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"Certain" Means No Weasel Words

Client Alert | less than 1 min read | 09.30.05

The Contract Disputes Act requires a contractor to specify a "sum certain" that it claims. The contractor in Sandoval Plumbing Repair, Inc. (ASBCA Sept. 14, 2005), specified a dollar amount but learned that by adding words such as "no less than" or "in excess of" before a specified amount makes the claim "uncertain" and requires dismissal.

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Client Alert | 4 min read | 02.20.26

SCOTUS Holds IEEPA Tariffs Unlawful

On February 20, 2026, the Supreme Court issued a pivotal ruling in Trump v. V.O.S. Selections, negating the President’s ability to impose tariffs under IEEPA. The case stemmed from President Trump’s invocation of IEEPA to levy tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, China, and other countries, citing national emergencies. Challengers argued—and the Court agreed—that IEEPA does not delegate tariff authority to the President. The power to tariff is vested in Congress by the Constitution and cannot be delegated to the President absent express authority from Congress....