PSC Applauds Contractor-Focused Provisions in House Bill

Arlington, Va. (May 12, 2020) The Professional Services Council (PSC) applauds the inclusion of a contractor-focused Title in the House of Representative’s legislation released today, designed to help the economy in response to the coronavirus pandemic. 

“The provisions in this Title of the House bill will help ensure that federal government contractors can continue their work and provide needed support that keeps the government fully operating for the American people,” said David Berteau, PSC’s President and CEO. “Across the country, companies are rallying to ensure the availability of critical supplies and services to address the coronavirus crisis. This package supports this effort, maintains workforce employment, and sustains the industrial base—including many small businesses—by keeping companies working and funded.” 

Specifically, the provisions would: 

• Require that federal agencies allow contractor personnel to telework to the maximum extent practical during the coronavirus emergency (Sec. 70401);
• Support the economy for companies of all sizes by requiring paying prime contractors within 15 days of the submission of a valid invoice (Sec. 70404);
• Require government-wide, uniform guidance to clarify the coverage provided under Section 3610 of the CARES Act (Sec. 70402); and
• Ensure that contractors are not penalized by adverse performance ratings due to contract disruptions caused by the coronavirus emergency (Sec. 70403).

“PSC thanks Chairman Gerry Connolly, Members of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, and others for developing a package that supports the contractor community’s work to help meet the government’s mission needs in this challenging time. We urge Congress to retain these provisions through the legislative process,” Berteau continued.   

“PSC also urges Congress to address in any legislation additional issues impacting the federal contractors, such as tax equality for leave-sharing programs, common-sense changes in supply chain security requirements, and a fair equitable adjustment process for companies affected by the emergency,” Berteau concluded.