PSC Announces Support of Contractor-Focused Provisions in House Bill; David Berteau Quoted

The Professional Services Council has announced its support of the inclusion of a contractor-focused Title in the House of Representatives’ legislation that will improve the economy in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization reported on Tuesday. 

“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 and a two-time Wash100 winner.

The recent legislation would require federal agencies to allow contractor personnel to telework to the maximum extent practical during the coronavirus emergency and has also outlined that it will support the economy by requiring paying prime contractors within 15 days of the submission of a valid invoice.

“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,” Berteau added. 

Additionally, the provisions would require government-wide, uniform guidance to clarify the coverage provided under Section 3610 of the CARES Act and ensure that contractors are not penalized by adverse performance ratings due to contract disruptions caused by the coronavirus emergency.

PSC has also requested that Congress address additional issues impacting the federal contractors in further legislation, including 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.

“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 concluded.  

About PSC

PSC is the voice of the government technology and professional services industry. PSC’s more than 400 member companies represent small, medium and large businesses that provide federal agencies with services of all kinds, including information technology, engineering, logistics, facilities management, operations and maintenance, consulting, international development, scientific, social, environmental services, and more. Together, the trade association’s members employ hundreds of thousands of Americans in all 50 states.