proud sponsor of the 2020 Business Partner of the Year Award. The award recognizes an individual or business that meets the mission of MCCC’s Government Contracting Network (GovConNet): to promote the economic impact of the federal government presence and to advocate on . . . Read More
The Government Contractor Gifting Guide: 4 Tips to Avoid Severe Penalties
The holiday season will be here before we know it. Although this year’s celebrations may look different for many of us, one thing will still be on everyone’s mind: gifts. For companies, holiday gifting to clients and colleagues can be a cheerful and effective marketing tool. If your clients or colleagues are government employees, it is important to remember the many rules that govern making gifts to government employees. Keep these rules in mind to prevent a small gift from . . . Read More
JEDI Update: 3 Years After Launch, DOD’s Critical Cloud Computing Contract Is Still On Hold
The acquisition battle between Microsoft and Amazon Web Services (AWS) over the Department of Defense’s (DOD) Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure (JEDI) Cloud contract saw another major development this fall with the announcement that the DOD will again award the JEDI contract to Microsoft following corrective action. This blog provides an update on the JEDI protest, which has potential implications for the government contracting community. On September 4, 2020, after taking corrective action to reassess its evaluation of AWS’ and Microsoft’s . . . Read More
PilieroMazza’s 889 Compliance Assistance Program
The Second Interim Rule implementing Section 889, Part 2 becomes effective October 26, 2020. Section 889 Part B prohibits any executive agency from entering into, extending, or renewing a contract with an entity that uses any equipment, system, or services that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system. This second interim rule requires contractors to represent annually in the System for Award Management . . . Read More
Virginia Companies Required to Update Handbooks and Workplace Policies: Pregnancy Discrimination Updates and More
Effective October 29, 2020, Virginia employers must update their handbooks to reflect new state requirements regarding pregnancy discrimination, according to a recent law. The law adds posting requirements and is one of several state obligations recently introduced in Virginia. This client alert explains the new requirement and flags additional policy changes that employers need to take to avoid future liabilities. This year, Virginia joined a number of states that include clear prohibitions on discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, and related . . . Read More
DOD Extends Section 889 Waiver to September 30, 2022
In August, we wrote about a memorandum issued by Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe that waived the Department of Defense’s (DOD) requirements under Section 889 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019. The Federal Register published an interim rule on July 14, 2020, that implemented Section 889, which prohibits agencies from procuring telecommunications equipment and services from Huawei Technologies Company, Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Company, Hytera Communications Company, Dahua Technology Company, and ZTE Corporation. The DOD originally released a memorandum on July . . . Read More
Weekly Update for Government Contractors and Commercial Businesses – October 22, 2020
If you have questions concerning the content below, please visit this link . WEBINAR: SBA’s Final Rule on Mentor-Protégé Programs: Key Changes for Government Contractors, October 28, 2020, Pamela Mazza and Peter Ford . Read more here . WEBINAR: Mergers and Acquisitions in Healthcare: Getting Your House in Order, November 11, 2020, Kathryn Hickey. Read more here . COVID-19 Client Resource Center: To access resources for businesses navigating the COVID-19 crisis, we invite you to visit PilieroMazza’s “COVID-19 Client Resource Center.” Contact [email protected] for immediate assistance. BUSINESS & TRANSACTIONS BLOG: Important . . . Read More
PilieroMazza Donates Funds to Gates Foundation Fight Against COVID-19
As part of our ongoing efforts to help support the communities in which we serve, PilieroMazza ’s Corporate Social Responsibility Committee recently made a monetary donation to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to assist in the fight against COVID-19. The Foundation is currently working to create a safe, effective COVID-19 vaccine that will likely be ready by early next year. The hope is that this development will give the world a chance to eliminate the threat of the pandemic—and return to a semblance of normalcy. Donations go towards a . . . Read More
False Claims Act Considerations for PPP Loan Forgiveness Applications
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) created through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act offered much-needed financial relief to businesses directly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the program, eligible businesses could obtain a loan designed to keep employees on the company payroll, even when company revenues were impacted by stay-at-home and social distancing orders. And, in many cases, PPP loans are eligible for total forgiveness, saving companies from the additional financial burden of paying back an often . . . Read More
Important Considerations When Structuring M&A Transactions for Government Contractors: Post-Transaction Pitfalls—Part 3 of a 3-Part Series
M&A transactions involving government contractors are subject to a host of regulatory and industry-specific considerations. This blog series covers key concerns that can impact a deal. Parts 1 and 2 focus on common problems that arise before and during a transaction. They are available here and here . Below we drill down on post-transaction pitfalls in government contractor M&A transactions that can jeopardize the value of the target company. Security Clearances Many contracts require a company to maintain a facility security clearance. . . . Read More