PPP Round Deux: Who Qualifies, For How Much, and Forgiveness Changes
While the President vetoed the 2021 NDAA—and has put COVID relief into question—he has not yet acted on the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, which contained the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act (the Act) dealing with the second round of PPP Loans. So, while the Act may be in jeopardy of a veto also, it has not yet occurred and, regardless, it is likely many of the PPP Loan provisions contained in the Act will be . . . Read More
Second Wave of COVID Relief Is Here: 3 Key Provisions Employers Need to Know
After months of deliberation and endless negotiation, Congress sealed the deal late Sunday night on a $900 billion COVID-19 economic relief package, finally delivering long-overdue help to businesses and individuals. While much of the relief seems to be an extension of benefits and rights afforded under the previously passed Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act in March, there are some notable variations that employers should be aware of. The following summary outlines 3 key provisions employers need to know and should plan for immediately. Mandatory FFCRA . . . Read More
Key Provisions in the 2021 NDAA for Government Contractors
‘Tis the season for holiday cheer and the National Defense Authorization Act (“NDAA”). The NDAA, commonly referred to as “must pass” legislation, is a key legislative vehicle that Congress uses each year to address a wide variety of issues, from defense spending to small business contracting matters. And this year is no different. Based on the recent Conference Report , the 2021 NDAA heading to the President will contain numerous provisions that will impact contractors doing business with the federal government. There . . . Read More
SBA Releases Loan Necessity Questionnaire for PPP Borrowers
On October 26, 2020, the Small Business Administration (SBA) issued a notice in the Federal Register that, among other updates, announced two new forms, 3509 and 3510 (the Forms), related to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Form 3509 is for for-profit businesses, while 3510 applies only to non-profit entities. These Forms will be sent by PPP lenders only to PPP borrowers who received a principal loan amount of $2 million or more, and borrowers will have ten days to complete it. According to . . . 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
PilieroMazza Summarizes SBA’s Final Rule on Mentor-Protégé Programs
Today, SBA issued its final rule making changes to its rules on joint ventures, the mentor protégé program, the Section 8(a) program, and much more. In developing this final rule, SBA reviewed and considered the many comments it received, and PilieroMazza believes that the final rule makes many positive changes that will simplify its procedures for small businesses, particularly 8(a) program participants. Below we summarize major changes in the final rule. If you have questions concerning SBA’s final rule on its Mentor Protégé Programs, . . . Read More
WOSB Certification Required Beginning October 15 – Are You Ready?
As a reminder, beginning on October 15, 2020, all women-owned small businesses (WOSBs) and economically disadvantaged women-owned small businesses (EDWOSBs) pursuing WOSB/EDWOSB set-asides, as well as solicitations with pools reserved for WOSBs/EDWOSBs, must be certified as a WOSB/EDWOSB, either by SBA or a third-party certifier. The application for certification by SBA is free and may be completed at beta.certify.sba.gov . Beginning October 15, if you have not completed the certification application, this will impact your ability to bid on WOSB/EDWOSB set-aside . . . Read More
DOL Publishes Guidance on Diversity Training Executive Order
On September 22, 2020, the Trump administration issued Executive Order 13950 (the Order) prohibiting workplace training that involves “sex stereotyping” or “scapegoating.” The Order is applicable to federal employees, the military, and private entities that receive grants or federal government contracts. While there is much we do not know about the implications of the Order, this client alert examines the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) limited guidance, issued yesterday, which sheds some light on the Order’s requirements and its implications . . . Read More