Similar But Different: FAA Size Protest Challenges

Blog 03.12.15

By: Peter B. Ford

Most small business contractors are familiar with the notion that the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) has exclusive jurisdiction over all size protests. In fact, in the realm of government contracting, there is really no question as to which federal agency “wears the pants” when it comes to handling small business size issues.  Still, is the SBA really the only federal agency capable of making a formal size determination regarding a business concern? Officials at the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) . . . Read More

Protecting an LLC From A Wayward Member While Maintaining SBA Eligibility

Blog, Business & Transactions 03.06.15

By Ambi Biggs When creating a limited liability company (“LLC”), members are often so concerned with getting the company established–and anticipating problems that may arise with third parties, be it suppliers or customers–that they fail to consider what will happen if issues arise among the members themselves. This is a mistake.   Usurpation of corporate opportunities, the misuse of company assets and a breach of fiduciary duties are just some of the most common issues that can arise among LLC . . . Read More

STOP, THIEF! – How to Keep Your “Secret Sauce” In-House, When an Employee Is Lured to Greener Pastures

Blog, Labor & Employment, Litigation & Dispute Resolution 03.02.15

No matter how collegial and successful a workplace you have created for your employees, attrition is an inevitable fact of life in business, and in government contracting in particular. And when departing personnel have been privy to hard-won confidential and proprietary company data, the thought of that information falling into the hands of a competitor have caused many a sleepless night for business owners. This article is intended to outline some steps that the prudent executive should take to preserve . . . Read More

New Washington, DC Wage Law with Sweeping Changes In Effect This Week

Blog, Labor & Employment 02.24.15

By: Nichole D. Atallah

On February 26, 2015, the Amended DC Wage Theft Prevention Act (the “Act”) goes into effect and imposes several new obligations on Washington, DC employers.  The Act makes sweeping changes to notice and recordkeeping requirements and imposes heavy penalties on employers that violate the Act. The following describes several obligations of which DC employers should be aware: Pay Notice Requirements Within 90 days of the Act’s effective date, or May 27, 2015, DC employers must furnish a wage notice to . . . Read More

SBIC Investment: A Potential Source of Capital for Government Contractors

Blog 02.23.15

By Linh Phu, Access National Bank Owners of privately-held businesses generally finance their businesses with their own capital, augmented with bank loans. An additional source of funding for government contractors is available from Small Business Investment Companies (SBICs).  The Small Business Investment Company Program was established by Congress in 1958 to supplement the long term capital, both debt and equity, available to small businesses. The SBICs are privately owned and managed investment funds, but regulated and licensed by the U.S. . . . Read More

Does Your Employee Incentive Plan Create an Early Pay-Out and Exit for Key Employees at the Owners’ Expense?

Business & Transactions, Blog 02.19.15

Business owners have at their disposal a variety of employee incentive compensation tools to attract and retain talent. In terms of employee incentive plan design, business owners work to strike a balance between “carrots”–rewards to employees–and “sticks”–measures to protect the company’s downside if the employee fails to deliver value. What should a properly-designed employee incentive plan do? Generally speaking, a well-crafted employee incentive plan will incentivize key employees to drive value and build the company; and in exchange be rewarded . . . Read More