Contract Claims 101: REAs vs. Claims vs. Appeals, Part 1
What is a contract claim? How do I handle an issue with the government’s administration of my contract? Who do I contact when a project falls behind schedule, but it wasn’t my fault? These are common and critical questions that come up for government contractors—especially over the past year, in light of the Trump Administration’s sweeping changes to the federal acquisition landscape, an unprecedented federal government shutdown, and uncertainty surrounding award funding. In the coming months, PilieroMazza ’s REAs, Claims, and Appeals Group will publish a . . . Read More
January 2026: Partial Government Shutdown Imminent—Key Considerations for Federal Contractors
Last fall, the longest government shutdown in U.S. history—at 43 days—had lasting and widespread negative impacts across the country. The shutdown ended when Congress eventually agreed on an appropriations bill, but that bill funded the government only through January 30, 2026, with full-year appropriations only for Agriculture, the Legislative Branch, Military Construction, and Veterans Affairs. Since then, full-year appropriations were passed and signed into law for Commerce, Justice, Science, Energy and Water Development, and Interior and Environment. However, six of . . . Read More
Warfighting at Warp Speed: Why Defense Contractors Must Track the DOW’s Acquisition Overhaul
Click here to view the recorded session. In November 2025, the Department of War (DOW) released a game-changing memo: “Transforming the Warfighting Acquisition System to Accelerate Fielding of Capabilities.” This bold blueprint reimagines how defense capabilities are delivered—placing speed, agility, and results at the forefront. But with rapid transformation comes turbulence. While the newly branded Warfighting Acquisition System promises contract opportunities, it also introduces uncertainty. Don’t miss PilieroMazza’s Lauren Brier and Josie Farnielli as they address why defense contractors should stay informed and how understanding . . . Read More
Approve First, Ask Questions Later: SBA Targets Planned Parenthood’s PPP Loans
As of May 2024, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) had flagged nearly 38,000 already-forgiven Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans that it suspected borrowers were ineligible for. The SBA has and will continue to exercise its authority to claw-back funds from borrowers who it believes were ineligible. This is highlighted by its latest target, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc. (PPFA), who is now under the gun to respond to thirty-eight different requests for information regarding its affiliates’ PPP loan eligibility. In . . . Read More
Request for Comment: GSA Seeks Input on Value-Added Reseller Market
The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) recently requested information to explore “potential improvements” to the acquisition of Information Technology (IT) hardware and software through Value Added Resellers (VARs), commonly known as ITVARs. Federal Acquisition Service Commissioner Josh Gruenbaum wants to “learn directly from Value Added Resellers about the value they add to the government within the supply chain.” This request coincides with the first phase of the GSA’s OneGov Strategy, which seeks to provide agencies with standardized terms and pricing for easier access to . . . Read More
Baltimore Magazine Recognizes PilieroMazza’s Jessica duHoffmann and Todd Reinecker for Excellence in Construction Law and Business Litigation
When commercial businesses and government contractors face complex construction challenges or high-stakes disputes, experience and strategy matter. PilieroMazza is proud to announce that Baltimore Magazine recognizes partners Jessica duHoffmann and Todd Reinecker among its Top Lawyers—highlighting the firm’s depth of talent and commitment to delivering results for business clients. Read more here . Jessica leads PilieroMazza’s Construction Group , where she helps clients in the construction industry lay the groundwork for success. From contract negotiation and compliance to dispute resolution, Jessica’s practical, results-driven counsel enables contractors, developers, . . . Read More
Matt Feinberg Comments on SBA’s Sweeping 8(a) Suspensions
The Small Business Administration (SBA) confirmed it suspended more than 1,000 contractors this month from the 8(a) Business Development Program, a cornerstone of federal contracting for many small businesses and Native-owned enterprises. The agency said the action followed firms’ failure to submit required records during a program-wide audit. The suspensions represent about one-quarter of the roughly 4,300 companies participating in the 8(a) program, which provides contracting assistance to small businesses designated as socially and economically disadvantaged, including tribally owned enterprises, . . . Read More
DOD Releases Intellectual Property Guidebook: Key Insights for Defense Contractors, Part 2
When doing business with the Department of Defense (DOD), it is imperative that contractors protect their intellectual property (IP) and understand DOD’s data rights regime under the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS). Fortunately, the DOD released its Intellectual Property Guidebook (Guidebook) in May 2025, which gives contractors critical insight into how DOD handles IP and data rights in government contracts. This blog, the second in PilieroMazza’s series, takes a closer look at the Guidebook’s fundamental IP and data rights concepts, such . . . Read More
SBA Suspends 1,000 8(a) Firms for Not Submitting Data—Federal News Network Quotes PilieroMazza’s Meghan Leemon and Matt Feinberg
The Small Business Administration suspended more than 1,000 companies in the 8(a) program. SBA made the decision after it deemed those small businesses non-compliant with its financial data request from December. . . . Lawyers that represent small businesses say SBA issued the suspensions on Wednesday based on the fact that the 8(a) firms either failed to submit their responses on or before the January 19 deadline or submitted incomplete responses. “At least some firms that submitted complete data call . . . Read More
SBA Issues Suspension Notices to 8(a) Firms Following Data Call
On December 5, 2025, the Small Business Administration (SBA) issued a program-wide data call (Data Call) to all 8(a) Business Development Program (8(a) Program) participants seeking three years of financial and contractual records. The Data Call was designed to identify fraud, waste, and abuse in the 8(a) Program. Further to that stated goal, following the response deadline of January 19, 2026, SBA swiftly moved to take adverse action against 8(a) firms it deems non-compliant with the Data Call obligations. 8(a) . . . Read More