KARLO Insights Blog
Potential Longshoremen Strike: What Small Businesses Need to Know and How to Prepare
This article discusses the potential longshoremen strike and its likely impact on small businesses. It explains the role of longshoremen in global trade and highlights key issues fueling the strike, such as wage disputes, automation, and working conditions. Small businesses are advised to review their contracts, particularly force majeure clauses, and to communicate with suppliers and insurance providers to mitigate disruptions. Government contractors are urged to review their agreements and provide timely notice if their performance may be hindered by the strike.
Important Update on SBA's SDVOSB Program: Certification Changes Ahead
The SBA is amending its SDVOSB program to implement Section 864 of the FY 2024 NDAA, effective October 1, 2024. The changes include eliminating self-certification, requiring VetCert certification for all SDVOSB contracts and subcontracts, and setting an application deadline of December 22, 2024. SDVOSBs need to start the VetCert certification process early and familiarize themselves with the requirements to avoid disruptions. The goal is to enhance program integrity and ensure only genuinely eligible businesses receive contract opportunities.
The DOL's New Rule on White-Collar Exemptions: Key Changes and Implications for Employers
On April 23, 2024, the Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division announced a final rule revising salary thresholds for white-collar exemptions under the FLSA, effective July 1, 2024, and January 1, 2025. These changes raise the minimum salary for exempt employees and highly compensated employees, with further adjustments every three years. Employers are advised to review employee classifications, adjust compensation structures, and update payroll systems to comply. Legal challenges may impact enforcement, so staying informed on legal developments is crucial for maintaining compliance
The SBA's New Working Capital Program: A Win-Win for Small Businesses and Lenders
In this article we cover the ins and outs of the SBA’s new working capital program. The SBA's new working capital program offers financial support to small businesses, enhancing cash flow, providing flexible terms, and offering unsecured loans to a wider range of businesses. It allows small businesses to cover operational costs, invest in growth, and stabilize financially. For lenders, the program reduces risk through SBA guarantees, increases lending opportunities, and strengthens community ties. By supporting small businesses and reducing lender risk, the program promotes economic growth and stability.
Navigating Foreign Business Qualification: Quick Guide for the Small Business Entrepreneurs
This article provides an overview of foreign business qualification, explaining its importance and when it's necessary. Focusing on Maryland and D.C. requirements, it highlights the straightforward process while emphasizing the additional responsibilities and potential penalties for non-compliance, offering insight into why foreign businesses may need to seek certification in these states.
Small Business Owners Speak Out: Election Season Concerns and Legislative Anticipation
Are you ready for the election? In this article we highlight a few of the most important political trends effecting small business owners. Small business owners come in all varieties, and their needs are impacted differently based on varying factors. Where do you fall? Keeping track of your government representatives will help you stay on top of the past, present, and future regulations and modifications to your industry standards.
Women Making History: Celeste Maloy Champions Women-Owned Small Business
This Women’s history month article features an important discussion of women owned businesses in the federal government contracting sector. Celeste Maloy, U.S. Representative for the 2nd District of Utah, is at the helm of an important Bill that seeks to improve access to federal contracting opportunities for women owned small businesses. The bill is making great strides, and if passed has the potential to create significant change for women entrepreneurs across the country.
The American Small Business: A Post-Pandemic Powerhouse with Persistent Challenges
In this article we discuss the post-pandemic economy of small businesses. Is the pandemic truly gone, and how prepared are businesses to withstand present and future hurdles that threaten stability and relevancy in an ever-changing society. We explore the leverage of technology and the potential pitfalls that lurk for small businesses learning to navigate our post-pandemic reality.
Women Making History: A Tribute to Sheila Johnson, Trailblazing Billionaire
In this Women’s History Month Feature Article, we celebrate Sheila Johnson. A trailblazing entrepreneur who shattered glass ceilings to become the first Black female billionaire. We explore her journey, from her humble beginnings to co-founding BET and building a thriving hospitality empire with Salamander Resorts. We highlight her core values that fueled her success and how her story inspires future women entrepreneurs.
