Insights | PilieroMazza, Law Firm, Government Contracts Attorney

Veterans Affairs Imposes Increased Cybersecurity Rules on Government Contractors

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) released a final rule , effective February 24, 2023, amending the VA’s Acquisition Regulation (VAAR) to impose new cybersecurity procedures and processes to protect sensitive VA data and health information. Although much of the recent cybersecurity buzz has centered around the Department of Defense’s (DOD) Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification ( CMMC ) framework, the VA did not want to be left out. These VAAR additions will force affected contractors at all tiers to implement internal controls . . . Read More

Jessica duHoffmann Heads PilieroMazza’s Newly Formed Construction Group

News 02.22.23

By: Jessica A. duHoffmann

PilieroMazza —a business law firm serving the needs of government contractors and commercial businesses—is pleased to welcome Jessica duHoffmann , who joined the Firm as a Partner and Practice Group Chair of the newly formed Construction Group . Jessica counsels companies operating in various disciplines of the construction industry on matters relating to operational issues, legal compliance requirements, and business litigation. Her high level of experience, knowledge, and legal acumen in construction law helps clients advance their corporate interests and effectively resolve their complex disputes. . . . Read More

Recovering Bid Preparation and Proposal Costs for Government Contractors: ARxIUM Provides Helpful Guidance

Government Contracts, Blog 02.21.23

By: Katherine B. Burrows, Eric Valle

Filing a bid protest and ultimately recovering bid preparation and proposal costs after winning may not be a primary concern for contractors as they pursue a new contract. However, a recent Court of Federal Claims decision provides useful, but often overlooked, guidance for government contractors hoping to recover costs in such situations. This blog summarizes the Court’s decision in ARxIUM, Inc. v. United States [1] and suggests best practices for contractors to maximize cost recovery and improve bid preparation processes in . . . Read More

Proposed Ban on Non-Compete Agreements May Affect Government Contractors’ Ability to Win Recompetes

Labor & Employment, Government Contracts, Blog 02.15.23

By: Sarah L. Nash, Kirby Rousseau

In January 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a proposed rule to ban the use of non-compete clauses in employment agreements. The rule follows President Biden’s July 9, 2021, executive order encouraging the FTC to engage in rulemaking restricting the “unfair use of non-compete clauses and other clauses or agreements that may unfairly limit worker mobility.” The FTC invites the public to comment by March 20, 2023. In this blog, we discuss important considerations related to the FTC’s proposed nationwide ban . . . Read More

Have You Updated the Minimum Wage? Government Contractors Struggle with Minimum Wage Confusion

Blog, Labor & Employment 02.07.23

By: Nichole D. Atallah

On January 1, 2023, the minimum wage for government contractors under Executive Order 14026 increased from $15.00 per hour to $16.20 per hour. We wrote about Executive Order 14026 and its requirements previously here . There continues to be confusion as to when and how Executive Order 14026 applies, so here are a few key components that government contractors should keep in mind. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.222-55, Minimum Wages for Contractors Under Executive Order 14026 (distinguished from the former FAR . . . Read More

GSA Technology Contractors: 4 Requirements to Ensure Only Approved Software Is Used

Government Contracts, Blog 02.02.23

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

Almost two years ago, Executive Order 14028 – Improving the Nation’s Cybersecurity (EO) was issued requiring a host of actions be taken by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Council, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), as well as the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). NIST completed one of those actions, which required it to identify “practices that enhance the security of the software supply chain,” when it released guidance on a secure software development framework and software supply chain security. In a recent memo , OMB . . . Read More