Coronavirus Update: The Defense Production Act Is Not a Contractor’s Shield Against Local Shutdown Orders
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Morrison Foerster’s Government Contracts Insights blog provides an in-depth analysis of news, developments, and trends impacting government contracting and procurement. Through Insights, attorneys from our nationally recognized Government Contracts and Public Procurement practice will offer a real-time assessment of the statutory, regulatory, legal, and business-related developments that are shaping the industry. This blog will also examine a full array of U.S. and non-U.S. public procurement issues, mindful that our clients compete in a global marketplace.
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- The President is invoking the Defense Production Act (DPA), 50 U.S.C. §§ 4501 et seq. , to acquire much needed medical supplies and equipment. Meanwhile, contractors that already are performing DX or DO rated orders under the DPA are asking if the Act can... ›
Coronavirus/COVID-19 Update: Evolving Local Orders that Affect Government Contractors
By: J. Alex Ward
As the COVID-19 situation continues to develop day by day, and even hour by hour, many jurisdictions are issuing guidance regarding quarantines and work restrictions that may affect the operations of government contractors. In this blog, we cover updates on the situation in California,... ›Coronavirus (COVID-19) for Employers: Leaves, Furloughs, and the Warn Act
By: Andrew R. Turnbull
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization officially declared the worldwide outbreak of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, a pandemic. As the ripple effects from COVID-19 continue to grow, employers are increasingly facing difficult questions about how to address temporary workplace closures as well... ›Department of Defense Adopts AI Ethical Principles to Guide Its Expanded Use of AI
By: Tina D. Reynolds
Popular science fiction is replete with examples of artificial intelligence (AI) gone awry, from HAL, the killer AI of Arthur C. Clarke’s 2001: A Space Odyssey , to the supercomputer bent on nuclear annihilation in WarGames , to the robot forces of 2004’s I,... ›Top 10 International Anti-Corruption Developments for February 2020
By: James M. Koukios and Charles E. Duross
In order to provide an overview for busy in-house counsel and compliance professionals, we summarize below some of the most important international anti-corruption developments from the past month, with links to primary resources. This month we ask: What did several federal courts have to... ›U.S. Government Announces New Federal Funding Opportunities Related to COVID-19
By: Tina D. Reynolds
The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority ( BARDA ), part of the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, has modified an existing broad agency announcement (BAA) through which it will award government funding... ›February 2020 Bid Protest Roundup (Law360 Spotlight)
By: Sandeep N. Nandivada
This installment of our monthly Law360 bid protest spotlight features three noteworthy decisions from the Government Accountability Office (“GAO”) concerning reprocurement contracts, timeliness rules, and discussions. Steel Point Solutions, LLC addresses the proper scope of reprocurement contracts. Vizocom provides a cautionary tale for contractors... ›Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: Keep Calm, Wash Your Hands, and Know Your Rights
By: Locke Bell
As the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, invades more and more of everyday life, the chance it will affect government contracts and government contractors becomes more and more likely. These effects might include workforce reductions from those out sick, travel restrictions, base closures, or telework. Indeed,... ›MoFo Webinar: Are You Ready for CMMC? Do You Need to Be?
By: Tina D. Reynolds
Please join Morrison & Foerster LLP, Coalfire Federal, and Grant Thornton Public Sector on Thursday, February 27 at 12PM EST for a deep dive into the key aspects of the Department of Defense’s Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) process and how it will affect... ›The Procurement Lawyer: Imputation of False Claims Act Liability to Prime Contractors
By: Sandeep N. Nandivada
Morrison & Foerster Government Contracts associate Sandeep Nandivada, with assistance from law clerk David Allman*, discuss FCA liability for prime contractors in this issue of the American Bar Association’s The Procurement Lawyer publication. See below for an excerpt: The specter of the civil False... ›