Women Making History: The Rise of Women-Owned Small Businesses in the US
We are celebrating Women’s History Month by celebrating women entrepreneurs. In this article, we pay homage to the strides that women business owners have made over the last several years. These incredible leaders have changed the course of history during a critical time in our society and our economy. Here’s to more successful women-owned business ventures for many years to come.
DC Business Access Capital Program: Expanding Access to Capital for Recovery and Growth
In this article we discuss Mayor Bowser’s commitment to empowering small businesses with the DC BizCAP program. Offering loan guarantees, reduced rates, and down payment assistance, this initiative unlocks crucial capital for both established and aspiring businesses. Fueled by a recent $62 million boost from the American Rescue Plan, DC BizCAP is ready to fuel your growth. Read more to see how this program can help you and your business thrive!
Navigating the FAR: A Comprehensive Guide for Government Contractors
Just getting started with federal contracting? Not to worry! We’ve created a comprehensive overview of the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), just for you. We have compiled all of the FAR basics in one place, so that you can feel confident about securing and maintaining your largest contracts.
Baltimore: Mayor Scott's Procurement Plan Paves the Way for Businesses to Flourish
Baltimore is one of the most understated cities in the United States. Baltimore is a bustling city that boasts stunning views, historic charm, and a unique culture beloved by its residents. Are Mayor Brandon Scott’s efforts making waves that produce the economic growth the city deserves? In this article we explore a few upcoming changes to the city’s procurement program.
U.S. House Votes to Uphold Buy America Provisions for EV Chargers, Overturning Biden Administration's Waivers
In this article we discuss an interesting policy conflict: Consistent Promotion of American Job Growth and Access to Affordable Clean Energy Alternatives. We explore the Biden Administration’s policy concerns and the House’s disdain for backing down too quickly from “Made in America” efforts. The result: production and consumer interests continue to take a backseat to the apparent need for more American Jobs.
Striking at the Core: Can the Small Business Contracting Fairness Act Deliver Real Impact?
In this article we review the Small Business Contracting Fairness Act proposed by Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff and the commentary surrounding the potential impact it would have on the procurement efforts that arise out of the already passed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
NIH's CIO-SP4: A Procurement Headache Fueling Protest Surge at GAO
This article reviews the surprising uptick in bid protests filed with the GAO in 2023. Unfortunately, the statistics from the GAO may not reflect an actual uptick in the success and reliability of the GAO in effectively challenging issues, alleged by contractors, for procurements and solicitations.
Maryland's Delta-8 Rollercoaster: Injunction Brings Relief, But Future Remains Uncertain
In this article we discuss the ongoing legal debacle with Maryland’s unlicensed Cannabis marketplace. Delta-8 THC is a naturally occurring chemical compound found in hemp and cannabis plants. For I long time, Delta-8 remained unregulated and essentially legal. Its similarities to the Delta-9, found in common strands of Marijuana, have resulted in controversy in states that have otherwise banned Marijuana or only permit licensed vendors to sell it.
D.C.'s Cashless Ban: Coins and Concerns Clash in the Capital
In this article we review the ramifications of the cashless ban that Washington D.C. implemented. The ban comes on the heels of an uptick in specialized technology allowing customers to provide payments for goods and services in a variety of ways. We review the District’s recent changes, and provide remarks regarding its impact on small businesses and consumers alike.
The $15 Minimum Wage Fight: Biden vs. the 5th Circuit and the Future of Government Contracts
President Biden's ambitious plan to raise the minimum wage for government contractors to $15 hit a roadblock after a Texas judge ruled the Department of Labor lacked authority. Biden argues for the increase based on existing laws, while small businesses worry about increased costs and reduced competition. The legal battle, currently appealed, will influence both the fate of the $15 wage and the DOL's future regulatory power in the sector.
Paving the Way: Juanita Jackson Mitchell, Maryland's First Black Female Lawyer
In this blog post, we delve into the remarkable story of Juanita Jackson Mitchell, the first Black woman to practice law in Maryland. We explore her courageous journey in a time of racial segregation, from her impressive educational background to her groundbreaking legal career. We highlight her pivotal role in dismantling discriminatory practices through courtroom victories and community activism, making her a true pioneer and source of inspiration for generations to come.