Compliance Stuff

  Government shutdowns can throw a wrench into the gears of even the most well-oiled contracting operations. When Congress and the president fail to pass a funding bill, the resulting lapse in appropriations can halt nonessential federal activities, leaving contractors in a precarious position. But fear not—by t aking proactive steps and staying informed, contractors can navigate these turbulent times with confidence and resilience. Here are some ideas for managing the risks and keeping projects on track during a government shutdown. 0:00 6:00 Quick Hits Identifying Impacted Contracts:  Review contract terms and engage your contracting officer to determine if contracts are affected by the shutdown. Responding to Stop-Work Orders:  Stop-work orders typically require immediate compliance. When complying, be sure to document all related communications and actions. Proactive Communication:  If no stop-work order is issued, seek written confirmation from your contracting...

On October 1, 2025, Congress failed to pass an appropriations bill to keep the federal government open. Three weeks have passed, and there is still no clear path forward. With each passing day, Republicans and Democrats alike become further entrenched in their positions, convinced that their cause is just. As a result, hardworking Americans, their families, and their businesses suffer. Government representatives who contend that holding out for an uncompromising win will be beneficial in the long run fail to appreciate the extent of the ongoing harm, and that whatever benefits may materialize in the future are quickly being erased by the damage inflicted now on so many Americans, as well as the millions of small businesses—government contractors and commercial firms alike—that both parties agree form the backbone of the U.S. economy.   Business leaders are uniquely situated as they have a direct view of the negative impact of the shutdown on their companies, their employees, and t...

  At a Glance The Policy Week in Review, prepared by Littler’s Workplace Policy Institute (WPI), sets forth WPI’s updates on federal, state, and local matters. Senate Advances DOL and EEOC Nominees Earlier today, the Senate voted 51-46 on a procedural motion to advance the nominations of individuals to serve in key positions at the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), including: Andrew Rogers to serve as the DOL Wage and Hour Division administrator; Jonathan Berry as the solicitor of Labor; David Keeling as head of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA); Wayne Palmer as the head of the Mine Safety and Health Administration; Julie Hocker to head the Office of Disability Employment Policy; David Brian Castillo to serve as DOL’s chief financial officer; and Brittany Panuccio to be a member of the EEOC. Federal Government Shuts Down After Congress Fails to Reach Funding Deal On Tuesday, the Senate failed to pass the Ho...

Here are the top ten items you should tackle in October 2025, based on the latest workplace law developments and upcoming critical compliance dates: _____ Learn what you can – and can’t – do about employee speech.  As employee expression spills into every corner of the modern workplace, employers are trying to figure out the best way to respond to off-duty social media rants, political debates in the workplace, dress code disputes, and other types of activity. Here’s our  employer guide to navigating employee speech in various scenarios . _____ Assess how the government shutdown impacts your operations.  The federal government officially shut down on October 1 after Congress failed to reach a spending agreement   by the deadline. How will the shutdown impact employers? Here are our  answers to your top questions . _____ Plan for big changes to the H-1B and other visa programs.  The Trump administration upended immigration and workforce strategies for many...

Shutdown, again.  This advisory helps contractors manage operations during this period. First Step for Government Contractors and Companies Subject to US Export Controls. Contractors should closely monitor their customer and regulatory agencies’ websites for shutdown guidance, as agencies such as the Department of Defense (DoD), U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), and others have already issued instructions. [1]  Each agency may have slightly different responses, so staying informed is crucial. Contractors should be particularly mindful of: (1) when contractors must halt work, (2) what work and costs are reimbursable during the shutdown, (3) cost-saving measures that comply with labor laws, and (4) impact of future administrative delays on commercial operations. What Stays Open? Essential Activities That Continue During a Government Shutdown. During a government shutdown, contractors must decide whether to continue work or stop. A shutdown does not automatically suspend contract...