In order to encourage and support the growth of minority and socially and economically disadvantaged businesses, the State of Ohio implemented several business assistance programs to foster the development of these businesses and increase the number of qualified competitors in the marketplace. Generally, these programs require Ohio state agencies to award a certain percentage of
Hedging Against the Lumber Crisis
The recent increasing price of lumber may be the single biggest threat to affordable housing in the United States, not to mention the threat it poses to the U.S. economy. Covid-19, which spurred an upsurge in home renovation projects and a drop in financing rates for new home builds, has caused a contemporaneous increase in
Hahn Loeser Completes Three-Part Webinar Series with Foundation Software
We want to thank Foundation Software for inviting us to present a three-part webinar series for their clients. You can view each of these complimentary sessions and access the slides at the links below.
Part 1: Make the Most of the Coronavirus Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) Loans
Presented on Friday, April 24 at 1 p.m.
SBA Guidance Creates Doubt About PPP Loan Eligibility
Recent guidance from the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) is causing some businesses to reconsider whether they are eligible for Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans and to contemplate returning loans they have already received.
The PPP, part of the $2.2 trillion federal stimulus bill enacted in response to COVID-19, was intended to provide low-interest, forgivable
Hahn Loeser’s Webinar Series with Foundation Software Off to Strong Start
Last Friday, April 24, we had record turnout for the first program in our webinar series with Foundation Software and we look forward to another great program this afternoon! This complimentary series provides guidance on critical issues impacting the construction industry.
You can listen to the recording and download the slides from last week’s topic
ODOT Enforcement of Social Distancing on Projects
On April 1, 2020, ODOT provided direction on enforcement of COVID-19 social distancing on ODOT projects. The April 1, 2020 memo is linked HERE. ODOT project staff are directed to observe contractors’ work to confirm both six foot social distancing and look for visibly sick employees. The memo directs ODOT project staff to notify
OFCC Executive Director Issues Letter to Contractors Detailing the Obligations of Businesses Holding OFCC Contracts During COVID-19 Pandemic
On March 28, 2020, the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) Executive Director Cheryl Lymon circulated a letter to contractors and design professionals detailing the obligations of businesses holding OFCC contracts during the recent COVID-19 pandemic. The letter reiterates the importance of employers complying with Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton, MD, MPH’s March 22,
ODOT Releases “Statement Regarding COVID-19 Response” to Provide Guidance for Contractors
On March 24, the Ohio Department of Transportation released a “Statement Regarding COVID-19 Response” in an attempt to provide guidance for contractors working on ODOT projects. A copy of the Statement is available here. The major takeaway from the Statement is that ODOT confirmed its position that “specific circumstances directly caused by the COVID-19/Coronavirus
The Effect of the COVID-19 Coronavirus on Construction
The COVID-19 coronavirus is impacting every aspect of the economy, and construction will not be exempt. Materials and deliveries may be slowed, crews quarantined and unavailable, and projects delayed. We view COVID-19 as an event beyond the control of a party (an “act of G-d”), falling within the force majeure provision of most contracts. Some
Ohio Legislature Considers Payment Protection for General Contractors
On October 23, 2019, the Ohio House of Representatives introduced a bill (H.B. No. 380) that would amend Ohio’s Prompt Pay Act (ORC Section 4113.61) to provide general contractors with payment protection similar to that currently enjoyed by subcontractors under the Act. Specifically, the proposal would require project owners to pay contractors within 35 days