SAM Registration Rules May Ease: Lapses OK!

In 2023, PilieroMazza reported on Myriddian, LLC v. U.S. [1] where the Court of Federal Claims interpreted Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Clause 52.204-7 to require that offerors maintain an active SAM (System for Award Management) registration continuously from offer submission to contract award. The Department of Defense, General Services Administration, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration have issued an interim rule allowing contractors minor lapses in SAM registrations without risking their ability to secure contract awards.  The Interim Rule The interim . . . Read More

Corporate Transparency Act, Part 4: Reporting Requirements Temporarily Suspended

As you may have been following, PilieroMazza previously reported on the requirements of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) and the reporting requirements that are associated therewith ( Part 1 , Part 2 , and Part 3 ). On December 3, 2024, in the case of Texas Top Cop Shop, Inc. et al. v. Garland et al., the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas issued a preliminary injunction against the enforcement of the CTA that applies nationwide. In its ruling, the court found that the “CTA is . . . Read More

Should You Protest? Takeaways for Government Contractors from GAO’s 2024 Bid Protest Annual Report

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) recently released its 2024 Bid Protest Annual Report (Report), providing statistics on protests, cost claims, and requests for reconsideration at GAO this year. In this blog, PilieroMazza analyzes what the Report reveals about bid protests at GAO, including recent trends and how this information could affect a contractor’s decision to file a protest as well as its likelihood of success. Analysis of the Report Fiscal Year 2024 brought about an 11% decrease in the number . . . Read More

Weekly Update for Government Contractors and Commercial Businesses – November 21, 2024

If you have questions concerning the content below, please visit this link . Upcoming Events: Register to attend PilieroMazza’s upcoming events here . Recent Thought Leadership: Check out PilieroMazza’s recent client alerts and blogs here . Podcasts: Listen to PilieroMazza’s podcasts GovCon Live!  here  and Clocking in with PilieroMazza  here .   GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS Trump 2.0: Implications for Federal Spending and the Workforce, PilieroMazza Blog, Isaias “Cy” Alba, IV The election of former President Trump has the potential to significantly change the federal procurement landscape. As with his first term, President-elect Trump will . . . Read More

PPP Loans Under the Microscope: False Claims Act and Enforcement Trends

While the COVID-19 pandemic may feel like a distant memory for many, its effects continue to reverberate for others—particularly for businesses that obtained loans through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Whether forgiven or not, these loans remain subject to scrutiny. The Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) can pursue criminal or civil charges against individuals involved in PPP loan fraud for up to ten years after the offense. Borrowers should ensure they maintain all relevant documentation . . . Read More

Trump 2.0: Implications for Federal Spending and the Workforce

The election of former President Trump has the potential to significantly change the federal procurement landscape. As with his first term, President-elect Trump will prioritize government efficiency, including plans to reduce the federal workforce and certain spending. Government contractors could see (1) reductions in the federal workforce; (2) disruptions in the procurement process, resulting in slower procurements; (3) increased reliance on  Governmentwide Acquisition Contracts (GWACs), which may lead to fewer opportunities for small business set-asides; and (4) contracts in certain . . . Read More

Weekly Update for Government Contractors and Commercial Businesses – November 14, 2024

If you have questions concerning the content below, please visit this link . Upcoming Events: Register to attend PilieroMazza’s upcoming events here . Recent Thought Leadership: Check out PilieroMazza’s recent client alerts and blogs here . Podcasts: Listen to PilieroMazza’s podcasts GovCon Live!  here  and Clocking in with PilieroMazza  here .   BUSINESS & TRANSACTIONS / GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS Corporate Transparency Act, Part 3: Filing Extensions for Businesses Affected by 2024 Hurricanes, PilieroMazza Client Alert, Meghan F. LeemonAbigail “Abby” L. BakerCole R. Fox The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) announced a significant relief measure under the Corporate Transparency Act . . . Read More

Corporate Transparency Act, Part 3: Filing Extensions for Businesses Affected by 2024 Hurricanes

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) announced a significant relief measure under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) for businesses affected by five hurricanes impacting the U.S. in 2024. Hurricane relief extends the deadline for submitting a Beneficial Ownership Information Report (BOIR) by six months for companies that meet specific criteria. Please visit this link for Part 1 and this link for Part 2 in this series. Which Companies Qualify for the Extension? To qualify for this extension, a reporting company must meet two . . . Read More

Trump Administration’s Proposed Tariffs: How Can Government Contractors Prepare?

While on the campaign trail, President-elect Trump spoke of implementing tariffs. How will government contractors be affected if the upcoming Trump administration enacts its proposed tariffs in 2025? Contractors offering goods to the government should (1) be alert to the possibility that proposed tariffs could increase their cost of performance, (2) factor increased cost and performance risks into their bids and proposals, and (3) ensure appropriate communications with subcontractors to lock-in particular quotes and scheduling to the extent necessary. Most . . . Read More

Washington Post Quotes PilieroMazza’s Tony Franco: Minority-Owned Firms Fear ‘Crisis’ As Affirmative Action Programs Fall

In a seismic shift, a series of court rulings have held that some of the federal government’s largest diversity programs violate the Constitution’s guarantee of equal protection, often citing the Supreme Court’s 2023 decision to overturn race-conscious college admissions. As a result, key agencies have dropped race and gender preferences born in the civil rights era and intended to level the playing field by setting aside billions each year in contracting dollars for minority- and women-owned firms. “A reality has . . . Read More