Washington, DC – On Friday, April 10, WBC Member Cohen Seglias presented the Coronavirus Employment Law Update for Contractors webinar.

Jonathan Landesman and  Marc Cytryn reviewed information that every contractor needed to know during this crisis, including the new paid family leave law, unemployment compensation and workers’ compensation claims, and landmines to avoid when implementing layoffs. They also discussed the provisions in the stimulus package earmarking $350 billion for small business loans.

A copy of the slides is available here, and a link to the recording session.

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Washington, DC – On April 2, WBC member Fox Rothschild presented the Practical Advice and FAR Insights for Federal Contractors Facing COVID-19 Disruptions webinar.  The COVID-19 pandemic has created global uncertainty as nations limit economic activity in an effort to slow the spread of the disease. These measures have a significant effect on federal contractors, which face work suspensions, performance delays, extra costs, contract terminations and other disruptions.

Attorneys of Fox Rothschild’s Federal Government Contracts Practice presented a comprehensive look at how the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and contract terms apply to coronavirus impacts, anticipated government actions and contractor remedies, and best practices for contractors seeking to extend timelines and recover pandemic-related costs.

Recording Available.  Note:  After clicking this link, please hit play to start the presentation.

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This list of facts on COVID 19 is from an infectious disease specialist at Johns Hopkins.  

• The virus is not a living organism, but a protein molecule (DNA) covered by a protective layer of lipid (fat), which, when absorbed by the cells of the ocular, nasal or buccal mucosa, changes their genetic code (mutation) and convert them into aggressor and multiplier cells.
• Since the virus is not a living organism but a protein molecule, it is not killed, but decays on its own. The disintegration time depends on the temperature, humidity and type of material where it lies.
• The virus is very fragile; the only thing that protects it is a thin outer layer of fat. That is why any soap or detergent is the best remedy, because the foam CUTS the FAT (that is why you have to rub so much: for 20 seconds or more, to make a lot of foam).
• By dissolving the fat layer, the protein molecule disperses and breaks down on its own.
• HEAT melts fat; this is why it is so good to use water above 77 degrees Fahrenheit for washing hands, clothes and everything. In addition, hot water makes more foam and that makes it even more useful.
• Alcohol or any mixture with alcohol over 65% DISSOLVES ANY FAT, especially the external lipid layer of the virus.
• Any mix with 1 part bleach and 5 parts water directly dissolves the protein, breaks it down from the inside.
• Oxygenated water helps long after soap, alcohol and chlorine, because peroxide dissolves the virus protein, but you have to use it pure and it hurts your skin.
• NO BACTERICIDE OR ANTIBIOTIC SERVES. The virus is not a living organism like bacteria; antibodies cannot kill what is not alive.
• NEVER shake used or unused clothing, sheets or cloth. While it is glued to a porous surface, it is very inert and disintegrates only between 3 hours (fabric and porous),

4 hours (copper and wood)
24 hours (cardboard),
42 hours (metal) and
72 hours (plastic)
But if you shake it or use a feather duster, the virus molecules float in the air for up to 3 hours, and can lodge in your nose.

• The virus molecules remain very stable in external cold, or artificial as air conditioners in houses and cars.
• They also need moisture to stay stable, and especially darkness. Therefore, dehumidified, dry, warm and bright environments will degrade it faster.
• UV LIGHT on any object that may contain it breaks down the virus protein. For example, to disinfect and reuse a mask is perfect. Be careful, it also breaks down collagen (which is protein) in the skin.
• The virus CANNOT go through healthy skin.
• Vinegar is NOT useful because it does not break down the protective layer of fat.
• NO SPIRITS, NOR VODKA, serve. The strongest vodka is 40% alcohol, and you need 65%.
• LISTERINE IF IT SERVES! It is 65% alcohol.
• The more confined the space, the more concentration of the virus there can be. The more open or naturally ventilated, the less.
• You have to wash your hands before and after touching mucosa, food, locks, knobs, switches, remote control, cell phone, watches, computers, desks, TV, etc. And when using the bathroom.
• You have to moisturize dry hands from so much washing them, because the molecules can hide in the micro cracks. The thicker the moisturizer, the better.
• Also keep your NAILS SHORT so that the virus does not hide there.

Healthcare workers are front line fighters against COVID-19, but they face critical shortages of Personal Protective Equipment nationwide.  PPE enhances their safety so they can keep caring for our loved ones.

They need help.  For more information or to donate, please visit https://getusppe.org.

Washington, DC – On March 26, 2020 WBC member Holland & Knight presented COVID-19 webinar that addressed some of the important issues facing the construction industry during this time. The attorneys from Holland & Knight provided valuable insight into topics and considerations that have arisen and will continue to evolve on a daily basis as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Topics included:

• proactive steps for industry professionals
• strategies for identifying and managing impacts and delays to projects
• overview of force majeure and delay clauses
• significance of escalation clauses
• importance of effective communication with employees
• how to manage employees now and going forward
• ways to effectively manage worker exposure on site and in the office

Here is a link to the recording.

Washington, DC – It is with great pleasure that we announce the 2020 WBC Craftsmanship Awards winners!

On March 13, we will be recognizing the craftsmen who have shown their work to be truly outstanding among the 259 nominations received for this honored award.

Please visit the WINNERS page for a complete list.

Greg LaRosa
2020 WBC Craftsmanship Awards Chairman

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Washington, DC – On Tuesday, December 10 over 600 people attended the WBC Holiday Party at the Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, MD.

Thanks everyone for your support of Turning the Page! This year, WBC members and their guests donated over 500 high-quality children’s books!

PHOTOS

Washington, DC – With sadness in our hearts, WBC shares the news of the passing of Brian Burns on Sunday, November 17, 2019. 

Brian served as WBC Chairman of the Board in 2004-2005 and retired as President/CEO of Dynalectric Company in 2016.

To view Brian’s WBC chairman profile from 2004, please click here.

Service Information
Monday, November 25, 2019.

Funeral Mass @ 11:00AM
Saint Joseph Catholic Church
750 Peachtree Street
Herndon, VA  20170

Reception immediately following the mass
Belmont Country Club
19661 Belmont Manor Lane
Ashburn, VA  20147

*  For those who wish to say a few words at the reception they will have a microphone.  The family would love to hear from anyone who wishes to share a story, a memory or a good laugh.

The Regional Development Committee meet with representatives from Tysons Partnership on Friday, October 18. Meghan Trossen, Director of Programs & Partnerships, provided an overview of Tysons Partnership and an update on Tysons development activity. Jim Policaro, VP of Development at Lerner Enterprises and Tysons Partnership board member, addressed development related issues and answered questions from the group.

Tysons Partnership is a collaborative of Tysons stakeholders working together to accelerate the transformation of Tysons into a great American city. Members of Tysons Partnership engage with state and local government, landowners, and other stakeholders to ensure that the overarching goals and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan for Tysons are achieved. The group’s core areas of focus are Land Use Policy, Placemaking, Member Engagement & Events, Marketing and Transportation.

Powerpoint Presentation

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