Court Stops 8(a) and WOSB Priority for COVID Relief Funds. Are Contracting Preferences Next?

Schoonover & Moriarty – Socially-disadvantaged and woman-owned restaurants were just dealt a harsh blow by the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals: the court stopped SBA from granting priority to socially-disadvantaged and woman-owned firms under the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, finding them to be unconstitutional discrimination. Though the decision at issue dealt with a specific aspect of COVID relief funds, it’s a “red alert” for government contractors.