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Veterans Affairs Snubs GAO?

Client Alert | 1 min read | 10.24.11

In Aldevra, GAO held that the Veterans Benefits, Health Care, and Information Technology Act of 2006 and implementing regulations required the Department of Veterans Affairs to conduct procurements as service-disabled, veteran-owned, small-business set-asides (if market research first showed that two or more SDVOSB’s could perform the work), before purchasing from the Federal Supply Schedule.  In a rare instance of an agency defying a GAO recommendation, the VA has reportedly decided that, because “Executive Branch agencies are not bound by GAO's legal advice,” the GAO decision should not be followed, advising VA acquisition and procurement professionals “to continue using the Federal Supply Schedules Program.”

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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....