House Small biz hearing examines CARES Act

      The House Small Business Committee reviewed a range of issues related to the CARES Act support for small firms in a May 15 online hearing.

      Rep. Nydia Velazquez, D-NY, reported additional guidance is needed for the Paycheck Protection Program. “We are still waiting for the (loan) forgiveness rules and guidance,” she said at the hearing.

      Applicants are waiting for approvals. “We have too many clients who have no idea of the status of their loans,” said Charles Rowe, president of America’s Small Business Development Centers.

      On a positive note, Corinne Hodges, CEO of the Association of Women’s Business Centers, says the centers ramped up to handle 10 times the usual client load during recent weeks. The WBCs got $48 million extra in the CARES Act.

More information:
Watch the hearing video at: https://bit.ly/2Xd96wR

State-by-state reopening guide

      Check online for updates on state-by-state reopening guidances for businesses during the coronavirus pandemic.

      The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has created the handy guide and is updating it regularly.

      The guidances are varied. For example, in some states, masks are required, either for customers, employees, or both. In some other states, wearing masks is suggested.

More information:
See the guide at:https://bit.ly/2X9vIP6

$4.7M small biz fraud

      A New York construction company and its affiliates have agreed to pay $4.7 million to settle a False Claims Act case alleging they engaged in a longstanding scheme to pose as SDVOSB and HUBZone small firms to win federal set-aside contracts.

      The company, Northland Associates of Liverpool, NY, and its owner, James Tyler, were accused of fraudulently obtaining federal construction set-aside contracts.

Read more:
US Attorney's Office statement:https://bit.ly/3g6wZz2 and
Dorsey & Whitney summary on JDSupra: https://bit.ly/3g3o3KL

Inside this edition:

Final rule issued for WOSB certification, 8(a) income limit

Agency reopenings

SBA didn’t reach out to rural, underserved for PPP loans: OIG

Coronavirus Resources for Small Business Federal Contractors

FAR error?

Rubio’s new Intel role

Contractors like House bill

Fast pay at 4 departments

Column: Why Should I Pay Attention to Sources Sought and RFIs?

Washington Insider: