As the COVID-19 pandemic spread, it was apparent that there would be more assistance needed to help our nation’s small and medium sized businesses. Although the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) was in full swing, it seemed to be a temporary fix for a much longer-term challenge. On April 9th, the Board of Governors of the...

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1. Administration Calls for Additional Funding for PPP

One of the most popular programs created in the CARES Act, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), has released over $70 billion to small businesses to help them remain viable during this pandemic. Due to the large demand, the Administration has requested additional funding for that program in a letter to Congressional leaders.

NECA’s look Ahead: Senate Democrats requested an additional $250 billion for hospitals and local governments in addition to funding for the PPP while Republican leaders argued that funding for the PPP is the only account that requires additional immediate funding at this time. The Senate adjourned on April 9, 2020 unable to pass additional funding for the PPP under unanimous consent.

2. Treasury Guidance Clarifies Qualifications for PPP Borrowers

With the passage of the CARES Act, many agencies have been scrambling to enact the reforms and programs developed in rapid time. One such program, the Paycheck Protection Program, which allows substantial loans to be granted under favorable terms by the Small Business Administration, came under scrutiny for potentially requiring businesses to meet both size and revenue requirements instead of just the size requirements (under 500 employees) originally required. While this scrutiny came from an over-cautious interpretation of an earlier guidance, the Treasury Department offered additional guidance to make it clear to borrowers that they may meet either the revenue standards listed under a given NAICS code or qualify by having less than 500 employees. 

NECA’s Look Ahead: NECA worked with key leaders once the CARES Act was signed into law to attain greater clarity on this issue for our contractors. This new change will give NECA contractors the predictability they need to move forward with the new SBA loan program. We will continue to monitor the implementation of the CARES Act and continue to maintain in constant conversation with Congressional staff and agency officials to communicate the needs of our members. 

3. DOD Releases Rule on Payment to Small Business Contractors

Earlier this week the Department of Defense (DOD) released a final rule on the defining and implementation of accelerated payments to classified small businesses under DOD contracts. The rule (DFARS Case 2018–D068) which finalizes the implementation of a section from 2019’s National Defense Authorization Act urges the federal government to pay small business contractors within 15 days of the receipt of a proper invoice. While this is only a goal for the federal government and not a direct mandate, which NECA advocated for in the past, we view this final rule and its upcoming full implementation as a positive step forward.

NECA’s Look Ahead: We encourage NECA contractors to read the final rule and monitor its implementation on DOD contracts. With your feedback and on-the-ground experiences, we will be better able to make lawmakers and agency officials aware of its progress.

1. OSHA Issues Additional Guidance on COVID as Recordable Illness

On April 10, 2020, OSHA released updated enforcement guidance for recording cases of COVID-19. The guidance clarifies that OSHA’s recordkeeping requirement for COVID-19 as a recordable illness applies to those in the healthcare industry and emergency response organizations. OSHA will not enforce its recordkeeping requirements to employers outside of these sectors.

NECA’s Look Ahead: NECA has been working with OSHA to make this clarification to ensure that NECA contractors are not responsible for recording COVID-19 on their OSHA 300 logs on the basis that it is impossible to prove COVID-19 was contracted on the jobsite.

2. GSA Issues Order Allowing Electronic Signatures for Bonding

NECA Government Affairs has worked with allied groups in the construction industry to push the General Services Administration (GSA) to issue an order allowing bonding vendors and sureties to use electronic signatures instead of the typically required ‘wet’ signatures. By doing so, our contractors can receive bonding, necessary on a majority of jobs, sooner and with less unnecessary contact during these challenging times.  We are pleased to announce that this reform was recently issued. While this strictly applies to only GSA contracts, NECA government affairs, along with others, is working to spread this reform to the entirety of the federal government.

NECA’s Look Ahead: Our contractors commend the GSA for their prompt response and reasonable revision. NECA will continue to work with the GSA and other construction industry groups to push for responsible reform and the removing of barriers to our industry’s reinvigoration.

3. NECA Calls for Additional Funding for Paycheck Protection Program

NECA and many of its Chapters joined over two hundred trade associations in sending a letter to Congress to urge emergency funding for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The PPP has been very successful and widely utilized by the construction industry according to the Small Business Administration. The program ran out of funding on April 16, 2020.

NECA’s Look Ahead: With both the House and the Senate officially out of session until May, it  seems unlikely that Congress will be able to agree to and pass by unanimous consent, NECA remains committed to urging Congress to continue to fund this important program and return to Washington D.C. to start critical negotiations for Phase IV COVID-19 legislation. 

Blue Frog Robotics has launched its adorable companion Buddy robot on Indiegogo. The robot has many features. It can be a personal assistant, playmate or security robot.

