Understanding the Ostensible Subcontractor Rule: Avoiding Hidden Affiliation Risks in Small Business Contracting

Aron C. Beezley and Gabrielle A. Sprio | BuildSmart The Small Business Administration’s (SBA) ostensible subcontractor rule remains one of the most consequential — and misunderstood — affiliation principles in federal procurement. For small businesses pursuing set-aside contracts, failing to navigate this rule properly can result in bid protests, loss of eligibility, and even contract… Continue reading Understanding the Ostensible Subcontractor Rule: Avoiding Hidden Affiliation Risks in Small Business Contracting

Mediation Aspects of SB940 in California: The Tiers Structure for Mediator Certification

American Arbitration Association Welcome back to Mediation Aspects of SB940 in California, a series providing updates on Business and Professions Code 6173 which created a voluntary certification program for mediators and other alternative dispute resolution (ADR) professionals in California. The new program “aims to promote adherence to ethical standard for ADR services and establish consumer… Continue reading Mediation Aspects of SB940 in California: The Tiers Structure for Mediator Certification

Don’t Spoil It! The Line Between the Need for Repairs and Spoliation of Evidence

J. Daniel Weidner and Kaci M. Claborn | Koley Jessen When construction disputes arise, your first instinct may be to repair any defects immediately. However, acting too quickly can lead to unintended legal consequences. This issue, known as spoliation of evidence, occurs when evidence critical to a lawsuit is altered, destroyed, or otherwise not preserved. For… Continue reading Don’t Spoil It! The Line Between the Need for Repairs and Spoliation of Evidence

California Bill Seeks to Add ‘Transparency’ to Aerial Images Used by Insurers

Insurance Journal A California lawmaker is pushing to require insurers to notify homeowners in advance of taking or using aerial images of their property, and to stop insurers from basing decisions to cancel, non-renew, or reduce coverage based on aerial images older than 180 days. Assembly Bill was introduced last week by Assemblymember Lisa Calderon,… Continue reading California Bill Seeks to Add ‘Transparency’ to Aerial Images Used by Insurers

In Brief: Construction Regulation and Compliance in USA (Louisiana)

Luke LaRocca, Benjamin R. Grau, H. Bruce Shreves, Douglass F. Wynne and Denise C. Puente | Simon Peragine Smith & Redfearn Regulation and compliance Licensing procedures Must foreign designers and contractors be licensed locally to work and, if so, what are the consequences of working without a license? Foreign architects, interior designers, engineers, and contractors… Continue reading In Brief: Construction Regulation and Compliance in USA (Louisiana)