GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING, CORONAVIRUS, AND THE DEFENSE PRODUCTION ACT

Many government contractors are aware of the Defense Production Act (DPA), but in the coronavirus era it is a good time to familiarize yourself with some of the smaller details and figure out if your company has an opportunity to capitalize on it. To continue reading this blog please click here.

EEOC ISSUES UPDATED COVID-19
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PUBLICATION  

CONTAINS Q&A SECTION OF COMMON WORKPLACE QUESTIONS

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) today posted an updated and expanded technical assistance publication addressing questions arising under the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Laws related to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The publication, “What You Should Know About COVID-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and Other EEO Laws” expands on a previous publication that focused on the ADA and Rehabilitation Act, and adds questions-and-answers to respond to common inquiries.

In response to inquiries from the public, the EEOC has provided resources on its website related to the pandemic in an employment context.  The agency will continue to monitor developments and provide assistance to the public as needed.

The EEOC advances opportunity in the workplace by enforcing federal laws prohibiting employ­ment discrimination. More information is available at www.eeoc.gov. Stay connected with the latest EEOC news by subscribing to our email updates.

The Small Business Administration in conjunction with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce have put together a checklist for Coronavirus Emergency Loans for small businesses. Here are some of the key points:

• The first step should be to see if your current bank currently participates in SBA lending
• Any business with fewer than 500 employees is eligible, including those who are self-employed
• Your business does not have to have a current downturn in order to be eligible. All that is necessary is that you certify in good faith that the “uncertainty of current economic conditions” makes the loan request necessary (and some related statements)
• There is no personal guarantee
• You can receive up to 2.5x your monthly total payroll expense including leave benefits, but there are some exclusions for individuals making in excess of $100,000. Your own salary is part of the payroll package
• The loan is capped at $10,000,000.00
• The loan can be used for payroll, rent, and other operating expenses
• The loan has an unprecedented forgiveness program predicated essentially on keeping employees. Yes, this means that the entire loan amount can be forgiven
• Note: if you laid off employees it may make sense to re-hire those employees to maximize the loan forgiveness, and, if necessary, have them do other work

The tax bill itself can be found here: https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/748/text

One prevailing thought is if a company does not currently need the loan why take it out and the answer is quite easy. If unforeseen circumstances occur than you already have the money. If in six months you don’t need it simply pay it back.

Here is more information from the SBA on the Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources

Finally, here is the check Coronavirus Emergency Loans Small Business Guide and Checklist:

TRUMP EXTENDS FEDERAL SOCIAL DISTANCING GUIDELINES TO APRIL 30

THE GOVERNMENT STIMULUS GUIDE FOR INDIVIDUALS AND BUSINESSES

$2 TRILLION HAS BEEN SET ASIDE TO AID INDIVIDUALS AND BUSINESSES IMPACTED BY THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.  THE GOVERNMENT’S CORONAVIRUS AID RELIEF, AND ECONOMIC SECURITY (CARES) ACT IS THE LARGEST OF ITS KIND IN U.S. HISTORY.

We have created a download friendly guide below.

FPG Government Stimulus Benefits Guide

GUIDANCE ON PREPARING WORKPLACES FOR COVID-19

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration under the auspice of the U.S. Department of Labor has put together guidance for agencies to implement to best safeguard employees from COVID-19. For a copy of the guidelines click on Guidance for Preparing the Workplace for COVID-19.

CORONAVIRUS PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE SUPPLEMENT APPROPRIATIONS ACT