Read more on howtoweb.com

Tracking expenses is an important part of maximizing PPP loan forgiveness. Once you identify which expenses are eligible for PPP forgiveness, it’s time to start keeping track of these expenses and calculate your potential forgiveness amount. The Anders CARES Act… Read More

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Stardock Entertainment continually breaks new technical ground across our catalog of PC game titles spanning 4X and Real-Time Strategy and Action Adventure. We are currently seeking a Graphics Programmer to work on our next-generation game engine for both announced and unannounced titles to build up our team of dedicated and experienced talent! This is a salaried, full-time position at our Plymouth, Michigan studio. Primary Responsibilities Include: Work with the artists and designers to produce next-generation graphics Troubleshoot technical issues related to graphics Optimize graphics to run on a variety of platforms and machine specifications   Create and maintain tools for artists to visualize and debug their assets  Education and/or Experience Desired: A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering or related field 3+ years experience in C++ required Familiarity with 3D math, including quaternions and matrix math required Shipped at least one commercial game Experience with all core areas of graphics development (Shaders, Animation, Post-Effects, PBR Materials, and particles) while demonstrating a specialization in one of those areas required Critical eye for attention to detail Familiarity with 3D graphics hardware and driver stack Experience with at least one graphics API: OpenGL, Direct3D, Vulkan, Metal; and a shading language like HLSL or GLSL Experience developing on current generation or next-generation console is a plus  

Stardock Entertainment continually breaks new technical ground across our catalog of PC game titles spanning 4X and Real-Time Strategy and Action Adventure. We are currently seeking a Network Programmer to work on our next-generation game engine for both announced and unannounced titles to build up our team of dedicated and experienced talent! This is a salaried, full-time position at our Plymouth, Michigan studio.  Primary Responsibilities Include: Development of multiplayer connectivity and gameplay for real-time strategy-simulation games  Management of user-created content in a multiplayer environment Backend development of updating of the multiplayer game state across multiple machines Frontend development of login systems, lobbies, and in-game chat Develop fast, reliable and most importantly, fun multiplayer features in collaboration with gameplay and design teams Develop and maintain tools for testing and analysis of the multiplayer environment Investigate and resolve bugs related to multiplayer and networking  Education and/or Experience Desired: A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering 3+ years of experience in developing and optimizing network code in C++ Shipped at least one commercial game  Experience using industry-standard tools for debugging network traffic such as Fiddler Experience with network optimization, and multi-threading Solid communication skills with colleagues, management and stakeholders  

We're currently working on an unannounced PC/console title featuring a new and original IP, and need a veteran gameplay programmer to help bring it to life. If you've got the experience and enjoy working with a focused group of talented and passionate game devs, then we're the place for you. RESPONSIBILITIES: Gather requirements based on stakeholder input Provide reasonable time estimates, and communicate when adjustments are needed Collaborate iteratively with designers, artists and other team members to deliver polished gameplay Create internal tools as needed to improve and support workflow Deliver clean, efficient and well-documented code Fearlessly and relentlessly debug difficult problems   REQUIREMENTS: Experience on at least one commercial game title At least 3-5 years commercial game development experience Solid knowledge and experience using C++ Motivated self-starter; complete tasks without intense supervision Good oral and written communication skills Proof of eligibility to work in the United States   PLUSES: Experience working with Unreal 4 Experience working on a live-service game Multiplayer programming experience in Unreal 4 Latest generation console development experience Recent time travel SOME OF THE BENEFITS WE OFFER: Full health benefits including medical, dental and vision Profit sharing Generous PTO PLUS... Office movie lunches Snacks on snacks on snacks Ping Pong with a leaderboard One sick mame cabinet Please note, due to a high volume of applicants we cannot reply to each individually. Only those in consideration for a position will receive a reply. Thank you!

Companies have a difficult challenge breaking through to the most advanced levels of digital maturity

New program offers licenses, consultation hours to help support remote work strategies

The program provides access to tools and expertise for developers working on COVID-19-related programs and applications, relief for small businesses, enhanced support for customers

Igloo's extensive catalog of training courses and self-serve resources is now available to all customers and end users so teams can make the most of their digital workplace

Paycheck Protection Program Helping Contractors aconstanza Mon, 05/04/2020 - 12:47

Wynne Morrison, MD, discusses an article published in the May issue of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, which highlighted the results of a national survey of pediatric critical care medicine fellowship clinical and research time allocation.

"Among the top 30 H-1B employers are major US firms including Amazon, Microsoft, Walmart, Google, Apple and Facebook. All of them take advantage of program rules in order to legally pay many of their H-1B workers below the local median wage for the jobs they fill," said the report released by the Economic Policy Institute.

Stock up on gold and silver before the virus crisis is over: Jim Rogers

Everything that shines is not gold, it could be silver: Jim Rogers

Everything that shines is not gold, it could be silver: Jim Rogers

75% companies lack a structure or policy to address frauds in CSR programs, the report said. Many companies that are now looking to allocate their CSR funds towards Covid-19 related programs, but still do not have structures in place that could avoid frauds, it said.

