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COVID-19 Client Resource Center: To access resources for businesses navigating the COVID-19 crisis, we invite you to visit PilieroMazza’s “COVID-19 Client Resource Center.” Please contact covid19@pilieromazza.com for immediate assistance. NEWS: Matt Feinberg Talks to Law360 on Litigation Funding Companies’ Interest in Funding FCA Cases, July 28, 2020. [Read More] |
LABOR & EMPLOYMENT
DOL Releases Fluctuating Workweek Fact Sheet
The Department of Labor (DOL) released a new fact sheet with guidance on calculating overtime when DOL’s fluctuating workweek final rule goes into effect August 7, 2020. Read more here.
SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAMS
PPP Loan Application Period Coming to Close
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan application period is coming to a close. Applications are due August 8, 2020. Read more here.
What’s in the $1 Trillion Senate Republican Pandemic Relief Plan?
Bloomberg released a report highlighting the components included in the draft plan prepared by Senate Republican leaders to provide $1 trillion in coronavirus relief funding. Read more here.
PRAC Outlines Oversight Roadmap
The Coalition for Government Procurement reported that the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee (PRAC) released its strategic plan, which outlines its roadmap for oversight of coronavirus funds and the government’s pandemic response over the next five years. Read more here.
SBA Accepting Applications for New Women-Owned Small Business Certification
The Federal News Network reported that business owners are now able to submit applications for certification as a women-owned small business (WOSB) through SBA’s online platform. On July 15, 2020, SBA implemented Congressional changes that were included in the 2015 National Defense Authorization Act. SBA’s updated regulations are intended to make it easier for qualified small businesses to participate in the WOSB Federal Contracting Program by improving the customer experience while strengthening oversight and maintaining the integrity of the certification process. Firms can continue to use the self-certification process for WOSB status through October 15, 2020, after which time all firms will be required to use the free online certification process at beta.certify.sba.gov. As part of the new certification process, firms must submit documentation from Third-Party Certifiers for processing. Read more here.
GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS
COVID-19 Contracts Worth $18 Billion Largely Noncompetitive
Bloomberg Government reported that, according to a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, as of June 2020, federal agencies had obligated $17.8 billion in contracts to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to GAO’s report, more than half of the contracts were noncompetitive, and four departments and agencies accounted for 85% of obligations. Read the full GAO report here.
GSA Launches IT Acquisition University
The General Services Administration (GSA) announced the launch of its new online training solution for professionals in the world of government IT acquisition. It is meant to give users access to digestible and relevant content ranging from cloud migration to use of GSA contracts. Read more here.
GAO Examines Actions Needed to Ensure DOD Considers Climate Risks to Contractors
GAO released a report titled, “Climate Resilience: Actions Needed to Ensure DOD Considers Climate Risks to Contractors as Part of Acquisition, Supply, and Risk Assessment.” The report examines the extent to which the Department of Defense (DOD) assesses the potential effects on its operations from climate change and extreme weather risks faced by its contractors through its acquisition and supply processes and mission assurance process. Read more here.
Memorandum on Implementation of Section 889(a)(1)(B) Prohibitions
DOD Acting Principal Director of Defense Pricing and Contracting, Kim Herrington, released a memorandum to facilitate the implementation of interim FAR rule 2019-009, effective on August 13, 2020. The interim rule implements prohibitions on contracting with entities using certain telecommunications and video surveillance services or equipment as established in Section 889(a)(1)(B) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019. Read the full memorandum here.
Upcoming Government Contracts Presentations
WEBINAR: Exiting From the Valley of the Shadow of Death: Successful Growth Strategies for Small Businesses Moving to the Mid-Tier, September 16, 2020, Cy Alba.
WEBINAR: PCI Subcontracting Summit 2020: Subcontract Pricing, September 22, 2020, Cy Alba.
WEBINAR: Impact and Potential Pitfalls of CARES Act / 3610 and PPP Flexibility Act on Government Contractors, September 23, 2020, Cy Alba.
CYBERSECURITY & DATA PRIVACY
Pentagon Planning for Next 25 Years of Cybersecurity
FedScoop reported that DOD issued a request for information that asks for help building out a roadmap of science and technology activities related to advances in cybersecurity over the next two-and-a-half decades. Read more here.
Memorandum on Reinforcing Operations Security
The Secretary for Defense released a memorandum for all DOD personnel reinforcing the importance of operations security and preventing unauthorized disclosures. Read the full memo here.
Upcoming Cybersecurity & Data Privacy Presentations
WEBINAR: CMMC Is Coming: Are You Ready?, August 11, 2020, Jon Williams.