Comments on Proposed Rule Regarding Small Business Subcontracting Improvements
After the recent small business subcontracting plan changes were implemented by the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) in its final rule at 78 Fed. Reg. 42391 , dated July 16, 2013, many of our clients have asked us how the SBA’s new rules should be interpreted in light of the existing FAR small business subcontracting requirements. We believe that the FAR Councils are taking the right steps to harmonize the SBA’s requirements with the obligations the FAR imposes. However, we believe that there are . . . Read More
Analysis of the Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces Proposed Rule
On May 28, 2015, the Defense Department, General Services Administration and National Aeronautics and Space Administration announced the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council’s proposed rule to implement Executive Order 13673 “Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces” (EO), dated July 31, 2014. Together with the proposed Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), the Department of Labor (DOL) published proposed guidance (collectively, “Proposed Rules”), defining many terms set forth in the EO and beginning to establish a framework of expectations. PilieroMazza addressed the requirements of the . . . Read More
Comments on Proposed Rule Regarding the Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contract Program, RIN: 3245-AG72
We are writing to submit comments on the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (“SBA”) above-referenced proposed rule, issued May 1, 2015, 80 Fed. Reg. 24,846. Our firm represents small businesses, including women-owned and economically-disadvantaged women-owned small businesses (“WOSBs/EDWOSBs”), operating across the government contracting spectrum. Many of the WOSBs/EDWOSBs we represent and have talked to have been eagerly anticipating this rulemaking. The proposed rule places the SBA’s WOSB Program on equal footing with other SBA government contracting programs in providing for award . . . Read More
CVE Reverfication for Veteran-Owned Firms is not as Simple as Advertised – Peter Ford, Set-Aside Alert
Analysis of SBA’s Proposed Rule to Create a New Mentor-Protege Program for All Small Businesses
On February 5, 2015, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued a proposed rule to amend its regulations to implement provisions of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 and the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013, 80 Fed. Reg. 6618 . Based on authorities provided in these two statutes, the proposed rule would establish a Government-wide mentor-protégé program for all small business concerns, amend current joint venture provisions and make additional changes to current size, 8(a) Office of Hearings . . . Read More
Analysis of SBA’s Proposed Rule Regarding Limitations on Subcontracting
On December 29, 2014, the Small Business Administration (SBA) published its proposed rule to implement provisions of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2013 (NDAA) that change the way firms calculate compliance with the limitation on subcontracting rule on small business set-asides. SBA’s proposed rule also proposes changes dealing with the nonmanufacturing rule, including affiliation and joint ventures, among other topics. This memorandum provides our analysis of the new rules.
Contractors Should Fight Proposed Conflict Of Interest Rule – Peter Ford, Law360
SBA Issues Final Rules on the Use of Set-Asides for Multiple Award Contracts
On October 2, 2013, SBA issued its long-anticipated final rule addressing the use of set-asides on multiple award contracts and clarifying the regulations on bundling and contract consolidation. The final rule implements sections of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010. SBA had issued a proposed rule on these issues in May 2012, and solicited comments. Likewise, DOD, GSA, and NASA published an interim rule in November 2011 providing agencies with initial guidance regarding the use of set-asides on multiple . . . Read More
The Shutdown Labor & Employment Top 10
With the federal government shut down heading into its second week, many employers, especially contractors, have been faced with difficult decisions regarding laying off and furloughing employees. If your company has faced or is facing theses decisions, keep in mind the following labor and employment issues that could expose the company to liability.
OFCCP Rules Regarding Veterans and the Disabled will be Effective March 24, 2014
Two new rules affecting the implementation of the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (“VEVRAA”), governing protected veterans, and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act (“Section 503”), governing persons with disabilities were published in the Federal Register on September 24, 2013. The rules become effective on March 24, 2014 and federal contractors and subcontractors must largely come into compliance with the rules by that date. Contractors with affirmative action programs in place on March 24, 2014 may maintain them until . . . Read More