Navigating Government Shutdowns: Legal Issues For Federal Contractors

Denise GillinNews

By McGuireWoods LLP – JD Supra With the end of the federal government shutdown that began on Jan. 20, 2018, there is a reasonable likelihood that the budget impasse will just be resurrected when yet another short-term funding extension enacted by Congress expires — this time on Feb. 8, 2018. This, in turn, will prolong uncertainty for many federal contractors regarding government contract, labor and employment, and other laws. It also, however, gives them a chance to prepare for the next shutdown. Read the issues federal contractors should consider >>>

Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week: January 29 – February 2

Denise GillinInsurance, News

It is tax time. The tax scammers are gearing-up. Learn how to protect yourself during Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week January 29-February 2, 2018. Tax identity theft occurs when a person uses someone else’s Social Security number to either file a tax return and claim the victim’s refund, or to earn wages that are reported as the victim’s income, leaving the victim with the tax bill. Read more here >>>

ACA Compliance – Furnishing Deadline Delayed for 2017 ACA Reporting

Matt PfeiffenbergerHealth Benefits, Large Group Benefits (100+), News, Small Group Benefits (2-50)

On December 22, 2017, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued Notice 2018-06 to: Extend the due date for furnishing forms under Sections 6055 and 6056 for 2017 for 30 days, from January 31, 2018, to March 2, 2018; and Extend good-faith transition relief from penalties related to 2017 information reporting under Sections 6055 and 6056. Notice 2018-06 does not extend the due date for filing forms with the IRS for 2017. The due date for filing with the IRS under Sections 6055 and 6056 remains February 28, 2018 (April 2, 2018, if filing electronically). Section 6055 and 6056 Reporting Sections 6055 and 6056 were added to the Internal Revenue Code (Code) by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Section 6055 applies …

OSHA Penalty Adjustments – Updated NOW for 2018

Matt OlphinNews, Risk Management

In November 2015, Congress enacted legislation requiring federal agencies to adjust their civil penalties to account for inflation. The new penalties took effect after August 1, 2016 and increased at the beginning of 2017 and now again at the beginning of 2018. Feel free to share this information with clients and prospects as appropriate using the OSHA New Penalty Schedule for 2018 compiled by our Risk Control Solutions.

Winter Has Arrived

Amy MitchellInsurance, News, Risk Management

Winter tips from Paul Davis Restoration of Lancaster & Lebanon Counties …And it appears that the 2018 winter months are going to feature a nationwide split between colder and wetter-than-average conditions in many parts of the northern tier U.S., while the southern tier states will experience warmer and drier-than-average conditions overall, according to The Weather Company, an IBM Business. In addition, NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) sees that weak La Niña conditions have already officially developed and forecast a 65 to 75 percent chance of persisting through the 2018 winter months. January through February temperature outlooks from both The Weather Company and NOAA feature some similarities to what is typically expected in a La Niña winter. They suggest the …

Michigan Appeals Court Rules For Contractor Over City, Surety Over Contractor

Joshua EtemadiBonds, Construction, News

A claim against the city of Adrian in a 2009 downtown facade restoration project survived an appeal while a claim by a bonding company is to be granted following a state appellate court opinion. In an opinion published Dec. 5, a three-judge panel of the Michigan Court of Appeals affirmed a decision by Lenawee County District Judge Anna Marie Anzalone to dismiss the city of Adrian’s motion for summary disposition in a lawsuit against it by the project’s general contractor, Campbell-Durocher Group Painting and General Contracting LLC, and its principals, Jack and Carrie Campbell. The Court of Appeals reversed Anzalone’s decision to not rule in favor of Auto-Owners Insurance Co. in its lawsuit against the Campbells over bond payments. Read …

South Carolina Contractor’s Success Story Began With His First Bid Bond

Joshua EtemadiBonds, Construction, News

The C.F. Evans story begins in the years following World War II when Clarence Felder Evans, an Army veteran, joined his cousin, Fred Evans, to learn as much as he could about construction. Buoyed by the baby boom, their company, Evans Construction, fielded requests from families seeking to build homes of their own in Orangeburg, Holly Hill, Aiken and other South Carolina communities. The growing company at that time provided quality craftsmanship, hired and supervised talented employees, and encouraged a sense of pride in their work that is still present today. Read the full story >>>

Pennsylvania Lawsuit Alleges Subcontractor Is Owed $52,170 From Payment Bond

Joshua EtemadiBonds, Construction, News

A recently-filed lawsuit in Pennsylvania state court sees a Glassport construction and paving group suing one of its subcontractors and a bond company, in connection with a project for construction work of municipal buildings in Penn Hills. Murin & Murn, Inc. of Glassport filed suit in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas on Dec. 6 versus The Ohio Casualty American Insurance Company of Seattle, Wash. and Wheels Mechanical Contracting & Supplier, Inc. of Elrama. Tell me more >>>

Reading Health System And UPMC Health Plan Announce Joint Venture

Matt PfeiffenbergerHealth Benefits, News

Reading Health System and UPMC Health Plan announced they have finalized an agreement to form a provider-payer joint venture. Beginning January 1, 2017, this Reading-UPMC Health Plan enterprise will combine access to Reading Health System’s high-quality clinical care, expert providers, and advanced healthcare facilities with UPMC Health Plan’s experience, expertise and advanced analytics to improve the health of the community. The new joint venture will offer a full line of health coverage and related services to individuals as well as employers and their employees in the Reading Health System service area. Read the Cision PR newswire >>> If you have questions, contact Matt Pfeiffenberger, VP, Health Benefits Solutions, at (717) 397-9600.

Penn State Health, Highmark Join Forces

Matt PfeiffenbergerHealth Benefits, Large Group Benefits (100+), News, Small Group Benefits (2-50)

As reported on ABC 27 News, Penn State Health and Highmark Health have announced a new partnership. The $1-billion deal allows Penn State Health to expand and improve its locations across central Pennsylvania with the support of Highmark. “We really hope that through this new product, we’re going to make it that people throughout central Pennsylvania are still able to access this medical center and receive that sort of care closer to home,” Penn State Health CEO Dr. Craig Hillemeier said. Highmark customers are guaranteed access to the Penn State Health Network. Both companies say the deal aims to lower the cost of care for patients. Read the ABC 27 News article >>> If you have any questions, contact Matt Pfeiffenberger, VP, …