GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS
Broken Promises: The Government’s Ability to Trick Contractors and Get Away With It (Maybe), PilieroMazza Blog, Isaias “Cy” Alba, IV, Ryan Boonstra
As the government embraced the digital age in the years after COVID-19, its need for new software and technologies skyrocketed. This rapidly expanding procurement need presents great opportunities for businesses—both small and large—to satisfy the government’s needs. But every opportunity carries risks. In this blog, PilieroMazza explores a case that sheds light on (1) the risks posed by the ever-changing nature of software, (2) the government’s acquisition of new software using multi-option-year contracts, and (3) the legal enforceability of negotiated terms for government contractors. Read more here.
Cy Alba Featured in PCI Podcast Series “Top 10 Tips and Traps for Bid Protests”, PilieroMazza News
Public Contracting Institute’s Practical Matters GovCon Podcast features PilieroMazza’s Cy Alba in their 3-part podcast series “Top 10 Tips and Traps for Bid Protests.” Cy leads the Firm’s Government Contracts Group, serving as Chair of PilieroMazza’s largest practice group which includes the Bid Protests team. Read more here.
Small Business Administration (SBA) Press Release: SBA Announces Extension of Moratorium on 8(a) Eligibility Requirement for Small Disadvantaged Businesses (SDBs)
On June 11, SBA Administrator Guzman announced the extension of the moratorium for the 8(a) Business Development Program’s Bona Fide Place of Business through September 30, 2025, for SDBs. This moratorium allows 8(a) participants to forgo the established physical presence requirement to be awarded a construction contract through the program. This extension has been brought about following industry feedback about workforce shortages and cultural shifts favoring remote work. Read more here.
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Notice: Application of Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) to Indefinite Delivery Vehicles (IDVs)
On June 18, OMB’s Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) published a notice and request for comments announcing the availability of a document requesting information from the public about amendments to the CAS Board’s rules for applying CAS to IDVs. The notice is available here. Comments close August 19, 2024.
General Services Administration (GSA) News Release: GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) Update Reduces Barriers and Costs for Buyers and Sellers of Software Licenses
On June 13, GSA announced an update to the MAS allowing for upfront payments for software licenses, which is intended to save money and support small businesses. This change applies to Software as a Service (SaaS) under Information Technology Category (ITC) Special Item Numbers (SINs) and is also intended to align government and commercial practices to offer flexibility for procurement of software through MAS. Read more here.
Small Business Administration (SBA) Press Release: SBA Announces $30 Million in Grant Funding for New Women’s Business Centers (WBCs)
On June 11, Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman announced four funding opportunities for WBCs totaling $30 million. This includes funding to support women-owned small businesses and economically disadvantaged women-owned small businesses in government contracting. Read more here.
The White House: Statement from President Joe Biden on a Record 18 million Small Business Applications
On June 12, President Biden released a statement announcing over eighteen million new small business applications since he took office, noting the increase in Black-, Hispanic-, and women-owned small businesses. Read more here. SBA Administrator Guzman’s statement and press release is available here.
GSA Launches Co-Pilot Tool to Streamline Procurement, MeriTalk
The General Services Administration (GSA) announced a new online tool to help make the government procurement process easier for Federal employees. Read more here.
Small Businesses Gain AI Training Under Bipartisan Senate Bill, Bloomberg Government
A new bipartisan bill would equip small businesses with artificial intelligence training tools to help them use and promote the emerging technology in their daily operations. Read more here (subscription required).
Upcoming Government Contract Presentations
PM WEBINAR: Sustainable Procurement: A Closer Look at the New Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), July 9, 2024 / 2:00 PM ET, Katherine B. Burrows, Eric Valle
WEBINAR: FAR Session 14, Parts 22 & 23, July 10, 2024 / 12:00 PM ET, Sarah L. Nash, Nichole D. Atallah
WEBINAR: Do’s and Don’ts of Subcontracting on Federal Projects, July 11, 2024 / 1:00 PM ET, Isaias “Cy” Alba, IV, Nichole D. Atallah
CONFERENCE: Using JV’s to Win Work with GSA and Beyond, July 23, 2024 / 2:00 PM ET, Jon Williams
LABOR & EMPLOYMENT
Clocking in with PilieroMazza: Second Chance Initiatives: Guidance for Hiring Workers with Criminal Histories, PilieroMazza Podcast, Sarah L. Nash, Nichole D. Atallah. Click here to access the podcast.
Feds Are Still Slated for a 2% Average Pay Raise in 2025 Per House Appropriations Bill, Government Executive
The House Appropriations Committee advanced legislation Thursday that failed to override President Biden’s 2025 pay plan. Civilian federal employees are still expected to receive an average 2.0% raise next year, after the House Appropriations Committee advanced a spending package Thursday that is silent of federal worker compensation. Read more here.
Upcoming Labor & Employment Presentations
CONFERENCE: New Employment Issues in Government Contracting, July 23, 2024 / 10:00 AM ET, Sarah L. Nash, Nichole D. Atallah
FALSE CLAIMS ACT / AUDITS & INVESTIGATIONS
Upcoming False Claims Act / Audits & Investigations Presentations
PM WEBINAR: Common Scenarios Triggering False Claims Act Violations, Part 1: Government Contracts and Cybersecurity, June 26, 2024 / 2:00 PM ET, Matthew E. Feinberg, Isaias “Cy” Alba, IV, Jacqueline K. Unger
PM WEBINAR: Common Scenarios Triggering False Claims Act Violations, Part 2: Construction and Workforce Issues, June 27, 2024 / 2:00 PM ET, Matthew E. Feinberg, Jessica A. duHoffmann, Sarah L. Nash
PM WEBINAR: Common Scenarios Triggering False Claims Act Violations, Part 3: Claims and Investigations, July 2, 2024 / 2:00 PM ET, Matthew E. Feinberg, Mark F. Rosenow
CYBERSECURITY & DATA PRIVACY
Senators look to mitigate risks in AI procurement, Government Executive
Sens. Peters and Tilis introduced new legislation on Tuesday that proposes standards for the artificial intelligence technologies procured by the federal government, as more agencies work to take advantage of the beneficial aspects of AI and automated systems. Read more here.
