Eric Leonard Discusses Outlook for Federal Contracting Regulations Under Trump

February 3, 2017

Eric W. Leonard, a partner in Wiley Rein’s Government Contracts Practice, was quoted by Bloomberg BNA’s Federal Contracts Report in a February 2 article assessing whether President Donald Trump might scale back or eliminate various executive orders (EOs) signed by former President Barack Obama with respect to federal contracting. The EOs addressed issues such as benefits, minimum wage, and discrimination, and contractors are now seeking clarity regarding the direction that the new Administration will take. 

“Their hope is for activity, or at least an indication that [no changes will be made],” said Mr. Leonard. He also explained that reversing President Obama’s EO on minimum wages could be prove time-consuming and challenging, in part because it has already been incorporated into numerous government contracts. “Unwinding that order that could be difficult—more difficult than it’s worth,” Mr. Leonard said.