Request for Equitable Adjustment

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Well, it is certainly an interesting time to be a federal government contractor. In the last few weeks, we have seen Executive Orders (EOs) flying fast and furious, and a lot of other activity impacting federal government contractors. Overall, these various new developments have resulted in a flurry of contract modifications, suspensions, and terminations for…

As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, many of us are on the lookout for four-leaf clovers, a pot of gold, or perhaps even a mischievous leprechaun guarding his treasure. But in the world of government contracting, the real tricksters aren’t wearing green coats and buckled shoes—and there is no gold at the end of the procurement rainbow. Instead, that pot is full of the recently announced tariffs. Effective March 4, 2025, the Trump administration imposed 25 percent tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imports (exclusive of Canada energy imports, where there is a 10 percent tariff) and a 20 percent tariff on Chinese products. While economists, pundits, and the stock market will all have their say on the wisdom behind these actions, such prognostication is of little help to federal contractors who are forced to deal with the very real effects right now.Continue Reading Tariffs, Leprechauns, and Contract Gold: Navigating the Hidden Costs of Trade Policies

As much we all love Rihanna, it’s a real shame how many contractors have called me in the last few days with issues that remind me of her well-known “Pay Me What You Owe Me” lyrics. They’re brought to mind because contractors are – on an increasing basis – being denied payment on properly invoiced sums. In some cases, contractors have even been expressly advised by agency officials that they will not be paid at all for the foreseeable future. “Don’t submit any future invoices until you hear from us” is becoming a shockingly common refrain. And yet, the work being invoiced was properly performed. There is no allegation of delayed or deficient performance. Indeed, the amounts due are undisputedly owing to the contractor. So what is going on?!?Continue Reading Pay Me What You Owe Me, Don’t Act Like You Forgot!