I authored an article published by Law360 discussing the recent reauthorization of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology (STTR) programs. Touted as “America’s Seed Fund,” these programs seek to foster a healthy environment for small business startups to innovate and provide a path to private-sector commercialization of new technologies.
Continue Reading New SBIR and STTR Programs that Promote Small Business Innovation
On September 30, President Biden signed the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Extension Act of 2022, reauthorizing the SBIR and STTR programs through September 30, 2025.
Continue Reading Register Now | SBIR/STTR Program Reauthorization – Changes Are Coming!
As President Biden prepared to jet off to the United Nations COP27 Climate Summit in Egypt, his administration announced a proposed rule that would dramatically enhance government contractors’ compliance obligations related to climate change.
Continue Reading U.S. Government Brings Its Buying Power to the Fight Against Climate Change
You are reading Bass, Berry & Sims’ new enforcement roundup, where we bring notable enforcement actions, policy changes, interesting news articles and a bit of our insight to your inbox every month.
October 2022 was an active month for enforcement, with the Department of Treasury updating Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) guidelines and the Departments of Justice (DOJ) and Commerce (DOC) taking multiple actions. To stay up to date, subscribe to our GovCon & Trade blog. If you have questions about any of the actions mentioned and how they relate to your business, contact our international trade team. We welcome your feedback and encourage sharing this newsletter with anyone who may be interested.
Continue Reading International Trade Enforcement Roundup – October 2022
I am looking forward to presenting a panel titled “Mentor Protégé Step by Step for SBA and DoD” for the APTAC Fall 2022 Conference on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. EDT. The conference is taking place at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill on November 6-10, 2022. For more information, please click here.
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) is a historic investment in our nation’s roads, bridges, railways, airports and transportation systems. The bill appropriates $550 billion to physical infrastructure projects, requires stricter enforcement of the prompt payment rule for small businesses, and places a particular emphasis on the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program.
Continue Reading Proposed Rule for DBE Program Comes as Infrastructure Money Begins to Flow
I was recently quoted in Business Weekly Taiwan about the U.S. Department of Commerce’s newly released semiconductor export controls to China. The article examines the impact of the new regulations on Chinese American individuals working in semiconductor businesses.
On October 20, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) released new, non-binding Enforcement and Penalty Guidelines (Guidelines). The Guidelines follow upon last month’s Executive Order linking CFIUS reviews directly to the president’s national security prerogatives. In particular, the Guidelines detail the following:
Continue Reading New CFIUS Guidelines Reflect Shift in Enforcement Posture
Unbelievably, after the 11th Circuit narrowed the nationwide injunction issued by the Southern District of Georgia on August 30, which took effect when the court issued its mandate on October 18, the government began preparing to enforce the vaccine mandate against contractors not covered by one of the six district court injunctions.
Continue Reading IT’S ALIVE! The Government Contractor Vaccine Mandate, Back for One More Round
On October 7, the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), announced new controls on exports to China related to semiconductors. BIS also added 38 Chinese entities to the Unverified List (UVL) and established new criteria for adding entities to the Entity List. Specific details of these rules, particularly the expansive action regarding semiconductors, are laid out below.
Continue Reading Commerce Issues Two Rules Impacting China Exports, Parties