The Directorate of Human Space Programme of the city- headquartered ISRO has sought proposals for 18 tentative technology development areas. Four Indian Air Force fighter pilots are currently under training in Moscow and are likely to be potential candidates for the first manned mission to space.​​

'Indian farmers could be rich if the govt would leave them alone'

Civil Division (CIV)
Federal Programs Branch
Washington, District of Columbia

Interns will work closely with many Branch trial attorneys, and like those attorneys, may receive assignments in any of the Branch's practice areas. Interns conduct legal or factual research; prepare internal memoranda, client letters, and briefs; and assist attorneys with discovery and trial preparation. Interns also have the opportunity to attend client meetings, moot courts, oral arguments, depositions, and other litigation events.

The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced that Louis Gracia and Vanessa Horton have been named Associate Directors of the Investment Adviser/Investment Company (IA/IC) examination program in the agency's Chicago Regional Office. Together, Mr…

On Sunday May 10, the UK Government will outline the next phase of its response to the coronavirus pandemic, which may include changes to its current social distancing restrictions and, potentially, a timeline for the resumption of sport. Horse racing industry leaders will then meet on Monday, May 11 to discuss the Government's announcement and […]

The post British Horseracing Authority Publishes Provisional Program For First Week Of Racing appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

After snapping up more than $500 billion in emergency loans in just three weeks, small-business owners have lost interest in the federal Paycheck Protection Program. Minnesota business owners are among those who may give back a chunk of their forgivable loans.

Blanchette, Roger Francis Jul 21, 1935 - Mar 29, 2020 Roger Francis Blanchette, age 84, died at his home in North Port, Florida from .....

https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/grand-canyon-national-park-launches-new-youth-program-with-new-partners.htm

https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/nps-to-offer-pilot-shuttle-bus-service-from-grca-to-tusayan-again-this-year.htm

The nineteenth annual Grand Canyon Star Party will be held from Saturday, June 13 through Saturday, June 20, 2009 on the South and North Rims of Grand Canyon National Park. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/news-2009-05-20-star.htm

Construction on Phase I of the improvements called for in Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim Visitor Transportation Plan (SRVTP) continues to progress.  https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/news_2009-08-24_phase_i.htm

Grand Canyon National Park’s North and South Rim Artist-in-Residence programs are pleased to announce the artists selected for the October 2009 – September 2010 season. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/news_2009-10-22_air.htm

A new exhibit is on display at Williams’ historic train depot; and the eye-catching photographs were all taken by Arizona youth.  https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/2009-12-18_photos.htm

https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/2010-03-05_fmp_rod.htm

https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/2011-01-10_death_river.htm

Vegetation Program to Apply Herbicide within Developed Areas of Grand Canyon National Park https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/vegetation-program-to-apply-herbicide-within-developed-areas-of-grand-canyon-national-park.htm

Progress on a multi-use Greenway trail linking Grand Canyon National Park with the gateway town of Tusayan continues. The eight mile trail passes through both Grand Canyon National Park and Kaibab National https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/progress-on-multi-use-trail-connecting-grand-canyon-national-park-with-gateway-town-of-tusayan-continues.htm

Grand Canyon National Park’s Artist-in-Residence program is pleased to announce its South Rim Artist-in-Residence selections for the October 2011 – September 2012 season, and the North Rim Artist-in-Residence selections for the May – October 2012 season. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/2012-01-13_air.htm

Starting in May and continuing through September, the National Park Service will be applying herbicide to targeted, high priority, invasive plant species as part of an ongoing invasive plant management program in Grand Canyon National Park. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/2012-04-24_herbicide.htm

A review of the 2007-2011 period of the California condor reintroduction program in northern Arizona and southern Utah is complete. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/2012-08-27_condors.htm

Grand Canyon National Park’s Artist-in-Residence (AiR) program is now accepting artist applications for the upcoming North and South Rim AiR seasons https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/2013-02-08_air-app.htm

Once again, favorable weather conditions today allowed firefighters to make good progress in building and improving containment lines along the W-4 Road to the north and south of the historic Kanabownits Cabin. These containment lines have been constructed to protect the cabin and hold the fire west of the W-4 Road on the Walla Valley Peninsula. The fire is now estimated at 1,100 acres. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/firefighters-continue-to-make-progress-on-galahad-fire.htm

Firefighters made good progress today in strengthening and holding the established containment lines on the Galahad Fire. Once again hot, dry and windy weather challenged firefighters but they were able to keep the fire to the west of the W-4 Road, which is the major focus of fire managers. These same weather conditions are forecasted for the rest of the week. The fire is estimated at 2,702 acres and 5% contained. This containment is based on the portion of the fire in which firefighters are continuing to control. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/firefighters-make-good-progress-on-galahad-fire.htm

Firefighters had another good day on the Galahad Fire holding it west of the W-4 Road and continuing to strengthen and improve existing containment lines. The fire is estimated at 2,950 acres and 30% contained. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/progress-continues-on-the-galahad-fire.htm

In honor of African American History Month, Grand Canyon National Park will host a special evening program to highlight the African American experience in Northern Arizona and contributions to Grand Canyon National Park. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/african-american-history-month.htm