Insights | PilieroMazza, Law Firm, Government Contracts Attorney

PilieroMazza Annual Review: Key Insights from Recent Bid Protest Decisions

New Wave of Pay Transparency Requirements Affects Employers and Federal Contractors

A growing patchwork of state pay transparency laws is placing additional requirements on employers’ hiring practices. As of the date of this blog, five states, as well as the District of Columbia, enacted pay transparency laws requiring employers to disclose salary ranges in job postings, among other things. Furthermore, these general obligations will soon apply to certain federal contractors. On January 30, 2024, the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council (the FAR Council) issued a proposed rule requiring federal contractors to disclose . . . Read More

Forgiveness Denied: Protecting Your Rights During the PPP Loan Appeal Process

Government Contracts, Attorney Articles 01.29.24

By: Isaias “Cy” Alba, IV, Daniel Figuenick, III

In 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act established the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Under the PPP, eligible businesses could receive loans for support through unprecedented times. Loan forgiveness was all but promised by not only lenders processing the loans, but the Small Business Administration (SBA) which was tasked with implementing the program. With SBA planning to claw-back PPP loans for years to come, borrowers should be aware of how to protect their rights when appealing a . . . Read More

February 14 Deadline: Employers Must Inform Current and Former Employees of Void California Non-Competes or Face Unfair Competition Violations

Client Alerts 01.29.24

By: Nichole D. Atallah, Zachary S. Stinson

Companies with California employees who are subject to non-competes have a fast-approaching deadline of February 14, 2024, to notify those individuals that these agreements are void or risk legal liability under a new California law. While California has long been hostile to non-compete agreements and other restrictive covenants, the legislature passed an amendment to Section 16600 of the Business and Professions Code mandating California employers send written notice to current and certain former employees that their non-compete clauses or agreements . . . Read More

Focus on SBA’s SBIC Program, Part 3: Demystifying the Intricacies of the SBIC Application Process

Business & Transactions 01.29.24

By: Isaias “Cy” Alba, IV

The Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) program is emerging as a powerful financial tool for small business government contractors seeking a transformative approach to financing and growth. This third blog in the series “Focus on SBA’s SBIC Program” demystifies the intricate SBIC application process and reveals strategic benefits associated with obtaining an SBIC license. Small business government contractors should familiarize themselves with the application process to unlock new avenues of capital to foster their success. Please visit this link for Part . . . Read More

Good News for Pandemic-Related Government Contract Claims: McCarthy HITT – Next NGA West JV

Blog, Government Contracts 01.24.24

By: Lauren Brier

On December 20, 2023, the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals (the Board) denied the government’s motion to dismiss pandemic-related claims. In doing so, the Board rejected the government’s arguments alleging that the claims (1) failed to state a claim, (2) were barred by the sovereign acts affirmative defense, and (3) failed to provide a clear amount as required by the Contracts Disputes Act. The Board’s rejection of the government’s motion to dismiss in McCarthy HITT – Next NGA West . . . Read More

Set-Aside Alert Interviews PilieroMazza’s Tony Franco on 8(a) Lawsuit and House Small Business Committee’s Probe

News 01.22.24

By: Antonio R. Franco

The U.S. District Court judge who banned the SBA from using a rebuttable presumption of social disadvantage for members of certain minority and ethnic groups in SBA’s 8(a) Business Development program has not issued a final ruling yet. But that did not stop the House Small Business Committee Chair Roger Williams, R-TX, from announcing on December 1 that the Committee is initiating an investigation of SBA’s compliance with the judge’s prohibition. SBA, in response to the judge’s order, began requiring . . . Read More